Legitimate eBay business owners?

Question

I'm beginning to become more serious about the possibility of opening an eBay business. I'm wondering, for those of you out there who use eBay as a lone source, or at least significant secondary source of income, what types of businesses have you set up? What seems to work the best? I've seen these 'scamish' websites with taglines like 'sell items you never have to see or store', and I get discouraged. Any successful owners out there with some insight on what to sell, how to acquire it, and how to set it up? What seems to be the hot items?

Answer 1

I have sold items on ebay. I am not a "power seller" and that is not a main source of income for me.

However, I did date a man who sold his baseball cards on ebay. He made enough to live for several months while looking for a job after relocating.

Try checking ebay and see what sells the most. Then check yard sales and such. If you can buy items cheap and sell for more on ebay, you are making income.

One thing to keep in mind when selling your items. Be sure to include for shipping and handling or you may end up losing money. That's why someone may pay $5 for shipping when it only cost $2. There is the listing fee, the final value fee, paypal fees (if you accept credit/debit cards), and shipping materials on top of actual cost to ship the item.

It is to your benefit to include a tracking number...add it to the cost of shipping if you need to. That way if lost, you are not responsible. Offer insurance.

This is a line I put on all of my auctions:  "I am not responsible for lost, damaged, stolen, etc if insurance is not purchased. I will help file an insurance claim if needed."

Hot items are pretty much cell phones and computer games/dvds (such as televion series).