posted on June 25, 2003 10:16:30 AM new
Dis, dat and de udder ting.
Look, for anyone wanting to get into the game, copying what other people sell is just plain dumb.
And whenever anyone asks this question, I know they haven't given much thought to selling; they just want the quick bucks.
I sell what interests me. I have a friend who has had some success selling POPs (proofs of purchase), which people use to get rebates on all kinds of stuff. Another friend who is handy with tools will soon be selling reconditioned Roombas. I've got a line on a dirt-cheap truckload of packaging supplies and may soon be selling on eBay the stuff I can't use for myself.
Instead of asking what we're doing, ask yourself what you have access to.
--
California voters: Be a part of the first-ever successful gubernatorial recall! Defy media pundits! $21 million of our money is going down the tubes daily because of our incompetent corrupt governor. Visit http://www.recallgraydavis.com to download your recall petition.
posted on June 25, 2003 10:56:52 AM new
I make most of my money selling items that cost me under 5.00, the more i seem to spend the more i lose.
good luck, its not easy to make money consistently but it can be done.
posted on June 25, 2003 11:10:45 AM new
stuff from my basement. My grandfather died, grandmother was put in a extended care facility and I rent the house. But, it was also my responsibility to liquidate everything in it that family didn't want
posted on June 25, 2003 11:11:10 AM new
I like the idea of selling what you like. That a way you have it to enjoy until
you decide to sell it. I'm sure that helps when writing descriptions anyway.
I'm sure there's people who can make money selling anything but having a
genuine knowledge of the item and liking the item should make it easier.
Might be harder to part with somethings though.
posted on June 25, 2003 11:17:04 AM new
I sell anything I can find and make a good dollar on. No matter what you sell you must know a little (well a lot) about your items. You never know what questions the buyers can come up with. Then you have to know all the ins and outs of selling. It took me 3 years before I got up the nerve to list something and then it was easy but I did a lot of research. This board is full of long time sellers that are very knowledgeable and I am sure never sold on a whim.
posted on June 25, 2003 11:46:33 AM new
There is some very good advice here. In addition to "sell what you like" I'd add "sell what you know." Start in an area you've done business in as a consumer, and you'll be able to better assess quality and value.
For example, before eBay's big crackdown my brother was selling model-rocket parts and doing very well. He knew what the parts should cost, which were worth the money and which were sought-after. That's because he's shooting off model rockets since he was a little boy. He also knew his auction category very well (Studying closed auctions can tell you what's selling, how successful auctions are worded and much, much more.)
My experience also paid off - I don't sell enough to buy directly from the manufacturers, but I have been dealing with two very good distributors for years. My business grew with theirs, and because they "knew me when" they still cut me righteous deals. The scary thing is that now I have a few businesses that depend on me to get them the items they need (yikes!)
------------------- We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.
------------The Talmud
posted on June 25, 2003 12:14:46 PM new
I started selling on a whim Libra63 and I come and ask silly questions here because of it but I think half the fun is what you can learn...I've had quit a few awesome sells that I had no idea what they were worth to begin with.The very first piece of glass I shipped was a piece of depression glass and I shipped it for half price because the buyer gave me lessons on shipping glass lol Shipping 101....double box ,fill glasses with paper etc. etc. and I had a seller e-mail me this address to Vendio (then AW) because I asked a question on the e-bay board.Said I get help here alot faster(oh how true).Knock on wood ..I haven't had a nightmare buyer yet.I try and make sure I note the smallest mark,bump,scrap,crack etc etc because that really makes a difference.
Here's my Tips
1. The best stuff I found that sells is wierd...if it's weird they love it.
2. NEVER buy something you don't want to keep for yourself ...If it don't sell you have to keep looking at it !
3. When you have a question about something come here...There are super friendly people here with a lot of knowledge
4. Try not to over charge on shipping ...Quickest way to a neg.
5. Make sure you tell if you smoke or have pets...another fast way to get a neutral or a neg
6. Fluffy is right about sell what interests you because you'll have more fun with the description (jnash I have a e-bay room full of stuff I just want to look at for awhile before I sell it lol)
7. I also believe that a item is only worth what someone will pay you for it ...not what someone tells you it worth...
posted on June 25, 2003 12:28:40 PM new
I've dealt in mid-century modern furniture/artifacts, vintage electronics, original jazz recordings, limited edition OOP Japanese-issued CDs, sterling silver ornaments, vintage Lionel trains and many other catagories.
My auction listings tend to change
quite frequently -- I try to mix it up.
I do search out what I like/collect and
know the most about.
posted on June 25, 2003 12:32:23 PM new
I started out selling china, but have extended into collectbles & silver ware & services. Am just listing some old Chinese & Japanese Occupation bills, also some tobacco tins. I picked these up at an Estate sale this past weekend. Not a lot money in them, but I didn't pay a lot either. Just sold a dozen spice tins which were at least 59 yrs. old. Paid $5.00 for them & grossed over $50.00.
posted on June 25, 2003 01:09:47 PM new
Oh yeah Seth ...alot people have allergies or hypersensitivity to certain pet hairs like if you have a cat or dog in the house...I know my nosey cats try out every box they can fit their butts in lol ...and I can just hear them saying "as soon as she leaves the room lets lay on that shirt she's selling"
posted on June 25, 2003 01:53:19 PM new
"Look, for anyone wanting to get into the game, copying what other people sell is just plain dumb."
Not true, if you can sell what they sell in a different region of the country, or put a different twist on it.
Many (many many) years ago I ordered a mail order book that gave different businesses that people had started and made money at. One of those has stuck in my mind ever since, because about five years after I read the book, someone in my area started one of those companies. (It was a localized service, and there never was one in my area before.)
Today that company is making millions, and has no competition. I use their service myself!
Do what other people do, if it works and you can do it in a way that does not invite their competition.
For example, antiquarian books. Many sellers offer rare books. But if you find a niche that you enjoy, and work out sources, it is doubtful that there will be much competition for the particular books you carry. Each one is, after all, rare.
Or antique furniture, or old tools, or vintage motorcycle parts, etc.
posted on June 25, 2003 02:31:27 PM new
howardform,
I found a large box of Aurora slot car track and 3 cars from the early 70's at a flea market two sundays ago for $5. I am now $404 richer for finding that box!
posted on June 25, 2003 03:14:22 PM new"Look, for anyone wanting to get into the game, copying what other people sell is just plain dumb."
Not true, if you can sell what they sell in a different region of the country, or put a different twist on it.
Except that eBay has done away with regional distinctions. It is the great leveller. Recall my friend who bought his pool heater from a seller in the Midwest.
If you're talking about a traditional non-Internet business, then I agree with you.
As far as putting a different spin on a traditional category, yes, that is possible, but very unlikely (in my view) from someone who is new to the merchandise and to eBay.
--
California voters: Be a part of the first-ever successful gubernatorial recall! Defy media pundits! $21 million of our money is going down the tubes daily because of our incompetent corrupt governor. Visit http://www.recallgraydavis.com to download your recall petition.
[ edited by fluffythewondercat on Jun 25, 2003 03:15 PM ]
[ edited by fluffythewondercat on Jun 25, 2003 03:16 PM ]
posted on June 25, 2003 06:54:04 PM new
Here's a lead for you that I received from a wholesaler site I belong to:
"BUYER REQUEST:
Looking for anyone that sells soaps the shapes of Donkeys?
From: EBAY - Apparel Store"
I know I should seize this opportunity myself but I am in a mentoring mood..
