Do You Dream of Making eBay a Full Time Business?

Written By Chouhab on lundi 22 décembre 2008 | 00:11

By June Carr

The people who had the vision to realize the power and breadth of the eBay and the Internet are either millionaires or billionaires today. It's doubtful that describes either of us, but that should not hamper you in your quest for eBay success and your work-at-home dreams.

There is a difference between those who use eBay as a hobby, selling a few items from the garage, and those who have learned to exploit eBay into a full time Business.

There are many factors which affect your success in business, and while we cannot define them all, here are a few steps to help you make the right decisions.

EBAY TIP: Know your buyers.

1. PayPal has grown to be one of the largest companies in the world concerning online transactions, and most of us know it is a subsidiary of eBay. Simply because it is a giant, does not mean it is immune to scams, and we should take efforts to protect ourselves in any business transaction. While PayPal performs its own due diligence to ensure that each person who uses their system, is who they say they are, the smart eBay seller (YOU) should do the same.

EBAY TIP: Learn something from your competition, even if it's something they are doing wrong.

2. Be very clear when stating what your refund policy is. In business a contract works best between two honest people, and the same is true with your refund policy, be specific concerning every aspect and leave nothing to the imagination. If you've chosen not to accept returns, state that clearly so there are no misunderstandings down the line.

3. Take the time to write a good and informative description, if there are defects, don't try to hide them instead point them out, being certain they are clearly evident to the viewer. If instead your item is new in the box, use that fact to enhance your selling position.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Never put all your eggs in one basket. In this case, that means do not quit your day job, until you know without any reservations that eBay is profitable for you.

4. We all know pictures are worth 1000 words, and they can certainly enhance your eBay auction. eBay allows the first photograph free, then charges a nominal fee for additional photos. While you do not need excessive photographs, have enough to clearly show the features of what you are selling.

SELLING TIP: Test, then test again. Refine your selling process over time.

5. There is an old expression and business that says, "The customer is always right", and whether that's true or not, it's always wise to treat your customers with respect and courtesy. Often a mis-understand can be cleared up with a nicely written email, explaining the points in dispute.

EBAY TIP: Selling on eBay is a learning experience, if your first auction is not a success, learn from it, then do better the next time.

6. Be sure to monitor your auctions answering any questions that may arise with detailed answers, providing full disclosure during every step of the process.

7. Most of us must live and do business with a budget in mind. While it's easy to believe certain auction enhancements (bolding, shading, featured), will aid in the final sales price, experiment slowly since each cost an extra fee.

8. Every time you run an auction, watch it carefully, learn from it, then use it as a building block future success.

eBay used properly can allow you to live the life of your dreams. However turning dreams into reality, will take some effort on your part, it's worth it.

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