Selling on Ebay: One Way to Make Extra Money

Most, if not all of you, are familiar with Ebay. We have used Ebay several times to earn some extra money on items that were just laying around. Granted, we have not looked at it as full fledge business opportunity as some have (and done quite well), but we have made a few extra hundred dollars a year. Here are some of the tips and tricks we have came across and used.

1. Do your market research. This is the most important step when considering to sell an item on Ebay. If you have a one of a kind thingamajig that was worth $75 the last time you had it appraised, and no one is looking to buy it, it will not do any good.
2. Set an appropriate start price. Do not set a low price to encourage bids or have a lower insertion fee. If you have done your research, you will know how much your item has sold for in past auctions. By setting to low, you can risk losing money by the time you pay for packing material and all the fees associated with selling an item on Ebay.
3. Take great photographs of your item. Create a picture gallery that belongs in the Louvre. To do this it is imperative that you have a good, solid background, and light from every angle. Even if you are selling an item that a stock photo is offered for, I would still recommend taking your own pictures. This way people actually see what they are getting.
4. Choose your listings title carefully. Avoid things like “L@@K at this GR8T” deal (these actually exist). Keep your title accurate and to the point. Ask yourself how you would search for this item if you were looking for it. Again, your market research will show you how others have listed similar items.
5. Try to end your auction on Sunday. Where people are usually home on the weekends, items that end on Sunday are more likely to sell, and sell at a higher premium.
6. Be as descriptive as possible in your listing. Describe all your items features in as much detail as possible.

Here are some links to help you get started if you so choose:

What to sell on Ebay.

Ebay seller tools.

Register with Ebay.

Ebay pulse lets you know what is hot right now.

As we said, we are not generating any steady income from Ebay, nor has it made us wealthy, but we have made some extra money.  That always comes in handy.  Have a great day!