[Green Squall]

Anyone use Ebay for an extra income source? If so, what do you sell? I'm always looking for new ideas! I've had success selling used books, promotional items like t-shirts/stickers and small antiques. I avoid large items because of high shipping costs. I'd love to start buying products in bulk and starting an Ebay store, but I'm not willing to do that without a solid plan first. Would love to hear peoples thoughts.

[brown_thumb]

I've bought and sold on eBay since eBay was just a 2-year-old baby... okay a really big baby.

IMO, there are only two ways to make good money: 1: Sell millions of new items and pay helpers next to nothing to do the work, 2. Sell oddball esoteric items for plenty of profit.

eBay isn't like it was in its infancy... or rather sellers and buyers are more savvy now. But if you work your tail off intelligently searching for good "buy-it-now" deals and poorly advertised items then do a really efficient/good job of reselling the right kinds of items then a decent second income can be made. There will be days you make nothing. Other days, you'll make $50. Then there are days you make $2000. It's pot luck and hard work. You won't get wealthy.

It might be possible to set up an automated ordering drop/ship program but i don't know how to do that.

[aridbud]

Sold t-shirts and photo cards...did ok, not great. Between the chunk of change eBay charges and payment system....it's a way to make a little $$.

[troutman]

I only use Ebay to buy stuff.

Selling would be cool though.

[Green Squall]

Originally Posted by brown_thumb

I've bought and sold on eBay since eBay was just a 2-year-old baby... okay a really big baby.

IMO, there are only two ways to make good money: 1: Sell millions of new items and pay helpers next to nothing to do the work, 2. Sell oddball esoteric items for plenty of profit.

eBay isn't like it was in its infancy... or rather sellers and buyers are more savvy now. But if you work your tail off intelligently searching for good "buy-it-now" deals and poorly advertised items then do a really efficient/good job of reselling the right kinds of items then a decent second income can be made. There will be days you make nothing. Other days, you'll make $50. Then there are days you make $2000. It's pot luck and hard work. You won't get wealthy.

It might be possible to set up an automated ordering drop/ship program but i don't know how to do that.

I'm small time. I use the 50 free insertions a month and take advantage of the promotions they have every now and then.

Your right about oddball items. That's why I'm always on the lookout for antiques and vintage items. Definitely can't get wealthy, but its nice to have a trickle of money coming in.

[Green Squall]

Originally Posted by troutman

I only use Ebay to buy stuff.

Selling would be cool though.

Give it a try. Like I said, you get a certain amount of free listings a month. The Ebay App is super easy to use too.

[brown_thumb]

Originally Posted by Green Squall

I'm small time. I use the 50 free insertions a month and take advantage of the promotions they have every now and then.

Your right about oddball items. That's why I'm always on the lookout for antiques and vintage items. Definitely can't get wealthy, but its nice to have a trickle of money coming in.

I'll give you an example: I can buy lots of 20-30-50-200 instruction manuals for an average of fifty cents each. Then I can cull the worthless ones (burn them) and sell the rest (individually) for an average of $5 each plus shipping. If I buy 1300 manuals, burn 300 of them and sell the other 1000 I can make $4500 (minus fees) on the others. All I have to do is toss the pamphlet in an envelope so shipping is quick and easy. It takes many months to sell so many manuals and some won't sell at all for years but that's just one example.

The insertion fees will KILL you on inexpensive stuff like that but my monthly subscription allows for 1000 free insertions every month. It's a good deal for those willing to fully utilize the subscription limits. My problem is I've been very unmotivated for many months so my subscription costing $70 per month doesn't pay for itself.

Lastly, if you sell enough and acquire an excellent seller reputation then eBay will give you a 20 percent discount on final sales fees plus a discount on shipping, which you can pocket.

[Ready4]

Many different ways to make some good extra $ from Ebay, Amazon, Etsy etc.
The best start would be with products that you know very well & know their value range. Some great deals can be had right on Ebay buying from people who are too lazy and/or stupid to take good photos and know what they are selling. Also some of these people just auction off items that end at odd times or during weekdays.
Odd items sure will sell well, most of them at least - basic supply and demand economic rules apply.
Items can be got at good deals from estate sales, yard sales, garbage (don't laugh lol), storage auctions, newspapers, etc
If you work, you can make more. If you are lazy, forget it lol
Getting some products at wholesale prices ( quantity, take some $) then retail auctioning can be good.
also smaller auctions, in person, can be really great sometimes.
Learning what is collectable and what is not can be a learning curve for sure !

[Green Squall]

Originally Posted by Ready4

Many different ways to make some good extra $ from Ebay, Amazon, Etsy etc.
The best start would be with products that you know very well & know their value range. Some great deals can be had right on Ebay buying from people who are too lazy and/or stupid to take good photos and know what they are selling. Also some of these people just auction off items that end at odd times or during weekdays.
Odd items sure will sell well, most of them at least - basic supply and demand economic rules apply.
Items can be got at good deals from estate sales, yard sales, garbage (don't laugh lol), storage auctions, newspapers, etc
If you work, you can make more. If you are lazy, forget it lol
Getting some products at wholesale prices ( quantity, take some $) then retail auctioning can be good.
also smaller auctions, in person, can be really great sometimes.
Learning what is collectable and what is not can be a learning curve for sure !

I've found many good items at estate sales, yard sales not so much. And no I'm not laughing at garbage. At the local transfer center (garbage and recycling) we have a "swap shop" where you can you can leave or take what you please.

@brown thumb - I have 100% positive feedback. How much do you need to sell to get those discounts? I only have around 500 sales.

[hazyfontazy]

i buy from auction houses and sell on ebay