September 10, 2010 > Business Profile: Afterthoughts Business Profile: Afterthoughts By Suhail Bilbeisi Afterthoughts is an unexpected shopping experience among the many industrial buildings along Central Avenue in Newark. Housed within an unassuming beige, one-story building, those driving by have few clues of the shopping experience within. The company logo on the glass front door and back of the building are little preparation for a brightly lit store filled with new and gently used items at affordable prices. Though many used items are displayed for sale, Afterthoughts should not be confused with a thrift store. Rather, it is an online outlet that connects customers and merchandise through eBay, craigslist, and other websites. Started from the garage of proprietors Deanna and Chris Rosas three years ago, Afterthoughts was an effort to generate a little extra income. "It actually started by accident," said Deanna. "It started by putting unsold garage sale items online and we found they were selling." Afterthoughts outgrew the garage and the couple decided to open in a larger, commercial location. A wide variety of items including small appliances, electronics, and DVDs can be found at Afterthoughts. Unique merchandise is a specialty; they note some quirky sales have included a frog encrusted with jewels, toilet paper made of a fake 100-dollar bills, and San Francisco Police Department riot helmets, all shipped direct to a customer's door. For those on a strict budget, Afterthoughts is kind to the bankroll. Items range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. "These days people buy what they need, not what they want, and it makes sense for somebody to come here and buy a microwave for $35 instead of going to the store and buying one for $150," says Chris. "It helps them and it helps us." Afterthoughts 6815 Central Ave., Newark (510) 795-1205 www.stores.ebay.com/afterthoughts4u