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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) – Are you running out of room to store all the “stuff” you don’t need or use anymore? Instead of leaving those old electronics, clothes and toys sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust, why not convert them into cash by selling them on eBay.
The Web’s number one auction site generated $34.2 billion dollars in sales last year and if you didn’t reap any of the profits, you’re missing out.
Selling on eBay is a lot easier than holding a garage sale. You don’t have to advertise, or wait till you have a lot of inventory to do it. You don’t even have to be there for the sale to go through’ and the listing fee is a lot lower than you may think which means more money in your pocket. Not to mention it’s a market that’s open to anyone, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
People often ask me how the system works and what they need to do to ensure a successful sale. The first step is to register to be an eBay member. Once that’s taken care of, you can enter an auction.
With its menu system, eBay has really made it easy for you. First you decide if you want to conduct a normal, reserve, Dutch or private auction, then choose how long it will last (three, five, seven or ten days). Next you’ll be asked to categorize the item.
When you get to the point where you’re asked to create an ad, take your time. Think of it like a flyer you’d see in the newspaper. Since your objective is to generate interest in the item, a little hype is OK. If you’re selling a digital camera, for example, that you know is easy to use, be sure to mention that high up in the ad. Here are some other things you should definitely include:
* Specific identification of the item being auctioned (include the model number).
* The condition of the item.
* One or two major benefits of the item to potential bidders.
* A link to specifications sheets on the manufacturer’s Web site.
* Complete information about how the transaction can be closed, including payment and shipping information.
And I can’t stress the importance of this tip enough, always include a photo. Even if it’s just of a box that some software came in, this step is critical. Think about it. You’re expecting someone to buy something site unseen. eBay enables you to embed images in your auction ad so do it!
I recommend you use a digital camera and photograph in color. Put your subject in front of a plain, dull background. Cloth works best. Get as close to the item as possible and fill the frame when you shoot. Use a tripod to keep the shot from blurring.
Once your ad is up, you can sit back and watch the bids come in. After a winner has been declared, get in touch with that person as quickly as possible and complete the transaction. Bidders will appreciate the instant gratification, and with cash in hand, you will too.
About the Author:
Joseph Sinclair is the author of “eBay the Smart Way: Selling, Buying and Profiting on the Web’s #1 Auction Site.” The book, which is now in its 4th edition, starts out with an introduction to the basics, like how to navigate through the site and conduct searches, then goes into depth on topics of interest to the entire eBay community.
For sellers, there are chapters outlining what kinds of merchandise sells and how to conduct auctions, along with advice for taking and using photographs and writing promotional ads. For buyers, bidding strategies and what to do if merchandise is lost, damaged, defective or never gets shipped at all.
“eBay the Smart Way” is available at booksellers nationwide. For more information, log on to the publisher’s Web site, www.amacombooks.org. Courtesy of ARA Content
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