Tips On Becoming a Successful eBay Seller

Each day my morning begins with the newspaper, a cup of coffee and breakfast, and then I open the window to eBay and invite people all over the world to join me.I started selling on eBay in 1998, after retiring from a corporate company and raising my three sons. I was an antique dealer, before I began selling on eBay, and while I was still working an 8 hour job.Beforeselling on the Internet, I had ample time to learn the trade and already had a lucrative business in local antique malls.I can remember my early purchases, as I was learning, what to buy and what would most likely sell, and often I would make a small profit or break even, but I kept trying. Knowing what to buy is the most difficult part of selling antiques and collectibles and it is much more complicated, than selling new items.Knowledge is definitely the key to success in these two categories and also building trust with your clients is of utmost importance. I always am very open and honest with my customers,when buying or selling to them.In the past, I have taken the time to examine their items and give my opinion as to worth of those items they have decided to keep. This is only done, when I am contacted first,and asked to purchase items. I have had people contact me and then ask me the value of their items and conduct their own estate sale. I try to avoid these type of situations, as it is a waste of my time, and very unfair to an antique dealer. When conducting an estate sell, I do not price and buy items, as I feel this is dishonest.Remember when you are dealing with a person, especially if they have lost a loved one, you want to walk away knowing that you have somehow helped them. Many of my contacts have come from referrals.EBay has become part of my family and my daily happiness depends on the kind words and encouragement so many have given me. I try to extendthe same feelings of happiness and satisfaction to my valued buyers.Estate and garage sales are overly populated with people, so you have to shop early and you needto know what you are looking at and the value of the items. While you are trying to make a decision, someone may have already purchased the item you now want, so my advice is prepare yourself with knowledge. Always, closely examine an item. Many people selling items do not tell youif there is damage, so it is your responsibility to closely examine an item.For a new eBay seller, it is best to stay in one area and formalize yourself with that category. I am a seller, who buys in almost all categories, but it takes a great deal of time to learn how to do this.I do not always sell everything and a local charity receives those items and they give me a donation tax receipt.I feel that this is a way I can contribute to the community and also not continue to pay fees on items, which do not sell. When you are first learning how to sell on eBay, do not be too hard on yourself for purchasing the wrong items.This is all part of the learning process.Through the years, I have made many extremely good finds and eBay has allowed me to retire early and work from home. A novice eBay seller, has to work to succeed, so put on your tennis shoes and get going and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. That valuable item everyone is ignoring might be your gateway to wealth.

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