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:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Professional eBay Auctions Reap the Profits for Sellers

eBay offer an unbelievable amount of traffic for ANYONE wanting... Read More

Selling on eBay? Heres a Success Tip for Your Online Auctions

Are you planning to sell on eBay? Or have you... Read More

Top 10 Free Online Wholesale Resources

By the time that a product has made it to... Read More

EBay: No Way?Yes Way (Ten Seller Themes)

Hearing that there are more than 1.2 million registered eBay... Read More

eBay Motors : Buy or Sell a Car on eBay

Are you having trouble finding a great deal on a... Read More

How to Sell Your Crafts on eBay

Artists, craftspeople and photographers are successfully selling their wares everyday... Read More

Online Auctions Business

Online auction sites are a great way to find a... Read More

From Ebay Zero to Power-Selling Hero: Using Feedback Effectively

When I talk about feedback to new Ebay sellers, I... Read More

Dropship Your Way to Success

Many people know they would like to start an Internet... Read More

Tips on How to Profit from eBay Buy It Now Auction Listings

eBay is an online auction site so it stands to... Read More

Be Realistic When Selling on eBay

As some of you know, I spent many years buying... Read More

The Secret Of The Ebay Money Machine And How To Get Your Share

If you have all the money you need, then this... Read More

Ebay And Dropshipping, A Marriage Made In Heaven?

eBay is the 'BEST' opportunity you can use right now... Read More

Get Yourself A Piece of The eBay Pie

Ebay is without a doubt the greatest internet marketing phenomenon... Read More

eBay - The Basics

I began selling on eBay in 1999 and have found... Read More

Affordable Online Car Auctions

Still hunting for the car of your dreams? Public car... Read More

An eBay Computer Purchase

An eBay purchase that turned sour.A story of fraud, deceit,... Read More

The Benefits of Buying and Selling Locally

Shop at a flea market in Oaxaca, Mexico. Trade with... Read More

Auction Image Hosting for Ebay Auctions: Free Single Most Recommended Tip

It is a well known fact that the more pictures... Read More

A New Definition of Buyer Beware

"Who's Suzie?"My wife Katrina had been acting strangely ever since... Read More

7 Great Reasons Why You Should Start an EBay Business Today

EBay is a great part or full time business. An... Read More

eBay - Getting More Bids Using An Auction Preview

If you sell in small niches as I recommend and... Read More

How To Stop Ebay Buyers From Sniping Your Auction For Less Than Its True Value

There are many savvy eBay buyers who use automated bidding... Read More

How To Sell Santa?s Slip-Ups

Shoppers spent more than $15.5 billion this Christmas on gifts... Read More

How To Save Franchise Fees and Set Up Your Own Ebay Drop Off Store

There has been a flood of publicity generated regarding the... Read More

Taxing eBay Part Deux

When my column on paying income tax on eBay profits... Read More

eBay After Sales - as Important as the Listing Itself

Your eBay listing has finished and you have made a... Read More

Killer Tips To Succeed With eBay Auction

For just a moment, try to comprehend the power of... Read More

EBay Feedback, 5 Key Things All EBayers Should Know

eBay's user feedback system is one of the site's most... Read More

How to Locate Drop Shippers for Your Success

Like the human heart, drop shippers can keep the blood... Read More

When It Comes To eBay, Don?t Follow The Herd

Q: I want to start an online business. Since I... Read More

10 Tips to Starting a Financially Successful Ebay Business Startting Right Now

Ebay is Perhaps the easiest and fastest way to start... Read More

Attract eBay Buyers Like Crazy!

As an ebay(TM) seller it happens very often (too often)... Read More