How to get Started Selling on eBay
Many moms are able to make a living selling items on eBay. Whether it's just a few extra dollars or a lucrative living, people all over the world want to know how to make a little money with eBay auctions. Many people already know the basics, but if you haven't been paying attention, here is how you can get started.
The first step to selling on eBay is to register with the site. It is absolutely free and you are opening yourself up to a huge online community of which you can buy and sell almost anything! Once you sign up, there are links at the top of the homepage that you can use to navigate your way around.
Next, you must decide what you want to sell. Look around your house. In the garage. In the kids' rooms. In your colset. There may be many odds and ends lying around your home that someone else may be willing to buy. That old antique vase in the garage may become an antique masterpiece to someone else! For ideas on what else you can sell on eBay, check out Worldwide Brands' Free Resources to Find Stuff to Sell on eBay (eBooks, Online Newsletter, Article Database, Video Course, ALL FREE!).
You will then need to write up a full, truthful description of the item or items chosen. Be sure to add as much detail as possible, including brand name, color, size, material, height, weight, and whether it is new or used. Take photographs and be sure to note all of the details and defects that the item may have. It is very important to be truthful when listing your items as it can make or break your business. Buyers and sellers alike are able to leave feedback that is visible to the entire eBay community. The goal is to retain the most positive feedback possible. Your future buyers will be reading up on you before deciding to make a purchase and it can be the difference between a purchase or a pass.
Dropshipping
You may also want to use a drop shipping company. A dropshipper is a wholesale supplier who sends products to your customers directly. When your customers purchase an item, they will pay full retail price. You would then purchase the item from the dropshipper at a lower wholesale price. This means that you will not have to store or house any inventory or worry about any shipping issues. You profit the difference. It is difficult to find legitimate dropshippers with quality products. Beware of scams! Many companies claim to be dropshippers when instead they act as a middleman and jack up the price.
A trustworthy company that we would recommend is Worldwide Brands. They have a huge database called OneSource that lists all of the top drop ship and wholesale product sellers on the market! They have taken the time and effort to research thousands of wholesale suppliers, constantly updating them to keep a scam free environment for those who are looking for a legitimate wholesale opportunity. Once you become a member, you are then able to search for a wide range of products to fit your selling needs. A market analysis is integrated in every search to let you know the demand for each specific product and if it will sell, as well as relevant competitors and the search engine keywords that are most popular for the product you want to sell. The OneSource list is certified by eBay and offers a money back guarantee to their customers that are not extremely satisfied. Click Here to Learn More.
Another dropshipping company we can recommend is Shopster. Shopster is a complete e-commerce and product source provider that gives you the "tools, inventory, and services to build a profitable online business". They do not sell a list, but instead give you instant access to wholesalers through their site. You chose the products that you want to sell from a selection of over 1 million items from about 130 wholesale merchants and dropshipping suppliers that they work with. Shopster provides a free 7-day online trial period with which you can check the program out for yourself. In addition, Shopster offers an eBay listing manager to help you list and track your items efficiently, fully customizable storefront software and hosting should you want to sell on your own site, a secure payment gateway for your customers, and full service customer support. Live order tracking and sales/marketing tools will also help you succeed. Click Here to Check it Out!
Now that you have chosen your items, list list list! The listing process is very simple and straightforward. You are guided through every step of the way with easy to follow instructions. Type in your descriptive title, fill out any necessary information pertaining to your specific item, and upload a few pictures. Next, there is a text box available for you to fully describe your item. Tell buyers what you have for sale and get them interested! You can add features to make your listing stand out, such as a colorful background, bold title text, multiple photo upload, and higlighted listing options. The extras add to your total listing cost, but all fees are explained before you commit to sell and it really isn't much in comparison to what you will gain when your items is sold.
Now you set your starting bid price, buy it now price, select the quantity, and the duration of your listing (how many days you want your item to stay live online for bids). The buy it now price is optional, and is a way for buyers to purchase your item without going through the auction for a fixed price. This is a price that is set by you, the seller, and will allow the ending of the auction early if someone decides to purchase. Continue by selecting the payment methods you are willing to accept, the shipping price you will charge, and the locations you are willing to sell/ship to. There is also a section towards the bottom that has sales tax, a return policy, and an "additional comments" box, all of which are optional. Once you continue, choose all of the bells and whistles and you are set to go! Keep track of your item in "My eBay", which is also fairly easy to navigate.
When your auction ends, wait for the buyer to make a payment. Be patient, sometimes it takes a couple of days. Get your item ready for shipping. Once the payment has cleared, send off your item. Be sure to mail it off in a timely manner so your customer remains satisfied with their purchase. If there is anything you need help with or further clarification on, eBay has a great FAQ section and support center to help you with all of your needs. Good luck and list those items!