Hello, my name is Tami…
I’m the mom behind VarageSale, the popular buy and sell platform. I’m also a wife, an elementary school teacher, and an entrepreneur.
The story of VarageSale begins when I was on a preventative leave during my pregnancy in 2012. I was spending a lot of time in bed—nauseated beyond belief! Distracting myself with soda crackers, ginger ale and online social media, I stumbled across something very interesting: whole communities of people were buying and selling their stuff on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Yahoo Groups. This inspired me to find another distraction. I began to declutter my home and jumped on the selling bandwagon. I had to clear space for our new arrival, after all. That’s right, I was nesting!
I quickly discovered that selling stuff online was a lot of work, if not downright painful. It was also full of drama. Now imagine mixing this drama with my pregnancy hormones. Oy vey, not pretty! These social sites were never intended to be used for buying and selling. The simplest task, such as posting an item, was a nightmare. The experience was broken.
The birth of an idea
Frustrated, I turned to my programmer husband Carl and asked him to build me something better. I loved the personal connections, the opportunity to meet new people in our community and, of course, the rush of getting a great deal. I just wanted to make the experience seamless by keeping what worked and fixing the rest.
I decided to share my vision with the admin of my local buy and sell group, Lindsay Angrove. I told her I was trying to convince Carl to build something new and improved for our community. Understanding the current challenges better than he ever could, she loved the idea. I invited her over for coffee, cookies and a brainstorm session. This helped us both better understand what needed to be built from both the member and the admin perspective.
Soon after, VarageSale was born through the launch of its first community “Vaudreuil-Dorion and Surrounding Areas.” Along with Lindsay and her mother Debbie, I helped the original community transition over. Then, I helped manage the new VarageSale community to make sure I fully understood the admin experience first-hand.
VarageSale is my (other) baby
It wasn’t long before more and more communities from around the world began joining the platform. Word spread like wildfire. Members became addicted to the simple VarageSale experience. They were on the platform many times a day—hooked to the feed, getting in line to purchase hot items and making sure not to miss a beat. What we’ve learned is that members love VarageSale for its family-friendly communities, the amazing deals, the fun times and all the great people they’re meeting along the way.
VarageSale is growing up!
Thanks to the passion of our members and admins, as of Fall 2014, VarageSale has well over a million members across the USA, Canada, and around the globe. During a time when people don’t reach out to neighbors like they used to, I’m delighted that we’re helping bring back that small town feeling. What a rewarding experience!
While the buy and sell community is a global phenomenon, many of us are fragmented across different websites, cities and countries. However, we’re bound together by a unifying culture of community buying and selling. The VarageSale team started this blog so we could be a home to like-minded swappers around the world—to share with them touching stories from the community, tricks for ensuring their items are extra sellable, tips for finding the best deals out there, fun stuff for families and so much more.
Home is where the heart is
They say home is where the heart is. And I know that your communities have heart! So welcome to your new home. Read, smile, laugh. And even cry. And don’t forget to join the discussion. Because this blog was built for people just like you. Swappers unite!
Warmly,
P.S. Want to join the VarageSale family? Sign up today!
news.varagesale.com 
I have tried 3 times now to the unsubscribe from varagesale and I continue to get emails and messages (47 to be exact!)
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Thank you Tami for having such an amazing idea and taking action!
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I am all for it! How do I start spreading the message in my community?
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Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Hi Im am or was a member of the Kingston , Ontario Site and have been revoked for an issue on Facebook not Varage sale , I have messaged all the Admins because I am confused as to why this has happen , and this os my message to them
Hi Im confused? I have been revoked and have done nothing wrong on this site? it says for serveral complaints ?? but no one has complained about me here ? I had an issue on facebook but im confused as to why it would effect me on here ? The issues was not my fault , I was honest and the person was in my Home looking over the item , I allowed her to try it to make sure it was what she wanted , no one has come forward to me personaly about it but I have been informed by friends that i was being attacted with out knowlage nor giving a chance to defend my
self, I do things to help out kids and sometimes I receive things that I CAN NOT use so I fix them up sell them and use the money to buy other things that I can use , but I never charge for what I do and can prove that , besides what I do in my personal life has no baring on what I choose to do On Facebook or anywhere else , I have not lied , misled or done anything wrong , One Person has a problem and all hell breaks lose , yet she was happy when she left my house knowing what to expected I never told her different , I would never sell junk to anyone it was working fine when she bought it she tried it and was happy , NOT being able to defend myself is unfair , and I have not done anything wrong , and I have had nothing but good here , well till this , What happens on FACEBOOK should stay On FACEBOOK , thanks
If you are the Founder can you please explaine to me why they would do this since it happen on face book and NOT on Varagesale ?? thank you
LikeLike
Your site is not only unique, but love how it has been built and how easy to use.
I sent an email since this is your name and your baby of some very important things I think you would like to be aware of. I am sure you are very busy but I really feel this is so important or I would not be here trying to get ahold of you or someone higher then moderators on the site I choose to leave. I would really appreciate you time to explain what is going on. Thanks so much for all your hard work and making something wonderful. Just would like it to stay that way. Thanks so much.
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Within minutes of posting my picture frames, I got a response and reservation, next porch pickup and the money in my mailbox all within days of busy schedules – fantastic! Thank you Varage sale!
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Hi Tami…I had to send you a note today.
This morning, for the 3rd time in the last few months, your name has come in random conversations with friends of mine – and I don’t mean VarageSale, I mean Tami.
It all started when I read about your story online (an article I found on my FB feed) and it was that night that I decided, I can do this too, just like you, and make my business idea a reality.
And today, I find out that I have actually met you before…at a common friend’s baby shower! There are no coincidences, only purposeful messages that the universe is trying to communicate to us…
With that, I reach out to you today to ask you – would you be willing to connect to be part of my research focus group? Offer another mom some friendly tips over coffee one day, on how you took your idea from concept to completion? I’d love to meet! My concept could also use your elementary school teacher expertise!
Best,
Nancy Habashi
514-576-1876
P.S. VarageSale is great.
LikeLike
Hi Tami…I had to send you a note today.
This morning, for the 3rd time in the last few months, your name has come up in random conversations with friends of mine – and I don’t mean VarageSale, I mean Tami.
It all started when I read about your story online (an article I found on my FB feed) and it was that night that I decided, I can do this too, just like you, and make my business idea a reality. I am now officially off work in the hunt towards that very objective.
And today, I find out that I have actually met you before…at a common friend’s baby shower! There are no coincidences, only purposeful messages that the universe is trying to communicate to us…
With that, I reach out to you today to ask you – would you be willing to connect to be part of my research focus group? Offer another mom some friendly tips over coffee one day, on how you took your idea from concept to completion? I’d love to meet! My concept could also use your elementary school teacher expertise!
Best,
Nancy Habashi
514-576-1876
P.S. VarageSale is great.
LikeLike
Hi Tami…I had to send you a note today.
This morning, for the 3rd time in the last few months, your name has come up in random conversations with friends of mine – and I don’t mean VarageSale, I mean Tami.
It all started when I read about your story online (an article I found on my FB feed) and it was that night that I decided, I can do this too, just like you, and make my business idea a reality. I am now officially off work in the hunt towards that very objective.
And today, I find out that I have actually met you before…at a common friend’s baby shower! There are no coincidences, only purposeful messages that the universe is trying to communicate to us…
With that, I reach out to you today to ask you – would you be willing to connect to be part of my research focus group? Offer another mom some friendly tips over coffee one day, on how you took your idea from concept to completion? I’d love to meet! My concept could also use your elementary school teacher expertise!
Best,
Nancy Habashi
514-576-1876
P.S. VarageSale is great.
LikeLike
Hi Tami…I had to send you a note today.
This morning, for the 3rd time in the last few months, your name has come up in random conversations with friends of mine – and I don’t mean VarageSale, I mean Tami.
It all started when I read about your story online (an article I found on my FB feed) and it was that night that I decided, I can do this too, just like you, and make my business idea a reality. I am now officially off work in the hunt towards that very objective.
And today, I find out that I have actually met you before…at a common friend’s baby shower! There are no coincidences, only purposeful messages that the universe is trying to communicate to us…
With that, I reach out to you today to ask you – would you be willing to connect to be part of my research focus group? Offer another mom some friendly tips over coffee one day, on how you took your idea from concept to completion? I’d love to meet! My concept could also use your elementary school teacher expertise!
Best,
Nancy Habashi
514-576-1876
P.S. VarageSale is great.
LikeLike
Congratulations Tami! I loved that it’s a functional platform that is location based( in buying and selling proximity is everything) and it is an easy to use tool with alerts, search.. removes the headache from the other selling platforms. Excellent job! Did your husband develop your app for you? Am looking for app developers for my own projects
LikeLike
Congratulations Tami! I loved that it’s a functional platform that is location based( in buying and selling proximity is everything) and it is an easy to use tool with alerts, search.. removes the headache from the other selling platforms. Excellent job! Did your husband develop your app for you? Am looking for app developers for my own projects
LikeLike
Congratulations Tami! I loved that it’s a functional platform that is location based( in buying and selling proximity is everything) and it is an easy to use tool with alerts, search.. removes the headache from the other selling platforms. Excellent job! Did your husband develop your app for you? Am looking for app developers for my own projects
LikeLike
Congratulations Tami! I loved that it’s a functional platform that is location based( in buying and selling proximity is everything) and it is an easy to use tool with alerts, search.. removes the headache from the other selling platforms. Excellent job! Did your husband develop your app for you? Am looking for app developers for my own projects
LikeLike
Congratulations Tami! I loved that it’s a functional platform that is location based( in buying and selling proximity is everything) and it is an easy to use tool with alerts, search.. removes the headache from the other selling platforms. Excellent job! Did your husband develop your app for you? Am looking for app developers for my own projects
LikeLike
Hello Tammy. I recently tried to join Varage in Menifee. I was denied because the Admin representative stated she needed my DOB and a profile picture because people like to see who they are doing business with. I hadn’t checked my email in a few days so I realized yesterday I was denied for lack of info when I was showing my friend Varage on my phone. I just emailed our Admin with my DOB and phone # but I feel uneasy with being asked to change my profile picture on facebook so people can see what I look like on Varage, especially when the profile picture I have of her just comes up Admin. I did express I am a black woman that wears an afro and asked if it would be a problem. If someone was to go through my facebook page they would clearly see there are very few pictures posted of myself and my family but there are a alot of recipes:) Please help me understand this . Thank you
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Hello Tammy. I recently tried to join Varage in Menifee. I was denied because the Admin representative stated she needed my DOB and a profile picture because people like to see who they are doing business with. I hadn’t checked my email in a few days so I realized yesterday I was denied for lack of info when I was showing my friend Varage on my phone. I just emailed our Admin with my DOB and phone # but I feel uneasy with being asked to change my profile picture on facebook so people can see what I look like on Varage, especially when the profile picture I have of her just comes up Admin. I did express I am a black woman that wears an afro and asked if it would be a problem. If someone was to go through my facebook page they would clearly see there are very few pictures posted of myself and my family but there are a alot of recipes:) Please help me understand this . Thank you
LikeLike
Hello Tammy. I recently tried to join Varage in Menifee. I was denied because the Admin representative stated she needed my DOB and a profile picture because people like to see who they are doing business with. I hadn’t checked my email in a few days so I realized yesterday I was denied for lack of info when I was showing my friend Varage on my phone. I just emailed our Admin with my DOB and phone # but I feel uneasy with being asked to change my profile picture on facebook so people can see what I look like on Varage, especially when the profile picture I have of her just comes up Admin. I did express I am a black woman that wears an afro and asked if it would be a problem. If someone was to go through my facebook page they would clearly see there are very few pictures posted of myself and my family but there are a alot of recipes:) Please help me understand this . Thank you
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Oh you beautiful woman! Fabulous idea, fabulous execution and how wonderful you are to inspire so many others! Brava!
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Hello
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How do I contact the owners of Varage sale ?
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I’ve tried admin for various issues, harassment, vandalism, not committee buyers and much more, admin does nothing
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I’ve tried admin for various issues, harassment, vandalism, not committee buyers and much more, admin does nothing
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Congrats Tami on what you have accomplished. I however cannot recommend your site anymore. My community admin has continued to be hostile and rude to our members, spread lies about them, and is now denying people without cause and removing anybody or their posts who she feels “challenged” by. She has removed the original admin that converted the site from Facebook to VS and yet you do nothing to correct this issue. I have sent multiple responses to your organization, most have been ignored. I hope that you make changes in the future to your site so that my community can use your site again – until then you are losing a lot of very active members which is unfortunate.
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Congrats Tami on what you have accomplished. I however cannot recommend your site anymore. My community admin has continued to be hostile and rude to our members, spread lies about them, and is now denying people without cause and removing anybody or their posts who she feels “challenged” by. She has removed the original admin that converted the site from Facebook to VS and yet you do nothing to correct this issue. I have sent multiple responses to your organization, most have been ignored. I hope that you make changes in the future to your site so that my community can use your site again – until then you are losing a lot of very active members which is unfortunate.
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