ALT-1 Can you really get Rich on Ebay
So, you've cased your garage, your jewelry drawer, then your entire house. You've decided no one would want the juicer that sits in the corner, but its ridiculous what people are paying for obsolete computers. That bike you bought to help take the pounds off needs to go. The 13 inch tube television you have in your kitchen is going to be obsolete in a couple of months...why not get rid of it now?This article is for those of us who have moved into the existential, where possessions are only dollars and cents. This article is for those of us who did it, or are thinking of doing it. We've clicked the "Sell" button, or are about to. The dollar signs in our eyes, and yet, you wonder, why isn't everyone doing this?We've heard a great deal about the success eBay has had in remaking the marketplace. We've heard a great deal from the very successful eBay sellers who "make $1,000 a day before tee time!"Here are three exclusive tips from a man who worked professionally in the online auction business.Tip 1: Keep it small! If your goal is to clean out the garage, this may not be the tip for you, but if you want to maximize profits and earning potential, you want to keep items small and shippable. The cost of shipping large items is ever on the increase, and buyers know it. Try to keep things shippable in a flat rate box. This minimizes your costs and can drastically increase the number of bidders.Tip 2: Catalog Accordingly! Buyers like more detail, not less. Especially if an item is used, describe in the most complete detail possible the physical appearance and functionality of an item. If the item is antiquated or complicated, maximize profits by providing How-To instructions and/or historical information. The time you spend writing a better ad will save you money in pictures and create a more professional presentation for your item.Tip 3: Beware fine print and Add-Ons! This rule is most helpful with e-Bay and other sites that offer optional additions. I advise you to use these additions sparingly. Some items only need one picture (especially if they're new) while some additions (e.g. highlighted ad-lines) can make a seller seem unprofessional, shady, and desperate. Remember Google's success came from keeping it simple.
These tips will help you become a successful eBay marketer as I have, however perhaps the most important thing to remember is not to fall into the "get rich quick" trap. To make things simple, think of it this way: "eBay will not make you rich. eBay can only help you sell things for a return." This is the Golden Rule, try not to endow a website with magical powers.
As with all things, learn as much as possible. This article may be expanded into an e-Book soon, if the responses are good. If it doesn't work in the common market, maybe I'll sell it on eBay.Good luck and Happy Bidding!
