Archive for October, 2008

Steps When Posting First eBay Auction

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

If it’s your first time to post auction on eBay, your problem is how to get started. Follow this five steps and see better results:

Step 1: Open an eBay seller’s account. It’s easy to open a seller’s account on eBay. Transactions on eBay is sctrictly open to registered users only. If you’ve bought things on eBay, then you already have an account. Simply log in with it and click ‘Sell’ in the toolbar at the top of the page, then click ‘Create a seller’s account’. However, if you’ve not registered yet, then you’ll need to open an accountfirst using the ‘register’ link underneath the toolbar, and then click ‘Sell’ and ‘Create a seller’s account’. The eBay site will then guide you through the process. For security reasons, the whole registration process may involve giving your credit card details and bank information.

Step 2: Decide what to sell. What do you want to sell?  Take a look at inside your room for whatever you can sell. There is always something in there that has no sentimental value to you and that you could put in the post. For example, small books and CDs are ideal first items that you can post.

Step 3: Submit your item. Click ‘Sell’, and you’re on your way to listing your item. Choose a category – it’s best to just type in what the item is and let eBay choose for you. Next, write a title and description. Include key words you think people will search for in the title box, and all the information you have about the item in the description box.

Then set a starting price. $0.01 is the best starting price, as it draws people in to bid who otherwise wouldn’t, and items will almost never finish at such a low price. Give a duration for the auction, say 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. If you have  a picture of the items for selling, add it now – items with pictures always sell better. Finally, tick the payment methods you will accept. PayPal is best for , and where you will post to. It’s advisable to limit yourself to your own country to begin with. Submit and you’re done!

Step 4: Wait for it to sell.  Buyers will find the items you are selling and they will leave their bids. All you have to do is sit back and let eBay do the rest. Some bidders might email you with questions about the item, and you should do your best to answer these questions as quickly as you can. If  your item doesn’t sell then you can list it for free.

Step 5: Collect payment and post it. Buyers will be emailed by eBay to guide them through the process of sending you payment for the item. Make sure you have the money because once a buyer has sealed the bid,  you’ll get the payment. Then you will have to send the item to the buyer. Pack the item for posting and make sure to use some bubble wrap, take the buyer’s address from the confirmation email eBay sent you, and write it on the parcel. Put some stamps on, post it, and off the parcel go!

The Secret of to a Successful eBay Business

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Selling on eBay can be a good way to start a new business. It is also a good option to expand an existing business by selling online. Everyone from the small dealers to giant companies use ebay to have a profitable business.

Running a business on eBay is just the same as running an ordinary retail store. You also have to deal with product selection, product pricing, inventory management, purchasing, shipments, advertising and customer service.

Another thing to consider is the legal and accounting aspects of the business. Selling online does not mean that Uncle Sam won’t expect his piece of the pie. Revenue generated by an ebay business is just as reportable and taxable as the ordinary retawil business. If you sell within your state you may also be responsible for city or state sales tax.

You may be the only store in town selling a one of a kind product that is custom-made just for you, do a quick search on eBay and you will find out a hundred others just like your product.There are lots to sell on eBay. You can even sell quality junks on eBay. A one man’s junk may be another man’s treasure. Selling your junk can also be a profitable business.

Some people sell craft through eBay, while enjoying your hobbies, you also earn profit out of it. 

Are you still wondering if selling on eBay is still a profitable business? Certainly yes! Thousands of people have done it so can you. A large number of people visit the ebay site daily to find what they what and buy it. They are your potential customers.

Finding Your Way Around the Jungle Called eBay.com

Friday, October 24th, 2008

There are so many web pages in the internet offering ebay tips or help.  They are all good but you might get lost in the jungle call ebay.com because of their huge number. There are so many tips that an ebay beginner cannot put into practice, It is important for an ebay beginner to know the best possible  information on how to be successful in doing business on ebay. Here are some important factors an ebay beginner should know.

  1. Get a good “How-to” instruction. There are millions of tips you can find in the internet but the “no-frills” versions for me is the best. 
  2.  Learn some HTLM. Try to be familiar with HTML basics. Learn how to modify texts and links, how to add colour or how to add pictures on your site. Your auction listings should look impressive.
  3.  Study some books on sales language. Learn from your own experience on how to bid or purchase on ebay. Study your buying or bidding strategy.
  4.  Learn to make high quality picture. Without a picture on ebay gallery, your ebay business will not grow. Do not upload item pictures that are too big because it took more than a couple of seconds to download the picture. Customers can’t wait that long.
  5. Don’t be afraid to get started. If you are not confident in selling, start in buying. Get familiar with the ebay rules and policy and online payment system. Get yourself a paypal or stormpay account to pay for items and receive money each time you sold your items.