Considering an eBay Store?

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 !

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Ramping Up 2013 - March

This month we are going to concentrate on business-related tasks to increase your business. The things we will work on are inventory, business records, and marketing. These are tasks that will not have immediate results but are important to your business:

1. Start spring cleaning to find inventory A great way to easily increase your inventory is to find it in your own home. If you have read my Stay-at-Home Mom Guide or if you follow this blog, then you know that is how I started my eBay business. Clean out your closets, get rid of those clothes your kids have outgrown or the toys they no longer want or use. You may have done this before but it never hurts to do it again. You may have bought more things you no longer need or find things you bought to sell that has not made it to your online inventory yet. If you are fortunate enough to run out of items from your home to sell, consider becoming an eBay Trading assistant. Other people may want to sell the items they clean out of their homes but do not know how to sell them online or they may not have the time (or want to take the time) to list, sell and ship the items. You could list the items on consignment for them.

2. Get into the routine of tracking your inventory and updating your records Recordkeeping is essential for your business. Knowing if an item is profitable or not is key to being an efficient and successful seller. You can only manage this if you are keeping records of your sales and your inventory. If you are savvy-enough to be able to create spreadsheet or logs to do that, now is the time to do so (if you have not already set that up.) I use the Basic eSales Bookkeeping Spreadsheet. It allows me to track my eBay and Amazon inventory and shows my profit margins. This helps me decide if an item is a good seller or not or if I should stop selling it. If you are selling on Etsy, there is a website that can help you manage not only your inventory and sales but also your contacts. That web-based service is Stitch Labs. For $45 per month, the service will track your inventory and contacts for the following outlets:

Etsy

Amazon

Shopify

Big Commerce

Sail

Storenvy

3. Update your social media profiles Take a look at your social media profiles. If you have not updated or completed your profile information, now is a good time to do so. Social media is based on cultivating relationships. Share some personal information about you. Tell why you started the business. Tell what you love about your business. Talk about your hobbies. These are things that will allow your customers to connect with you. It may even be the first step to finding repeat customers.

As the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race. Having key business practices in place will help your create a solid foundation on which your business will be built.
Related links:
Stay at Home Mom's Guide to Successful eBay Selling
 
Book Keeping Service for eBay Sellers
 
How to Use Pinterest to Market Your Business

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SBA Revamps Website to Help Entreprenuers

Recently the Small Business Administration or SBA has upgraded the way they do business online, with the introduction of their user friendly browsing tools specifically designed for emerging business owners. These tools will allow them to add to their customer base while expanding on their recruitment of new employees. The SBA Learning Center has simplified it's search catalog, so that anyone can use it therefore spending less time going through loads of pages to find specific instructive videos or classes that they are searching for. The SBA has become 'a one stop shop' for emerging business owners to do everything from creating their business plan to quickly finding out the exact information they need to market their business.

Business owners can enjoy SBA's affiliate partner resources which include access to e learning material for their businesses from other third party colleges and organizations. The great thing about these SBA affiliated programs is that business owners will have access to both the tools as well as friendly counselors who are their to assist with any questions that may arise. It's a win win situation for all! Being that the internet is so cost effective for start up business marketing and attracting a loyal following globally, both the SBA and their affiliate partners are committed to training business owners on the most current social media applications that are being used for business.

The site now offers:

Online Classes

Tips for Disaster Planning and Recovery

Step-by-step Help For Creating a Business Plan

Marketing Planning Tips

Connection to Local Counselors

Event Calendar for Local Events

If you have questions about structuring your business or what licenses and permits you need, this is a good place to start.

Visit SBA.gov, for help.

Related posts:

Start a Business Journal

Free Marketing: 101 Low and No Cost Ways to Grow Your Business Online

Taking Your Business Into 2012

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Online Seller Success Story – From Unemployed to Living the Dream

Thanks to Sue Roberts for sending in her success story. She is a shining example of what can be done with this business with hard work, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible!

“In the spring of 2011, budget cuts at the local school brought my part time job to an end. It was a very scary time for us financially. We needed the income and working outside the school was not an option I was interested in exploring. I had been hobby selling on eBay for about 9 years, so I was familiar with the idea and basics of online sales. I had no idea how FBA worked until I found Suzanne’s Facebook group in the spring of 2011 – coincidentally, the same time I realized my school job was not secure. My husband always tells me things happen for a reason.

I used to be a coupon queen and had amassed quite a stockpile of free brand name items I got by using drug store rewards programs and coupons. I read every post on the SAHM page, started asking questions, and after much research, I decided to send in a box of my free-with-coupon items to Amazon’s FBA program. It was scary committing to that shipping charge when I knew I didn’t have a job to rely on to cover the costs if it didn’t work out, but I figured that I needed to at least try.

Well, those items sold! When I received my last paycheck from the school ($400), we decided that I would invest that money into inventory. I kept careful records and tracked everything. The idea of spending money on inventory was frightening when I knew that I could be paying bills with it. But through my research and all the help from the Facebook group, I knew that I would have success and be able to replace my old income.

My first goals were modest: replace my old income. Then I wanted to double it. In winter 2011, I was offered the opportunity to sub at the school with the possibility of a contract position. I was actually pleased when it didn’t work out. I had felt conflicted, knowing I should try for a “real” job, but I knew I could make money with Amazon FBA. This was the point at which I decided I would stop sending out resumes and really make Amazon work for me.

I’m happy to say I just had my best month to date (July 2012) with a $3115 profit. That’s almost 4 times my old monthly income. And I’m even more excited than ever because I feel like I’ve just begun to realize the possibilities with Amazon FBA. Now it is time to set some new goals and I know that in no time at all I’ll be reaching them.

Here is a screenshot of my gross sales from my first month to my most recent. (Click to view it full-sized.) To some, these numbers are modest. To me, they represent a major accomplishment and a springboard of even more to come.



I want to give Suzanne a heartfelt THANK YOU, because truly, without her, I would not be where I am today.”

Congratulations, Sue! I am so happy for you and you are an example of what others can do.

Do you have an eBay or Amazon success story to share? If so, send it to me at eBaycoach@yahoo.com for consideration. Keep up the great work; you could be the next success story out there!


Related posts:


Amazon FBA Scouting Tips - Things I've Learned Along the Way


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





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eBay Seller Success Story - Caroling Bells Set

Recently, I received this eBay seller success story from Mandi Kennett:

I am a member of Treasure Hunters Cove and love that forum!

I held out for a long time to find the right seller for this item, but it paid off!

Dept 56 "Caroling Bells" figurine set, bisque porcelain, found for $5 at a garage sale summer of 2010 & listed since Sept/10. I have had many less than spectacular best offers but held out for the "right" buyer who arrived today during my 15% off pre-Christmas Sale!

I sold Caroling Bells for $84.96!

Below is a screenshot of the closed listing on eBay:




You can visit Mandi's eBay store, Mandicrafts Bears and Collectibles, here.

Do you have a great sale or an interesting eBay item to share? Send your find to eBaycoach@yahoo.com for consideration.


Related Posts:

What Opportunities are Available to You?

How to Work Smart Not Hard

It Takes Money to Make Money

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eBay Seller Success Story – Nymphenberg Retired Mouse

Carolyn Pritchett sent in her eBay success story:


This is the story of a little mouse. This little mouse was sitting on a table at a yard sale with all kinds of knick knacks! When I pulled up to the yard sale, I start looking immediately to see what direction I am going in when I get out of my truck. This particular table drew me, as I was walking towards it -I saw the most amazing little mouse. I walked straight to him and picked him up without even looking around me. I placed him in my pocket, because I had not looked around yet. I ended up buying over $100.00 in items-Toy Story Dolls in original boxes etc..... Anyway, I am very, very honest and as he was adding up my total, I said "Oh, I have this little Mouse". The man said oh I'll throw that in, I said no, let me pay for it. He said "Is .50 okay" I said no problem.


To shorten this story of the little mouse, I bought him home and washed him, holding my breath while I did it, hoping that there wasn't any damage. Whew-No Damage. Because I knew what I had, I listed him in what was my store for $450.00. I knew it was one of those items that I needed just the right buyer for. I did not mind waiting. I was offered $375.00 and the "Little Mouse" went to England, were he is living happily ever after. This manufacturer is rare to find here in the United States, this mouse is retired - the current mouse listed by the manufacturer is $1,200.00.

Look for more posts from Carolyn as she will be a regular contributor to the eBay Coach blog. Carolyn has a family history in the antiques business and has some great yard sale and thrift store flips to share. You can visit Carolyn’s Country Kitchen eBay store here, and her membership website, Treasure Hunter’s Cove here.

Do you have an great sale or an interesting eBay item to share? Send your find to eBaycoach@yahoo.com for consideration.

Related posts:

Tom’s eBay Success Story

eBay Success Story – Dolce and Gabbana Jacket

eBay Success Story – Ferragamo Shoes

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eBay Seller Success Story - Spyder Ski Jacket

Julie sent in this success story:

Spyder ski jacket:

Julie's cost at a resale shop: $8
eBay selling price: $58.00
Profit before fees: $50

Great sale! Check out my FREE huge list of thrift store items to sell on eBay with lots of items just like this.

Do you enjoy this blog and find it helpful? Spread the word and help other sellers by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, or other sites. Just use the SHARE bookmarklet below.

Happy Selling!

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Importance of Correct eBay Titles

Deborah sent in this tip,

"I was doing a search for my favorite perfume. I found this one ending soonest. There was no bids with 1 day left. I left a high bid with my sniping program.
The title had several errors and did not come up in a search for this brand. I
was thrilled to get it at half of eBay's going price and a third of retail. A very good example of the importance of correct titles." Here is the listing:


Fatal errors:

1) Brand name not spelled out. The brand name is Thierry Mugler.

2) 3.4ozANGEL is squeezed together without spaces. You always want to put spaces between the words so the search engine can see them.

3) Shipping fee is high. Could easily be put into a flat rate mailer (wrapped in bubble wrap) and shipped for $4.95.

4) According to Hammertap, this product has a 67% sell through rate and sells for as much as $95 on eBay. Click here to see completed listings. Had this seller done a few small things differently and more thoroughly, she could have doubled her sale price. These situations are unfortunate for the seller, but good for sharp-eyed buyers.!

Thanks for sending that in, Deborah. This week I will be posting more seller success stories and eBay flips, so send yours in! After the new year, it will be eBay business as usual.

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eBay Seller Success Story - Food Saver Canisters

Amy sent in this success story:

"I was at a second hand store and picked up 3 new food saver canisters and jar sealer with hose for $3. I sold it with 3 food saver canisters that I just never use that I got in my food saver kit along with 2 square food saver containers that I had purchased for around $12. Auction ended at $73." Here is Amy's listing:

18 Piece Food Saver Canisters, Containers, Jar Sealer

Amy's cost = $12+$3 = 15
eBay selling price = $73
Profit before fees= $58

Excellent! If you have a seller success story or eBay flip you would like to share, send it in to me at ebaycoach@yahoo.com.

Check out my FREE huge list of thrift store items to sell on eBay with lots of items just like this.

Do you enjoy this blog and find it helpful? Spread the word and help other sellers by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, or other sites. Just use the SHARE bookmarklet below.

Happy Selling!


Want to know about more thrift store finds to sell on eBay? Check out Thrift Store Goldmine, which contains 61 pages of items just like this. You may already have some of these huge money makers in your house, and not even know they are valuable!

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