DEAR SUN SPOTS: We tried to check the Internet for eBay drop-off locations. Although they listed some for Lewiston, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, Portland, etc., we could not get a page to come up that listed any of the locations.

If you could get the addresses and phone numbers for these eBay drop-off stores, it would be greatly appreciated. If possible we would also appreciate as much information as possible, such as their sales experience and satisfaction rating.

We are aware it is like a consignment shop, and they need a certain percentage of the sale price, but the idea of someone taking care of the selling for us sounded good. In our search a page came up for items being sold, but no other information.

Thanking you in advance for any information you can share with us. — L.B., Turner

ANSWER: Sun Spots googled “eBay consignment sellers” to see what you saw and was surprised to note that the first hit was for Helios, a store that the Sun Journal’s parent company ran but which has been out of business for years.

Fortunately, Sun Spots has three consignment sellers in her Rolodex (please write if you’d like your business to be added to the list):

* Nola, Goin’ Postal, 120 Center St., Auburn, 784-9900

* Laurie Whitmore, Oxford Depot eBay store, Oxford, 539-4884, ebay@oxford-depot.com

* Dan Beaudoin, Humble-Bobbs Secondhand LLC, 2178 Lisbon St., Lewistondandee84@roadrunner.com, 577-6746

Sun Spots has had no complaints about any of these sellers. She cannot quote rates. Her experience has been that there is no set rate, but rather depends on the number and value of the items. You will need to check with the consigner.

Dan offered the following when he wrote to the column in 2010:

“… Consignment rates vary based on the value of the merchandise we are dealing with. It is our opinion that it requires no greater effort to sell something for $500 than it does to sell something for $5, so our consignment rates (percentage) decline dramatically as the value of the item increases (so the owner of the item gets more of what they deserve).”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote you about a swing I wanted (June 18). It’s not a porch swing. I can get those anywhere.

I’m looking for a free-standing lawn swing that has two seats like a glider but swings up and away, not just back and forth.

There is one on the corner of Montello and Stanley streets in Lewiston.

As you suggested, I got hold of Russ in Greene (207-946-4721), who makes wood lawn furniture, and he’ll let me know if he can make one. If anyone has one to sell, please call me. — L.G., Lewiston, 207-784-9784

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t recall seeing such a swing made from wood, although she has seen them in metal, with a design similar to a child’s swingset but with an awning added.

Sun Spots recalled that you said you didn’t have a computer, but she looked up some photos online just to see what’s out there, and noticed that a very sturdy frame is needed. There are some metal-frame ones online at Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc., which might suit you. Someone at the stores could help you shop and order for you if you are patient and persistent.

She also received another letter on the subject. She is not sure if this man makes the version you seek, but you can call and check.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Re L.G.’s request for a wooden porch swing, my husband makes high-end Adirondack furniture and swings. There are no exposed screws, and the 4-foot porch swings are solid oak. Hanging chains are included for $395.

He’d also be happy to show prospective customers his shop and work and photos as well. — Diane K. Pratt, Rumford, 207-357-8080

ANSWER: Diane emailed Sun Spots when her letter, which she sent via U.S. mail right away, did not appear in the column. Sun Spots explained that while readers are welcome to write via either email or snail mail, she does not receive the snail mail daily. Rather it is bundled up and sent to her periodically. So if you are in a hurry, email is faster.

UPDATE ON BROWNING TREES: Sun Spots hopes readers who were interested in the decline in white pines (June 30 letter) saw Terry Karkos’ story on the topic in Friday’s Sun Journal. Sun Spots’ answer that weather was affecting the trees was only partially correct. It turns out that wet weather has allowed a fungus to flourish as well.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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