The Queen has known about ebay for years, but she really didn't get into shopping on it until last January. But members of the royal court, please don't be fooled by the ebay monopoly. The Queen wants you to know that there are other ways to find your desired item and sometimes, for less than any courtier would like to sell it to you on ebay. Now don't get us wrong here at PPF, we still love ebaying when appropriate, but we are just saying that it pays to shop around for that special palace item.
Palace Treasure found on Craigslist.
http://www.craigslist.org/ has many items. It breaks things down into categories. So if you want to find a special book for your child - you can peruse the books section for that specialty item. It was actually here that the palace picked up our beautiful new/old Emerson piano to grace the Palace and bring delightful music into our home. Many things are free on craigslist and there is a WANTED section to "shout out" a call for that specialty item that you want! We have picked up several needed items lately from Craigslist. The Palace is currently listed under a local WANTED section for a variety of broken and unwanted crayons. While some members of the craigslist court ask for unreasonable things - unfair barters etc. We here at The Palace believe that Craigslist can be a valuable tool for one's palace when it is used appropriately.
This item was recently purchased in its entirity from Goodwill and with all but a few items in their original packaging for LESS than 1/5 of the price of one bought new ( and that includes shipping right to the Palace Door).
Another wonderful online option for the frugal consumer is Goodwill. Were you members of the court aware that Goodwill has an auction website? To take a look - please go here http://www.shopgoodwill.com/. As a member and potential buyer, you will need to come up with a password and a name - similar to an ebay account. While, the Palace doesn't find it to be as well developed as ebay, the Palace has found that we royals can find good bargains on this site as well, as long as a we royalty are well informed of the price for the desired item and what the item sells for new, and on other sites like ebay. If you are looking for home goods, many can be found here for a fraction of the price. Are you looking for a wedding present - you just might find a good deal here. This is a site that the Palace has used on occasion for a few items. It has worked well and should at least be considered the next time your palace is in need of something!
This item was also recently purchased from Goodwill for just a few dollars. This is a perfect addition to the Princess bedroom at the Palace!
Especially for the younger and growing members of the Royal Family second hand shopping is a wonderful option to explore. Though is not an online option for the most part, The Royal shoppers can often find new - sometimes gently used items for pennies on the dollar. Many times tags may still be on clothing items. Other times name brand items may be purchased in an appropriate size and season for next to nothing. The royal children are excited to see their new items - they don't care where they came from! Dance items such as leotards can be found as well as items for school uniforms -etc. This is another wonderful resource to check out as time allows. The PALACE has figured out that it is best to shop these places without the royal children in tow - as it is easier to shop, scrutinize, and calculate!
Of course the summer is a wonderful time to shop around neighborhoods at all the wonderful palace sales, unfortunately we here at PPF - with three small princesses have not found this to be a very viable option at the moment. When the princesses are older , I am sure it will be an option enjoyed by the entire Palace - but for now it is not something that the Palace is able to do on a regular basis!
Until next time, may your palace be sparkling, may your family be well fed and in good health, and your resources be plentiful, all because you choose to be wise and frugal, for both your family and your palace!
The Princess-i-fied Palace
