posted on April 1, 2004 04:43:11 AM new
Any advise to someone thinking of going fulltime. Quitting a pretty good full time job {17 years} with benfits for the unknown world of online auctions with the hope of making lots of $.
E-BAY seller id namebrandgolfshirts
posted on April 1, 2004 05:08:58 AM new
I don't understand why anyone would quit a good job with benefits to sell on eBay. I'd love to have a job with benefits. I haven't seen health care insurance in more than 5 years. Around here they are harder and harder to come by. Tossing 17 years to sell on eBay full time just doesn't seem like a smart move to me. I'm sure you'll get others to cheer you on, though. I've sold more in my store in the last three weeks than I did in two months on eBay. I still sell some on eBay, but have cut it way back. For the last few months it seems the buyers want something for nothing more than ever.
To Fluffy if you are reading this thread: Fluffy, I don't know how you do it with penny auctions. Hats off to you!
Anyway, we're coming up on the slow season here. The summer has always been slow. At least for me. I suppose I tend to look down the road at what could happen. What if you get sick? I have thousands of dollars in medical bills because I've had no insurance. What if your car breaks down and the repair bill is outrageous? Do you have a good savings account that you won't touch for eBay? Stuff like that. Sometimes you have to be a pessimist.
Good luck to you. I do hope it works out. You must have something to sell that everyone wants and will want in the future. Keep away from fad items is my one piece of advice. Everyone is selling them and when they fall out of fashion, you're stuck with a bunch of junk.
posted on April 1, 2004 05:31:51 AM newFluffy, I don't know how you do it with penny auctions.
It's all about controlling your costs. I'm not giving away any secrets here. That's true of any business. Hoo boy, if I ever forget to keep a lid on spending there are the corpses of dead companies all around here to serve as reminders.
Webvan, anyone?
What if you get sick? I have thousands of dollars in medical bills because I've had no insurance.
I hear ya. Paying cash for health care is frightening. There are no discounts for immediate payment (with a few exceptions...some urgent care clinics here DO give cash patients a break) and cash payers end up subsidizing the vast unwashed uninsured who won't pay at all.
I have another 6 months of health insurance under my partner's COBRA from a previous employer, and then I suppose we will have to get married.
Cheryl is right: Get your health care nailed down before you quit that day job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minstrel: [singing] Brave Sir Robin ran away, bravely ran away away. When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled. Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about, and valiantly, he chickened out. Bravely taking to his feet, he beat a very brave retreat. A brave retreat by brave Sir Robin.
posted on April 1, 2004 05:40:25 AM new
it is those who have health insurance who subsidise those who dont have insurance.
doctors order more tests when they know the patient belongs to a good insurance plan.
next time when you go to a clinic,hospital or doctor's office,look around-there are rent,utilities,insurance,payroll and what about that fancy atrium and fountain,some one has to water the plants and keep the fountain running.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 06:04:49 AM new
The Wall Street Journal did a series on this issue. Cash payers pay fees even higher than the fees passed along to the insurance company.
Here's an actual example. While traveling I had a situation in which the paramedics were called and I was transported to the emergency room. Once there, it was determined the problem was transient and did not require treatment (although they wanted to treat me anyway!). I received two bills: one from the paramedics for $400 and one from the hospital for $800.
Had I been insured, both those billed amounts would have been lower, *plus* my out-of-pocket cost would have been much lower. I don't know what the standard to-the-insurer charge is for a simple emergency room visit, but let's assume it's $500.
Uninsured
---------
I paid $800.
Insured
-------
Charge is $500 ; patient has $250 deductible ; patient pays $250 out of pocket.
By what you have said in this thread I am convinced you know nothing whatsoever about the issue.
Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot
[solo]
Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.
[ edited by fluffythewondercat on Apr 1, 2004 06:15 AM ]
posted on April 1, 2004 06:19:37 AM new
Explains it better than I could:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1015578/posts
Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot
[solo]
Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.
posted on April 1, 2004 06:42:03 AM new
your case is an emergency,if you have a non emergency visit with your doctor,he would give you a cash discount.
insurance companies have fee schedules of how much they will pay for services rendered and the hospitals know that.
no sense billing the insurance company more than they are willing to pay,it will just delay getting reimbursed.
i have health insurance with a HIGH deductible and i always ask for a cash discount and i usually get them,the last one is 15% from a specialist.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 06:54:52 AM new
eBay's health insurance is comparable (or poorer) than what you can get shopping around on your own.
The best bet for some eBay sellers may turn out to be growing their business a little. There are some group insurance plans that require as few as two members. That would be you and an employee. Blue Cross of California offers such plans. You should ALWAYS check a plan for pre-existing condition exceptions.
--
Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot
[solo]
Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.
posted on April 1, 2004 07:10:11 AM new
the last time i read about ebay powerseller insurance ,it is no better than what you can get on your own.
fluffy,i read the article where it said uninsured patients are like more banks for the bucks.
but how many cash paying uninsured patients come thru the hospital door every day to help pay the large bills the hospital incur??
most of their revenue come from medicare,medicaid and private insurance.
there is a risk premium built into the fee charged uninsured patients,how long does it take to collect the fee and would it ever be collected??and what efforts are needed to collect the fee??
if a foreigner gets sick and goes to the hospital,he has to deposit a large sum with the hospital before they will treat him,they are not going to invoice him when he returns to rwanda,nigeria,costa rica or japan or pick any country.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 08:47:35 AM new
Harder. I take it that burnout has set in? That feeling in the pit of your stomach that if you attempt to complete the same task one more time you are going to commit hari kari with a letter opener? Been there!! I did the same thing in 2000 and since then there have been good times and there have been hard times.
I don't think there is a defined recipe for success on ebay. Some will insist that you cannot make money selling new items but there are more than a couple of us here that do.
Definately diversify.l You can have multiple ids so use one to try out different items.
The most important thing is to remember is Research, Research, Reseach!!!
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on April 1, 2004 09:03:20 AM new
I would think twice about it?? Maybe 3 times.
You could start doing it in your spare time and it would probably help to if it's for you.
Good luck
NOT SO. I'M DOING REALLY WELL SELLING AND NOT TIRED OF IT AT ALL.I JUST THINK WITH MORE HOURS TO LIST AUCTION ETC. I COULD DOUBLE MY CURRENT INCOME. I HAVE DELEVOLPED WHAT COULD BE CALLED A "CULT" FOLLOWING WITH MANY REPEAT BUYERS AND TONS OF "E-MAIL" SALES.THERE SEEMS TO BE NO SLOW SEASON. I HAVE SOLD FOR OVER 4YRS NOW AND HAVE SEEN THE GOOD AND THE BETTER,BUT NEVER EVER BAD.I HAVE MADE LOT'S OF NEW CONTACTS RECENTLY AND THE DEALS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER.HOWEVER I REALIZE THAT COULD CHANGE AND I COULD BE MAKING THE MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. I JUST NEED TO HEAR FOR SOME SUCCESSFUL FULL TIME PEOPLE AND SOME NOT SO SUCCESSFUL ONES. THANKS HARDER
posted on April 1, 2004 09:17:26 AM new
or if you feel your job may be in jeopardy,by all means start selling more on ebay.
there are some sellers who do this full time and manage to pay their bills.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 09:17:52 AM newSome will insist that you cannot make money selling new items
Yeah, I don't know why people say that, unless they have a narrowly-defined view of what new items are eBay-able. If by "new" they mean only computers or home electronics or books or CDs, then that's probably true.
I'm going to let y'all in on a little trade secret. I probably shouldn't, but you've been such a good audience. (Don't forget to tip your waitress.) Ready?
The reason why it is possible to make money in the jewelry category is that jewelry isn't standardized.
If I wanted a DVD of, say, the Peter Weir movie "Fearless" starring Jeff Bridges, there are a number of copies on eBay, both new and used.
If I wanted a sterling silver bamboo bracelet, there are a bunch of them, but they are all different. Some have stones, some don't. Some have a shiny finish, others satin. I can list a bamboo bracelet and odds are no other seller will have one just like it.
There is a supreme benefit to non-standardization, and I'm going to leave it to the student as an exercise. I will just say that this is also what makes it possible for artisans, like that woman who makes incredibly realistic faux dogs, to make money on eBay.
--
Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot
[solo]
Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.
posted on April 1, 2004 09:37:49 AM new
on those faux dogs.i asked an ebay seller who has been in business for 20 years making customs made action figures and dolls to look at these faux dogs.
she asks if these were real dogs at one time ,but well preserved??
any insight.
i have second thoughts on those dogs,now i believe there are people out there who will pay for one of a kind artist creation.
but then like yogi bear once said,it is not over until it is over,i wont break out the champagne and caviar until i see the money.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 09:56:01 AM new
harder,
it depends on your situation??
is health insurance an issue in your household??
what about pension and tax??
what about competition??
i know many sellers have done well selling digital cameras and scanners and pc and laptop etc to wannabee sellers ,but look at the market now for these products??
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 10:00:10 AM new
The best possible scenario you can have is a good eBay business and a full time job with benefits, so why change a good thing ?
If it is a time issue, you may be better off to hire a retired person part time to see how that works before ditching a job with health care.
Health care insurance is disappearing from many jobs and with others the employers are making the employees pay more and more of the premiums and larger deductables. A job with good health insurance is getting hard to come by.
posted on April 1, 2004 10:08:14 AM new
HARDER, I pay over 10,000 dollars per year for health insurance for 3 people. You want to join me? I have never thought that any seller should only sell on Ebay. I can only say jump in if you wish and I hope the luck of the Irish will be with you.
posted on April 1, 2004 10:46:31 AM new
Harder -Sounds like you have a successful formula working for you. When I started seriously looking at leaving my job I sat down and evaluated my living expenses and my reserves, looked at my sales and saw a need to ramp them up some. I then tested the waters to see if that was possible and whenI was sure it was possible I left. If you feel that you can comfortably live on your earnings or are seeing untapped avenues for growth that more free time will allow you to take advantage of, then run with it. Use your extra time to build a website, expand your marketing avenues, etc.
Life is no fun without a few risks. I wish you all the luck in the world. Going out on your own can be an occasionally stressful but always rewarding experience!
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on April 1, 2004 11:04:34 AM new
I think it really depends on your situation. I am self employed, but ebay is only a part of my business venture. I'm fortunate that my wife is an educator, with a decent salary and great benefits. From 1995-2001, I was working full time and doing all of this. I couldn't give up the benefits from my job. I am really quite happy to be self employed since 2001, and don't have any plans to going back to a 9-5 job. Perhaps that would be different if we did not have health care benefits. I do know that having more time to work on my businesses means I make more than I did doing this part time, with my full time job.
posted on April 1, 2004 11:52:53 AM new
That's a good point, ebayvet.
Harder, your spouse or loved one may eventually long for the "good old days" when you had evenings and weekends off.
All I can say is that if you truly have the entrepreneurial fire in the belly, you won't let anyone dissuade you. If you don't, well, maybe keeping that outside job is best for you.
I love the flex time, myself...I can take the cat to the vet and spend an afternoon shopping if I want, with no one to report to and no pager.
--
Knights of Camelot: [singing] We're knights of the Round Table, we dance whene'er we're able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable, We dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot. / We're knights of the Round Table, our shows are for-mi-dable. But many times we're given rhymes that are quite un-sing-able, We're opera mad in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot. / In war we're tough and able, Quite in-de-fa-ti-gable. Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable / It's a busy life in Camelot
[solo]
Knights of Camelot: I have to push the pram a lot.
posted on April 1, 2004 12:48:12 PM new
parklane64
IF YOU DO NOT COUNT THE 2 NEUTRALS PERFECT FEEDBACK IS CORRECT AND YES I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH E-BAY,A BOUNCED CHECK FROM A CUSTOMER OR LOST PACKAGE OR A NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE IN FOUR YEARS OF SELLING.
posted on April 1, 2004 01:22:11 PM new
i looked at your listing,very impressive,almost 100% sell thru rate.
do you have competition on ebay??
have you been selling the same thing since day 1 ??
do you get these clothes at a better price than say someone who would like to compete with you on ebay??
are you married to the boss's daughter??
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on April 1, 2004 01:29:24 PM new
I have been selling golf shirts for all four years. I have recently expanded my line to include ashworth,taylor made,callaway. The mark up on golf shirts is about 250% at a golf pro-shop.I'm averaging around $10_$15 per shirt in profit as opposed to $30-$40 profit if sold at the manf. suggested retail rate.I buy closeouts,last season {meaning two months ago} and some at regular whole sale.By putting three or four shirt together in one auction I have increased sales volume and believe it or not price per shirt profit.There is lot's of competition in the golf shirt area of EBAY but I think I certainly hold my own.
posted on April 1, 2004 01:37:36 PM new
Here is a good example.{
2} NEW PING MERCERIZED GOLF SHIRTS Lg Item number: 3669019706
These two shirts cost me $15 each. Price marked on the shirts is $99.Currently the bidding is at $76 . With no others bids a $40 profit after ebay and paypal fees
