Start Your Own Business: Sell Things on eBay

Home
>
Online Auction
>
Start Your Own Business: Sell Things on eBay

Start Your Own Business: Sell Things on eBay

The popularity of online auction site eBay has been legendary. With millions of transactions completed daily, it is no surprise why many individuals who do not usually shop online regularly purchase items through eBay. From antique washboards to brand new wedding gowns, everything under the sun can be found within the many categories in one of the web's most popular websites. Many entrepreneurs have used the website's popularity to their advantage and sell things on ebay. With little start-up costs, using eBay as your marketplace instead of a traditional storefront, selling items on eBay is an excellent means for any entrepreneur to develop a successful business.

There are many e-books and websites devoted on how to start an ebay business, so resources abound on the World Wide Web. You may want to seek out individuals who have started a successful eBay business for their stories and helpful tips. You can find these individuals by directly contacting them through their eBay sites or through business-related websites. Additionally, you should check out the websites of other eBay sellers, especially those selling things similar to your goods. Finally, access the eBay website and find the specifics on how to go about setting up your eBay business. You will find some auctions will be more successful than others. Many sellers choose to set their auctions to end on a weekend instead of a week day. These sellers have determined their auctions tend to elicit more bids during that time since more potential buyers are online.

Regardless what you choose to sell on eBay, keep in mind the size and shape. You will be shipping all auction items to their buyers, who will cover the cost of shipping in their payment. For this reason, many buyers may be hesitant to bid on items that will be expensive to ship. Additionally, you will want to choose items that will easily fit into a standard-size box, since oversized items (even though they may be lightweight) will be expensive to ship. You will want to be knowledgeable of the shipping policies of the United States Postal Service in addition to other shipping companies. Furthermore, if you plan of shipping a large volume of items, you should consider where you are going to get your shipping supplies. Many sellers add in a slight handling fee to cover the cost of these supplies.

Just as with starting any business, carefully consider what type of eBay business you wish to start. Deciding what items to sell will be a huge part of the start-up of your eBay business, as you must figure out where you are going to get your stock. Many sellers choose to sell their handmade or craft items instead of purchased goods. Other individuals choose to sell antiques on eBay instead of renting space in an antique mall or setting up a traditional storefront shop. If you currently participate in an "at-home" business such as Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, or Creative Memories, eBay is an excellent way to expand your clientele. Many buyers are looking for these items but do not know a representative or do not wish to wait the traditional order time to receive their products.

Whatever you choose to sell on eBay, the appearance and wording of your auction will make all the different when it comes to selling your products. Perhaps the most important feature of your auction website will be the photographs of the products. Investing in a digital camera will pay off quite well in the end, as most eBay users do not look at auctions unless they have images of the product attached. Your description should compliment your image and describe the product to the utmost detail. If there are any flaws in the item, be sure to note this and even take a picture. You will find sellers would rather bid on items they know is slightly damaged instead of thinking they have been duped when they receive your auction in less than mint condition. The buyer feedback that makes up your seller rating will be quite important, since you are selling items based on your good faith.

John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.com, and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of online and print media. If you want to learn to sell things on eBay this book is an absolute must-read!

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

Obama has lunch with 4 presidents (AP)

AP - President-elect Barack Obama hailed a rare Oval Office gathering of all U.S. presidents as an extraordinary event on Wednesday as the current occupant, President George W. Bush, reminded his predecessors and successor that the office "transcends the individual."

Obama names special watchdog for federal spending (AP)

AP - President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that reforming massive government entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare would be "a central part" of his effort to control federal spending.

Reid says Burris might ultimately get Senate seat (AP)

AP - Changing course, Senate Democrats emerged from a meeting with Senate appointee Roland Burris on Wednesday and set forth the legal steps under which they're willing to welcome him into the Senate in President-elect Barack Obama's vacated spot.

2009 budget deficit is estimated at $1.2 trillion (AP)

AP - The federal budget deficit will hit an unprecedented $1.2 trillion for the 2009 budget year, according to grim new Congressional Budget Office figures.

Israel conditionally welcomes cease-fire proposal (AP)

AP - Israel tentatively welcomed a proposal Wednesday for a Gaza cease-fire and briefly halted its offensive to allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians, but also instructed the military to press ahead with its assault on Hamas.

Heavy rain causing flooding across South (AP)

AP - Heavy rain across the South on Wednesday caused flooding, school and road closures and a landslide that destroyed a home in North Carolina.

Mississippi has highest teen birth rate, CDC says (AP)

AP - Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, displacing Texas and New Mexico for that lamentable title, according to a new federal report released Wednesday.

Jay-Z to play concert on eve of Obama inauguration (AP)

AP - Jay-Z isn't performing at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, but he is planning to make a big splash on the eve of the event.

German polar bear Flocke gets zoo company (AP)

AP - Nuremberg's celebrity polar bear cub, Flocke, has a new friend: a Russian bear.

Meyer: Utah, Texas, USC should fight to be No. 1 (AP)

AP - Florida coach Urban Meyer believes Utah, Texas and Southern California should fight for their teams to be recognized as national champions.

Israel, Hamas briefly hold fire to allow Gaza aid (Reuters)

Reuters - Hundreds of embattled Palestinians ventured outside to shop for food on Wednesday during a three-hour Gaza truce, a first step toward an Egyptian-proposed ceasefire under discussion by Israel and Hamas.

Budget deficit to hit $1.2 trillion (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009 as the global recession saps the economy, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, presenting a daunting challenge to President-elect Barack Obama who has said tough choices will be necessary.

Senate Democrats seen moving to seat Burris (Reuters)

Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Senate Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday about swearing in former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris, nominated by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

Private job losses mount, ominous for payrolls (Reuters)

Reuters - Job losses and plans to lay off workers hammered the struggling U.S. economy in the final month of 2008, according to private reports that could foreshadow surprisingly grim labor market data from the government on Friday.

Gates says Afghan surge may cost $5.5 billion in FY09 (Reuters)

Reuters - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.

U.S. says Madoff sent diamonds in violation of bail (Reuters)

Reuters - One of the packages accused swindler Bernard Madoff sent in violation of a court order contained about 13 watches, a diamond necklace and other valuables worth more than $1 million, prosecutors said in court papers released on Wednesday.

Russian gas flow halted through Ukraine to Europe (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia shut down all gas flows to Europe through Ukraine on Wednesday and told Kiev it would restore supplies only after it had signed a new contract at prices comparable to those paid by European countries.

Iran biggest Mideast challenge for Obama: White House (Reuters)

Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama should seek tougher sanctions against Iran, which will be his biggest Middle East challenge, outgoing White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley said on Wednesday.

Israel eases Gaza bombing as Egypt launches ceasefire bid (AFP)

AFP - Israel silenced its guns for three hours on Wednesday to give embattled residents of Gaza's main city time to seek out food and fuel as international support grew for an Egyptian ceasefire proposal.

Crisis deepens as Russian gas supplies to Europe halted (AFP)

AFP - All deliveries of Russian gas through Ukraine were halted Wednesday, depriving tens of thousands of Europeans of heat in freezing weather and raising the stakes in a bitter dispute between Moscow and Kiev.

Start Your Own Business: Sell Things on eBay

Online Auction Online Auction