I have been seriously considering making the jump to selling on Ebay full time. Along with some other online and offline avenues, but the main bulk of my income would be through Ebay. I know there are others doing this and just wanted to hear some reasons why this is a good or bad idea. Also, for those who are selling full time have you been able to earn over 50K after expenses and taxes. Thanks for any advice.
posted on July 3, 2001 06:44:37 AM
All I can say is that it's a lot tougher than it used to be.
You had best have some good merchandise and be flexible enough to change merchandise if one particular line cools off.
If this post sounds like I'm less than optimistic, it's because I am becoming that way. It's not anything like it was even 4 or 5 months ago, let alone 2 years ago.
posted on July 3, 2001 06:48:57 AM
Don't let anyone bring you down...I don't know where they get this.."Ebay isn't what it used to be"
We have been doing it for 2 years and our business has never been better.....Just do your research and sell accordingly.
It has given us a chance to be our own boss,Stay home and enjoy our Daughter,have fun searching at flea markets,stores,shows,etc...If you want to do it..We say...Go For It!
posted on July 3, 2001 07:05:39 AM
I agree with Torley We ahve been self employed for almost 20 years now IT is really a mindset more than anything
Ebay is a part of what we do to support ourselves we have other business that were established before ebay existed that are our primary income source.
You just have to look at the total self employment picture.
You are either making money or spending it no middle ground take a sick day fine but nobady pays you for it ....want a vaction take as long as you want nobaodys paying you for it...
No more going to work and sliding thru the day either you make money or you dont eat
I wouldn't have it any other way but it is not for everyone.
If you have to ask then it's probably not for you.
posted on July 3, 2001 07:25:27 AM
I love eBay.
I get to work in my PJ's, be home for my kids when school's out, coach two baseball teams, I could go on and on about the "Quality of Life" improvements.
Best of all, I get to shop all day and call it work!!!
I love the thrill, but I'm a risk taker.
It works for me, but, as MrSpock (MrsPock?) says, it is not for everyone.
I can handle the inconsistent cash flow and adapt to the consistent changes without going into a tizzy.
IMO, only you know for sure if it is for you!
**The money is definitely there for the making, how much is up to you!**
posted on July 3, 2001 07:34:40 AM
Hi sngil,
If you're anticipating >50K after expenses and taxes, you'de better stick to your day job, especially if second hand goods/collectables is to be your thing.
posted on July 3, 2001 07:45:20 AM
I have to agree it's alot tougher than it was when I first started selling 3+ yrs ago. There are so many others selling the same stuff, plus the added fees for everything, the increase in NPB's, etc. I still make my living doing this as opposed to working as a nurse (thank you eBay!). I sold $78,000 in 1999, down to $65,000 last year - but, after taxes, expenses (and everyones fees), I actually made about $38,000 - I have no help, just myself. On the plus side - I love staying home, being my own boss, setting my own hours....I would also suggest, like Torley said, do your research!! Find what's selling & go for it! It was so much fun in the begining when I could find stuff at flea markets & yard sales for a few bucks or less & watch it go out of sight on eBay!! But, if you don't have a steady supply of something, it's very difficult to make a living at selling on eBay. I started selling part time, then when I began making more selling than working as a nurse, I quit nursing all together & haven't worked for anyone else in 3 years!! It certainly is a mindset, above all else. You really have to be determined to make it work - it's alot harder than people realize - but a good feeling to be your own boss. Good luck to you!!
[ edited by countryhorse on Jul 3, 2001 07:47 AM ]
posted on July 3, 2001 08:14:17 AM
I wouldn't suggest it now... talk about missing the boat! I did really well in 1998/99 and fairly well in 2000, but this year has been awful! Higher ebay fees, billpoint charges, online scams (paying through a service and then claiming the item never arrived and getting a refund from the service), higher purchase prices (every junk dealer and garage sale now prices their items according to ebay), deadbeat payers, more returns (buyer's regret), fewer sales because of the economy, more competition from other sellers for similar items and now bulk sellers who flood collectible categories with crap have all added up to less profit for small time sellers. THere are two of us, and we cleared $60,000.00 the first year, and so far this year we have cleared $16,000.00 and we WORK at this full time!
posted on July 3, 2001 08:21:52 AM
Online selling?
Yes, it's a wonderful opportunity, the wave of the future but not necessarily right for everybody.
eBay? Yes, almost any business plan of a small independent seller would have to include eBay as a main component at this time. Being dependent on only one venue has many risks and you should explore and plan to expand into different pathways as soon as possible.
I don't believe any similar opportunity has existed since the US Gov't opened space resulting in the Land Rush of the 1800's as well as parallel programs in other countries.
The hardwork needed after planting your flag is also similar. It's not a job, it's a way of life.
Enjoy it. It's not for the faint of heart but it does provide the opportunity for great personal satisfaction.
I started this thread and I really want to say thanks to everyone for their comments. I guess what it comes down to is just deciding (after careful research) to make the leap. As for me I have been selling part time (about 2-3 hrs a day) for 2 1/2 years now the first year we averaged a profit of about $3000 a month. Took about 6 months off to move and I am now just getting back into the swing of things. My profit is up to about $1500 a month now, still putting in about 2-3 hours a day. Thanks again to everyone for the advice.
