Thrift Shopping Workshop in Atlanta January 11

Are you ready to learn how to shop in a manner that maximizes your time and sales?

Do you want to know how to spot those uber profitable items in the sea of junk?

Are you looking for a system that works virtually anywhere and within a variety of stores and resources like garage sales, Craigslist, estate sales, and flea markets? If you are saying "yes," then this workshop is for you!

New for 2015, I'm offering a limited number of special 2-hour workshops in the Metro Atlanta area to help you learn to be a faster, smarter, and better eBay picker.

The first workshop is scheduled for Sunday January 11 in Marietta, Georgia from 1 - 3 PM.

The second workshop is scheduled for Sunday February 8 in Roswell, Georgia from 1-3 PM.

During this special intensive training, you will learn:

What types of items really sell on eBay and why

Which brands, styles, fabrics, and types of clothing will sell the fastest and with the highest ROI

What items appeal to international buyers and why

All the details you need to know from examining your finds to what items retain their value the best
and which items to stay away from

How to “work” a thrift store and sections to focus on when your shopping time is limited, plus how to get deeper discounts

What are the profitable overlooked niche items that sell and ship easily

Listing tips such as the benefits of different listing types and creative words to use in titles that result in more page views and sales


30 days of email support after the workshop -  I will be your personal help desk for any eBay questions

A copy of my eBook, “What to Buy at Thrift Stores to Resell on eBay”

This in-person training focuses on items that are consistent profitable sellers that can be easily found and are repeatable. I'll help you create a system for buying for resale using the resources available in thrift stores. We will not focus on hard to find or rare items like stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, antiques, art, autographed items, trading cards, or comic books.

Buy as much as you like during the training!

Cost to attend this workshop is $150 per person.

Space is limited so contact me here to reserve your spot.

I can't wait to have a shopping day with you and help you take your eBay business to the next level in 2015.

Related Resources:

Selling Women's Clothing on eBay - Free Videos

5 New Things I Learned to Sell on eBay in 2014

My eBay Experiment - Work Smarter!

Free List - 75 Health and Beauty Items on Clearance in January

 

January is a time for resetting - and that includes inside retail stores. When stores reset the shelves, that means products get moved around - and some are put on clearance to make room for new products.

I have learned from my reliable source in the grocery business that the following products will be marked down on clearance starting January 5. These items may have only been discontinued by the stores because the products are not moving, undergoing a packaging change, or discontinued by the manufacturer.

These items will be on clearance, closeout, or marked down at at least one major national grocery store chain.

How can you use this list of products to your advantage? Follow these steps:

1. Go to your local grocery store and see if the items are marked down or on clearance. Make your money when you buy inventory by getting it as cheaply as possible. Even if the product is not discontinued by the manufacturer, you may be getting it cheaper than your competitors.

2. Look up the items on eBay and / or Amazon to see what the selling price is. There may be room for profit at the clearance price.

3. Be careful with quantities. It is impossible to know if an item will be uber-profitable in the future.  You don't want to be stuck with hundreds of items you can't sell.

4.. Pay attention to expiration dates. You don't want the product expiring before you can sell it. Expired products are not allowed on eBay or Amazon.

5. Determine if the item is undergoing a packaging change or is being discontinued forever. This will help your pricing strategy - if something is being discontinued forever, the price will only go up. If it is a packaging change, you only have a short window to make money before the item returns to the store shelf and the product is available again. If you need help with this process, I can explain more during a phone consultation.

This information is pointing you in a direction to look for opportunities. I cannot guarantee that you will find these items or that they will sell for a profit - just giving you a head's up so maybe this information can help you make some money. Make good choices!

Based on my experience selling health and beauty products online since 2007, I recommend you pay close attention to Pantene, Head and Shoulders, and Aveeno brands.

Here is the list:

Old Spice Drench Shampoo

Tresemme Platinum Strength Shampoo
Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioning Treatment
Tresemme Flawless Curls Shampoo
Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner
Tresemme Mega Hold Scuplting Gel
Tresemme Split End Remedy Leave in Conditioner

OGX Anti B Serum
OGX Ever Straight Keratin Brazilian Treatment

Head and Shoulders 2-n-1 Itchy Scalp Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Mens Shampoo Deep Cleaning

Vidal Sassoon Restoring Repair Shampoo
Vidal Sassoon  Mega Firm Hold Gel
Vidal Sassoon Restoring Repair Conditioner
Vidal Sassoon Boost and Lift Shampoo
Vidal Sassoon Boost and Lift Conditioner
Vidal Sassoon Boost and Lift Hair Spray
Vidal Sassoon Repair and Finish Spray
Vidal Sassoon Master Lock 1 Minute Mask
Vidal Sassoon Color Protect Spray
Vidal Sassoon Color Gloss Creme
Vidal Sassoon Texturizing Shampoo
Vidal Sassoon Texturizing Conditioner

Selson Blue Sensitive Scalp Shampoo

Got2B Fat Tastic Plumping Mousse
Got2B Kinkier Curl Cream
Got2B Styling Oil
Got2B Beach Trippn' Salt Wave Spray

L'Oreal EverStyle Thickening Tonic
L'Oreal EverStyle  Beach Wave
L'Oreal EverStyle Texture Tousle Cream
L'Oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Conditioner
L'Oreal Triple Resist Ultimate Strength Solution

Axe 2-n-1 Anarchy Shampoo / Conditioner
Axe Spiked Up Spiking Glue
Axe Primed Shampoo
Axe Deep Clean Shampoo

Pantene 2-n-1 Curly Dry Moisture Shampoo
Pantene Color Reserve Volume Shampoo

Pantene Color Reserve Volume Conditioner
Pantene 2-n-1 Ice Shine Shampoo
Pantene Gel Styler Strong Hold
Pantene Pro-v Ultimate 10BB Cream Shampoo
Pantene Pro-v Ultimate 10BB Cream Conditioner

Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo
Aveeno Nourish Strength Shampoo
Aveeno Nourish Strength Conditioner

Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong Shampoo
Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong Conditioner
Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse Gel Extra Hold
Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Anti Frizz

Aussie 2-n-1 Moisture Shampoo

Fructis Triple Nutrition Spray
Fructis Extreme Control Aerosol Hair Spray
Fructis Fall Fight Shampoo
Fructis Fall Fight Conditioner
Fructis Spike Explosion Power Gel
Fructis Mess Maker Power Putty

Nexxus Styling Gel Exxtra
Nexxus Deep Conditioning Treatment
Nexxus Frizz Defying Shampoo
Nexxus Frizz Defying Conditioner
Nexxus Leave In Conditioner
Nexxus Youth Renewal Conditioner

John Frieda Awakening Restore Shampoo
John Frieda Awakening Restore Conditioner
John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate and Rescue Conditioner
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Shampoo
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Conditioner

Samy Big Curls Defining Cream

Infusium Repair Shampoo
Infusium Repair Conditioner
Infusium Repair  Leave-In Treatment

Pert Plus 2-n-1 All Types Shampoo

Also check out my list of 23 Discontinued Items that sell big on eBay and Amazon.

Happy Hunting!


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5 New Things I Learned to Sell on eBay in 2014

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A Small Miracle on eBay - 98 Years and 2,000 Miles

After last week's post about the Russian Christmas ornaments, a reader, who wished to remain anonymous, sent in this story.

I sometimes sell old photos, especially tin types, on eBay. You can often get a whole box for a $1. And there are sometimes neat little oddities in there like old advertisements and such. Recently I came  across postcard dated 1916. It was written by a young soldier getting ready to ship out to fight in WWI. He was writing  to his wife and professing his love for her and their unborn child. Although difficult to read you could make out that he loved her, missed her and hoped to be home soon and with his family. A very nice sentiment.

I struggled with the morality of putting this up for sale. I mean it was someone's personal correspondence. But it was so long ago I figured it might be ok. Plus it is a small piece of history. I put up the listing and even went so far as to ask if anyone had any more information on the piece.

Couple days later I received a message from a lovely woman who explained the man writing the postcard was her grandfather. The unborn child her mother. Her grandfather did not return from WWI and like so many veterans back then they never recovered his body for a proper burial. Her grandmother and her parents have since passed. She has very little to remember any of them by as they moved so often due to the military careers of her grandfather and her father who was also a military man.

I immediately told her it would be my honor and privilege to send her the postcard free of charge. I also asked if she had any young children, especially girls. Do they like Frozen? They do. I have a LOT of Frozen stuff hanging around so Mom is getting the postcard and the girls are getting a nice little assortment of Frozen stuff as my very small way of saying "Thank You" to her father and grandfather for the sacrifices they made.

The items have shipped and will arrive before Christmas. It is a small miracle that little piece of paper has somehow survived all these years and made it to me. I am in Connecticut her family is from Texas. Oh what a journey that postcard must have taken! And what are the odds that she would see it on the massive ocean of stuff that is eBay? Me thinks the faiths are involved in this one.

Anyway, just wanted to share that story.

Have a wonderful holiday and a Great Day on eBay!

Thank you to JB for sending this story along. It shows again the power of the eBay community and that what we do as sellers can really touch lives.

Have a special eBay story to share? Feel free to send it in so I can share on this blog.

(Please note the photo above is NOT the original post card in the story as the seller did not have a photo of it to share.)

A Heartwarming Christmas Story on eBay

Sometimes as eBay sellers we offer an item that can change someone's world.  Stories like this make selling on eBay even more special when we are "re-homing" things. Tonya shared this story on my Facebook group and gave permission for me to share it here.

"I have something to share. My father-in-law gave us this crate of Russian blown glass ornament set to sell on eBay. I listed them starting $89.99 +$20 shipping, without researching shipping costs first.

It sold for $89.99, and I took it to UPS and asked them to pack it well. After they packed it, the total cost of shipping came to $76, I paid, left, called my husband and cried. My profit was around $33.

The buyer just sent me a message telling me that it arrived safely, and this:

'Thank you again. Just an FYI. I used to buy my wife a set of ornaments every year for Xmas. She loved them and she/we had such a beautiful tree 100% glass ornaments. She passed away Oct 3rd and just couldn't break the tradition. Pleased to have such a beautiful boxed set for this year.'

Now my measly $33 profit isn't so bad."

Thanks for sharing, Tonya. You made someone very happy.

Have you ever had a situation like this, as a buyer or a seller, where eBay made all the difference in finding the perfect item? Feel free to share in the comments or send me your story to share on my blog.

Happy Holidays! 

Related Articles:

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Snowbird eBay Seller Takes Business on the Road 

eBay Seller Finds Diamond Ring in Dumpster

5 New Things I Learned to Sell on eBay in 2014

2014 has been an interesting year both personally and professionally. It started for me with some unexpected medical issues, a hospital stay, and surgery. My youngest graduated from high school in the spring, and started college this fall, and my house is on the market as I prepare to downsize and enter the next chapter of my life. That being said, eBay is always running in the background and I continually challenge myself to learn new things each year and share them with my readers.

I have to thank other sellers on my Facebook group for this information (now over 18,000 sellers strong) - you guys and gals rock every week sharing your sales on Money Making Mondays. Here are the top 5 things I learned and put into practice this year thanks to the power of community.

Vineyard Vines. If you aren't familiar with this brand, get to know it. Pretty much everything in the store costs over $80 - and has great resale value on eBay. Here are a few items I found and sold this year:

Vineyard Vines Tote Bag $1 at thrift store, sold for $29.97 

Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt $4 at thrift store, sold for $69.97

Vineyard Vines Tie $1 at thrift store, sold for $62

 Granny Square afghans. I never would have given these a second look until I saw other sellers posting about them. A beautiful vintage item that is easy to spot at thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. Here are a few I sold this year:

Granny Square Afghan $10 at estate sale, sold for $79.97 + shipping

Granny Square Afghan $2 at thrift store, sold for $64.97 + shipping

Completed needlework. There is a lot of opportunity in this niche if you know what to look for. And this type of item is often overlooked and under-priced at thrift stores and estate sales. Here are a few of  my sales from 2014:

Airborne Military completed cross-stitch $1.29 at Goodwill, sold for $27 + shipping

Folk Art Sampler $3 at church sale, sold for $29.97 + shipping

Vintage fisherman needlepoint $3 at garage sale sold for $45 + shipping

 

Tonner collectible dolls. I am selling a doll collection on consignment (a great way to learn for free - sign up for my consignment directory here) for a client and they have quite a few of these. Now I know to look for this brand at estate sales, garage sales, and on Craigslist. These 3 have sold so far:

Tonner Aquaman Doll sold for $159.97

Tonner 22 Inch American Models Raven sold for $130

Tonner 22 Inch American Models Raven Short Hair sold for $139.97

Comfort shoes. There is a lot of opportunity in this niche if you know who the target customer is, why they are buying this type of shoe, and what other sellers are overlooking because the shoes aren't exactly fashionable. Learn all about this niche with my course, "The Art of Selling Preowned Women's Shoes on eBay."

Birkenstock Footprints Shoes $6 at Goodwill, sold for $49.97 + shipping

SAS Tripad Sandals $2 at thrift store, sold for $35 + shipping

Finn Comfort Sandals $2 at thrift store, sold for $55 + shipping

I hope this recap of 2014 has shown you some new things you might not know about, as well as emphasize that you can never stop learning in this business. eBay is a moving target and when you get too comfortable you miss opportunities. 

What did you discover to sell this year that has helped your bottom line? Please share in the comments below so we can continue to learn from each other.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Update February 2015: Check out my complete list of 72 Unique Items that Sold Big on eBay in 2014.

Related Articles:

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Hot Brand to Sell on eBay - Vineyard Vines

23 Discontinued and Newly Released Products to Sell on eBay and Amazon

Discontinued products can be big money makers online, but so can newly released products that aren't available nationwide. Both of these types of products have one thing in common - SCARCITY. The less there is of something, the more people will pay for it. For example, have you heard about the Intrigue K-Y Lubricant that has a retail price of $15 and is selling for up to $99 on eBay?

Items like this are all around you and this is a case where knowledge is power. I have done the work for you in my newest eBook, providing a list of 23 consumable items in the grocery, health care, and beauty categories. 13 are discontinued items, and 10 are newly released or limited edition items. (These items are NOT the same ones listed in my Hidden Holiday Foods ebook.)

All of these items are profitable on eBay right now, and 75% of them are also on Amazon.

Grab your copy now, print it out, and hit the stores. 

Related Articles:

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Make Money Selling Pre-Owned Women's Shoes on eBay

 

 

 

How to Respond to eBay Buyers Who Criticize Your Pricing

Recently there was a discussion on my eBay Seller Facebook Group regarding how to respond to buyers who criticize prices. Savvy sellers do their research and know what the eBay market will bear. Have any of these scenarios happened to you?

1. A buyer sends you a story about how they "need" the item and explain all  the reasons they do not have the money to pay your asking price.

2. Your item is listed with a defect or for parts, and the customer makes a comment like, "Since it is in such bad condition, I'll give you X - you won't get your asking price."

3. Customer writes a long drawn-out narrative of everything that has gone wrong in their life and why you should come down on your price.

4. Customer compares the price of your vintage or discontinued item to a retail price. "I can get this at Costco for $10, why are you charging $30? (Obviously, they can't get it at Costco or they wouldn't be on eBay looking for it.)

The best course of action is to hold your tongue and reply in a professional way. Here are some great responses from sellers:

Lisa said, "Thank you for your interest. My price is firm but does include free shipping if that helps." Don't get drawn into rationalizing/explaining.

Amy said, "Accept, counter or decline, then move on. I have best offer on all my items. When I get an offer I glance at the offer and any message they may include and click the button and move on. There's no need for snarky replies, drawn out explanations, etc. It's a negotiation technique that some buyers use - it either works for them or doesn't. Sellers insulting them, trying to make them feel bad or just being plain out rude isn't going to stop them from making the same offers elsewhere. Just accept, counter or decline."


Sharon said, "I am sorry, I am not accepting offers on this product at this time."

These are all great answers. Bottom line, don't take it personally if someone doesn't like your price. You don't have to explain your pricing or rationalize about why an item is priced a certain way. This is business. Keep it professional.  Do your research, know the value of your item, and stick to your price. The right buyer will come along and be happy to pay your asking price.

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Resource for eBay Sellers – YardSalers.Net

Julia Wilkinson, author of “The eBay Price Guide” and “eBay Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks” has introduced her new website, YardSalers.Net. This site provides a free monthly newsletter for pickers and yard sale enthusiasts. Improve your picking and eBaying skills by reading her blog, newsletter, and visiting the links provided on the site.

A long time eBayer, Julia has been selling on eBay since 1999 and offers a variety of items in her eBay store including clothing, jewelry, art, and furniture. Her store is called Julia’s Finds and is an eclectic blend of quality products at affordable prices. Julia is located in Alexandria Virginia where she enjoys shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, and estate sales to purchase inventory to sell on eBay.

She has also written for Ecommerce Bytes and her own blog BidBits in the past, so she has a handle on what’s going on in the world of ecommerce. YardSalers.Net has a “Back Issues” section where you can read about all kinds of great flips. Back issues date back to October 2002.

Julia’s vision for YardSalers.Net is make it a yard sale resource with a roundup of national sales, links to helpful auction communities, newsletters, yard sale directories and maps, and eBay tools. Julia has a Facebook group here with over 1,000 members so far.

Make sure you sign up for YardSalers.Net newsletter here and stay in the loop.

More great eBay learning resources:

Using Facebook Yard Sale Groups for eBay Inventory

Make Money Selling Used Shoes on eBay

Make Money While on Vacation the Scavenger Life Way

Using Facebook Yard Sale Groups for eBay Inventory

Facebook Yard Sale Groups are growing in popularity. Inventory is all around you if you plug in to this resource and keep your eyes open and are willing to jump on deals when you see them.

These groups are beneficial for buying items to resell on eBay, or for selling items that are large, bulky, or difficult to ship. Some benefits of FB Yard Sale Groups:

1.  Facebook Yard Sale groups are free - no listing or final value fees like on eBay.

2. Nothing is shipped - you pick up items locally at a mutually agreeable location. No worries about what to charge for shipping, finding the right box, or tracking.

3. Yard sale groups are easy to join and navigate - users simply post a photo of the item, a brief description, and either set a price or ask for offers.

4. No selling limits.

5. No Paypal account - pay in cash. (If you are selling items on these groups, get one of these  counterfeit money detector pens to make sure the money you receive is real.)

6. Thousands of members. I am a member of 3 local groups with over 15,000 members in each.

Here is a real example of how you can use FB Yard Sale Groups to your advantage as an eBay seller.

I recently saw this Disney Mrs. Potts costume on a local Facebook Yard Sale Group for $15.

 

This costume sells for between $50 - $100 on eBay depending on size and condition. I was the first in line to say I wanted the item and was at the seller's house in 30 minutes and bought the item for $15. There were a few stains but I knew this would be a good flip.

Being 2 weeks before Halloween, I put the item on auction and it sold with 1 bid of $74.97 plus shipping. The funny thing is the eBay buyer was less than 30 miles from me.

Profit calculation:

Purchase price $15
Sale price $74.97
Shipping paid $8.95
Shipping cost (with eBay discount) $5.40
eBay fees $7.56
Paypal fees $2.47

Total profit $53.60

Buyer was happy and left positive feedback. Not bad for about 20 minutes worth of work!

Inventory is all around you - just pay attention!

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eBay is a Game Changer for this Mom

eBay changes lives. I see this time and time again with clients I work with - resilient people facing illness, big life changes like a job loss or divorce, or people determined to get out of debt. eBay is the way for many of them. Monica shared her story on my eBay Sellers' Facebook group:

I have realized in the short 4 months of selling on eBay it has given me so many wonderful rewards. It not just the extra income that it brings in every month. So here is my list.

1. eBay is teaching me a new trade.

2. I can take my 3 year old son to work and teach him colors, shapes, words , etc.

3. eBay makes my 57 year old mother feel good and useful when she finds great items and they sell.

4. I know it's not 100% quality time, but I get to be with my son and see the changes of his growth everyday.

5. A home eBay business is a place that gives me a flexible schedule that I can take care of my family needs.

6.  I have a flexible schedule through the day when I'm not feeling well (I have MS and the fatigue is crazy ).

7. I finally having a savings account and have money in it.

8. I prove to myself that I can be a single mom and support my family (going through divorce at the moment).

9. eBay has made me more money smart. I buy almost everything we need used and save the difference.

10.My eBay business a great motivation to keep learning and pushing myself that if we work hard better things will come our way. We shouldn't dwell on the negative . Get up and do something about it.

Thank you for sharing your success story, Monica. People like you are an inspiration to others looking for a way to use eBay to make their lives work!

Related Articles:

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Snowbird eBay Seller Takes Business on the Road

 

Grace Johnson posted this interesting story on my eBay Seller's Facebook group last week:


"We are driving from Minnesota to Nevada to spend the winter. Van is stuffed with my vintage photos, postcards, jewelry and Barbie doll items. We have pulled everything else from our store. This morning we stopped at the post office to mail a package in Nebraska before continuing the drive. eBay can be done any where any way. Have a blessed day gals and guys."

Grace lives in Duluth, Minnesota and last winter was brutal. She saved all year to finance her winter getaway and decided to be a snow bird. When asked more about what she sells and how this "traveling eBay business" is possible, Grace shared that she has thousands of vintage photos not listed and just bought 3,000 more at auction. She plans to expand her vintage paper business and concentrate on ephemera. But she loves vintage Barbies and will never turn down the opportunity to buy one.

Because Grace chose her product line carefully and deliberately, she is able to take it on the road and continue to make money doing what she loves in the warmer climate of Nevada. The point here is that if you plan ahead and choose a portable product line, you really can take the business on the road and do it anywhere. It just takes some planning and organization. 

Now that's using your head, Grace! Thanks for sharing.

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The Great Egg Carton Debate

A few days ago, I was shipping a breakable ceramic urn and used some Styrofoam egg cartons as packaging instead of packing peanuts. I took a photo and posted it in my Facebook group sharing the  creative packing technique with the statement, "Save egg cartons - great for packing breakables and less messy than Styrofoam peanuts." The intent here was to show others that egg cartons are a free, effective, and handy alternative to packing peanuts. Most everybody uses eggs, so this is a great way to recycle something in a useful way as well as save money on shipping supplies.

Now, this technique is a far cry from using soiled pizza boxes or flimsy cereal boxes for packaging. In the past I have cringed at some photos of recycled packaging that could have been bacteria-laden or just too flimsy to use as a shipping box. (Like in this article.)

I should have been more specific and stated that the egg cartons were clean and I assumed people understood the cartons were empty. But, as on many Facebook discussions, things took an interesting turn.

The photo received 511 likes and 90% of the comments were in favor of this packing technique.

There were 2 camps on this discussion:

Recyclers / green enthusiasts who thought the technique was a clever use of available in-home packaging.

The allergy advocates who claimed that putting egg cartons in a package could cause a person with egg allergies to have a severe reaction - that "egg allergies can be so severe that even residue of the shell can cause anaphalactic shock." (I have not verified this statement.)

The issue is, " If sensitivities are that extreme, and such great caution must be taken to exist in the world in general, I can't imagine someone buying items off the Internet from at-home sellers not knowing what the item has come in contact with. Any number of things could have been near the product and could result in a negative reaction."

So the burning question is, should eBay sellers use egg cartons as packaging?

Read the discussion here.

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13 Holiday Foods to Sell Online

 

With the holiday season fast approaching, many sellers jump on the toy and seasonal train. I have seen over the last 11 years that that ride is oversold. Three years ago I decided to take a different approach to 4th quarter sales and instead of focusing on the hottest toys, I focused on what makes the holidays great- FOOD. 


Groceries are consumables and customers often buy multiples of an item. Add on top of that the 4th quarter is one of the busiest seasons for entertaining, family gatherings, and falling off the diet wagon- foods are the hottest items. Best of all foods aren't usually returned - if somebody gets duplicates as a gift, they just eat it! (Unlike toys and other gifts that may be returned.)

From grocery items given as gifts to military care packages- food is the language of love. So why not be part of creating amazing memories while creating a great bank account this 4th quarter?

What I learned about what sells in the grocery category this time of year may shock you. I know it shocked me. And that’s why I created my latest eBook Hidden Holiday Food Items That Sell, Sell, Sell.

Previously only available by as part of a package deal and to former students of my Amazon Grocery Course, this ebook is now available for a limited time for instant download. Products listed in this eBook can be sold on either eBay or Amazon.

What are people saying about Hidden Holiday Items That Sell, Sell, Sell?

"The eBook was wonderful! A lot of the products that were featured I never even thought of.  It has given me some great ideas to work with, thank you!" ~ Caroline

 

"I never knew people eating gluten-free were using the 2nd product on the list to make desserts. Even though I might not sell it, I can use that idea to make some great recipes for my family!" ~Steph

"Thanks for the eBook and for the tips on what not to sell. I saw some of those items posted on a Facebook group and will now avoid selling them for the reasons you mentioned." ~ Eddie

 

Remember this book is available for a limited time only so get your copy now!

 

Hidden Holiday Food Items That Sell, Sell, Sell

 

 

 

 

eBay Seller Finds Diamond Ring in Dumpster

"Seek and ye shall find" is the mantra of many eBay sellers. We look for things to sell everywhere. Even in the trash.

On the weekly Monday Making Mondays post in my Facebook Group, Joc Mosely posted her sale - a .5 carat diamond engagement ring sold for $261. She found it in a dumpster. Joc says she regularly dumpster dives looking for treasures to sell on eBay. Here is her story:

"I dumpster dive (and proudly) and I went into a thrift store dumpster and found a box of high end beauty products. My boyfriend wanted me to leave it behind but I took it anyways. So later on that night he is on an eBay sellers group and I am going through the box. He tells me to look at a post where it shows a lady found a diamond in a high end coat. At that moment I said 'If I ever find a diamond I'll puke.' Literally a few seconds later I was at the end of the box and found the ring. I said ummmmm Babe, is this REAL? I got it tested and that was that."

 See Joc's listing here.

So don't be too proud to look in the trash for valuables. (Just make sure you have permission and aren't trespassing.) 

Related Articles:

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Money Making Mondays videos

How to Make Money Selling Pre-Owned Women's Shoes on eBay

 

Pre-owned shoes are another high-profit, easy to find item that sell well on eBay. As a matter of fact, eBay shows over 826,000 completed sold listings for pre-owned women's shoes. Isn't it time for you to cash in on this market?

I've been selling used shoes and clothing since I started selling on eBay in 2003. (Visit my eBay store here to check for yourself.) I can say with some authority that used shoes are a consistent seller, easy to ship, easy to store, and sell well both domestically and internationally year round.

Now I l know that some sellers avoid selling shoes because they feel have to wait for the person needing an exact size to buy their item - but I see this as an opportunity. You may be the only seller on eBay with a specific shoe in a particular size which allows you to ask more for your item.

Learn more about my new course, "The Art of Selling Used Women's Shoes," which is packed with 90 minutes of video, a 72 page eBook, and my Learn It, Know It, Master It guarantee. Put more money in your Paypal account while helping customers find the perfect shoes on eBay.

Buy "The Art of Selling Used Women's Shoes" here.

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eBay Sellers Weigh in on 90 Day Holiday Return Policy

The Extended Holiday Return Policy timeframe is almost up on us. As announced in the eBay Spring Seller Update, the policy reads:

Extended holiday returns required for Top Rated Plus discount

"To qualify for the Top Rated Plus seal and 20% final value fee discount between November 1 and December 31, your listings must include the new extended holiday return option, with returns accepted through January 31. Bullion, Gift Cards, Tickets, and all Business & Industrial categories are exempted from this requirement.

Same fast shipping and 14-day returns: As before, same-day or one-day handling will be required for Top Rated Plus listings, and a 14-day or longer money-back return policy will continue to be required when holiday returns are not in effect."

This is a hot topic for discussion in eBay networking groups. In my Facebook Group, which now has over 17,000 members, this question and comments were posted today:

How many of you are planning to offer the extended holiday returns and why?

I am because I really have no returns and don't think this will be a problem. Also I want to keep my 20% discount.

I am. Already signed up and have it checked on all my listings. I already offer a 60 day no questions asked returns policy so it's not really a big issue for me. My 20% saves me a lot each month, which I like. Also, I rarely get any returns so it's not worrisome to me.

Yes, because I can keep TRS discount. I already have a solid return policy and hardly ever get any returns. No brainer for me. Keep in mind that if a customer is going to return something, they usually do it fairly quickly. I just don't see buyers scrounging through their house in February and March finding things to return to eBay sellers.

Just do the math and take the emotion out of it. I took my Christmas category of items that I sold last year and figured the TRS discount. It was 600 dollars, I know I won't get close to 600 in returns.

Boost my listings, increase my sales, full up my bank account? Absolutely! Wouldn't let a couple of returns spoil all the extra sales. I have a 60 day no question asked policy & don't get returns. Can anyone tell me where I can shop for the holidays that doesn't take returns?

I am. There needs to be a way to even the playing field a little- for buyers, comparing to amazon. Plus- there will not be an overwhelming amount of returns. 

 I am not. I don't get trs discount because post office doesn't scan regularly. 

Heck no! That's ridiculous! I'll eat the 20% than to deal with items bought now and returned the end of January! I hate accepting buyers remorse returns the way it is. There's going to be a whole lot more of that come January when people are broke.

Most sellers participating in the discussion are choosing to opt in. What is your opinion on the 90 day holiday return policy to keep TRS?

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How to Avoid Long Hold Times When Calling eBay

It is often necessary to call eBay for various reasons including customer problems, raising selling limits, or having negative feedback removed. eBay sellers often experience long hold times over an hour, and this can be very frustrating. Here are some strategies for working around those long hold times and getting your problem handled faster.

1. Try finding the answer yourself using Google or the eBay help index. Many questions can easily be answered using these 2 resources.

2. Use the eBay mobile app to request a call from eBay. Go to settings > customer support > selling > click on any option > call me

3. Don't call on the 21st of the month. eBay updates defect percentages on the 20th of the month, so the phones are usually flooded. The 21st, the day after this update, is usually very busy with sellers calling to get information about seller their performance if percentages have dropped. In other words, the phones may be clogged up with upset sellers who want information about their account status.

4. Avoid calling on a Monday. For most businesses, Mondays are the worst day to try and get through to customer service.

5. Try calling late at night or very early in the morning. Remember eBay is on west coast time. Evenings and first thing in the morning are usually less busy. The phones are open from 5 AM - 10 PM Pacific time.

The phone number for eBay customer service is 1-866-540-3229.

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