I was browsing Etsy the other day when I came across a really cool shop, Junkyardfinds. It was filled with retro swanky clocks from the 70s, car ephemera, and very surprising but completely neat, two sets of Fleer 1988 baseball cards. Not what you'd expect on Etsy, and probably not a big seller, but the definition of nostalgic for me.

Much to my surprise, this sweet shop is curated by a dude. And what a cool dude he is. So I reached out to him and asked him some questions about his shop, collecting vintage items, and Etsy selling in general. He responded. Thus is the power of the internets. I hope to make this sort of thing a regular column here on manlyvintage.

Jayson: How long have you been into vintage? Is this a recent thing, or is it something you've been doing for a while?

Junkyardfinds: I started loving vintage things at a young age but really got into the last 4 years when I moved into my own house. It's how I have filled every inch of our home. Inside and outside. And garage.

Jayson: How would you describe your style?

Junkyardfinds: I like things from a lot of different eras. I guess I haven’t really put a lot of thought into defining my style.

Jayson: You're from Olympia? What are some good spots to find stuff in that area?

Junkyardfinds: Olympia is a fabulous place to find vintage treasures. Estate sales are my favorite places to pick up these items but I often thrift and garage sale. I mostly got to the Goodwills in the Southsound area. I go with my girlfriend often. We like different things so it’s nice to have another person to spot the goods. We go every weekend and sometimes on the week nights as well. St. Vincent De Paul is one of the best places in the world to thrift also.

Jayson: I see you have a lot of cameras and clocks in your shop.

Junkyardfinds: Old clocks and cameras have always caught my attention. I think its vintage electronics in general. It’s amazing to see how technology progresses and its fun to hold onto the obsolete. I feel like vintage things have a lot more style and class than current mass produced items.

Jayson: How did you get into selling on etsy?

Junkyardfinds: I first heard of Etsy from some roommates awhile ago but jumped into selling when my girlfriend's shop got bigger. Her shop is AubieJeanVintage, please check it out. She has cameras all over the house and most have not even been listed yet.

Jayson: So what's the coolest thing you've found?

Junkyardfinds: Man, there have been so many, but one that pops into my head immediately are the really rare Polaroids I have come across. I have also found some gnomes that I have in my yard. My favorite items, however, are old Volkswagen memorabilia.

Jayson: So do you think the demand for vintage polaraoids are going to go up, now that they've announced they're going to put out new film? Personally, I'm going to stock up.

Junkyardfinds: I have been anticipating the rise in interest of the Polaroids once the film comes out and have STOCKED UP! I look forward to being able to offer a large variety of them and am going to also offer international shipping.

Jayson: They're pretty hard to find in Chicago. I found one at an estate sale for 3.50 in the original box and with 10 shot of unopened film. Sold RIGHT away.

Junkyardfinds: That is a great deal. My favorite thing is to find items with their original package, manual, and tags.

Jayson: I have to say that my favorite item in your store is the baseball cards. They remind me of being a kid so much I almost bought them! Tell me about those.

Junkyardfinds: I'm glad you like them. I found these at an estate sale, it was three generations worth of belongings and these were in the attic. My dad and I collected baseball cards when I was a boy so I have always kept my eye out for them. When I found these, I was really excited that they were unopened and still had the sticker seal. I couldn't keep myself from opening one of the boxes! I am not sure that Etsy is the place for baseball cards yet...

Jayson: I agree. There are some things you can put in your shop that look cool but without the thought that they’ll sell. But with a 20 cent listing fee, “Hey, Why not!?”

Junkyardfinds: I agree with that 100% It makes things interesting and I love having variety! I have found that diversifying your shop broadens your customer base.

Jayson: what are your thoughts about pricing on etsy? I have had arguments with my friends about this. Some people say that if you price things too low, people will think they're cheap.

Junkyardfinds: I agree with that. I think that pricing our items is a tricky thing. You have to be able to know what value other people will put on the item. It seems like some Etsy sellers are biased by their own love for the item so the prices are much higher than the average person would be willing to pay. But I guess thats the beauty of having your own business. Sometimes I find a really great deal on an item on Etsy and I am so excited to get a great deal. With most things, I don't see the item as being cheap or less quality just because of the price. I think it also depends on what you are shopping for. Like with clothes or jewelry, customers would probably be more likely to shop with the more expensive place in an effort to go with the higher quality merchandise.