I am involved in a discussion on the WAHM board where some members feel that one cannot make money on eBay without having a drop shipper or wholesale supplier. My point: This is simply not true. I am living proof as are many of you reading this. I have been earning my living selling on eBay for over 6 years, and I have not had to use a wholesale supplier or drop shipper. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another.
I posted this comment:
"I respectfully disagree with 'Poster A.' It is not necessary to deal with a wholesaler or drop shipper. This is a personal choice depending on how you want to run your business.
Many, many sellers simply sell items from garage sales, thrift stores, clearance sales, free after rebate items, Walmart, Walgreen's, Target, etc. Here are some links to where to find items to sell, as well as specific items that do well." And I listed several links to my blog posts and eHow articles about what items do well on eBay.
And here is the reply I would like you to consider, posted by 'Poster B' on the board:
POINT"The eBay Coach is correct in proclaiming it is not necessary, but to be honest, the methods she describes take a lot of work. More work than really needed, in my opinion. Running around town digging through thrift stores, bargain bins and dollar stores will not offer enough eBay sales to justify the work involved. Lets not forget the operating expenses of eBay and Paypal fees...who wants to add "gas" and "labor" visiting the local five and dime?
In addition, thrift store bargains do not allow the eBay seller to have a continuous marketable inventory. Sure, you might find a great golf shirt to sell today, but what about tomorrow?
I guess if you want a part-time, inconsistent income sourcing "one of" inventory type items, The eBay Coach can offer some good ideas.
I would venture to say that most want to do more than dabble with eBay sales. I would think most would like to turn an eBay business into a full time (consistent) income. To do this you need wholesale and manufacturers sources."
COUNTERPOINT"Wow, I wouldn't consider my earnings from eBay inconsistent income - I have been living on my eBay earnings for 6 years now. My eBay income pays $4,000 worth of bills each month. I would hardly say that I, and others who sell thrift store finds, are dabbling in eBay. Our home eBay business is a legitimate business, on which we pay taxes. Apparently the Federal Government recognizes us as viable, consistent business entities.
I am sure you did not mean to sound condescending and arrogant in your remarks, 'Poster B', but every eBay seller's success depends on what inventory they have access to. I am fortunate to live in a big city with approx 15 thrift stores within a 15 mile radius - huge thrift stores such as Goodwill - that place 3,000 - 5,000 new items on the floor each DAY. So for me, I am not doing any digging, the goods are there right in front of me. I have more than enough marketable inventory, in fact, I usually run out of time in a thrift store before I run out of store to look through.
I also disagree with your statement, that one needs wholesale and manufacturer's sources to achieve success on eBay. This simply is not true! Jump on Twitter, Facebook, and other message boards and ask around - you will find many successful eBay sellers who do not use wholesalers or drop shippers. In fact, many eBay sellers thoroughly enjoy the thrill of the hunt - they can't wait to get out there and explore their local thrift stores, dollar stores, garage sales, and clearance outlets. Some are shopping for their own needs at the same time, perhaps clothing for their family at a thrift store, so they don't see this as wasting gas and time. They are consolidating their tasks and incorporating shopping for eBay into their daily routine.
Do my methods require work? You bet! Do they work for lazy people? No, unfortunately, they do not. But promoting the idea that eBay is sitting in your home, watching the money roll into your Paypal account is not only erroneous, but absolutely ludicrous. The most successful sellers I know are hard workers, have put many hours, days, and years into their business, and they will be the first to tell you that eBay is work.
I agree that drop shipping works for some people, and if that is their cup of tea and they are happy, great! I applaud them for their success in whatever way they choose. I know several sellers who do very well with drop shipping. But be careful making assumptions about sellers who 'visit the local 5 and dime' - we take great pride in our work and we don't appreciate being insulted and having our work spoken of in a demeaning way. 'Poster B,' I would be interested in seeing a link to your eBay store. Have you ever sold anything on eBay? Are you an active seller? Do you have the slightest idea how it works?"
What I find most interesting in 'Poster B's' post are the two links in her signature line. One goes to an eBook on liquidations, the other to a blog about buying wholesale merchandise, covered with affiliate links and ads for wholesalers. Hmmmm, wonder what the motivation is for bashing those not using wholesalers. Interesting that 'Poster B' remembered to note eBay and Paypal fees, yet omitted drop shipper contract fees, sign up fees, and other fees associated with using a wholesaler.
You can view the whole discussion by
clicking here. I am interested to hear what the SAHMs and anyone else selling thrift store finds on eBay have to say about this discussion. Please, leave your comments below!
