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Silver surfers net extra cash
Silver surfers who started flogging stamps and toy soldiers on the internet to boost their state pensions are now turning over a six figure sum through online trading.
Pals and business partners George Crudgington and Joyce Bailey of Barlborough have been selling ceramics and collectibles on the popular auction site eBay for a decade.
And the dynamic duo helps other senior citizens set out their virtual stall through half-day training courses, which George plans to take to pensioners on the continent.
Derbyshire Times reporter Jennifer Ivers picked up some top tips on how to make a buck or two on the worldwide web...
Like many senior citizens George Crudgington found it a struggle to get by on the state pension when he was made redundant ten years ago.
The former engineer and management consultant had a small collection of stamps and toy soldiers, which friend Joyce Bailey persuaded him to put up for sale on the internet.
George (73), a grandfather-of-three, said: "We found ourselves with not a lot of income and we looked around to see if we could generate some.
"We found we could sell items on eBay with not a lot of effort or expense.
"I started out with the stamps and the toy soldiers, which I'd got in the drawer.
"Then we went into ceramics and took it from there."
Working from George's home on Limekiln Way, Barlborough, the business partners sell all sorts of collectibles, from figurines to fishing rods, to enthusiasts throughout the world.
Astronomical
They turn over a six figure sum, which has enabled the pair to buy a property in the south of France.
George said it would not be impossible to become a millionaire by trading on eBay, adding: "I was a bit surprised by how fast it took off. The turnover is astronomical."
He scours the country's auction houses for bargains to flog online, while Joyce (68), a former secretary, does much of the invoicing and packaging.
A recent success was a Royal Worcester 'Bubbles' figurine, which George bought for 150 and sold for 500.
He said: "Anything will sell on eBay, from a piece of wire to a Russian submarine. But if you choose items you're interested in, it becomes enjoyable and not just a job.
"You can trade when you want to, in your spare time during the course of the day. It's better than watching television, it keeps your brain active and you make friends all over the world."
GETTING MORE FROM THE WEB
The principle of buying and selling online is the same as that of the car boot sale – without having to stand for hours in the freezing cold – according to internet trading tycoon George Crudgington.
But George recognises that many pensioners do not feel confident about using the worldwide web and he set up a training course to help them navigate through cyberspace.
George and business partner Joyce are keen to pass on their top trading tips to older folk.
He said: "It's something we like to do because we feel many mature citizens are in quite serious financial problems and eBay is ideal for them to boost their income.
"The pension crisis is going to hit everyone, so you've got to find some other means of funding."
The oldest person George has trained to date is an 83-year-old lady who went on to make a profitable venture out of selling needlework equipment.
He said: "I try to take the mysticism out of it and make it easy for people. My advice is to sell items you've already got an interest in and build it up slowly.
"It's quite good fun, it keeps your brain active, which is especially important for older people who often sit there and stagnate."
George reassures course participants who are concerned about the security of buying and selling online. He said there are built-in safeguards such as a feedback facility and a secure payment system – PayPal.
George now hopes to start up the training course across the Channel to help French pensioners get to grips with online trading.
George said the benefit of selling items on eBay is that you can do it any time, any place, anywhere.
He added: "You don't have the overheads of a shop, you're on sale 24/7, and you can work when you want."
Any senior citizens interested in taking part in a half-day training course should contact George by email: thespiderweb@btinternet.com.
TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE TRADERS
George has some top tips for would-be online traders:
Choose to buy and sell items related to an area you're interested in;
Start small and build up from there – don't borrow vast sums of money;
Do your research on eBay so you know how much you should pay for items and how much they typically sell for;
Set up a PayPal account, which is a safe means of exchanging payment from credit and debit cards;
Don't send out any goods until you've received payment. PayPal guarantees this;
Keep good records because money made on eBay is subject to tax.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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