Follow Up to My eBay Experiment - Working Smarter

I wanted to do a follow up to my September post about increasing average sale price, because some of you have been asking. (Read that post here.)

2015 is my 12th year selling on eBay and I still continue to refine the business every day. I set a goal for myself to increase average selling price to $40 by the end of 2014. I didn't make it, but here is my progress.

October was exactly the same as September and August - $29 per item. I saw a huge jump to $57 per item in November, but I can't take credit for hard work there. I sold these Auburn vs. Alabama tickets for $1,588.99:

Where did I get them? My dad is an Alabama alum and at the age of 77 still gets season tickets every year. He no longer goes to the games so I sell the tickets locally and on eBay for him. By the way, event tickets are a great way to pick up some consignment commission using your eBay skills. Tickets are the only item I put on auction, they are a guaranteed sale, super easy to list and ship, and are never a returned. So this big sale skewed my numbers for November.

December was actually kind of slow and my average sale price was back down to $35 an item. I offer free shipping on items that can be shipped first class or fit in a padded flat rate mailer so that is included in some sales in the average sale price calculation.

So, I did not meet my goal of $40 per item average sale price, but my number of sold items is increasing alongside the average price per item. I sold 71 items in December which was 10 more items than in November, and 19 more than in October. Slow progress is still progress.

No, I am not a huge seller, in fact, I am a pretty small seller. eBay is one of many income streams I have built over the last 12 years. See my eBay store here.

But, I am a real seller, I sell items every day, and I am in the trenches right there with you and have been since 2003. I have built several other businesses over the years but eBay is still my favorite and something I am passionate about. I strive to be an efficient seller by doing the following:

1. Carefully choosing products to sell. I always consider profit margin and the amount of time involved in cleaning, photographing, listing, and shipping an item before buying it for resale. It is never a matter if something will sell on eBay, but how much time will be involved in dealing with the item and how much profit I will end up with. Pick your battles.

2. Listing what I have already purchased before buying more. Unlisted items cannot sell. Period. When I was interviewed for a reality show about eBay sellers a couple of years ago, the producers told me my workspace and storage area was "not exciting enough for TV." I told them that the reality is that not all sellers have thousands of items in their homes and that this business can be done with very little stock and in an efficient manner.I was not their gal because my inventory was not impressive enough - which is ok - eBay does exactly what I need it to do for my unique business.

3. Keeping things manageable. I have never had more than 500 items in my eBay store because I can generate the kind of income I want from eBay with fewer than 500 items and the time investment that works for me. There is nothing wrong with having hundreds or thousands of items, but I tend to feel overwhelmed with that many items to manage. At one point I had 12 people working for me (listing, shipping, shopping, running errands, teaching) and my life became about managing other people and paperwork. I prefer to do my eBay business in a very hands-on way so I can do what I am passionate about and what inspires me every day. The push on the internet these days is "grow your business - scale your business!" That wasn't for me. I would rather keep things manageable and have my sanity and a life. I would rather run my business than have it run me.

4. Constantly refining the business. Learn something new about eBay every day, whether is it what to sell, how to keep better records, how to save time, or new ways to use your eBay expertise to make money. Selling on eBay is a skill that is marketable in our culture in many different ways whether through consulting, consignment, teaching classes, or writing articles.Figure out how to use your eBay knowledge in different ways to create more streams of income. Want to know more? I am here for you!

Related Articles:

Join My Consignment Seller's Directory

eBay Sellers - If  You Have It, List It

Are You Wasting Time Micromanaging Your eBay Store?

How to Reduce Returns on eBay

 

Returns are a fact of life on eBay. Even if you do not offer returns, anything you sell is covered under the eBay Money Back Guarantee which states,


"Get the item you ordered or get your money back with the eBay Guarantee.If the item isn’t exactly what you ordered, eBay covers your purchase price plus original shipping on virtually all items."

An issue that I see with consulting clients is a large number of returns.Sellers sometimes get hung up on doing "damage control" for their large number of returns (like applying a restocking fee), rather than looking at the reason for the returns. So, let's be solution oriented here. If you are getting a lot of returns, it might be an issue related your product, your policies, or something you can improve on your listings. Here are some issues that sellers can correct or change to avoid returns.

1. Always include measurements on anything you sell. Clothing definitely is difficult to sell without measurements. Buyers may not take the time to ask for measurements and move on to another seller. And if they take a chance and buy clothing from a listing without measurements, they will return it if it doesn't fit. Also measure everything else! Buyers may be shopping for home decor pieces to put in a certain place, a collectible to display in a specific spot, or any item they need for a specific purpose.

2. Handbags and cell phone cases are high return items. People use these as fashion accessories and change them out like they change shoes. The younger crowd has figured out they can buy a handbag or cell phone case on eBay, use it for 2-3 weeks, and return it. Stay away from those items. (Plus, both can be fake and put your account at risk. Not worth it.)

3. Make sure the item works and all parts are included, especially if you are selling on consignment or find it second hand. I learned my lesson on this one selling photography equipment and musical instruments a few years ago. 2 different consignment clients assured me that their items worked find and all parts were included. I don't know anything about cameras or musical instruments so I didn't know how to verify - and sure enough - I had returns on both items because either they didn't work or pieces were missing. Know your product. The customer (and eBay) doesn't care if you are selling it for somebody else - ultimately it is your responsibility and your account at risk if something goes wrong. (Join my Seller Consignment Directory here.)

4. Take lots of pictures and write a thorough description. I often work with clients using eBay mobile whose objective is to list as many things as fast as possible. This is the kiss of death for an eBay business. You want to make sure the customer understands EXACTLY what he is buying from you. This is even more important if there is a defect or flaw on the item. Now with eBay's defect system, if a seller receives too many Item Not As Described (INAD) cases, the account can be shut down. Slow down, take your time, and write thorough descriptions and invest time in taking 8-12 photos per item. You will have fewer returns and your account will remain healthy.

5. Take time to authenticate. I stopped selling items that require authentication because I don't want to spend my time doing that chore, and frankly, there are 100 gazillion things you can sell on eBay that bring a good profit and don't require authentication. But, if you want to sell designer items, high end jewelry, autographed items, art, etc., it is wise to have these items authenticated. eBay is the final authority on this issue so it doesn't really matter if you know the item is authentic - you need to provide proof. Also, the customer can accuse a seller of selling a fake, or even worse, pull a "switch-eroo" and return a counterfeit item in place of the authentic one they purchased from you. Lots of reasons to stay away from items that must be authenticated.

6. Item arrived damaged. Take your time and package the item carefully. There are lots of good videos on YouTube that show how to correctly package an item for shipping.There are equally as many bad ones, showing how to shove way too much in to a flat rate mailer. Use common sense. If it shakes, it breaks. Again, you are ultimately responsible for how the customer receives the item. If shipping through eBay, you automatically get $100 of insurance on Priority packages. Purchase insurance if necessary beyond that. The customer will win a dispute if they receive a broken or damaged item. Take the proper steps to protect yourself.

Of course, there are plenty of reasons a customer might return an item that are beyond the seller's control. Do what you can to prevent returns and keep your account healthy. I can help evaluate your store and listings to see if there are ways you can reduce returns:

eBay Store Review - I will review your listings, return a written report, and provide 30 days of email support to help you get your store on track.




Related Articles:

3 Ways to Authenticate Designer Items Before Selling on eBay

Understanding eBay's Defect Rate

21 Ways to Boost eBay Sales

What Women Want to Buy on eBay

What Women Want to Buy on eBay - it really isn't that complicated!

The 2014 holiday season officially has come to an end. Your store's sales don't have to, especially when you know what really sells - women's clothing and shoes!

The top selling items in my eBay store and my top selling training products have always been women's clothing and shoes. And there are 3 main reasons why:

1. Quality inventory is plentiful (when you know where to look and what to look for)

2. Women want variety in their wardrobe "just because" or for that special occasion (so yes, sales happen all year round)

3. Women are women. So this love of clothing isn't just an American phenomenon. Sales happen globally.

I want your 2015 to be your best year ever; I want to share with you What Women Want.  So I am combining the best of the best and giving it to you at a killer price. You can grab my:

- Women's Clothing Courses 1 and 2: showing you exactly what brands sell, what to look for, and how to maximize your investments

- My popular shoe course: letting you know what shoes sell and what shoes don't

- A mini store review of your eBay store: so we can optimize it for maximum sales (Your review will be emailed to you within 3 days of purchase)

- Plus 30 days of Suzanne's inbox where I answer your eBay questions directly

And because no woman can pass up a good sale (lesson #1) I am offering this amazing combo pack for only $99! Yep, that’s over 50% off the retail price.

This special is a do not miss offer if you are serious about creating profit 24/7/365. 

Click here to get started today!

Waiting for the Right eBay Buyer Can Mean More Money in Your Pocket

Research your price and wait for the right buyer.

Although not a very expensive item, here is an example:

I bought this scrub top at a thrift store for $2. (Yes, scrub tops can be profitable sellers.) Completeds didn't show one exactly like it but owls are a hot theme right now and this top is really cute, so I priced high based on a gut feeling.

A buyer emailed me about a week later, saying that this brand of scrub top sells for about $8 retail and my price was ridiculous. I replied with, "Thank you for looking, however, our price is firm." She didn't need to understand my price, she was not my customer. What she thinks is none of my business.

The top sold a few days later for my asking price of $24.97.

Here is the Tafford brand website showing retail prices:

Moral of the story - go with your gut. Your instincts will improve the more you do this work. It may take a little while for the right buyer to show up, just be patient.

Related Articles:

5 New Things I Learned to Sell on eBay in 2014

How to Respond to Buyers Who Criticize Your Pricing

Grow Your eBay Business

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!


Related Articles

How to Respond to Buyers Who Criticize Your Pricing


5 New Things I Learned to Sell on eBay in 2014

Hot Discontinued Product to Sell on eBay - Tigi Catwalk Curl Booster

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.)