Thursday, March 28, 2013

Can you believe we are already four months into 2013? How are things going so far for you? Hopefully sales are going well. Now would be a good time to start increase inventory or with the Spring season upon us (even if it does not look like it). Take advantage of spring cleaning to find new items for eBay or Amazon. If you are not sure where to start, let’s take a look at this month’s “Ramping Up” tips.
Sign up for coachingI have been sharing tips from my blogs for many years. There is a lot of information here to consider. If you are at a point where you do not know where to start or where to turn, consider asking for help. I have coached many sellers. Many were just starting out, some were looking for direction for their established business, some were very experienced. No matter where you are on your path to a successful business, I can help. If you would like to schedule a free coaching consultation, click .

Get ready for Mother’s DayMother’s Day is one of the busiest seasons of the year. Not only can you sell the items Moms want, also consider offering gift-wrapping as well. Make sure this is something you do well. Your customers will not be happy with less-than perfectly wrapped gifts. If your talents lie outside wrapping gifts, you may consider using gift boxes or bags for the gift just make sure your listings details your services. If you would like a few suggestions on what items may sell well, here is a list:

  • Handbags
  • Watches
  • Jewelry
  • Cell Phones and Accessories
  • Fragrances
  • Consider selling in a new categoryEven if it is sometime temporary, you could increase your earnings through a new niche product line. April is when people start thinking about their upcoming vacations. You could start selling things like shorts, short-sleeved shirts, or bathing suits as people build their summer wardrobes. Don’t forget things like beach towels, lunch bags (for the car rides), swim shoes, and flip flops. If you are crafty, you may even consider making uniquely decorated flip flops and selling them on Etsy.

    Related post:

    What Should I Sell on Amazon and Where Do I Find It?

    eBay Listing Types – Fixed Price or Auction?

    Private Personal Coaching

    Wednesday, March 27, 2013



    Time for another experiment! Some of the members of my Facebook Group Stay at Home Moms Selling on eBay, were brainstorming of ways to help each other promote our eBay, Amazon, and Etsy items. We came up with a Pinterest Marketing Exchange Group where we can pin each other's items.

    The group can be found here. Just request to join and an admin will give you access. You don't have to be an online seller, just willing to pin items for others. Here is a summary of how it works!

    The purpose of this group is to pin each others items on Pinterest to help market our products for sale - your items will get exposure to more people.

    This is a group marketing effort. Every day, there will be a thread of items the members want repinned. We just ask that you give more than you take. The daily limit of items to post for repinning by group members is 5.

    List up to 5 items on the daily group thread - these can be anything you want promoted, not limited to eBay, Amazon, Etsy, etc. You can submit blog posts, pages from your website, or whatever you want to promote. Repin twice the amount  that you submitted from the links on the list. You can pick and choose what items you want to repin - it does not have to be the person directly above you - just any items from the daily list.

    Participation will take less than 10 minutes a day and could result in more traffic, and hopefully more sales! Only time will tell.

    Related Articles:

    Amazon 90 Day Experiment

    How to Market eBay Listings

    Free Online Selling Podcasts

    Since the beginning of internet shopping, people have been looking for a quick shipping method. Although there are many sites that offer relatively quick shipping, Google is now rumored to be starting a same day delivery service. This service is not official yet, but those close to the company say that Google is working on it.

    Sources say that it will be offered at much a cheaper price than most of the competitors such as Amazon Prime. If this is true, it could open up even more advantages and ease to online shopping. It could also save lots of forgetful guys on their anniversaries! It may provide another marketing avenue for local online sellers. If Google does indeed start offering this service, it already has a large number of people to market to - their current audience.

    Although there has been no direct word from Google yet, Google is known for looking for more exciting and better ways to please their customers. Google is also said to be working with numerous large chains such as Walmart and Target for the service. It looks as if online shopping will be getting a whole lot quicker in the future if these rumors surface.

    What does this mean for the current online seller? It may be a way to market your merchant-filled inventory to local customers. It may be a way of sourcing products for that Amazon FBA box you want to fill. It may allow those who cannot easily source products locally a chance to find more items to sell from the comfort of their own home.

    At this point, the key factor needed is patience while we wait for the official announcement.

    Related:

    Amazon Considers Same-day Delivery

    eBay Offers (Almost) Instant Gratification to Buyers

    Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store - FREE

    Friday, March 22, 2013


    I am excited to announce my new podcasting channel on BlogTalkRadio! I'm structuring these podcasts as educational in nature, sharing what I know and what I have learned about ecommerce over the last 10 years. Podcasts will be 15-20 minutes in length and focus on teaching a specific aspect of the business. I have some interesting guests lined up so you will want to subscribe and check for new episodes daily. You can listen to podcasts from your computer while you work or from your phone on iTunes. (It will take a couple of weeks for the iTunes feed to start, and I will post a link to the iTunes feed on a future blog post.)

    Right now, I am using the audio upload feature, so the shows aren't live yet, therefore listeners aren't able to call in. But that will change in the future. At this point, the podcasts focus on some basics for newer sellers to use for reference in later episodes. So far, the following lessons have been posted:

    eBay International Shipping
    (New multi-media lesson: eBay International Shipping Tutorial)

    eBay Return Policy - Why Every Seller Needs One

    The Importance of Record Keeping

    I have some fun ideas for recurring shows, like "You sold WHAT on eBay?" Where sellers share good money makers that are hiding in plain sight. Making money on eBay isn't just finding and selling the obvious collectibles like Hummel figurines and baseball cards. The key to making money on eBay is learning to recognize items that have value in the eBay marketplace, but may look like junk to a less savvy seller.

    I would love to hear your ideas for shows and topics that you need help with or are interested in learning about. I've been coaching private clients of all levels since 2009 and have a lot of great material to share. We can all learn a lot by talking and listening to each other. Everyone's ecommerce journey is different - beginners to advanced seller, we all bring something valuable to the table to share and help each other prosper!

    Check out my new show, Online Selling with Suzanne Wells and be sure to subscribe either through Blog Talk Radio or iTunes.

    Related articles:


    Source for eBay Inventory - Your Local Library

     What to Buy at Thrift Stores to Sell on eBay (my book on Kindle)

    One-on-One Personal Coaching

    Sunday, March 17, 2013



    Last fall, my eBay and Amazon on-site mentoring workshops were a big hit! I was able to hold 6 workshops before the holiday rush began. After a busy January and February, workshops can now resume!

    I've paid attention to feedback from clients who attended the workshops last year, and want to offer what clients are requesting so that I can better help them achieve their goals. I have made some changes to make the workshops more convenient and the topics are more beneficial to the individual attendees. If you want to take your eBay or Amazon business to the next level, hiring an expert to personally show you the ropes and teach you the business based on their perspective and experience will save you time, money, frustration, and your business will succeed faster with fewer problems and setbacks. Hiring an expert to hold your hand and guide you through the minefields will put you on the fast track to success and you can jump into your business much further along the learning curve than if you had to learn the process on your own. I have been coaching clients in person and over the phone since 2009 and have coached over 350 clients worldwide.

    Changes to workshops include:

    Workshops are now private one-on-one training tailored to the unique needs of the individual participant. Each workshop is designed to accommodate either 1 client alone, or 2 clients working together as a team such as spouses, mother-daughter team, or business partners. Information presented will be customized to the individual clients' skill level, experience, business style, and goals.

    Workshops are scheduled at the client's convenience, evenings and weekends included. Scheduling is very flexible based on the client's availability.

    Amazon FBA sourcing workshop can be taught at the store of the client's preference such as Wal-Mart, Target, grocery store, TJ Maxx, Walgreen's, etc.

    All workshops are held in the Metro Atlanta area and length is 3 hours of intense individual instruction based on the client's unique needs and goals.

    Each workshops comes with bonuses including 1 week of email support following the workshop, eBooks, and 3 months free subscription to my membership site Online Selling Coach.

    For more information on both types of workshops, and to submit your request for this highly-specialized individual training, visit my website:

    eBay Sourcing Workshop

    Amazon FBA Sourcing Workshop

    If you have questions about the workshops, send me an email at eBaysellingcoach @ gmail or ebaycoach @ yahoo to discuss further.


    Wednesday, March 13, 2013


    Did you know that some library branches sell books all year long and not just for the regularly scheduled library sales? Many library systems have books for sale all the time as an ongoing fundraiser for the FOL (Friends of the Library). These can be ex-library books as well as donations made by patrons. Many of the books are like new and have never been on the library shelf as patrons like to support the FOL and make regular donations of gently used media items. The library system where I live sells used books for 25 cents and magazines for 10 cents. (The sign above is from one branch I visit.) I've noticed that donated books sold at the library are often in better condition than in thrift stores - maybe because there is less handling by fewer people? Libraries also might sell other media such as DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and VHS tapes. Here are a few books I've sold this month that were sourced for 25 cents at a library near me:


    Vegan Cooking for Carnivores sold for $16.99 on Amazon.


    The Primal Blueprint sold for $12.50.

    You can also find gently used magazines for sale. You may not be aware that current (within 12 mos) magazines sell for a nice price on eBay. Magazines don't have to be vintage to have resale value. What is important here is the celebrity on the cover. If a celebrity is popular or in the news, the magazine will be more valuable. Here are some recent eBay sales to demonstrate:



    Men's Health March 2013 - Adam Levine on Cover, sold for $9.95

    Ladies Home Journal March 2013 - Mariska Hargitay on Cover, sold for $9.99

    GQ February 2013- Beyonce on cover, sold for $19.99.

    Now you won't make any money if you buy these off newstands and try to resell. But you can make money if you get these mags cheap at libraries, garage sales, or thrift stores, or free from other sources. You can also ask others who have magazine subscriptions to save these for you instead of tossing them in the recycling bin. (I've already recruited my chiropractor and naturopath to save theirs!) The key to making money on anything you resell is what you pay for it. You make your money when you buy, not when you sell. And you can't beat free inventory if you are willing to seek it out! If you aren't sure to research how much something sells for on eBay, check out this video on how to look up values on both a computer and the eBay Mobile App. You can easily figure this out while browsing garage sales, thrift stores, or media for sale at the library.

    Also keep in mind that magazines cannot be shipped USPS Media Mail because they contain advertising. The most cost effective way to ship is in a USPS Flat Rate mailer. Also, make sure you are offering books and media internationally. Not sure how to ship an eBay item to worldwide customers? Check out my eBay International Shipping Tutorial.

    If you have not started selling media on Amazon, it is a fairly easy process. Media, especially books, are consistent sellers, easy to find, cheap, and easy to pack and ship. Check the resources below to get started today!

    Related Articles:

    Amazon 90 Day Experiment

    How to Sell a Book on Amazon



    Sunday, March 10, 2013

    Be careful when buying OtterBox Defender cases to resell on eBay. iPhone accessories have fallen the way of designer handbags, designer jeans, and designer sunglasses in that they are being cheaply reproduced and sold as "authentic." You want to be especially careful of buying fakes when shopping at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, or selling items on consignment for other people. If  you are caught by eBay selling a counterfeit item like this, you can be suspended. eBay's Vero program is watching so be very careful to authenticate easily faked items like designer handbags, jeans, sunglasses, perfumes, and Apple devices and accessories.

    Kate of the "That's So Fake!" blog has a great video on YouTube to help you determine if the OtterBox case is authentic:




    You can also see tips about spotting fake OtterBoxes on Kate's blog here. If you come across a fake Otterbox, take a few moments to report it to the Otterbox Fraud Investigation Team.

    Related articles:

    How Vero Protects Online Sellers

    Counterfeit Items are Not Allowed on eBay

    Thrift Store Items to Sell on eBay for Profit

    Saturday, March 9, 2013



    There have been several discussions on my Facebook Group about the trials and tribulations sellers are encountering because of the Amazon Add-On Program. I felt compelled to write about this issue on my Amazon Examiner Column, in the hopes that frustrated Prime Account members and FBA sellers would join in a campaign to make Amazon aware of our dissatisfaction, and hopefully modify or discontinue the Add-On Program.

    If you are an Amazon FBA Seller, or Amazon Prime Account subscriber who is unhappy with the Add-On Program, please visit this article:


    and join others in a letter-writing and social media campaign to express your frustrations and concerns. Perhaps if Jeff Bezos (CEO of Amazon) hears from enough dissatisfied buyers and sellers, something will be done to change this program.

    Related articles:


    Learn to Sell on Amazon

    Amazon Opens Wine Marketplace

    Peek Inside an Amazon Marketplace

    Friday, March 8, 2013

    That may be a silly question to you but it can happen, sort of. You are most likely selling on eBay to make money. That last thing you probably need is someone else having control over what you make, no matter how big or how small the impact.

    Something that may need your attention is setting the permissions your customers have when bidding or buying items from you. Without making this change, your buyers can change what they pay you during the payment process. This has the potential of really hurting your profit margins and your bottom line.

    To make the change so that the final costs cannot be changed by your buyer, you will need to do the following:

    1. Log into your eBay account
    2. Go to the “Account “ menu and choose “Site Preferences”
    3. Under the “Payment from buyers” section, look for “Allow buyers to edit payment totals
    4. Click the “edit” link for the section
    5. On the “Payment Preferences” page, look for the “Buyer Edit Option”
    6. Make sure the box is NOT checked if you do not want buyers to edit that information

    Take the time to confirm your settings. You may be wondering why anyone would want their buyers to be able to edit the pricing. Visit this eBay Help Guide for a few examples of why some sellers use this option.

    Related:

    Earn Extra Money from Home in Addition to eBay Selling

    eBay Sales Down? Other Legitimate Ways I Make Money on the Internet

    Stay at Home Moms – More Ways to Make Money from Home

    Wednesday, March 6, 2013

    You know I love getting success stories from my readers. There are quite a few sharp online sellers out there, including Jo Henniger. Jo, whose eBay store is Bytown Boutique, recently sent me this message:

    Dear Suzanne,

    I enjoyed reading about Denise and the sale of her Smith Corona Typewriter. I agree, vintage items can be very profitable. I always like to keep my eye out for fun vintage pieces. Something that I've had luck with over the past couple of years is vintage alarm clocks. Flip clocks are a sure sale, but just about any kind will do well.

    Thanks for a great blog!

    And thank you for sharing your story, Jo! Here is a screenshot of a recent sale of a Vintage Sony Dream Machine:

    This is just more evidence of how well vintage items sell on eBay. Think of the items you may have in your home right now that someone would love to buy. The thrifts stores are a great place to look for items to sell to make money.

    Do you have a great sale or an interesting eBay item to share? Send your find to eBaycoach@yahoo.com so that we can share your story!

    Related:

    eBay Seller Success Story – Nymphenberg Retired Mouse

    eBay Seller Success Story – Enesco Kewpie Doll on a Sled

    eReport of Items You Can Find in Thrift Stores to Sell on eBay

    Tuesday, March 5, 2013

    One question I often hear from eBay sellers is: “Should I open an eBay store?” Terapeak is sponsoring a free webinar to help eBay sellers make that decision.

    eBay seller, Kat Simpson, will make a 45-minute presentation this week where she will discuss:

  • How an eBay store can improve your brand awareness, and increase sales
  • The top five most important benefits to having an eBay store
  • How to use Terapeak to optimize your store listings
  • The webinar will talk creating an eBay store and is geared toward both the new eBayer and the seasoned one.

    The presentation will be held Wednesday, March 6 at 2:00pm ET/11:00 am PT. If you would like more information or wish to register, visit this page.

    Related:

    eBay Seller FAQ: Should I Open an eBay Store?

    Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store - FREE

    Yes, Virginia, I Really Sell on eBay !

    eBay Selling Coach BlogThe owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.