posted on November 4, 2000 10:03:23 AM
It seems as if I only read of the hard luck stories of people who have failed selling on ebay. Does anyone have any good news or
success stories to share?
My own experience on ebay has been good.
I have sold part time for the past 1 year
with relative successs. I have had about
80% of my auctions close with bids on
average. I actually feel fortunate that
I didn't start selling during ebay's
boom times as I've probably learned to
work a little harder and smarter to achieve
success.
I wonder how many sellers have considered
expanding their selling horizons with
a web site that cross promotes their auction
listings? I have yet to take this step
myself but am interested in pursuing this
in the future. If you sell a niche type of item, how about considering an email newsletter that discusses that particular
area of interest and promotes your listings? Certainly, it sounds like
it is more difficult to make a living
selling on ebay now as compared to the
past. That's why it's important to always
be looking for new ways to better market
your auctions and turn your auction
buyers into regular customers.
It'd be great to hear some Ebay
success stories as I'm sure it would
be inspiring to others who may feel
a bit discouraged at the moment.
posted on November 5, 2000 04:18:24 PM
Other than most bidders wanting to get something for nothing while ignoring the hard work it takes to get these items to the general public - the hours of scouring flea markets, estate sales, dirty & dingy resale shops and let's not forget, garage sales (whoo, that was long winded), I've no complaints. Actually, everyone I have dealt with on both the selling and bidding ends have been wonderful! I've met a lot of nice people while coming home from excursions flea bitten, spider bitten, dusty from crawling in attics and lurking in basements, tired from countless hours of walking and that's not to mention the wear and tear on my already worn out car. However, I love every minute of it!!!
Hows that for good news mixed in with the preverbial complaint or two? Glad to hear someone else enjoys it all.
posted on November 5, 2000 04:28:39 PM
Well, my story is mostly a good one. No, I am not making big profits, perhaps not really a "profit" at all. I mostly clean out my closets and sell off items we either no longer need or are no longer using.
However, my sales do enable us to pay off some bills, as well as bring us some pocket money. While not really profit, it is "replacing" at least a portion of the money originally spent on the items. I have resold some things I picked up here and there, but probably 75% of my sales are items from my own home. It brings in some money, and it clears out the clutter which is always a challenge here.
It is a hobby for me, one I can do on my schedule. With 4 kids and some medical problems, being able to set my own hours is very important to me. Helping out financially, if only a little bit, is important as well. All in all it has been a positive thing in my life. I've been selling off and on since May 1999 and have about 370 completed auctions to my credit.
posted on November 5, 2000 04:37:55 PM
That's some record, [b]Meya[/b}, even not factoring in your considerable medical problems. Good for you.
Started 11/98 at the beginning of the boom and was pretty sure the frenzy wouldn't last, so wasn't surprised when things quieted down. Although I haven't found any record-breakers lately (buy for $1, sell for $300), I haven't been looking either; I haven't hit an estate sale in more than 6 months. Once the market stabilized, so did my profits; they've been absolutely consistent for the past year. I'm making a reasonable profit, I can shut this whole thing down for days at a time when I need to, I don't answer to anybody but moi, and it gives me some justification for doing what I love anyway.
However, I love every minute of it!!!