eBay Seller Success Story - From Homeless to $250k

I had the pleasure of meeting John Chartier on my Facebook group in 2013. He is an inspiration to us all. Here are the facts:

John started selling on eBay in 2006.

He has 5 eBay stores.

John, his mom,and his and wife work the business.

Last year, he surpassed $250K in sales through all of his eBay ventures. Here is a screen shot of his Paypal financial statement for 2013.

 Here is John's story, in his own words.

John and his wife.

 "I am no success by far, I fail more often then not, and I am humbled by the chance to tell my story. In 2005 after being homeless and living under the boardwalk in Atlantic City NJ, I got back on my feet, first through temp jobs, and then through selling vacation certificates on Ubid and a few other sites. I moved on to porn where there was more money so I thought, my morals bothered me, but it kept a roof over my head. In late 2006 I gave everything I had away, except what would fit on my motorcycle. I had a yellow sleeping bag a tent, and a laptop. I started riding for soldiers killed in action. I rode all over the east coast more than 100 in total. I promised each mother I met I will carry their prayer cards with me where ever I go.

Many times I was broke and hungry. God always provided a way for me. When in Florida I got a call to come home, my mother needed me to help with her husband who was dying. I came home and took care of the man I call Dad now, he slept a lot and I needed to keep busy.

John's inventory storage area - a tractor trailer.
I started selling flags, what a mistake. Probably the biggest mistake of my life. I really didn't know what I was getting in to and I still don't. I keep my business from being as successful as it could because I am not a businessman. God has blessed me and everyday adds to it a little.

When Dad died, Mom and I had a long talk and she told me she had to work full time for the rest of her life because of her financial situation. I told her to retire and come to work for me. She could run my business. She has been a God send to keep my business going. I have learned over the years of selling that is WORK. If you want a million dollars to fall in your lap and all you are going to do is sit and play on Facebook, dont waste your time on eBay it won't happen.
 

 Inside the tractor trailer.

Knowledge is the greatest thing you can do for your business.  My products are how I pay my bills so I take the time to learn them. Once you feel you know enough to get by, spend at least an hour a day reading more. I read INC.com everyday, I find something in every article I read, I also read Facebook often, but if you notice only a few times to I get real invovled, usually it is to help someone out or start a discussion on a topic. I want to get a wide array of input.

 Typical day's orders, ready to ship.

The best tip I can give is to use a kitchen timer when you work. Set it for 55 minutes, work, 15 minute break, set it again for 55 minutes, and you will be amazed at how much work you can get done. Do this for a year and see where you are. The 15 minute breaks are now 5 and the work periods are 2-3 hour stretches.

Finally I built what I have by reading and asking, I didnt take no for an answer. I just kept pushing forward. When I make a mistake, first I own it, it was my fault and mistake. Next I learn from it, what not to do, then I move forward from it, either fixing it or trying not to repeat it. Sulking and crying isnt going to get you anywhere, admitting your mistake will get you further ahead... your choice."

 eBay paid for John's 2012 Infiniti.

Visit 2 of John's stores here:

EHT Flags

 James 1-27

If you would like to share your story, please contact me using the box on the right. The more we share and help each other, the more successful we can all be.

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