During Elementary School I was the kid that lived in town and sold candy to all the kids that took the bus to school and couldn’t get to a store (rural living) for a nice profit on my side. My locker was a mini convenience store at the time. So selling was fun for me when I was younger.
By the way, Skittles candy was the hot item at the time.
eBay is more fun now.
Selling on eBay can be a great way to reach a large customer base and potentially make some money. Here are some steps to help you get started.
I started selling some extra stuff around my house in 1999. A Wayne Gretzky rookie card to start. Greatest hockey player to play the game, but I stopped collecting sports cards so lost interest in the hobby. It was my first sale on eBay and at the time it was exciting to make a sale at all. A real high if you do not do sales for a living because I made a significant profit on it and continue selling collectibles I own or pick-up along the way ever since.
I have 100% seller feedback ever since and trying hard to keep it that way! It is satisfying to keep high standards.
I would not have made the same amount of money at a garage sale for the same items sold on eBay. Actually, I have had two garage sales in my lifetime and said I wouldn’t do another after the first. The low offers you tend to get on what you think has a lot of value can be deflating.
Plus, garage sales are a lot of work.
I mentioned scrapping metal for extra cash in a previous post, but selling on eBay is a completely different experience. It’s fun making extra money and doing some decluttering too. Find your niche.
- Create an eBay account: If you don’t already have one, sign up for an eBay account. Provide the necessary information and verify your account.
- Research the market: Before listing your items, research similar products on eBay to get an idea of their prices, demand, and competition. This will help you set competitive prices and optimize your listings.
- Choose what to sell: Determine what items you want to sell. It can be new or used products, collectibles, handmade goods, or even digital products. Ensure that you comply with eBay’s policies and guidelines for the specific category you’re listing in.
- Create compelling listings: Write clear and detailed descriptions of your items, including their condition, specifications, and any relevant information. Use high-quality photos that showcase your products from different angles. Consider using keywords that buyers are likely to search for.
- Set competitive prices: Set your prices based on your research and the market demand. You can choose to list your items at a fixed price or start with an auction-style listing. Consider factors like shipping costs, fees, and potential profit margins when setting your prices.
- Choose your selling format: eBay offers different selling formats, including auctions, fixed-price listings, and Best Offer. Decide which format suits your items and selling goals the best.
- Manage payments: eBay provides different payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and other secure methods. Set up your preferred payment method and ensure smooth transactions with your buyers.
- Provide excellent customer service: Respond to buyer inquiries promptly and professionally. Ship items quickly and securely and communicate any updates or issues throughout the transaction process. Positive customer experiences can lead to better feedback and repeat business.
- Handle shipping and logistics: Determine your shipping methods and destination. Consider using shipping services that provide tracking and insurance to protect both you and the buyer.
- Monitor your listings: Keep an eye on your listings, answer questions from potential buyers, and update your inventory as necessary. Regularly review your selling performance and adjust your strategies accordingly.
- Handle feedback and returns: Encourage buyers to leave feedback after completing a transaction. Address any issues or concerns raised by buyers promptly and professionally. Understand eBay’s policies regarding returns and refunds to ensure a smooth resolution process if needed.
Remember, eBay charges fees for listing and selling items, so familiarize yourself with the fee structure to understand the costs involved. It’s also essential to stay updated with eBay’s policies and guidelines, as they may change over time.
There are many great platforms for reselling out there and eBay is just one of them. Give it a try and you may find your own Wayne Gretzky card for some extra cash.
