New eBay How-Tos for August

Here are new eBay How To articles for August. Just click on the link to read the article that interests you.

How to Reduce Fees on Your Paypal Account

How to Keep a High Feedback Score and DSRs on eBay

How to Avoid Selling Counterfeit Items on eBay

How to Get a Free Consultation for Your eBay Business from eBay Seller Outreach

How to Make Your eBay Listings Appear Higher in Best Match Search Results

How to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Listings for Free

How to Use eBay Guides and Reviews to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store

How to Find Items at Dollar Stores to Resell on eBay for Profit

Increase Sales on eBay by Offering International Shipping

Make Money on eBay Selling Items from Big Lots

Make Money With the eBay Affiliate Program

Increase eBay Traffic by Strategically Naming Gallery Images

Use eBay's Classified Ads to Promote Your Business

Get Free Products to Sell on eBay Using the Rite Aid Single Check Rebate

Buy Shoes at DSW to Resell on eBay for Profit

Write and Submit Articles on the Internet to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store

Get Free Products to Sell on eBay Using the CVS Extra Bucks Program

Build or Increase Your eBay Feedback Score

Use Stumble Upon to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store

Make Money on eBay Selling Tennis Apparel

Get Free Items to Sell on eBay for Profit

Reduce Shipping Costs on eBay Items

Free L'Oreal Product at Walgreen's and Rite Aid - Sell it on eBay!

Here is a great deal coming out in Sunday (8/31) store circulars. Both Walgreens and Rite Aid offer the L'Oreal Advanced Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate as a free-after-rebate item.

In the Walgreens circular, the ad is on the back cover, and looks like this:



In the Rite Aid circular, the ad is on page 8 and looks like this:



You will have to submit your rebates to get the items for free, so there will be up front costs.

If you get both, the retail value is about $30. I suggest putting these two items together as a lot. Click here to see some completed listings for L'Oreal Revitalift. You may need to scroll through them to find this exact product to get an idea for your starting price, or your store inventory price.

You can always put these items away and combine with other L'Oreal or anti-aging products and sell in a larger lot later. Be sure to subscribe to my blog as I will be posting more deals like this on a regular basis.

Hot Tip - Practically Free Digital Camera at Walgreens

I stumbled on this one this morning. I was in Walgreens getting all my freebies, and the cashier was talking to another employee about the camera deal. I had to ask.

In the photo department, behind the counter, look for the Polaroid i733 7.0MP Digital Camera
. 7 megapixels - pictured above. This is a great little camera that even does video. It retails for between $80 and $100 depending on where you look. Walgreens has it marked down to $65.99

In the Walgreen's Easy Saver Catalog, page 71, item number 51, the camera has a $40 rebate. It looks like this:



Then, go to this link, and print a $10 off ($40 purchase) coupon for an additional discount. (Don't print the one here, go to the link to get it.)



So, here is the math:

Retail price = $80

Sale price = $65.99
ESC Rebate -$40.00
Coupon -$10.00
Total price =$15.99

Now, the $40 is a rebate, so you have to either mail it in, or go to Walgreens.com and submit it thru the Easy Saver Rebate program. (It is easier and faster online.) So, you can keep this great camera to use for your eBay store, sell it on eBay, give it as a gift, maybe even hold it back until Christmas time to list it on eBay when cameras really sell. The Easy Saver Catalog rebate only lasts until Saturday, August 30. The coupon is only good August 29 and 30, so hurry to get this deal.

Free eBook - Thrift Store Items to Sell on eBay for Profit

Another freebie! Get this eBook FREE! What to buy, what not to buy, how to get deeper discounts, how to shop faster and more efficiently.

Click here for all the details.

Understanding eBay's Best Match to Appear Higher in Search Order

Best Match is eBay's sorting technology that displays search results based on various factors such as key words, listing end time, seller DSRs, shipping price, etc. The Best Match system is based on customer historical behavior for similar searches.

So, how can you play within the rules and make your listings appear higher in search results? This is an ongoing question with eBay sellers. The sort order can be manipulated by the buyer (price low to high, price + shipping, geographic distance from the buyer, newly listed, etc.), but 80% of eBay buyers won't click on the arrow and change the search order that is automatically returned by Best Match. Therefore, you must take proactive steps to make sure that your listing is near the top of the search results, or your listing will not get as much exposure, and your sales will suffer.

A few tips:

Be very specific with your key words in your title. Don't waste space with silly non-searched on characters.

Don't key word spam to maniuplate the system. You can be suspended or NARU'd for this tactic. (You've seen listings like this: "New WII WII WII WII FIT GAME CONSOLE." Repeating a key word over and over is a tactic to manipulate Best Match.)

Fill out all the item specifics and include as many relevant details as possible.

State shipping costs.

Read the full article, "How to Make Your eBay Listings Appear Higher in Best Match Search Results."

And the Winner Is....

Alaina over at Life With 3 Boys. Alaina made the comment, "Secondly- I so don't plan on giving a single item away. Being a WAHM of three young ones it's very rare I get a chance to buy myself makeup or some 'luxury' lotion." Heck, raising 3 boys is hard on a mom, so enjoy!

Check back in a few days for another give away. This was a lot of fun, and I plan to do this more often!

eBay Coach Overstock Giveaway - $120 Worth of CVS Products

I've got too much stuff from CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens, and various other stores. All of it was free. It is cluttering up my house. Want to take it off my hands?

Here is what you get:

(2) Tubes Aveeno Sunscreen SPF 55, $18 value
Burt's Bees Color Keeper Shampoo, 8 ounces, $9 value
Burt's Bees Healthy Healing Carrot Lotion, 8 ounces, $9 value
Itch X Lotion, 3 oz, $10 value
Love's Baby Soft Cologne Spray, $12 value
(2) Oral B Cross Action Power toothbrushes, $14 value
Almay Intense i-Color Kit, $22 Value
(2) Almay Triple Effect Mascara (blackest black), $16 value
Quattro Surf Style Razor and Case, $5 value
Aquafresh Advanced Toothpaste, $4 value
Neutrogena Lip Balm with Sunscreen, $4 value

Here's how to play. Post this contest on your blog, a forum, group, FaceBook page, MySpace page, Twitter, eBay blog, StumbleUpon, Digg - just post it somewhere! Leave a comment about why you want all this free stuff, that links back to where you advertised the contest.

The winner will be announced Monday, August 25 - we have to do something to make Mondays fun!

eBay 8/20 Changes - What's Your Reaction

I've just posted about the big changes on my other blog, eShop Owner. I am curious about everyone's reaction. There were some pretty harsh words on the eBay 8/20 Announcements Board. I mean, people really getting worked up.

My feeling is that eBay will continue to evolve as long as it exists. I don't think these changes are strategies to eliminate sellers, push sellers away, or make life difficult for sellers. I just don't interpret it that way at all.

So what do you think? Benefits for free shipping? I like that one. Granted, shipping isn't free, it is worked into the selling price. I for one am sick and tired of seeing outrageous shipping fees on items - like $18 for a lip balm, or $24 for a CD. I do think it is eBay's business to control this. eBay has a bad reputation for letting sellers go wild with shipping fees. Amazon has limits on shipping fees. What is the problem? Sell your item at a fair price, with reasonable shipping, and don't use the circumventing fees tactic.

Goodbye checks and money orders. Again, I like it. In my experience, those paying with paper instruments take longer to mail them, and it is an inconvenience. The Paypal-phobic need to get with the program. If they are internet savvy enough to buy on eBay, buyers can get a Paypal Account and pay electronically. Think about it, in our society, just about everything is done online from banking, ordering a pizza, and buying stock. It is time to eliminate the paper transactions. They are a hassle.If you do offer them, John M. says "You will need to remove references to checks and money orders from your item descriptions. But we definitely understand the time and energy this will take to accomplish for many of you. So we don't plan to enforce mention of prohibitted payment methods in item descriptions until mid-January, after the peak holiday season."

I'll continue to address these new changes in future posts. But, what do you think about them and how will these changes affect your business?

Make Money With the eBay Affiliate Program

You do not need to be an eBay seller or have an eBay account to participate. eBay is one of the most recognized websites on the internet. If you have a website or blog, there is no reason that you shouldn't be participating in the eBay Affiliate Program. It is easy, free, and you can make commissions effortlessly.

eBay's Affiliate Program pays bloggers, website owners, and eBay sellers to drive traffic and sales to the eBay site. By promoting eBay on your website or blog, you can earn commissions when users make a purchase on eBay. Some affiliates earn thousands of dollars a month for their referrals. Click here for details on getting started.

Are you on Twitter? Cindi has me hooked! Like I need one more thing on the internet to distract me. Meeting lots of interesting people and learning so many new things. f you Twitter, follow me and I will follow you!

Have a great day on eBay!

How to Get Free Products from Rite Aid to Sell on eBay

We talked about the CVS Extra Bucks Program a few days ago. Today's tip is about Rite Aid (which used to be Eckerd Drug Store).

Rite Aid Drug Store has a cash back program called Single Check Rebate (SCR). Certain products are free whether you will use them or not, so why not make a profit on them selling them on eBay? I have 2 Rite Aid stores within 2 miles of my home, so this one really works for me.

The SCR Program is really easy. You do not need a card or membership to participate in this program. You will need to register on line to submit your rebate information. I have a closet full of free products like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, medicine, first aid cream, cosmetics, and baby items that were 100% free. You can sell these types of items in a batch, or lot, once you have accumulated a few. Here are some examples of what you can do:

Toothpaste (specialty items do well such as whitening pastes)

Toothbrushes (battery operated brushes do well)

shampoo (specialty - for color treated hair, organic products, etc.)

hair color (men's hair color does well)

cosmetics (look for high end brands)

Each week, Rite Aid will feature a few items that will be free after the rebate. In other words, you have to pay attention to the dates in the ads to make sure you purchase the items on the right dates - the date will be on your receipt.

Read the full details on how to get free products with the Rite Aid SCR Program.

Now you won't get rich selling drugstore items on eBay. But, if you get the items free, and sell them, you will be making profit with a zero investment. The great thing about selling items that you got for free, is that you can charge less than the competition (they probably have a monetary investment in their inventory) and still make a nice profit, because your inventory didn't cost you anything.

Not a bad deal. This strategy can help you bring in some extra cash - gas money, grocery money, or fun money! Also, you will have a nice stock of products your family can actually use that are 100% free! Furthermore, if you get free items that don't sell after a few months, you can donate them to charity, such as a women's shelter, holiday drive, children's group home - and deduct these donations on your taxes. Everybody wins! (I always get the free baby items, even though I can't use them, and donate them to the women's shelter here.)

Next week, I'll give you some info about Walgreens and how to work their system.

Celebrate Life!

Today, Friday August 15, is a special day for me. I turn 42. (That is me above at age 3.) Every year on my birthday, I take a good, hard look at my life and give thanks for the wonderful life I have, and every one who got me here. So, today's post is not about eBay, but about being thankful for my health, home, family, and all of the important people in my life.



Thanks, Mom and Dad, for putting up with me as a whiny kid and moody teenager. I'm sure I wasn't easy. (I hated getting up for school. I wasn't too fond of spinach, either.) We always had everything we needed, we always had a nice home, and we always knew we were loved.



Thanks, Ginny, my big sister, for paving the way for me. You are the one person I know will always be there, no matter what. (Dig the red knee socks, right?)



To my little brother, Johnny. You are my biggest supporter and the one who "gets" me. We have that "misunderstood middle child" thing going on. (I forgive you for practicing your drums outside my room while I was trying to study in high school.)



Trina, my baby sister, who always kept us laughing. You still keep surprising me! Thanks for always listening and becoming one of my best friends as an adult. (You can thank me later for NOT posting the naked baby pictures of you in the bathtub.)



To my beautiful children, I am so proud of you as I watch you grow into smart, healthy, happy people. Thank you for being easy and staying out of trouble.



And to my loved one, thank you for being my cheerleader, trusted advisor, confidante, and best friend.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings, good health, and wonderful people in my life. I couldn't be happier to be another year older!

Paypal Debit Card - Get 1% Back

I am always looking for ways to save a little extra money here and there. My Discover Card gives me 2% back on most purchases, and 5% back on gas purchases. That is coming in handy right now!

Did you know that you can get cash back when you use your Paypal Debit Card and sign for purchases? Here is how it works. Some payment terminals will recognize your Paypal Debit Card as a credit card. Restaurants, stores at the mall, some drug stores, and online merchants see it as a credit card. Not all terminals will give you a choice, but if they do, choose credit instead of debit. Whenever you use your Paypal Debit Card in this situation, and actually sign your name for a purchase rather than entering your PIN, you get 1% cash back. The money still comes out just like a debit even though the payment terminal recognizes the card as a credit card.

I use the Paypal Debit Card for as many of my eBay expenses as I can. I use it to buy postage on Stamps.com, to buy inventory, to buy shipping supplies, and for other incidentals. The money is already there, so I just put it back into the business. Click here to request a Paypal Debit Card.

More Ways to Get Free Stuff to Sell on eBay for Profit

I've kind of gone off on a tangent lately finding ways to (legitimately) get free stuff to sell on eBay. A few weeks back, I talked about how to get freebies from Walgreens Drug Store. I've also been learning about the CVS Extra Bucks Program lately as a way to get free, or almost free items to sell on eBay for profit.

Some frugal moms swear by this program and that it saves them hundreds of dollars a month in food and health and beauty items. So if you don't want the advertised freebies for yourself, why not stop by CVS and get them to sell on eBay?

CVS has weekly specials, unadvertised monthly deals, in-store coupons, and the Extra Bucks Program. When you learn how to combine, or "stack" all of these deals, plus manufacturer coupons and rebates, you can actually make money on some deals before you walk out of the store! And if the item doesn't sell, the only investment you have is your time and less than a dollar in eBay fees.

Click here to learn how to use the CVS Extra Bucks program, how to work the system, and start getting free stuff today!

New eBay How-Tos

I mentioned this before - you can make some extra money each month by writing articles for eHow. You are paid by the traffic to your articles each month. The articles can be about how to do anything - prepare a food dish, repair an item, play a game, or make a craft. They are easy to write and you really get paid! Click here for details on how to get started.

Below are some new eBay How-To Articles I wrote in July.

How to Find Thrift Store Items to Sell on eBay

How to Add Cool Backgrounds to Your eBay Listings

How to Add Video to Your eBay Listings

How to Get Bids on eBay Auctions

How to Price Items to Sell on eBay

How to Find Free Items on Craigslist to Sell on eBay

How to Use Yahoo Answers to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Store

How to Make a Collage Photo for eBay Gallery Image

How to Use Facebook to Increase eBay Sales

How to Increase Your Profit Margin on eBay

How to Choose the Best Key Words to Use on eBay Listings

What to Sell on eBay - Shoes from Thrift Stores (Part 1)

This was going to be my next eBook, but I can't seem to find the time to put the book together, so the bits and pieces will be here on my blog. I started selling gently used clothing from thrift stores in 2003. I went through a "shoe phase" and tested different kinds of shoes. Remember, before taking this advice, please do your own research and determine what sells well. Trends on eBay change like the weather so to be successful, you must stay informed.

I found that "athletic inspired" shoes such as Merrell, Keen, Teva, Privo, and Born are good sellers. You might be thinking, "What are athletic inspired shoes?" These are not really for a specific sport, but are comfortable, fashionable, trendy shoes for casual or weekend wear. The emphasis is on comfort, not necessarily on appearance. (I think some of these are just hideously ugly.) Here are a few (non-ugly) examples of good sellers:


Merrell Jungle Moc. Men's, women's, and kids. All leather are a great find. (I have 2 pairs of these and they are super comfortable)


Keen Newport. Men's, womens, kids.

When shopping for gently used shoes in thrift stores, be sure to check for the following before bying anything:

1) Check the sole. Is there enough sole left for another person to put more miles on the shoe? Leave it behind if there are holes in the sole. On black soles, you can add a coat of she polish on the sole to make it look newer.

2) Check inside the shoe for rips or tears.

3) If applicable, do laces need to be replaced? If you've found a really nice shoe with no laces, or broken laces, it might be worth springing for a $2 pair of new laces.

4) Look for scratches and stains. Some can be covered with a coat of shoe polish.

5) Fabric shoes - are they dirty? Can you throw them in the washing machine? Many times, just washing the shoes can make them look like new.

Make sure you are subscribed to my blog so you can receive new posts via email. Future posts will include information on dress shoes, sandals, kids shoes, athletic shoes, boots, clogs, work shoes, and more!