Sign from the original "shoppe"

Before I get into my introduction to The Incurable Collector, I want to include a really nice note I got from JC in Rockford, IL.  His first purchase was one of my single LED UV lights; then he came back and bought 3 of the two other styles I sell.

Here's what he wrote (a "feel good" for me): "The LED black light is the nicest light I've ever had!  I'm 64 years old and have been collecting minerals since I was about 12.  I've had several types of lights.  The first one was incandescent long wave & most recently a hand-held neon tube light.  Yours out performs them all!  I've never seen such brilliance from my fluorescent minerals.  I also buy & sell antiques and collectibles. I can't wait to have an extra one and a couple to give as gifts. Thank you!" 

And now, let me introduce you to TIC.  Back in 1972 my dad and I formed a partnership and started a small business selling antiques, collectibles and "gifts", the latter being added to flesh out our stock. We tried to have items that were high quality but reasonable in price so that every looker had the easy opportunity to become a customer for $5 to $10 for a well made, quality reproduction. All items were clearly labeled so that a customer could tell new (N) from old (O).

Relocation was to a converted historic mansion in chic Naperville, IL where we were for another 2 years. It was a beautiful building and the other businesses thrived but we had the second floor and the main attraction there was the Ladies Room. Nope! That did not work to bring us enough clients who were little more than just passing through on their way to the Loo. Our business did not do well so then we moved to Glen Ellyn, IL to a restored Sears Cottage home, again, divided into multiple shops ... another few years passed and a recession hit. My life-style changed for I became a single parent and it became necessary to look for a job that brought in more money than the shop which was hard hit by the recession. My partner, dad, had passed away the prior year so that shut off my access to a good picker/fixer. THE INCURABLE COLLECTOR was put in mothballs until the advent of the Internet and the on-line markets of eBay.

I resurrected TIC in 2001 and began by selling the mini UV black lights as an offshoot of my interest in collecting Vaseline Glass. Now I sell three styles of the UV lights in about 12 categories and have added Amber Safety glasses to the listings that are directed to folks who work in HVAC or Automotive refrigerant and fluid leak repairs. I am told the 12 LED style is very effective and sells for a great deal less than models from other manufacturers of leak testing equipment. The black lights have an amazing range of uses which are thumb-nailed in the copyrighted brochure that is given to every buyer. I sell other things too - "Olds 'n Ends" from around the house, collections that had been packed away, and things I pick up at country auctions.

I'll never rival Bill Gates but I am having a lot of fun selling. I've met SO many nice people along the way.   My life is definitely enriched. The income helps to fund my own collections and enables me to spend a little freer to help my single-parent daughter and add to my income as a retired lady. Thanks for reading and becoming one of the nice people I might never have had contact with but for the wonders of the Internet.