Many people turn to eBay to make money, but it can be frustrating when you list several items, only to have none of them sell a week later. You already know the basics of selling on eBay, but how do you make the most money possible?
This four-part series will take you past the basics of eBay selling into the more not so known secrets to making a living off of eBay sales. Here is the line up for the series:
- Picking What to Sell (This Article)
- Where to Get Inventory
- How to Drive More Business to Your Listings
- How to Inexpensively and Effectively Handle Shipping
Let’s start with the first part of the series – picking what to sell. Most people might start off on eBay just selling old junk they have lying around. That is a great start, but if you want to take your eBay earnings to the next level, you should consider picking a niche or two of things to sell.
Why Pick a Niche?
Why should you settle on a select niche when there are so many profitable things to sell? Simply put, you can’t know everything about everything. Also, if you hate collectibles and old paintings, but commit to selling those on eBay, you are going to wind up hating what you do. Pick a niche that is profitable and one that you enjoy. It is a bonus if you already know about the category, but if you don’t, then you just have to be eager to learn.
Sell What Fits Your Lifestyle
When you are limited on time and money, you need to stock your inventory piles the most effective way possible. I see a lot of newbie eBayers hit the thrift stores hard, seeing every old thing as a potential profit. This method, however, will cause you to spend more time and money than you have to and can leave you with piles of junk that doesn’t sell.
For example, I know several people who make a huge profit selling outdoorsy type jackets and equipment. I heard that brands like North Face sell for a good amount, and so I was pleased to find a kid’s sized North Face jacket at a thrift store for a few dollars. The problem was that I didn’t know how to list it, and when I did list it, people kept asking me if it came with the other piece, the outer shell. Thankfully I was still able to make a profit on the jacket, but my lack of knowledge could have made me waste time and money.
Also, as a work at home mom who sells eBay part-time, I don’t have a lot of extra free time to research and find pricey collectibles. Instead, I buy children’s clothes because I am knowledgeable about them, I get excited to look for them, and I already need to shop for my two little ones anyway.
Think about what you love to look at and buy at the thrift store or on eBay. Usually, individuals are good customers before they become good sellers. What items do you like researching and treasure hunting for? Most importantly, what items will fit in your schedule and lifestyle? You might love flipping furniture or selling used car parts, but that is not a reality if you live in a small studio apartment.
Stay tuned next week for tips on where to get your inventory.
Readers, do you sell on eBay? What items do you love (or wish) to sell?
Keep reading by going to part 2 – Where to Get Inventory – here.
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