Work from Home – eBay
This is the 6th in my Work from Home series where I am showing some of the many different ways you can earn an income working from home. You can find the others at
- Work from Home,
- Work from Home – Internet Marketing
- Work from Home – Affiliate Marketing
- Work from Home – Network Marketing
- Work from Home – Blogging
Now we are going to take a look at eBay. I am going to discuss how you can make money on eBay. This is not be a lesson on how to use eBay as their site gives great instructions. It is how you can make money and some examples of people I know selling there.
Work from Home – eBay
What is eBay?
I am sure you are familiar with eBay but if not eBay was launched in 1995 and started as a place to trade collectables and hard-to-find items. Today eBay is a global marketplace where businesses and individuals can buy and sell practically anything.
You list an item for a time of 1,3,5,7 or 10 days. You can choose to either have a set price or go for the auction format. Generally with an auction you nominate the starting bid low to get people bidding. $.99cents is common.
Who sells on eBay?
People looking for some extra cash
I will start with my story. When I was leaving my last corporate role I decided I wanted to work from home.
At the time I had been the CEO of a company in Australia who promoted speakers and trainers on a variety of topics. The latest person we were promoting was a guy called Adam Ginsberg who had a course called “Fast Cash on eBay”. I had the course in my possession and had attended Adam’s seminar weekend.
We were at the time getting ready to shift states in Australia and I wanted to sell a heap of our “stuff”. So I did. I started with small items like clothes and worked my way up to some large expensive pieces of furniture. I was happy with the result but that pretty much ended my eBay career except for the odd item I have since sold.
It ended because I decided to go in another direction but I could see that eBay could work as a business.
Friends on eBay – I had one friend who helped me get started. She was a “pro” in my mind. She goes to garage sales each weekend and picks up items to list on eBay. She was making around $1000 a week profit doing this very part time.
Another friend recently sold most of the contents of her deceased mother-in-law’s on eBay and did quite well from it. I also have a friend currently going through her house listing items she has not used for some time.
I think for many of us we could go through our homes and closets and make some nice pocket money.
Businesses
There are many businesses that have an eBay store as either their total online business or as part of their online strategy. In some cases sellers will use eBay as a vehicle to generate traffic to the seller’s other items located off eBay.
My tips for selling on eBay
- Start by buying some items to get a feel for how eBay works and get a feedback score (explained on eBay)
- If you use the auction style to sell then start at a price you are comfortable for the item to be sold at (if you would hate to sell it at $.99 then don’t list at that price!)
- Add a “Buy it Now” price or the “Best Offer” option
- Have good accurate pictures
- If there are any flaws in what you are selling state them clearly
- Complete all the areas in your listing and give a full description of the item
- Start your listings at buyer friendly times as they will end at the same time
- Read eBay’s guidelines and rules before you start and watch their videos
- Give feedback to the buyers and request they give it to you
That wraps up Work from Home – eBay.
If you found this post of value please leave me a comment below and let us know your experience with eBay and please share it with your friends.
The next post in this series will be my last and will combine several other options or how you could make money from home .
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
P.S. If You Don’t Have a Step-By-Step Blueprint For Generating More Leads, Check This Out (Unless You Already Have Too Many)
Click here for Instant Access
Steve says
Sue
I am probably the only person on the planet that has never bought anything on ebay but I know people that do sell music memorabilia and other items and do quite well. He may even be full tiime at this point. It’s amazing what happens when the internet and a conventional idea meet. This is like big online flea market that people are making some serious money doing.
Steve
Sue Price says
Hi Steve
Wow! Wow Wow! – you have not bought from eBay. I know people who have not but that is because they are afraid of technology.
I can see it could become addictive. When I was buying to build up my score before I started selling I would sit up late on things I was bidding on and the competitive side of me would so want to win.
I still go on there if I want some old music, or a movie etc. You can usually find anything.
Yes it is like a big online flea market and yes there are people making good money.
I really like the feedback system as it keeps people honest.
Thanks for your comment Steve
Sue
Anna says
Wow! Great ideas! Thank you! My sister should read this…she is a big e-bay fan, however she does it wrong..She always give too low price for the buy it now option!
Sue Price says
Hi Anna
Thanks for the comment and pass the link on to your sister. I am no expert on eBay but I did learn from one 🙂
Make it a great day
Sue
Amanda says
e-Bay has only found its number of active users, who are much satisfied wit its services. And the same thing has already happened with people who consider this website as a source for making money
Sue Price says
Thanks for your comment Amanda
I think in the main people who use eBay are satisfied. There will always be some sad stories too like anything.
Make it a great day
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Hi Sue,
Well, I’m glad you posted this, because I have a question for you. I’ve never sold anything on ebay, but I have a friend in New York who have, and once she just lost a camera that way. I can’t remember all the details because it’s a while back, but she sent the darn expensive camera and never got the money, so whomever got the thing, got a few hundered dollar worth camera for free.
So, my first question is how do you prevent such thing from happening?
My second question is how can I purchase something and be sure I’m getting my item.
I’ve always been nevervous to purchase on ebay, so maybe you can help me with this 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
Thanks for the tip on replacing your email address, now I have learned something new 🙂
In answer to your camera I never would send anything unless you have the money first. eBay recommend you do it that way. I use Paypal as an option if I am going to ship something and when I have the money I ship. I have sold furniture that is “pick up only” and then I accept cash before they take it or they can pay PayPal first. I have never had a problem.
In response to your second question you need to look at the score of who you are buying from and also the feedback comments. If they have a good score and comments I think you are safe. I only buy from store fronts that have a good reputation on private people with good feedback. I think that way you are safe. People who sell on eBay value their reputation. Hope that helps.
Have a great weekend Sylviane
Sue
Carol Lynn says
The one thing that’s always made me hesitate to sell anything on ebay is the shipping part. I imagine you’d need to know the shipping cost so you can let people know or add it into the cost. And that seems like a lot of work… you’d have to package it up, bring it to UPS or someplace like that, get a cost, leave, take your thing home and then hope to sell it! Unless you know another trick? How do you deal with the shipping thing?
I’ve purchased a couple of things on ebay, usually from a storefront, though. I like the “Buy Now” option because you can just get what you want at a price you know instead of bidding and hoping it works out.
Definitely a good idea for someone with “stuff”!
Sue Price says
Hi Carol
Shipping oh yes! That is the reason I did not pursue an eBay career I hated dealing with it as you are correct it is a lot of work. In Australia we have our own eBay site and in most cases I sold in Australia only as you do have the choice to do that. When you get into overseas shipping there is also customs declarations etc. I learned that early when I sold a Japanese Tea Set to someone in the USA. She paid the shipping but the work was horrid and there were all these little pieces of china to wrap. It did arrive safely and I did sell it for a nice sum.
Stacy has answered the shipping beautifully – thanks Stacy
“For anyone worried about the selling issues you can buy a good postal scale for a reasonable rate (on ebay of course) and then you never have to guess about shipping fees. One time before I bought a scale I grossly misjudged the shipping fees and almost lost money on the sale because of that! A scale is a must have for anyone serious about selling on ebay.”
Carol so to conclude my answer I did buy some scales, looked at the postage costs and charged that plus a bit extra for my time. I sold some big items of furniture and other household goods that I requested had to be picked up only. Some buyers then arranged their own carriers and some picked up.
I agree with you it is a good idea for someone with stuff. I have sold things at much better prices than I was offered by local second hand stores.
Thanks for your comment and questions Carol
Have a great weekend
Sue
Stacy says
Hi Sue,
Some people make some good money selling on ebay. I know one lady who does very well at it in fact. I have played around with it, though it’s been years at this point. I haven’t sold very many things since they made the change that sellers can’t give negative feedback.
I took a class that Ebay offered in my area on selling on ebay and I learned a lot. I sold things in various niches but didn’t find anything that was a good fit for me.
For anyone worried about the selling issues you can buy a good postal scale for a reasonable rate (on ebay of course) and then you never have to guess about shipping fees. One time before I bought a scale I grossly misjudged the shipping fees and almost lost money on the sale because of that! A scale is a must have for anyone serious about selling on ebay.
Stacy
Sue Price says
Hi Stacy
Thanks for your postage comment I just copied it for Carol here 🙂
I don’t like that change either that sellers cannot give negative feedback. I have never had a bad experience in either buying or selling so I have never had to use it but I am sure it happens.
I am like you I could not find anything that I wanted to stay with as a business ongoing. It has been very useful for me though in my downsizing efforts.
I handled shipping as you have suggested here.
Thanks Stacy and have a lovely weekend
Sue
Sonia says
I use to be an eBay addict. Hell, I live 2 miles from their corporate office and get my Jamba Juice right next to the buildings each morning, but eBay can be hard to get into if you don’t have a product. Power eBay sellers won’t help you with you anything and why should they? They had to learn from the ground up and it can be difficult in the beginning. Been there done that.
You have to really find what works for you and make sure its something you can see yourself selling all the time. Anyone can succeed on eBay with time and hard work, but it won’t happen overnight. Sue is right about buying stuff to see how it works because you have to be careful to protect yourself online these days.
Sue Price says
Hi Sonia
Wow you live that close to their corporate office. I guess it is a big organization?
I think your comment that you need to find something you can can see yourself selling all the time to make it work is key. It was something I could not identify. I knew I did not want to handle shipping so it meant finding something I could use a drop shipper for but that was not so easy.
I have found eBay very useful for the way I have used it though and I do know people who make good money and love it. It is an option for some.
Thanks for your comment Sonia
Make it a great day
Sue
Adrienne says
I’m with Steve so he’s not alone Sue. I’ve never purchased anything on eBay and I actually hate that site. Anytime I was ever looking for something I want to locate it and purchase it. With eBay you had to bid and that drove me nuts because I don’t have time for that.
I know they have the option now to just sell the product but back then the only time I was searching for something there were never any buy now buttons on what I wanted. So for me, I hate the process.
I have heard of a lot of people making a killing on there though but it’s just not one for me personally. I’m probably in the minority with this though. Most people love eBay!
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
Good to know Steve is not alone 🙂 I am sure there are many others who like you and Steve have not purchased on eBay.
I think the buy now option is very common these days and also the set price option is common. I love the auction process though as I have picked up some real bargains that way. Sat up half the night playing. Not sure I could be bothered now but it was fun when I was learning. It is a bit more heart stopping when you are selling like that as the bids only ever come in at the very end.
I am so sure reading the comments here that most people do love eBay. It has served me well to sell items at pretty good prices when we have moved. I also love the fact I can always find music or movies that are not readily available in other places.
Thanks for your comment Adrienne
Have a wonderful weekend
Sue
Radu says
Hello Sue Price,
I wish to congrats you for the new series of articles. I would like to ask you how did you manage to solve the logistic part working from home at ebay?
Sue Price says
Hi Radu
Thanks for your feedback I appreciate it.
I will just copy here a response I had for someone else on logistics. I am assuming you are meaning shipping. If you have other questions just ask me again.
That is the reason I did not pursue an eBay career I hated dealing with it as you are correct it is a lot of work. In Australia we have our own eBay site and in most cases I sold in Australia only as you do have the choice to do that. When you get into overseas shipping there is also customs declarations etc. I learned that early when I sold a Japanese Tea Set to someone in the USA. She paid the shipping but the work was horrid and there were all these little pieces of china to wrap. It did arrive safely and I did sell it for a nice sum.
Stacy has answered the shipping beautifully – thanks Stacy
“For anyone worried about the selling issues you can buy a good postal scale for a reasonable rate (on ebay of course) and then you never have to guess about shipping fees. One time before I bought a scale I grossly misjudged the shipping fees and almost lost money on the sale because of that! A scale is a must have for anyone serious about selling on ebay.”
Carol so to conclude my answer I did buy some scales, looked at the postage costs and charged that plus a bit extra for my time. I sold some big items of furniture and other household goods that I requested had to be picked up only. Some buyers then arranged their own carriers and some picked up.
If that does not answer your question Radu let me know.
Make it a great day
Sue
Leslie Denning says
I used to love Ebay when it first came out. I bought and sold lots of stuff, but I haven’t been there in awhile. You’ve inspired me to get some of my stuff up there. I also use Amazon to sell things. Thanks for your take on this work-from-home opportunity.
Sue Price says
Hi Leslie
I am like you I have done lots of buying and selling a while back. I have expired myself to do it again writing this 🙂
Thanks for your comment Leslie and have a lovely weekend
Sue
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue,
I used to sell on Ebay before I started blogging. My niche was retro stuff and called myself “Retronona” It was a blast and I’ve made quite some money on it. I would go to yard sales, purchase small mid century items and ship. I had some on auction, some “buy it now” and some “free shipping.” Everything was great except for the packing and shipping. Oh boy did that take time. But I cannot complain because I have made money on it.
As for buying, I buy tons of stuff on Ebay! Sometimes there is 1 minute left on an item and I win it for a very low price. It is a great way to get bargains, once you know how to do it.
Thanks for posting this. Ebay is a great way to get rid of your unwanted “stuff” and profit just the same.
Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
Oh wow now I know something else about you! Retro stuff how cool. I am with you though on the packing and shipping I do not enjoy that part. I must confess that Ivan my husband did more of the packaging than me. 🙂
Hey and I relate to you buying at the last minute as it is when you can pick up a bargain. It can be quite adrenalin pumping.
I have been walking around my house again looking at things I can sell since I wrote this post 🙂
Thanks for sharing your eBay experience Donna I appreciate it.
Sue
Leo says
I second the use of eBay as a money-making tool. My greatest success was there was when I bought a small railroad trolley for $10 and hoped to make $20 on it because it was made out of brass. It turned out to sell for close to $500 because it was a rare model.
Sue Price says
Wow Leo that is some profit! I am a CPA originally so that sort of profit is impressive – well done and thanks for sharing it here.
Sue
Becca says
Great Review Indeed, Sounds like a good opportunity for newbies to learn about the great potentials of income from ebay. recommended for sure.
Sue Price says
Hi Becca
Thanks for the comment. You know there are people who are not newbies to the online world who still have not ventured onto eBay. I think it is a good alternative for some people.
Sue
Mary says
I always thought I should come up with a single line of products so I could be successful in eBay. It’s amazing that your friends earn a lot by the way they sell in eBay, like going through garage sales and selling it on eBay. Never thought of that.
Sue Price says
Hi Mary
I would never have thought of going to garage sales either but it makes sense. I love hearing what other people do.
Thanks for your comment
Sue
Kath Sandy says
A lot of sites are now offering jobs to people. It’s also convenient to work at home though. You won’t have problems when it comes to your transportation. And yes, you can save your time too.
Sue Price says
Hi Kath
Thanks for your comment. I think that not having to travel and having the transport issue is a real benefit.
Have a great day
Sue
Naveen says
I have heard about selling products on E Bay and not aware about how to exactly sell it, and after some time, a friend of mine marketed the product on E bay and I learned the things on exactly how to earn from E Bay.
So to get huge conversion, we need to bring more potential buyers traffic to our eBay lists is indeed one.
Sue Price says
Hi Naveen
I love eBay and glad to hear you have learned how to use it.
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
farouk says
i never tried to make money from Ebay but it sounds like a very good idea
i want to check it out
Sue Price says
Hi Farouk
It can be a good way to generate some extra money and can be fun. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Sue
Matt Roberts says
Hi Sue, I wonder myself if I can be successful with eBay stuff, still unsure if to try it out or not.. Thanks to you I have now a more in-depth view about it!
Sue Price says
Hi Matt
There is only one way to find out if you can be successful Matt and that is try it 🙂 Just start with something you own and do not use any more. It can be fun.
Thanks for commenting.
Sue
Ethan Pepper says
eBay is great place to get your feet wet making money online. Say what you will about eBay but they still are one the best places to sell online because the buyers are already there. You can learn a lot just selling your old stuff and later maybe turn it into a real business.
Sue Price says
Hi Ethan
Yes eBay is a great place to start online. I am amazed how many people did start there. It is also as you say a place to learn by selling our old stuff.
Thanks for finding me and for your comment.
Sue
leo says
Yes this way it can be easy to earn money on eBay and you have given useful information here. Thanks.
Sue Price says
Thanks for your comment Leo.
Sue
Paul Strachan says
Hey there, awesome blog! Wow, I did not realize ebay was so old, 1995, I was like 3 years old when it launched haha. I agree, I tend to start most of my auctions at the 0.99 range, also because here in the UK, you get a set amount of free listings if you start them low enough. Some great tips here, listing at buyer friendly times is something I never thought about before but will certainly now.
Thanks, look forward to reading more of your posts!
Sue Price says
Hi Paul
Thanks for finding my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment.
I too have started most of my auctions at 99 cents. There are some items of furniture I have sold that I started higher though. It is a while since I have sold anything on eBay. I tend to go in spurts of selling 🙂
You have great week Paul.
Sue
Tony says
Great article. Love the tips and ideas you have here. I have a friend who ebay’s and keeps telling me I should join him.
Sue Price says
Hi Tony,
I have not done ebay for a while but Keep thinking of going back there. 🙂
Thanks for finding me here Tony and for commenting.
Sue
wordpress says
thanks for sharing your views on ebay i will definitely going to try it till now i wan aware of it but i haven’t used it but after reading this blog i will going to use it
Sue Price says
I have not used eBay for a while now but many people do.
Sue