Auction Information

Start Your Own Business: Sell Things on eBay


The popularity of online auction site eBay has been legendary. With millions of transactions completed daily, it is no surprise why many individuals who do not usually shop online regularly purchase items through eBay. From antique washboards to brand new wedding gowns, everything under the sun can be found within the many categories in one of the web's most popular websites. Many entrepreneurs have used the website's popularity to their advantage and sell things on ebay. With little start-up costs, using eBay as your marketplace instead of a traditional storefront, selling items on eBay is an excellent means for any entrepreneur to develop a successful business.

There are many e-books and websites devoted on how to start an ebay business, so resources abound on the World Wide Web. You may want to seek out individuals who have started a successful eBay business for their stories and helpful tips. You can find these individuals by directly contacting them through their eBay sites or through business-related websites. Additionally, you should check out the websites of other eBay sellers, especially those selling things similar to your goods. Finally, access the eBay website and find the specifics on how to go about setting up your eBay business. You will find some auctions will be more successful than others. Many sellers choose to set their auctions to end on a weekend instead of a week day. These sellers have determined their auctions tend to elicit more bids during that time since more potential buyers are online.

Regardless what you choose to sell on eBay, keep in mind the size and shape. You will be shipping all auction items to their buyers, who will cover the cost of shipping in their payment. For this reason, many buyers may be hesitant to bid on items that will be expensive to ship. Additionally, you will want to choose items that will easily fit into a standard-size box, since oversized items (even though they may be lightweight) will be expensive to ship. You will want to be knowledgeable of the shipping policies of the United States Postal Service in addition to other shipping companies. Furthermore, if you plan of shipping a large volume of items, you should consider where you are going to get your shipping supplies. Many sellers add in a slight handling fee to cover the cost of these supplies.

Just as with starting any business, carefully consider what type of eBay business you wish to start. Deciding what items to sell will be a huge part of the start-up of your eBay business, as you must figure out where you are going to get your stock. Many sellers choose to sell their handmade or craft items instead of purchased goods. Other individuals choose to sell antiques on eBay instead of renting space in an antique mall or setting up a traditional storefront shop. If you currently participate in an "at-home" business such as Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, or Creative Memories, eBay is an excellent way to expand your clientele. Many buyers are looking for these items but do not know a representative or do not wish to wait the traditional order time to receive their products.

Whatever you choose to sell on eBay, the appearance and wording of your auction will make all the different when it comes to selling your products. Perhaps the most important feature of your auction website will be the photographs of the products. Investing in a digital camera will pay off quite well in the end, as most eBay users do not look at auctions unless they have images of the product attached. Your description should compliment your image and describe the product to the utmost detail. If there are any flaws in the item, be sure to note this and even take a picture. You will find sellers would rather bid on items they know is slightly damaged instead of thinking they have been duped when they receive your auction in less than mint condition. The buyer feedback that makes up your seller rating will be quite important, since you are selling items based on your good faith.

John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.com, and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of online and print media. If you want to learn to sell things on eBay this book is an absolute must-read!


MORE RESOURCES:

Richmond condos latest project going to auction
Bizjournals.com, NC - 2 hours ago
The Emerald Fund and new minority partner Kennedy Wilson are preparing to auction off 40 condos at the struggling Shores at Marina Bay in Richmond, ...


Earthtimes (press release)

New York Sues UBS for Securities Fraud
New York Times, United States - 5 hours ago
Auction-rate securities are preferred shares or debt instruments with rates that reset regularly, usually every week, in auctions overseen by the brokerage ...
UBS Denies Auction-Rate Fraud, Says It Was `Honest and Ethical' Bloomberg
New York joins auction-rate fraud case The Australian
Another Day, Another Probe Forbes
Globe and Mail - Schenectady Gazette
all 435 news articles


Digitaltrends.com

Software Group Weighs Piracy Lawsuit Against EBay
PC World - 4 hours ago
EBay has put volume restrictions on software sellers, and it has eliminated most short-term software auctions, Nichola Sharpe, an eBay spokeswoman, ...
eBay facing lawsuit for pirated software sales TECH.BLORGE.com
4 years for Ore. man for eBay counterfeit software BusinessWeek
Software makers threaten to sue eBay over counterfeits CNET News
Bizjournals.com - Ars Technica
all 50 news articles


BBC News

Producer, Alvin Hall's World of Money
BBC News, UK - 7 hours ago
In America, buying wine through auctions is becoming increasingly popular. It used to run its auctions in conjunction with the more well-known Christies, ...
My first million: Alvin Hall Financial Times
Alvin Hall's World of Money: Wine BBC News
all 4 news articles


Government auctions off tricked-out Hummer H2
BCLocalNews, Canada - 3 hours ago
5 on the BC Auction website at www.bcauction.ca Since the end of March, the province has seen nearly $1 million in forfeited goods. ...


openPR (press release)

Course Set for Annual Maritime Auction at Kaminski’s
openPR (press release), Germany - 4 hours ago
(openPR) - Kaminski Auctions, one of Massachusetts’ premier antiques and fine art auction houses, announces their August Maritime Auction. ...


Sydney Morning Herald

Auction action all at sea
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 5 hours ago
Art auctions on cruise ships have become big business. But buyers, particularly newcomers to the art world, need to take care to ensure they get what they ...


Hey, bidder! Going once. Going twice. Sold!
Chicago Tribune, United States - 14 hours ago
Subject to court approval, 41 homes sold during the auction. Industry insiders like NRC and other firms that see an increased appetite for auctions, ...


Best of the rest: Art auctions
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jul 24, 2008
The auction house is holding multiple auctions Friday through Sunday featuring fine furniture, jewelry (including a gold, ruby, sapphire and diamond ...


Auctions International Inc. Announces Virtual Dealership Affiliates
FOXBusiness - Jul 23, 2008
Douglas G. Mann, President and CEO of Auctions International, said, "These Virtual Dealerships will provide added exposure and bids for our current licensed ...

Auctions - Google News

home | site map
© 2006