When it comes to eBay selling, information is king. What sells? When does it sell? How does it sell? We all want to know.
You can find the answers by doing a little research. You can participate in eBay classes, read blogs and follow the sales of people who make a living on eBay. Not sure where to start? Below are a few suggestions.
Benefit from online classes
First of all, participate in webinars—even if they're not free. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
I don't like spending money. No, scratch that. I hate spending money. But almost all the teleseminars and webinars I have purchased have paid for themselves. Some of them have cost as much as $30 to $50 but, using what I learned, I've made my money back in no time.
Several of the products I offer in my eBay Store are products I learned about by purchasing eBay classes. I sell hundreds of these products a year, so I made my money back a long time ago.
Some very successful eBay sellers like Lynn Dralle, the Queen of Auctions, offer teleseminars and webinars.
Read like your business depends on it
Next, you need to read, read, read! I am a fan of eBay-related newsletters, blogs and books. Sign up for any blog that is interesting and helpful. I prefer to get e-mail updates, as I check my e-mail often.
I use Terapeak to research completed listings of sellers who I know make a living on eBay
A few months ago, I found a new blog I like. It's called Goodwill Haunting. The author talks about the items she has sold on eBay. Another blog that everyone should read is eBay Selling Coach, written by one of my colleagues, Suzanne Wells. The eBay Selling Coach is full of great ideas! I've also started reading Apron Thrift Girl. The author provides a great deal of information about vintage items.
Even reading my own blog has given me some new selling ideas. I recently added a score board to my blog where people can post "scores," and advertise their eBay stores. I've already learned about several new products!
Reading books about eBay is also important. A few weeks ago, I pre-ordered the new Home Run Guide from Janelle Elms and friends. A long list of successful eBay sellers participated in creating this book. When it's finished, this book will contain more than 70 selling guides. Can't wait to get my copy!
Learn by example
Finally, follow the completed listings of other successful sellers. I subscribe to Terapeak for eBay research, so I follow completed listings by using the "Seller" tab. I try to focus on sellers who I know make a living on eBay.
I have also joined the Thrifting With The Boys Facebook group. Members of this group ask each other questions and post information about items they have sold.
Staying informed is an essential part of being a successful eBay seller. The more you know, the more you make… and that's the bottom line!
Miriam Otto is an eBay educator, based in Northern California. Miriam sells more than 500 items per month on eBay, and finds most of what she sells at yard sales and thrift shops. When not teaching eBay classes or running her business, she enjoys writing about her latest "scores" on The eBay Life blog. In addition to living "The eBay Life," Miriam works as an independent study teacher helping adults earn high school diplomas.
Opinions expressed here may not be shared by Auctiva Corp. and/or its principals.
Other Entries by this Author