We're all in this together.

Yesterday I visited a resale shop that opened a year ago, but just two weeks earlier had been sold to two women who were friends. (I've heard a zillion times that this type of partnership is seldom a good idea, but that's none of my business).

Having been in the resale business for ten years, I wanted to welcome them to "my world" so I stopped in to introduce myself and of course to shop. They were so open and friendly and I felt quite flattered when they started to "pick my brain."

Like a lot of newcomers in the business, their biggest problem related to pricing. "For example," one said, "look at this Canvasbacks coat."

Now I happen to love this brand - it's good quality and their items always have a unique, characteristic style.

One of the women wanted to price it at $40 and the other wanted to price it at $60 (they had been told by the original owner that it was $400 or $500 new). They compromised at $50. They asked me what I thought and I told them that if it were in my store, I'd price it at $100, with the adage, 'You can always come down' if it doesn't sell.

I could tell they were giving my comment some thought. They removed the price tag and shortly thereafter, someone came in and asked how much it was. "$100" was the reply. She didn't buy it but she also didn't flinch.

Imagine my delight when they called me today to tell me the coat had just sold for $80. They were so excited and loved my advice. Gosh, it feels good to help a newbie.

I will never forget a woman who owned a resale shop about 40 minutes away. She came to my store after I first opened and instead of feeling threatened by a potential competitor, she welcomed me to the fold and was so incredibly helpful.

When is the last time you were able to help out someone new in your business?