How to Make Money Out of Nothing
Lost my house, my business, my car, my bank account is empty, now what?
Yes.. this really happened to me - and more..
I had a bad year in 2009 - to say the least - the week that they towed my car away, I received the official foreclosure notice in the mail, along with a notification from the IRS that I was being audited. I could only take a deep breath and ride the wave that was building behind me. Things could have been worse - and for many people they really are. I'm blessed because I've always had good friends and a loving family - it always helps when you know that someone actually cares about you. But, some people don't even have that - at least they don't think that they do..
The reason for this HUB is to publish some Hope, for those that think that they've reached the end of the road - maybe you're only a few dollars away from being out on the street.. maybe you're behind on your mortgage, or behind on your rent, or just don't feel like there are enough hours in the day to make what you need to survive.
I've already sold everything that I had of any value - now what do I do?
When I started to feel the effects of the economy on my business, and realized that I was at that place of desperation - no real money coming in - I started to use craigslist to sell my belongings. Looking back, I probably should have kept my own things, or those things that were most important to me, and gone onto the next step. Hopefully I've caught you in time - don't get rid of everything to try to make ends meet - there's another option. Even if you don't have any cash to buy things to re-sell, which is what some people do for a living - Read on...
Don't sell Your stuff, Sell Other Peoples Stuff!
Did you know that there are ton's of people out there with stuff that they'd like to get rid of, or sell.. but they're not like you. They don't get online and read hubpages, or use craigslist, or ebay, or any of those sites... I read an article recently that said that 30% of american homes do not have internet - still! And of those that do, not everyone is internet savvy.
I'm making the assumption that you are because you did find this page..
I'm not going to bore you with a lot of detail here - but basically - if you need cash, and can post an ad on Craigslist - start off by posting an "I'll sell your stuff for Cash - I don't get paid unless your stuff sells" - or something similar - I put it in the "Wanted" section -
WANTED: YOUR Unwanted stuff to sell - I work on commission only - no upfront fee's"
Every time that I post that ad - I get replies. The first time that I did it, I got a call from a guy with some old equipment - I went to his property, took some pictures, posted them on craigslist and made $250 in commission within 3 days of posting that ad - I asked for 25% commission. Some people will pay you up to 50% commission to sell there things.. I eventually got picky and put a minimum in my ad - I work with items that have an estimated value of $1000 or more.
How do you value an item? Find out all of the details about it - Make, Model, Year, Condition, get pictures of it - Use Ebay, Google, and Craigslist (other cities) and you will find similar items and see what they sell for - start there.
If you're up for a challenge, like to do some research, and don't mind the unknown, this may be all that you need to do to make ends meet - place your ad when you need some extra cash, or keep an ad in place until you get overwhelmed -- pull the ad, then post it again later.
Word of mouth will get you business too..this is where you'll tap into the "offline" market - get started using online ads because they are free - but eventually to build your business, you may want to print some flyers and pass them door to door in neighborhoods that have older homes - you know.. the ones that have been around for a while and have had time to build up a lot of stuff :-)
Made $250 on this...
But I'm not a salesman - I don't like sales jobs... blah blah blah
Me either - and I used to own a marketing company, although it was direct mail marketing because I don't like face to face sales strategies either...
So bear with me - if I can do it, you can do it.
Selling things online is very "behind the scenes", and even introverts like myself can have fun doing it. Most of the people that you meet and talk to will be calling you, you're not pushing yourself on them. So far, I haven't run into any weird, or uncomfortable situations. Remember, you'll always have the right to pass on a deal, or tell someone that you don't think that you can help them if it's something weird that they want to sell (enough said there)
Ok - So far I'm liking this, What else can I do to make some cash?
Cash is always nice to have - so... If you've got some big deals in the works, you probably have some free time on your hands while you're waiting for the big items to sell...
This is what I do with my free time - FLEA MARKETS, YARD SALES, SWAP MEETS
If you are the type of person that CAN set up a yardsale, or go to a local flea market - don't miss this opportunity to make some cash too.
You can just as easily get FREE STUFF TO SELL, as you can get STUFF TO SELL ON COMMISSION.
How? -- place an ad on Craigslist offering FREE CLEANOUTS - your unwanted things in exchange for my labor
You'll get calls - especially from people that have yard sales themselves.. most people do this to clean house - they really don't want to drag that stuff back into the basement - so alert them in advance by posting an ad on Craigslist that you'll come pack it up for them when they're through and haul it off. If you want to get competitive, offer them some cash too. Although that's not really necessary. When you get a little extra money for postage, you can also send a letter to the "garage sale" ads letting them know about your service. Most people post an ad on craigslist, or in the local paper about a week ahead of the yard sale - use this as your mailing list. Be careful not to "spam" the ads on CL - replying to an ad with a service offer could be considered spam by Craigslist - but sending them a letter via the postal service doesn't fall into that category.
You may need a pick up truck, mini van, or cargo van at some point... but if you're just getting started, pack the trunk of your car as full as possible - use the roof if you have a roof rack, and get really good at packing stuff. Think of any friends or family that you have that might be willing to help you too if they own a pick up or van.
FREE CLEAN OUTS - We LOVE your CLUTTER!
Button it up - run a tight ship
Ok.. if you've opted to gather FREE JUNK to re-sell - go through these things carefully. If you see anything old, vintage, rustic, collectible, look it up online before you haul it to a flea market.
Flea markets are great places to sell odds and ends - and are also great places to meet some very unique people who could probably teach you a lot about what's valuable and what's not... so take advantage when you're there and look at what everyone else is selling too.
For the items that appear to be worth $10 or more and fall into the collectible, vintage, or antique category - think about setting up a store on Ebay, Bonanzle, or Etsy - there's quite a few others too. If you can get about 100 items posted at your online store at any given time, you should see a steady stream of income start to build. For typical household items, tools, electronics, equipment, etc.. use craigslist and sell it locally. I offer delivery for a few dollars more in my craigslist ads - especially if you're in a metropolitan area where many people rely on public transportation - you'll make sales because you're willing to deliver.
Take good pictures, use good descriptions, do your research, and you will do well!
One man's trash is another man's treasure...
In Summary
I want to sum it all up by first of all encouraging you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many people out there that are facing financial challenges.. don't ever feel like a failure because your situation has changed.. just press on.
I want to share one last "secret" with you - that really shouldn't be a secret at all..
My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ - He is why I was able to weather the storm that I faced.. I knew when it happened that I was being tested - I tried to be faithful to the Lord, and at times got down right whiney -- but the Lord never gave up on me...I did know that He still loved me, and was looking out for me even when my faith was running thin - I never went without food, clothing or a roof over my head.
I've learned a lot of lessons in the past couple of years - that I will never forget. If anything, I've learned to be compassionate, giving, and patient..and I definitely know who my Provider is. I hope this little Hubpage has given you hope too.. because that's what you need.
So.... DON'T GIVE UP!! :-) Contact me if you need some help or encouragement!!
How to make money out of nothing II
- How to make money out of nothing II
I recently posted this follow up hub - my how things have progressed in the past 2 years!
Comments
thank for your encouraging letter.It is a chickensoup of me.
I was in a bad place financially. Life was barely worth living, and the future was looking bleaker each day. Then I read your article. Suddenly I had hope. I was inspired. I quickly took your advice and wrote up a Craigslisting for Cumberland Valley AND York, PA (Gettysburg lies directly in between). I followed your formula. Then, absolutely nothing happened. No replies are forthcoming. No money is coming in. I am still in a financial bad place, and life seems even bleaker than before, and I feel even more worthless.
Since people are either not seeing those ads or really don't care, I suppose that all I really need is the right incentive to end this wretched life once and for all.
what if your homeless
Okay, never mind about the 'your name' thing. I clicked on your profile and read it. That's really all I need... Loved It by the way!
Thanks Again!
Thank you for your Testimony! I too am a believer and I Am encouraged by your article! I would like to read more by you, where can I do that? Also, I don't see a name for you.
Questions:
How do you work verifying payment and commission to owner of 'stuff'?
How do you proceed with the delivery / pick up of said 'stuff'? Are you the bearer of the items and meet up with buyer?
I would only want to deal in cash. Is that how you handle payments?
Thank You!! :D
thank you. I lost everything...my business, all my money, my son...I am starting from scratch and I have to admit it is very difficult especially since I do not have any form of support. I try to keep moving forward and prayer...faith helps. I try not to get frustrated but you there are days that your patience and faith gets tested.
Thank you so much. I need to hear this. Will let you know about my progress if I van. God bless you
Your strength came from within, not through religious faith.
Thank you so very much for sharing this info! I'm stoked and will start tomorrow.
God (continue to) Bless You!
Yes, I want to make Money out of Nothing because I'm the right candidate for the job. I'm a athenist I wallow in mess and I like getting my hands dirty.(CUTE)...
Great..
Hi,
I love your testimony of Jesus Christ and the fact that you ate identified with Him.
Your write up especially on craiglist also encourages me.
However in my country, craiglist doesn't work. Can I operate craiglist and sell on behalf of people in USA?
I would also welcome any other ideas on how to make money out of nothing.
Thank you and God bless you.
Thank you so much for this hub. This was just the right amount of encouragement and knowledge I needed and I truly believe God brought me here. Thank you again, God bless.
Thank you for this, you've given me more hope than I already had
Wow!!! Planet earth is blessed with people like. God bless you for this enlightenment.
so profound,thats what i can say
Good hub. Very inspirational. I am in the research stage but need to anything .
Brilliant!
Dante - Those things you want to dump sound like items a Goodwill store would take. Try that first to reduce waste. And keep the faith. Stuff still sells - sometimes you just have to be patient. The market has been down but I think it is picking up now.
- AUTHOR
Sharon - Thanks for reading and for sharing your situation and how you feel. I know it seems hard, but just don't give up. Pray that the Lord would send someone with an opportunity for you.
Savi Devi and Cody - This method of making money is worth a try. There are more people out there that need help selling off stuff than you could possibly handle. It's not easy work - but it can be very steady for you. Even without a car, it's possible to help someone - as long as they are willing to text you pictures of what they are selling - you'll need to find a way to get to the sellers location when you line up a buyer though. The main thing is to start posting ads telling people what you can do - and even if you've never done it - you are the expert. If you have a job - this is a great supplement. If you have nothing - this costs nothing - so give it a try.
This is fake. Nothing can really help me I'm gonna be stuck working for Someone else making just enough to get by
I'm in Belgium. I left California to come here to get married to a man who promised me a good if. 5 years later he divorced me and I'm stuck with nada.i have 6 kids...4 that live with me. I need to feed them and buy a car and have a regular flow of money coming. What to do?
I am in dire circumstances, and truly at the end of my rope. I have had the idea for a long time that I could find online work-at-home employment. But, I lack confidence, and I don't follow through. I suffer from anxiety, and depression, and so many times when I decide to try once more, the anxiety again comes back very strongly. That's when I just feel so paralyzed, and feel that I just can't do it. So, I tried to begin with something easy, and started doing the online survey thing. unfortunately, that just turned out to be a time consuming waste of energy. There was very little return for all the time I put in. I must have been selecting the wrong surveys, and I became very discouraged. While going through ideas online in an attempt to find ways to make some money, I came across your hub, and I am beginning to feel that there is still some hope of my surviving this situation. I want to thank you for this hub, and for these ideas. I just pray that I will find a way to try these things, (my car has an engine that needs to be replaced. So, I hope I can find someone to help me with this venture.) and that I am able to muster, and maintain the courage I need to really make a go of this. If people could earn money for being a quitter, I would probably be well off by now, as I appear to be very good at that. But, I'm feeling hopeful at this moment, and I want to thank you for that. I am also encouraged by the posts from your readers. May God bless you, your readers, and all of your, and their, endeavors.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for reading John. Having Faith is definitely what gets us through the toughest times.
That was an awesome story and very inspirational thank you even if I decide not to do that particular type of project you have redirected my focus and made me remember what's most important and that's my faith thank you very much
- AUTHOR
To Dante, and Curious - One way that I've made fast cash is to collect yard sale clean ups - just put it out on craigslist that you'll come take what's left when their sale is over - or if you have a little to invest and want a fast turn around, offer to buy out yard sales, or try a "cash for clutter" ad in the paper - that works almost too well. Either way - the idea is to get a pick up load, or van load of "stuff". Find a local "junk" auction that sells regular household stuff that you can work with. I used to take van loads to a place in Fort Pierce called "from me to you" auction. There are a few others in town that do the same thing -- I would average anywhere from $200-$300 per load once auctioned off. Again - you have to find an auctioneer that basically handles estates and sells table lots and box lots. Not a high end auction house - Your looking fo the type of auction where Flea market vendors, and Resale stores buy their merchandise. It's a quick way to turn a pile of stuff into cash. Not easy, but quick - and don't be tempted to pick out the good stuff - just take it all in - it averages out.
Tell me how to sell things ASAP!!! " I need money now
No body wants to buy my antiquated trash. Not a nice looking saddle, excellent 10 foot conference table, 8 ft Egyptian art piece, all trash. Not Ebay, Craigslist or local network. A trip to the dump is all this gets. WOW
Good suggestions and love the creative thinking attitude! I do agree sometimes treasures are found in what people think is trash!
Been praying for guidance your hub has given me that, thanks!
- AUTHOR
poshcoffeeco, Thank you!!
bet you can here me clapping from there. well done on this hub. simple and effective.
- AUTHOR
Joe - With larger items I like to leave them with the seller - the key is to take really good pictures and put together a detailed description, that way when you take a buyer to look at the item, they are 99% ready to buy. You can also schedule it so that you are showing more than 1 buyer in the same time slot - that can get tricky, but it may help the cause if your buyers know there is competition. I always take payment, and get the buyer to sign off on the amount - then hand the seller their cash along with bill of sale. Thank you for reading and for your positive comments - Let me know if you have any more questions, I'll do my best to answer them for you!
Thanks for the ideas. I have a few questions. When you sell things for other people, how do you work the logistics? For example, did you take possession of that BIG THING and have people come to your house to look at it after giving them your phone number? Do you have buyers come to the sellers house and meet them there? Who takes payment? I'm disabled, denied disability and vocational rehab on account of ...long sad story.In any case, thanks again for the goodness you are giving. You may have no idea how much you are touching peoples lives. God Bless ya!
- AUTHOR
DeShone - Thank you for reading - I would be glad to help you out and will contact you by e-mail.
Hello,
I'm truly inspired with what you wrote. I have tried everything possible to make money and need to get out of this situation. I don't have an income and lost my job in October of 2014. I have seriously been depressed and the Devil has put all kinds of thoughts un my head. I believe in God very strongly and passionately abd have prayed for such an answer. My next step is asking if you will help me to setup everything so that I know I am doing everything correctly and using the proper terminology to attract such people as you did as well as the what to look for when searching for items. I pray this is not asking to much, but in my situation, I am about to loose everything including my family. You can reach me at DeShoneWilliams@gmail.com. I appreciate you and this awesome article. Thank You
DeShone
Im from England and seems like this is exactly what I was looking to read about it im at the begining of all this stages your post gave me so many ideas and for sure will help me a lot to reorganise my selve and do better Thank You very Much
- AUTHOR
That is an awesome tip - and very true!
Goodwill outlet stores are a great place to find stuff to resell. You CAN find collectibles and other valuable items. It just takes a bit of effort. Look for the little items at the back or bottom of the bin that others missed. I have found silver rings, coins, even foreign currency! It truly is a treasure hunt!
- AUTHOR
Casey - I hear you on the vac - but yes - vintage sells! There is a collector for everything!
Edmund - I will e-mail you!
Thank you to indigo and ttravis5546 for taking the time to read.
my dad has that ugly vacuum. are you telling me it's worth more than pissing me off when I try to vacuum with it?
very helpful in deed. dont know if it works in developing countries like Zimbabwe. I need something to do on my own and had run out of ideas. God bless you. Those who have ideas more ideal for the Zim situation please help me on mwandurahet@gmail.com. God bless
Very good and motivating hub. Good job!
thank you I really needed to hear that today!
- AUTHOR
Vahid, Thank you for saying so! For that alone you will be blessed :-)
I've been going through the same thing for the last couple of years too. I like your idea. I especially liked the ending, that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour. He is my Lord and Saviour too.
- AUTHOR
Anemotion: Thank you for reading, and I am so glad that you found this encouraging. I will most certainly pray for you & your wife - May God's favor be on you!
Wow, thank you very much for this encouraging page. I've been contemplating online business for a few years now too, but procrastinated due to not knowing enough about online business etc. I am a believer too, and went through almost the same experiences too. My wife stumbled upon this page in an effort to find answers and encouragement for the depressing state we are/were in. Your prayers will be most welcome too. Thanks again, God bless !
i love the picture
- AUTHOR
Vallance - There is always a market for used items, no matter where you are in the world - if you are in an are where the market is slower, try expanding your efforts to as many classified sites as you have access to. Thank you for commenting.
Mlle. English, in answer to your question - it is best to maintain control of the transaction by having the buyer contact you. If you are marketing yourself as a 'sellers assistant', the the seller will expect, and appreciate it when you handle the entire transaction - Agree on your commission in the beginning - then you are free to make the sale, and hand the seller the cash.
Thank you for sharing your advice. This is very helpful. However I have a question. Does the buyer contact you or the person who's item is being sold?
Its my first time reading a hub. This post is awesome. Its beauty is in the fact that it can relative apply across the World. I live in Africa but this can well apply except the online marketing that wont yield in Africa as it may in USA. Thank you a lot and God bless you.
- AUTHOR
David - so sorry to hear about your loss...but glad to hear that you are holding on to hope. My prayers are with you, especially that you will have peace and joy again.
Thanks, suddenly i realize that i have more than i doth, i have life and hope,my son died 4 year ago and i just realize that life still going, im a life.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for the comment - I will check out your blog. And yes, CL is great!
Love this hub and it hit home for me as far as using CL to resale items. I flip garage sale items for profit and have started writing about it on http://scrapeabuck-toni.blogspot.com/. I am always selling stuff for other people but ironically have never thought about advertising on CL to offer my services. I love CL and thank you for sharing some wonderful ideas.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Gary, and I'm looking forward to reading more of your hubs! --- and thanks to all of you that have taken the time to read and comment on this hub!
Yes to the power of hope, faith, creativity, and the motivation to overcome the negative with the positive. Great Hub. Thanks for following me. Sending you blue and purple Light. Peace.....Gary.
Well...Your post is great...thanks, and wish you the best and all those people who love to share ideas, happiness and joy among others!
Thanks for sharing this! These are really neat and creative ideas.
i so love the fact of how you acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of your page..i am in a similar situation. my faith ran thin but God never gave up on me..thanks ^_*
Great ideas! Thanks for the ingenuity and spunk!
Wow, wonderful ideas! I have been racking my brain for ways to make more money, and had never thought of this, but it's great! Glad to hear things are looking up for you. God bless!
- AUTHOR
I wanted to write a quick follow up say that a year has passed now and things are looking up. Not only did the business that this article is about do well, but my marketing business has been doing well again too! I never would have made it through the "gap" without using the techniques that I have described in this hub, but most importantly, I never would have made it through without all of the prayers that were being said for me during this time. I pray that the Lord will bless everyone that has ever said a prayer for me and that he would bless everyone that takes the time to read this hub. Thank you everyone!! and Thank the Lord!!
Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. Indeed the Lord has guided you and definetely guided me to your page. Wishing you every success in life in the future. God Bless.
Sandra
This is right on time for me, what a divine intervention for me at this time in my life. Great hub I know it was the Lord Jesus Christ, that lead me to this hub, because I don't read hubs. Not how to even interrupt what a hub is. Thanks for sharing this. I give God the Glory for such an inspiration!!!
An excellent hub that gives hope and encouragement. Very good ideas. I am sure you have inspired others. Thank you and God Bless!
great hub and it is inspirational
Excellent hub with abundant ideas!RATED UP
Really great hub with some very useful, well explained information. Really glad I came across you.
What an exceptional hub indeed, you are such an inspiration. The saying desperate times call for desperate measures holds true in real life. You are one gustsy woman, I am so proud of you. It is so easy to give up, I really admire the ones who take life in their own stride. Thanks for sharing this it will help many I am sure.
very nice to see you share this experience wth others. very helpful and useful tips are there. may God, whoever He is, help you as much as you help others (actually God does more!)
Thank you so much for sharing ur story. I appreciate how you put time into taking pictures and putting in as much as detail as required. Great hub. Rated it up and will be following ya =)
I love this. God has definitely directed me to you. Tank you so much for sharing your God given talents with us. I have taken notes and I am on my way to getting back on track financially and spiritually. God Bless
Now I am off to figure out how to vote for you
I rated your hub as useful :) and thank you so much for sharing and the tips. God Bless you!!!
Excellent hub! You deserve to be on winner's row. God inspired you to do what you did and to inspire others. I know He'll continue to bless you in many more ways.
- AUTHOR
Thank you again to everyone for the positive comments. I had published this hub to offer encouragement to anyone that might happen to stumble across this...but I've found that I am receiving more encouragement than I could have ever hoped for!!
What a blessing you are, very pratical and useful work anybody could feel good about doing. I appreciate your uplifting guide on how to make money out of nothing. I needed a lift oh so badly. May you be radically and abundantly blessed in all areas of your life. Peace :)
P.S. I book marked this and voted it everything good!
Aye that ad was very very helpful because I'm in that rutt right this minute and I need to make $$$ A.S.A.P. Thank-Yopu for the information, BRANCH66
I love your attitude and tips but especially love the way you ended this hub - giving glory to God despite your circumstances. We too lost our business and have been going through some rough times. We closed 2 years ago but fortunately were able to sell our house before getting foreclosed on. We have had to really rethink what's important to keep and what's important to give away or sell. Excellent idea on using your marketing skills to help other less internet savvy people make some money selling their stuff - and helping you at the same time. I'm a big fan!!
Thanks for writing this and not losing hope. I've been frustrated with myself many times over the past few years. This is helpful.
Very innovative idea.
A great idea and a really useful hub! Congratulations on your success, it seems you deserved it!
I'm sure this hub will help a lot of people. Maybe the best aspect of the idea is that it costs no money to get started. Your organize the information so that it's easy to follow, and the pictures add interest. Glad to see that you moved your life forward. A very positive and inspirational read. Thanks.
- AUTHOR
Yes.. selling other peoples stuff is definitely nothing new. You can broker just about anything, even a service. I brokered mailing lists and mail services for years.. The angle of selling things for private parties is a fast way to generate some cash, and could easily lead to all types of opportunities, especially to those with an entrepreneurial spirit.
You are right buythewayside. Selling other people's stuff is a brilliant idea. Istay in hyderabad where people became rich selling other's land just by giving a small advance on their name and transfering the documents to others for a higher rate. Many people doing the same on ebay too.
Great Information - very inspirational, I love it!
Thanks for sharing.
Really inspirational
- AUTHOR
Thank you to all of you for the encouraging comments! I will reply to any questions that I find by contacting you directly through hubpages. - Thanks again! ...also, I apologize to those that left the first few comments when I initially published this hub, they were accidentally deleted a couple of weeks ago - I was re-arranging , and mistakenly deleted the entire "comments" capsule and wasn't able to retrieve any of them :-( --- if anyone knows how to "un-delete" something - please let me know!
You really are one gutsy lady and you have my respect for not giving up and for actually doing something yourself, awesome hub and I wish you well !
TOTALLY AWESOME!
I did what you said with craig's list - put I have no pickup truck.
In times like these, thinking outside the box is what you have to do sometimes to make it. There's so much opportunity these days to make money. And certainly, there's a TON of stuff out there—in a consumer driven society how could there not be?
Some great ideas here.
You have given some very useful advice here.
Great hub ideas. I see some useful tips that can be used in dire times and as a hobby too. Hub up :)
Good Article, I have been selling stuff for years this way.
I buy things from auctions and get some from friends who want things moved too. Good Luck!
good information on ways to make some money I hae had yard sales and used e-bay to make a little money I also believe in God and he will take care of me.
Dear Buy, this was an awesome article...we also lost our house in 2009...I have written a few articles about this also...I loved your testimonial at the end of this article...yeah, Jesus is IT! the only One that can really get you through. Blessings.
Just beyond awesome. I'm going to start taking some pics of all the stuff I want to sell right now.
Let me ask you. When you sell stuff for other people, are you the main contact? do you take the stuff to your house? Some people want to see the stuff before they buy it, how do you manage that?
Thank you and God bless you!
Wow Excellent Hub and a newbie at that!!! I wish I had thought of it. I too am a Christian...I just love it that you are too, you have a new follower!
buythewayside, What a cool hub full of so many interesting ideas. You're very sweet to share the secret of your success. Kind Regards
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