Making a Full Time Living On eBay Is Not That Difficult
The people who had the vision to realize the power and breadth of the eBay and the Internet are either millionaires or billionaires today. It’s doubtful that describes either of us, but that should not hamper you in your quest for eBay success and your work-at-home dreams.
There is a difference between those who use eBay as a hobby, selling a few items from the garage, and those who have learned to exploit eBay into a full time Business.
Here are a few suggestions we’ve compiled to help catapult your part-time hobby into a full-time eBay business.
EBAY TIP: Know your buyers.
1. PayPal has grown to be one of the largest companies in the world concerning online transactions, and most of us know it is a subsidiary of eBay. Simply because it is a giant, does not mean it is immune to scams, and we should take efforts to protect ourselves in any business transaction. While PayPal performs its own due diligence to ensure that each person who uses their system, is who they say they are, the smart eBay seller (YOU) should do the same.
SELLING TIP: Watch the competition even if they are doing it wrong you can always learn something.
2. Do not be misleading concerning anything in your auction, in particular your refund policy. While no seller enjoys a refund, it does happen. The smart seller will have written their refund policy clearly, and distinctly, so there are no misunderstandings from either side.
3. When you take the time to write an informative description, it will help the potential buyer know exactly what they’re getting. If your item is brand-new, certainly this is something to speak of in the auction, if your item has the defects, rather than try to hide them, let the potential buyer know the exact condition of your item, ensuring they know what they are buying or bidding on.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Never put all your eggs in one basket. In this case, that means do not quit your day job, until you know without any reservations that eBay is profitable for you.
4. We all know pictures are worth 1000 words, and they can certainly enhance your eBay auction. eBay allows the first photograph free, then charges a nominal fee for additional photos. While you do not need excessive photographs, have enough to clearly show the features of what you are selling.
SELLING TIP: Test, then test again. Refine your selling process over time.
5. In every transaction, realize that the customer is your friend, possibly not literally, but certainly figuratively. Without a customer, you will never succeed in business. Be certain to treat each customer honestly, with respect, and ensure good communication during the entire process.
EBAY TIP: Selling on eBay is a learning experience, if your first auction is not a success, learn from it, then do better the next time.
6. When you have an auction running, be sure to take the time to check for any questions the auction may generate. If a potential buyer asks a question, answer it honestly and to the best of your knowledge. Realize that others may have similar questions, and rather than detract from your auction, this will actually help close the deal.
7. Most of us must live and do business with a budget in mind. While it’s easy to believe certain auction enhancements (bolding, shading, featured), will aid in the final sales price, experiment slowly since each cost an extra fee.
8. Most of us learn best when we fail and most will fail at some point. Use these as continued education to refine your process, not as an excuse to quit.
eBay used properly can allow you to live the life of your dreams. However turning dreams into reality, will take some effort on your part, it’s worth it.
Filed under: Auctions