Hey Y'all!
Long time no blog!
I hope everyone is having a blessed week!
I realized I've posted next to nothing about how I earn cash on ebay since I started the blog, and today I thought I'd let you guys in on what I've been doing lately to earn extra cash.
As I believe I've mentioned before, for about a year now I've been thrifting designer clothing to sell on ebay,
but lately I've ventured into selling new products from my stockpile as well.
I'm no expert on selling new items yet (I've only made three sales of new stuff so far), but I've tried to apply some of the same techniques that I use to sell my thrifted fashions.
I sell primarily using my free ebay listings.
Each ebay account is allowed 50 free listings each month (no up front fees)
and ebay takes 9% of the final sale price and shipping.
However, if you exceed the 50 free item limit, you can always make a second account to sell on.
I currently have two accounts on which I both buy and sell items.
Ebay also has "free listing days" for a few days out of most months when you get unlimited free listings.
If you're not sure which items to sell, it's a good idea to choose a few of the higher dollar items in your stockpile.
Next it's time to do your research!
The easiest way to price your items is by seeing what they have sold for in the past.
You can do this by searching for the items that you want to sell, then selecting "advanced" next to the search box.
Check the box next to "completed listings" and click "search" again, and you will get a list of the most recently completed listings of your item, whether they sold, and if so how much they were sold for.
I try to aim my prices towards the higher end of the recent products sales.
Sometimes the items go unsold and I relist them, but I've been pleasantly surprised so far at the sales prices for my items.
You also have to decide whether to include shipping in the price of your listing or not.
You can choose either to list your item at a higher price but include "free shipping" (raise the price to cover the cost of shipping) or list your item for the price you actually want to pocket for the item and list shipping as a separate cost.
I've toyed around with both techniques, but haven't really come to favor either option.
You will also have to decide which method of shipping you wish to use.
My preferred method of shipment is USPS Flat Rate Priority mail.
The program is pretty well known by its' motto "If it fits, it ships"
Literally, whatever you can fit in the box/envelope of your choice will ship anywhere in the U.S. within 3 days for a pretty low price.
For clothing I most often use the Flat Rate padded envelopes to ship because they are cheap ($5.10 if you print your label from ebay) and fit pretty large items.
If you're shipping something that isn't fragile, won't leak, and does not have breakable or easily damaged packaging, the envelopes may work for you as well, but most drug store items or new products will probably need to be shipped in a box.
All shipping rates are listed on USPS website, and of course you can feel free to shop around to find what works best for you, but I feel like flat rate has saved me tons of money so far.
A few more tips:
-You know all those plastic bags you get from drugstores? Keep a stash of them on hand to cushion products when packing them up to ship out. It's a good way to recycle and saves you cash by cutting costs on packaging like bubble wrap.
-Put a note of thanks in each package before sending it out and include your ebay user name. Whether handwritten or typed out and printed, it lets your customer know that you appreciate their business and reminds them where to buy more awesome products in the future!
-If you have lots of items to choose from, favor smaller items over large when deciding what to list first. This will help cut shipping costs.
-If you reserve a day or so for handling time, say so in your listing. I reserve two business days for handling because of my busy schedule, and it may be wise for you to do the same, but if you don't say so on your listing your customer may not be too happy when their item arrives a little later than expected.
-Include product info for the item that you are selling. You can type out info from the packaging or copy and paste info found online.
-Sell in 'lots' of multiple items. People generally shop on ebay to save cash and if the shipping cost cancels out savings the appeal is pretty much lost, but if you offer free shipping on cheap, single items you end up canceling your own profits out. This issue can be solved by selling several items together and shipping them in a single package.
-Let buyers know where you are getting your product. You don't have to tell them exactly where you bought it (i.e. Rite Aid), but including some sort of statement in your item description as to the legitimacy or freshness of your items can go a long way towards reassuring buyers who may be wary of counterfeit products (I think mine just says "All items are obtained from legitimate retailers").
I hope this post is helpful to anyone who is looking to start selling on ebay!
I will include updates and tips as I learn more about selling.
I will include updates and tips as I learn more about selling.
Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Twotip: Donate what you can't sell! Sometimes in spite of using my best judgement, I buy things that for whatever reason don't sell on ebay. If it doesn't sell after a few tries, go on and give it to someone who will use it. It will feel better to see it being used rather than collecting dust in your stockpile!
