| art of an ebay Roundtable discussion recently with | | | | After you've gone through your own in-house |
| six other experts and we all agreed that the number | | | | inventory, contact your friends and relatives and tell |
| one question most new (and even old) eBay sellers | | | | them you have started an eBay business and will sell |
| ask is: | | | | their items for a piece of the sales price. Chances are |
| "Where do I find things to sell on ebay??" | | | | they have as much excess stuff lying around their |
| To help answer that question I have compiled 10 | | | | house as you did. Offer to list the items for them |
| ways that anyone can use to find products to sell on | | | | and if they sell, take half the profits. You will probably |
| eBay. This is by no means a definitive list and | | | | have to pay the eBay fees out of your pocket up |
| depending on your situation, some of the ways may | | | | front, but you can then deduct the eBay fees from |
| not apply to you. However, if you're a beginner and | | | | the sales price before slicing up the pie. |
| don't know where to start, this list should help you | | | | 4. Consignment Sales: |
| get on track. | | | | Consignment sales are a great way to find a wide |
| 1. Look Around The House: | | | | range of products to sell on eBay. Consignment selling |
| We all have items lying around the house that we no | | | | means that you offer to sell an item that belongs to |
| longer use or need. Have you grown or shrunk in | | | | a company. In exchange for your trouble you get a |
| size? If so, you have clothes you can no longer wear | | | | percentage of the sales price. You can charge up to |
| and can sell. Did you get a gift for Christmas or your | | | | 50% plus fees for smaller items like clothing, lamps, |
| birthday that you will never use? If so, slap it on | | | | jewelry, etc. and around 15% for larger items like |
| eBay (just don't let the person who gave you the | | | | cars, boats, and bulldozers (yes, I said bulldozers). |
| gift find out). Do your kids have toys they no longer | | | | Contact every business in town and offer to list their |
| play with? Just looking around your house and garage | | | | excess goods on eBay for a piece of the action. |
| should give you plenty of things to get your eBay ball | | | | Most businesses have returned items, liquidated |
| rolling. | | | | products, used equipment, etc. that they would love |
| 2. Garage Sales and Flea Markets: | | | | to get rid of, but don't have the time to do so. Many |
| When it comes to eBay, remember this old adage: | | | | will see you as their hero if you can help them get rid |
| One man's junk is another man's treasure. Now this is | | | | of this merchandise and you'll make a pretty profit |
| not to say that you should sell junk on eBay. You | | | | for yourefforts. For business customers you should |
| should only sell products in good condition. The point | | | | have them pay the eBay fees on the front end, not |
| is you can find items in good condition at garage | | | | you. |
| sales and flea markets that you can pick up cheap | | | | 5. Thrift Stores: |
| and resell for a profit. Remember, nobody wants to | | | | Thrift stores are an excellent place to look for things |
| buy your old | | | | to sell online. Stores maintained by the Salvation |
| Beanie Babies that no longer have eyes and noses, | | | | Army and non-profit organizations are best. Many |
| but they may buy "gently used" items if they're in | | | | church thrift stores price their goods at almost retail |
| good shape and offered at a good price. | | | | level, so you may not find too many bargains there. |
| 3. Talk To Your Friends and Relatives: | | | | |