Reality of EBAY

When I lost my job, I panicked. Money really doesn't grow on trees or magically appear. AND unfortunately, the one check I do receive is nice, but it really doesn't cover more than the mortgage. It's nice to keep the house, but the kids really don't understand not having lights, water, TV, heat etc...Ha! So I gave good old EBAY a try. I am writing this to give some reality based perspective on EBAYING. First, the set up. Pain in the tush. Yes, fix a drink, a cup of coffee and be prepared to spend a few hours in front of the computer. Once, you're up and running, it will be time to actually sell something on EBAY, and once again, be prepared to read, learn and spend another few hours in front of the computer. All in all though, if you are realistic and learn from your mistakes; I would suggest that anyone can make an extra couple hundred dollars a month with just a few hours invested.

My tips:

• Use EBAY pulse to get an idea what is selling
• Use any contacts you have to obtain those items that sell-for example, old tools-your dad
• Sell "lots" of clothing-I have had the best luck with my son's (age 12) clothing.
• Mix in good with the bad-Abercrombie with some Target t-shirts.
• Use key words that appeal to your buyer- for example, I use "skater" clothes in mine
• Sell 5-10 pieces at a time.
• Use designer names if real in title. MUST DO!
• Don't overwhelm yourself, list a few new items each day.
• Round weight to the nearest pound to estimate shipping cost.
• Use 1st class mail when it weighs less than 13 oz. ( I always offer parcel post & I charged too much quite a few times, by not offering 1st class mail).
• Always answer questions honestly and fast.
• Ask every buyer for good feedback.
• Be specific on when you ship from the start.
• EBAY and PAYPAL make 30% on your sale, sometimes more.
• Figure the 30% on everything you sell, especially if you do a friend a favor and list their items.
• Start with a low starting bid...proven over and over that this works best.
• Don't assume, because no one else is bidding on a similar item that yours will not sell.
• If it doesn't sell, re list your item, changing the title or category.
• If it doesn't sell re list once more.
• Keep it simple
• http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/nothard2remember918_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ