Source for FREE eBay Inventory - Rite Aid

Rite Aid, formerly Eckerd Drug in some locations, has a rebate and reward program called the Single Check Rebate. I personally use this program to get freebies for my own personal use or to sell on eBay. Using the Rite Aid Single Check Rebate system can be quite profitable. Here is the quick and dirty explanation.

1) There is no card to apply for or keep up with.

2) Receipts for qualified purchases are submitted online, through the Rite Aid site. You just enter some numbers (store number, date, etc) from your receipts at the end of the month and submit to get your check.

3) Every week, in the Sunday sales circular, there are FREE AFTER REBATE (FAR) items that you can buy. The Single Check Rebate have a symbol next to them - a red arrow pointing down to a yellow box. It looks like this:


3) You have to buy the item first and submit the rebate. You can use manufacturer coupons, online printables, and Rite Aid coupons, for overages in some cases. Periodically, Rite Aid offers $5 off $25 online coupon that you can also use when buying your FAR items. If you are patient and organized, it all works out and you get your check in the mail. This is a real check you deposit at your bank (unlike at CVS and Walgreens), not a store credit, so you can spend it wherever you want. Here is a copy of my latest check. It was only $3, last time, but it has been as high as $60 in one month.



4) There really is no catch to this system, other than having to wait for a check rather than get instant freebies. You can enter your rebates as you go along, or all at once at the end of the month, although the rebate check is issued after the month ends. Once you sign up for the Rite Aid SCR program, you will even get reminder emails to submit your receipts so you don't forget.

I have scored all kinds of free items thru the Rite Aid SCR, such as:

Shampoo and Conditioner
Other Hair Products
Arthritis Cream
Medicine
Acne creams and sprays
Diet products
Feminine Products
Makeup
First Aid Products
Cleaning Products
Sunscreen

Mindi over at Moms Need to Know has a great write-up about the Rite Aid Single Check rebate with more info and some examples, so check that out for more on how it works. Also, click here for more ideas on what types of drug store items are good sellers on eBay. If you can get it free, why not sell it if you aren't going to use it?

Happy Selling!

Must Have for Selling Thrift Store Clothing on eBay

I received this nice email from a fellow seller, Juliann, who is a college student:

"I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing all your advice and thrift store items to sell! I've been able to sell items that you've recommended like Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, and tennis apparel all to help pay for some of my college expenses~ THANK YOU SO MUCH! :) Just wondering... have you ever used a fabric shaver? I've let go of several items at the thrift store due to lint/pilling. I saw a youtube video about this Fabric Shaver by Evercare so I bought a travel size one at Target for like $7. And I have to say... this thing is my new best friend!!! Okay well not really but it makes all those unsightly pilling disappear from armpit areas and waistbands in pants! You may already know about it but I just wanted to share with you since you're always giving so selflessly~ :) Have a wonderful day, and week!!!"

First of all, thank you so much Juliann! Second, I can't believe I haven't mentioned a fabric shaver before. Some people call this a "fuzz remover." I have an EverCare fabric shaver, too, and have used it for years. It is great for removing pilling from sweaters (hint, cashmere), wool blazers, and any fabric with a nap. The little gadget is battery operated and very easy to use.

If you work with a lot of thrift store or used clothing, you might want to try using a fabric shaver. Just lay the garment flat on a table, and gently glide the shaver over the fabric. My son used to say I was "mowing clothes" when I used mine. LOL

If you can't find a fabric shaver at Target, click here to order one online - this one is only $8. You'll be amazed at how much better it makes clothing look and feel.

Happy Selling!

Discontinued Item to Sell on eBay - Maybelline Eyebrow Pencil

24 Maybelline Twin Brow & Eye Pencils Charcoal Grey

This item was included in the February Hot List. Maybelline Eyebrow Pencil in the color CHARCOAL. The color has been discontinued. Sellers have reported finding this at dollar stores for $1 per twin pack. As you can see, the lot above sold for $89.99, which is only about $4 profit per item, but if you find a bunch of them it is a good profit. Some listings with fewer items in the lot are selling for an average of $10 per twinpack. Click here to see all completed listings.

Click here to see my FREE list of discontinued items to sell on eBay.

The latest Hot List, released April 26, lists 7 items like this that are discontinued and profitable on eBay. Click here to get your copy of the Hot List.

Happy Selling!

Discontinued Item to Sell on eBay - Dep Hair Sculpting Clay

DEP SPORT SCULPTING CLAY 3 OZ Discontinued

This item was included in the March Hot List. Dep Sport Sculpting Clay for men. You may find it at Big Lots, dollar stores, and other closeout stores. Also check flea markets.

Clearance price = $3-$4
Average selling price on eBay = $14 per jar
Click here to see completed listings

http://ebaysellingcoach.blogspot.com/2009/06/discontinued-items-to-sell-on-ebay-free.html

The latest Hot List, released April 26, lists 7 items like this that are discontinued and profitable on eBay. Click here to get your copy of the Hot List.

Happy Selling!

New Hot List Released - 12 Items

The new Hot List (Issue #8) is now available. Issue 8 of The eBay Hot List contains 12 items - 7 discontinued items and 5 thrift store items that are good sellers during summer time. Discontinued items can be found at dollar stores, Big Lots, Walmart, Target, drug stores, grocery stores, and flea markets.

5 Discontinued Health and Beauty Items

1 Discontinued Pet Product

1 Discontinued Cooking Product

5 Thrift Store Items That are Good Sellers During Summer

My Hot List explains exactly where to find these items, the retail price, the average selling price on eBay, and links to completed listings. Hot List is $9.95 and is a digital download. You can get it free when you complete a Trial Pay offer such as a free trial at NetFlix, 25 music downloads, or a free trial at Stamps.com. Click here to get your copy of the latest Hot List.

Happy Selling,

Crest Toothpaste Deal Follow-Up

Remember the Crest Pro Health Toothpaste deal I posted about back in January? I bought 14 tubes of toothpaste on clearance and with coupons for a total of $11.27, or .81 per tube. I put them up for sale in my eBay store:



So far, I have sold about half of them for profit of $4.50 per tube. Not a huge profit, but once all 14 tubes have sold I will have made a profit of $63 from an $11 investment. Where else can you find that kind of return on your investment? I just wanted to demonstrate that eBay takes time and patience. Buy when you can get items cheap, and be patient. The sales will come.

Click here for my free list of other health and beauty items to sell on eBay.

Happy Selling!

Thrift Store Item to Sell on eBay - Burma Bibas Shirts

Burma Bibas is a line of men's clothing sold at Nordstrom, Saks 5th Ave, and other fine stores. The shirts are usually silk or polynosic and can be golf style or button front. Retail price on these shirts are $50-$70. The 100% silk shirts are good sellers on eBay. The profit on these is not as high as on some the other items I have posted, however, these are a reliable seller. Here are a few completed listings. All of these are for used or preowned Burma Bibas shirts that can be found at thrift stores for $3-$5.



Burma Bibas Shirt-Size XL-Gorgeous-ss


BURMA BIBAS GREEN Button-front 100% SILK S/S shirt s L


Burma Bibas Silk Short Sleeve Shirt (XXL) Purple

Click here for my free list of thrift store items to sell on eBay.

Happy Selling!

Here We Go Again - Another Postage Increase in May

Just when you think you have everything all figured out, the post office goes and increases its rates. UGH. A few highlights of what's in store for us starting May 11, 2009:

First Class stamp increases to 44 cents. (Be sure to buy some Forever Stamps at the 42-cent rate before May 11th if you want to take advantage of the savings.)

Priority Flat Rate (domestic) will remain at $4.95. (Click here for a trick on using these to save money on shipping.)

Priority pricing will remain at the $4.95 starting price.

Delivery Confirmation will go up to 70 cents.

These are the major highlights. Please let me know if you see something different. Click here to see the complete 44 page PDF price list provided by the USPS. Hey, you can always use this for those nights when you have insomnia.

I am working on the next Hot List this week, so stay tuned! This one will have a special section on summer items to look for at thrift stores.

Happy Selling!

2 Great Freebies - Starbucks Coffee and 25 Free Music Downloads

I was in Starbucks today (redeeming my $20 gift card from Swagbucks for 2 lbs of whole bean coffee) and they had a sign that from April 18-24 you can get free coffee if you bring in your own cup. This is an Earth Day promo that may vary by store - I have seen different offers floating around the internet, so you may want to call around and find out the deal in your area. So, I will be heading over to my Starbucks with my laptop for the next 4 days with a really big cup! (LOL)


Also, get 25 free music downloads from eMusic. The offer reads, "Start downloading your FREE MP3s today and take 7 days to decide if you like eMusic. If you're not 100% satisfied simply cancel before your trial period ends and you'll never pay a dime. Keep the 25 FREE MP3s as a gift just for checking out eMusic." So, click here, sign up, get your freebies, and cancel if you want. This is about a $25 value.

What is better than free coffee and free music? Today just keeps getting better and better!

Thrift Store Item to Sell on eBay - Chico's No Tummy Pants

Chico's is an upscale women's clothing boutique that offers trendy, fashionable, yet comfortable clothing. You may have seen Debbie Phelps, mom of gold medalist Michael Phelps, wearing Chico's clothing during the Olympics last year. She has collaborated with Chico's to create the Debbie Phelps line.

Chico's offers the no-tummy pant: "Slenderizing 'No Tummy' Pant has front darts and a smooth elastic waist for a leaner silhouette. In a wrinkle-resistant blend with a straight leg. 95% Acetate, 5% Spandex. Machine wash, no iron." ~Chicos.com These pants retail for $60 and up.

Look for these at thrift stores. You'll pay $3-$5 per pair, and they are great sellers. Larger sizes do especially well. Keep in mind that Chico's has its own sizing system. "Our focus on comfort is the reason for our unique sizing. Our sizing starts at a Size 0 or Extra Small and ends with a Size 3 or Large. These sizes are comparable to the standard 4/6, 8/10, 12/14, 16/18 women's sizing, but the difference is in the versatility."

Here are a few recently completed listings.


Chico's Platinum Jeans Sz 2.5 Reg ~No Tummy Jean~ EUC!


CHICO'S TRAVELERS WHITE "NO TUMMY" SLINKY PANTS-2-12/14



CHICOS TRAVELERS NO TUMMY PANTS HOT FUDGE sz 2 R - NWT!

Click here for my free list of thrift store items to sell on eBay.

Happy Selling!

eBay Coach Coupon Giveaway - 25 Coupon Inserts

Play the video for details on this giveaway.



To enter, just leave a comment below. For extra entries do any of the following:

Subscribe to my blog
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Be sure to leave a comment for each extra that you do, and your email address so I can contact you if you win! Good luck!

USPS Shipping Supplies - What NOT to Do!

Thanks for all the nice comments about the Flat Rate shipping video. Sounds like many of you will give this technique a try. I also received the following comment from a reader, however, you should ABSOLUTELY NOT do this!

"An illegal but good to know trick, is if you can't find the right size box to ship something and can ship it cheaper than a flat rate box, use a flat rate box, turn the box inside out, re-tape it together so it looks like a plain cardboard box and voila, free unlimited supply of boxes, be careful though, if they see that you have used a flatrate box like this they will return the package but for a here and there quick fix for the right size box this is a good trick."

No,this is not a good trick, it is foolish and tacky. First of all, this statement is printed on the Priority Mail and Express Mail supplies:

"This packaging is the property of the U.S. Postal Service and is provided solely for use in sending Priority/Express Mail. Misuse may be a violation of federal law."

Since you are dealing with the United States Post Office - a branch of the Federal Government - misusing the supplies is a federal crime.

Second, if the post office discovers you have turned a box or envelope inside out, they will charge for an upgrade to Priority. And guess who gets to pay the difference between First Class or Parcel Post to the Priority upgrade? Your customer. The customer will receive a slip in his mailbox that he has a package to pick up, and when he goes to the post office to get it, he will be charged for the postage upgrade. Now, won't that make you look great? No, you will look cheap, tacky, and unprofessional. Is it really worth all this just to get a free box?

Here is a story I found posted by an eBay buyer on a discussion forum:

"The U.S. Postal Service has begun a new, and aggressive campaign of checking shipped parcels for INSIDE-OUT PRIORITY MAIL PACKAGING which is the sole property of the U.S. Postal Service pre-used/recycled, or new included.

If you cut down, or turn Priority Mail packaging inside out and ship it via First Class, or Parcel Post your customer will be charged the difference of the Priority Mail Rate at the other end, leaving you open to either refunding your customer the difference, or receiving NEGATIVE FEEDBACK; or both.

I received two packages this week shipped in this manner; and I was forced to pay the postage due at the door. Lucky for my sellers they refunded me the difference. One package cost me $2.50 cents, while another one cost me an additional $1.53 cents. The package that cost me $2.50 was shipped via Parcel Post , and I paid the seller for PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING.

Because he charged me $12.95 for Priority Mail Shipping on my invoice, and I had to pay an additional $2.50 seeing it had been shipped parcel post; needless to say I was hot under the collar to see he shipped my order Parcel Post in an inside-out Priority Mail box so I came real close to leaving him negative feedback; but I didn't once he refunded me the difference." Click here to read the full discussion.

This rule is not unique to USPS - but also to FED Ex, UPS, etc. Creativity has its limits. There are better ways to save $2 on shipping a package. Click here to read my article about LEGITIMATE ways to get free shipping supplies.

Drop Shipper Review - Doba with Free Trial

I'll be the first to tell you that I have never tried a drop shipper, but that is because supply is not a problem for me. I am fortunate enough to live in a city where thrift stores and shopping are plentiful. But, that is not the case for all sellers. In fact, eBay sellers may use a drop shipper for several reasons:

1) Access to inventory is a problem
2) Cash flow - no need to purchase inventory up front
3) Convenience - some sellers don't have the desire or time to ship the items
4) Inventory management - no inventory to store or purge later if unsold
5) Desire for a reliable source - not everyone enjoys the thrill of the hunt
6) Physical limitations - shopping may not be an option
7) Experimentation - sellers can try new products without having to buy them first

Doba is eBay's partner drop shipper. You can get a free trial by clicking here. A few quick facts about Doba:

Doba sells only brand name products, not cheap Asian reproductions.

Doba sells only brand new products, not refurbished items.

You do not need a resellers license to sell thru Doba.

Doba is eBay's partner drop shipper. I talked to them at eBay Live.

Some sellers offer a combination of products found thru local means and thru drop shippers. Check out Doba's free trial - you may find an additional channel for selling in your eBay store.

Happy Selling!

Thrift Store Item to Sell on eBay - Men's Cole Haan Loafers

Cole Haan is a designer label that began in 1928 in Chicago. Today, Cole Hann is known for its high end, quality footwear for men and women, leather goods, and accessories.

Cole Hann loafers are great sellers on eBay. They are made of high quality leather and are identifiable by the blue, green, or red Cole Haan fabric logo inside the shoe. The shoes usually have cushioned, leather insoles. The tassel loafers do especially well.

Here are a few recently completed listings for Men's Cole Haan loafers. You can usually find these shoes at thrift stores for less than $5 a pair. Check out the selling prices on these shoes!


COLE HAAN BRAGANO Brown Men Tassel Loafer Shoes sz 10.5



BRAGANO COLE HAAN MEN'S LOAFERS DRESS SHOES SIZE 9.5 D



COLE HAAN BRAGANO ITALY MEN'S BROWN WOVEN LOAFERS 8 M

Here are a few tips for shopping for used shoes to resell on eBay:

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.

Click here for my free list of thrift store items to sell on eBay.

Good luck, hope you find some!

Shipping Tip - USPS Flat Rate Mailers Not Just for Documents

A few clarifications and notes:

1) When I say, "You can put anything in these," of course I mean anything that is allowed by the post office. It has to be legal is the point.

2) Domestic flat rate, unlimited weight, $4.95 before adding Delivery Confirmation, insurance, etc.

3) International flat rate, 4 lb weight limit, $12.95 before adding tracking, insurance, etc. Customs form must be attached.

4) Flap must seal on its own. Envelope must not be modified - cut, 2 taped together, etc.

5) Click here to order the Flat Rate cardboard mailer online.

6) Join my FaceBook Group!

Forget going to the post office - try Stamps.com. The primary benefit to Stamps.com is that it is the only online shipping site that allows you to print First Class International at home. I ship 75+ packages a week, 90% of them go out of the country as FCI or in Flat Rate envelopes. I never go to the post office!

Happy Selling,

Selling Medicine Lots on eBay - $8 off Claritin Coupons

If you have a stockpile of medicines and medicine samples to sell on eBay, add this to the list. Claritin and Claritin-D. I see these all the time at Target marked down on the clearance aisle - actually it is an endcap right by the pharmacy. I've also seen Claritin in the clearance section at Walgreens.Click here to print 2 $4 off coupons - one for each Claritin and Claritin-D. These coupons are good for 15ct sizes and larger.

The key is to print the coupons out and KEEP THEM WITH YOU. (I saw some children's Zyrtec marked down the other day to $2 and shoot if I didn't have my coupon with me - I could have gotten it for free. UGH!) It is a great time to sell OTC allergy meds on eBay right now. Click here to see some completed listings for Claritin on eBay.

Now, go get your $4 off coupons so you'll be prepared if you see Claritin marked down anywhere!

Happy Selling!