I've been an eBay customer for year, but I've never sold anything. I've wanted to learn how to sell things on eBay for a long time, but didn't really know how to begin. In fact, my husband even got me the book, "eBay Business All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies" by Marsha Collier as a gift about two years ago.
The book is very comprehensive... but instead of instilling confidence in me, it intimidated me. So I procrastinated. Then my friend Marta started selling stuff, and encouraged me to try it. Still didn't do it.
I finally put "Learn to sell on eBay" on my list of monthly goals for April. And wouldn't ya know it? My local community college listed a continuing ed course entitled "Buying and Selling Online" in an advertisement the very same day.
I decided to sign up for the 6-hour course. While I didn't learn anything I couldn't figure out on my own, I'm still glad I took the class. First of all, it gave me the nudge I needed. Our homework was to actually list an item for auction. And it was a much-needed mom's night out for a few weeks. I finished the class feeling much more confident and inspired to use eBay to clear out my clutter.
The item I listed in class didn't sell. But I re-listed it and it sold the second time. I didn't break any sales records, but it was still good to know I cleared at least one thing out of my cabinets.
I plan to list more things - particularly some baby stuff - when I get more time. It's all part of my plan to reduce the amount of clutter in my house and raise a little spending cash.
My eBay experience taught me a valuable lesson: Be willing to try new things. They may not be as difficult as you thought they would be.
1 hour ago
7 comments:
I have sold a lot of books, CDs, etc. on Amazon with great success. I've sold a few things on e-bay and had terrible luck! Either my items didn't sell, or I miscalculated postage, etc. I've just about decided to give up on e-bay altogether! I wish you great success; when you become an e-bay guru, write a how-to post for e-bay dummies like me :)
Good for you taking the class and trying something new!
I have done great selling some things on ebay, but recently I had a huge selling bust! I sold two very nice pairs of Ann Taylor loft pants that I bought right before I got pregnant - they were like brand new and now don't fit me. Haha, they sold for $2.00! I was pretty disappointed!
S.B.
I can't help but wonder if there aren't more sellers than buyers in this rotten economic right now. It seems like there are lots of deals to be had, but not much money to make on the sales end. I haven't had a lot of time to list anyway, so I can wait to see what the prices do before I list again.
Thanks for the comments... I'll have to try out Amazon, too.
I definitely recommend Amazon if you are able to get to the post office within two business days of a sale (that's the commitment you make when you list something). I love that it's no risk.
The risk is what holds me up with eBay. I'm very impressed that you took the class and did something new and intimidating! I would love to know what tips you got if any are worth sharing.
I think it's great that you're taking the big steps to selling. Don't give up! Although reading my eBay Business Desk Reference may not have been the best choice for a beginner. That's why I wrote eBay For Dummies. It starts you off slow and holds your hand through the learning process. If you contact me through my website, we'll see about getting you a copy.
Best of luck on eBay!
I have done pretty well on Ebay over the years. For a couple of years I was an avid garage saler who then resold on ebay. The fees have gotten so high though I have been turned off lately. I have been on a mission to clean out my clutter though and just last night listed a couple of items on ebay. It was much easier than it used to be and we will see how well they sell. I might just get back into it! Way to go on finally learning how.
I was turned on to ebay by a friend over 2 years ago. I bought my son a halloween costume and was absolutely amazed at how many different things you can find on ebay. I had always had a garage sale every year, and felt I was pretty successful at it, but once I started selling on ebay, I will never go back to all that work I put into a garage sale, besides, I can get $20 out of a pair of used jeans by my kids on ebay, and only .50 cents at the most out of them at a garage sale, I don't mind the fees, I've been very successful selling my childrens clothes on ebay. I have made thousands doing so. I love the fact that you have millions of people looking at your item for sale, that sure beats a garage sale!!
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