$40 to $250 in hopefully 30 days on eBay

286 replies
Turning $40 into $250 on eBay in 30 days.


A little side project of mine is E-Bay. So I am working on a small challenge to turn $40 into $250 and I am thinking I should be able to do this in 30 days. The plan is to goto my local Goodwill tomorrow and buy as close to $40.00 worth of stuff and place the items on E-Bay.

To make sure everything is clear here. I will be using an already established E-Bay account, and an already established paypal account. The 1 benefit this does afford me in this process is direct access to sold item funds to pay for the shipping of the items.

IF you are new to e-bay this is something that needs to be taken into consideration. You will need funds in your attached bank account to pay for the shipping.

If you are thinking about doing something like this but do not have the funds ( $40.00 ) to goto Goodwill or the like.. YOU can by all means try and sell things from your home.

So tomorrow I will post what my $40.00 got me. I will also be leaving some amount of detail why I have chosen what I did.. and how I came up with the data to decide if these were worth purchasing for the purpose of quick flipping. For the next 30 days I will post any traffic details and the like I can gather and obviously update you on any sales and new purchases.

In the meantime I will be available to answer any questions you may have about e-bay ( aside from why is your account closed )

This should be FUN!

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Below you will find a list of links to the many topics covered in this thread. HOWEVER - time willing - I do suggest reading through the mass of content. Aside from the topics below the questions and added content from the other members have as much value as any post I placed in this thread. Happy Reading!

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Shipping This is buried in my day 2 update post ( ooops )
Taking Photos For e-Bay
eBay Listing Titles
BRAND and eBay
2 "Secret" Ebay Reseller Tips
eBay Cassinni SEO
How to create UP SELLS within eBay
eBay Box Presentation
How to Ensure You Are Running a Proper eBay Business
eBay Sourcing
How to Create Consistency in Sales
My eBay Listing Method
eBay Managed Payments
How to SEO for eBay 2020
How to SEO for eBay 2020 Part 2
How to SEO for eBay 2020 Part 3
Where to Buy and When
Post Covid Ebay Sourcing
Looking Forward to 2022
#$250 #$40 #days
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    That should be a very easy target to hit, There are some rules I follow when Picking that I use but will follow your progress and see your thoughts. maybe I should pm them so I put my cards down before any secrets are shown :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author GiorgioGD
    I wish you all the luck. Your goal is really realistic. Keep reinvesting the profits. I will follow your journey!
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Good to see you chose this for a path and will watch how it turns out. Are you going to share the shipping costs and ebay fees? The biggest part that would help newbies is the packing and cost to deliver the item once it sells.

    Gary Vee did something similar to this in his videos this past fall. Spend a few hundred make a grand. He came up with some big numbers, but a few weeks latter some of those items did not sell .
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      Good to see you chose this for a path and will watch how it turns out. Are you going to share the shipping costs and ebay fees? The biggest part that would help newbies is the packing and cost to deliver the item once it sells.

      Gary Vee did something similar to this in his videos this past fall. Spend a few hundred make a grand. He came up with some big numbers, but a few weeks latter some of those items did not sell .
      To be as transparent as possible... My wife basically does retail-ish arbitrage full time. we are opening our 4th e-bay store. I build websites and do SEO and CRO and the like for a living.. but really enjoy selling stuff. I read time and again on the forum people needing to make money fast. and THIS is really how to do it.

      As I am going through this online, I am also involving my 10 year old son in the process. Everything from getting product to taking pictures making listings and shipping. As of right now ( 1st day ) he is having a lot of fun with it - we will see how long that lasts LOL

      YES.. I am going to be as thorough as possible with this. Fees. SHIPPING ( this alone can kill you ) and all of the other minor expenses.

      I am a FIRM believer that telling someone how to do something vs SHOWING them how are kinda 2 different things.. so I am taking this opportunity to demonstrate the ability to simply buy cheap stuff and turn a profit.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 1


    So post #1 of the journey. The son and I went shopping today with the help of Grandma.. and you will understand why she was there in a minute. haha

    Sourcing for items to sell be it a garage sale or in Walmart or any other store or a thrift store there are some pretty critical elements to ensure some amount of success. There are a couple different types of strategies, but for right now I want to focus mostly on quick flip concepts.

    The absolute first thing you want to do is put the E-bay app on your phone. With the app, you can actually scan bar codes to pull up the item. You can take a picture of an item and it not so often will pull something up, and you can text search items as well. The MOST IMPORTANT thing the app does for you is not only pull up current listings.. you can pull up SOLD listings.

    What items are being listed for means very little.. what they actually SELL for means everything. In the app you search for something and then in the upper right is the word "Filter" you would press on that and then scroll down to "sold Items" and when pressing this you will notice "Completed Items" gets turned on as well. You can then look at the past 90 days of sales and what an item actually sells for.

    The same can be done from a computer. once you are on a search result in the upper left you will be looking for the word " Advanced " and you will select that and then check the box below the search button that says " Sold Listings" and then click search.

    I can tell you this.. the 2 platforms do NOT provide the same results. The computer based results will tend to have more listed items. But regardless the information is still valid.

    One of the key elements in sourcing and specifically sourcing items for quick sale is determining demand. There is an equation for this I will get into later but for right now what you ultimately are looking for is a listing where there are more sold items than listed items. meaning demand is super high.

    A great example of this is an item we actually bought today " WWE SmackDown VS Raw 2010 for PSP " with 20 available listings and 36 sold listings. THIS is exactly what you are looking for. and to give you a taste of the profit potential.. the game was purchased for $2.24 and sells for right around $20.00

    Video games with the exception of Xbox 360 games and most sports games that are year related ( Madden 17, or Fifa 12 ) at the right price are generally good buys. right now NES and PSP seem to be on fire - and these can often be found super cheap - EVEN at Goodwill.

    One of the things you want to watch for when looking up items is the number of listings.. the more listings there are the harder it will be to sell... If you can sit on the purchase as an investment and the profit is there, it is worth the investment if money can be made - it just takes longer. and right now we are trying to focus on quick flips.

    The flip side of this is items with very few to NO listings and little to no sales is something you want to stay away from. I will say this however... this is exactly items my wife looks for - again if the price is right and you have the time, it MAY be worth the investment.

    So right now we are looking for items with high turn over. The next thing you can look for is BRAND. If you are in mens clothing and a Tommy Hilfiger shirt is sitting there for like $5.00 you buy it. ( an add in.. when I say " shirts " I mean like button down type.. T-shirts can work, but you have to pay extra attention ) I would say all brands across the board the bigger the logo the better.. the brighter the colors the better. You just cant go wrong in Mens clothing with Tommy, Polo, Izod, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Tommy Bahama ( we call this tommy 2 ) You just have to watch the cost vs how much they are selling for.

    Shoes... If you don't know the brand look it up.. if you DO know the brand look at that label and pull up that specific model of shoe... don't ever think just because its Nike, its worth it.. I swear 9 times out of 10 you get home and it ends up being sucky purchase.

    its not shoes in this case but we did make a purchase today we probably should not have.. but there is still enough there to make it work - the good bad and the ugly.. im going to share it.

    So what we bought.. we spent a whopping $40.03 today, and bought 13 items in total. Our average cost per item works out to $3.08 - this is a number we work with, but here I will give a more exact number.

    So a quick idea how I like to price things.. obviously I am gong to price according to market first.. if you price to high it wont sell, and if you price to low, you obviously are leaving money on the table. A GENERAL rule of thumb. After everything is all said and done, I like to have 3x the cost left. If I buy something for $2.00 at the end I want $6.00 in the end. If I have $100 in, I want $300 - this is another guide towards understanding if the item is worth buying.

    Below I am going to list each item. The first number will be The COST, the next number will be the list price, next will be sold price, next will be Ebays 10% fee PLUS Paypals 6% fee, next will be shipping supplies ( boxes envelopes ) after that will be shipping, and lastly profit

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95 ( the loser I mentioned earlier )
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $24.95 ( this listing has 2 watchers )
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $49.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    So at this point I bet you are asking where did Grandma fit into all of this... well shopping day was also seniors discount day and we saved 25% or $13.41. Don't think we don't call Grandma all the time.. she is the best $13 is $13.. and no, im not really on a budget here.. but if you are.. this is the type of thing that can add up. we seriously call her all the time and I have never really sat down and figured the numbers, but between her with the seniors discount and a buddy of mine with a military discount we literally save THOUSANDS every year.

    So as it stands right now we spent $40.03 and if everything sells at full price we are looking at $259.35 before the expenses. I KNOW already my packaging expenses will be right under $5.00. my fees would be $41.50 and the only number that will be variable will be my shipping at this point. Round 1 I am hoping to come in around $150.00 after all fees and expenses giving me roughly $110.00 in total profit after removing the initial $40.00 falling just short of my ideal 3X number.

    Anyone that may wonder.. we shopped for 1.5 hours, and it took me and the little one about 2 hours to list the 13 items. At this point everything is already packed and USPS comes to us every day so placing labels on the packages will be what a 1/2 hour? so 4 hours invested.

    I will be back tomorrow with a listing update and I will answer any questions there may be AND go over the #1 mistake that can be made in this whole process ( aside from buying a game that sells for $6.95 and costs $5.91 out the door <bows head in shame> LOL - It happens.. win most lose some )
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    Looks like your gong to do well and we think very similar so I will add my formula to the mix.

    1. How hard is it to get the product out of 10 - 1 easy 10 Rare
    2. What is the demand for the product out of 10 - 1 low 10 High
    3. what is the quality of the product out of 10 - 1- poor 10 Mint.

    I do this in my head and when I add it up I must get what I call an Adult Number = 21 or above

    4. Once I find an Adult product I then as can I buy this at a price that will allow me to make the level of profit I require, if so then I can go ahead and buy the product, if no, then it stays for the next person.

    With very little if any exception do I break these rules.

    Background Been flipping for more years than I can count and have always made money and if you follow the formula you will rarley if ever loose money even when you sort of get it wrong you can always most get your money back.

    Some notes, even when you buy using the rules, it can take months to sell your products at times, and there is nothing wrong with price or anything, you just need to sit tight and wait for the right buyer.

    5. Because of this the last bit of the puzzle is quantity, with the right stuff at quantity you always will be turning over stock regrdless if some of it sits for a while.

    That all said recently I have decided to move out of this (late last year) and am currently selling all remaing stock and not buying in anymore, not because its bad but I needed a new direction, plus I have sheds full, my office full and my attick full of stock and just a mid life crisis and over it and persuing a new angle in life.

    One difference I can see is that I aimed for 5 - 10 times my money and I suppose 5 would be an average, some examples of the money you can make, a cane laundry basket (industrial vintage) paid $20 sold $240 6 months later, toy car set ( vintage ) paid $5 sold it the other day $50, Vintage christmas decs, paid $80 sold $400, brass bowl, paid $2 worth $400 (i kept this for my own private collection) $10 for some vintage mags, framed and sold the posters $800 nett return, and I could sit here for years typing these stories, so once you learn like anything, yes you can make a few Dollars, I suppose I have learnt to be really hard when I buy, but in a nice way, but it is only when you buy that you make money, so good to get that right.

    even after selling everything, I will have enough vintage posters and artwork leftover to keep me busy framing until I pass I think.

    Good luck with your experiment, and its beautiful that your are teaching the little ones and working as a family, I wish you every success.
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    | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      Good luck with your experiment, and its beautiful that your are teaching the little ones and working as a family, I wish you every success.
      First of all thanks! WOW I never knew LOL

      What my wife does primarily is wholesale and bulk buying. That aspect of what we do is usually 10X profit. An example is recently Walmart was doing seasonal closeouts and she went to 3 or 4 different Walmarts in the area and bought 400+ Ugly Christmas sweaters. We wont even list them until September probably.. but it will without question be worth the investment.

      I had to laugh at the sheds and attic and your house.. we started with a shed and now have a 5000 Sq foot " Out Building ' LOL - you might be a redneck if your Garage is bigger than your house... Or in my case I might be a redneck if the number of " Out buildings " exceeds the number of rooms in my house - let alone being BIGGER than my house.

      The 3x rule I think applies mostly to flip style retail arbitrage. More often than not, the profit margin is just not there.. but the reality is this style of sourcing is more available to most people. Many people simply do not have time to go around to garage sales.. they have a day job, or maybe don't even have a mode of transportation and rely on rides... whatever the reason Retail Arbitrage ( going and finding discount priced items in " normal " stores like Walmart, or Home Depot or Home Goods.. even Dollar General ) is a pretty much universal choice for sourcing products to flip.

      Yes of course there are better methods.. but Retail Arbitrage is the easiest point of entry I feel.
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Great to see your whole family is helping you with this project. Never thought about a Sr for a discount. Couple of quick questions are you listing these as 7 or 10 day auctions ? Are you using the ebay price lowering if the products do not sell for this project? Are you using more than one picture for each listing? Speaking of finding stuff at different Big Box stores,

        Lowes has their annual Christmas Clearance items available right after the Holidays. Great way to find something that sells, they put everything on a cart with the Clearance price listed. I have done this a few times. Another thing Spring Garage Sales are right around the corner.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Couple of quick questions are you listing these as 7 or 10 day auctions ?
          I am actually using 30 day listings for this project. For the most part I don't think much of this will be around for any extended period of time. I believe I am understanding why you would ask this... The idea of the shorter listing times is a bit more in depth than what I want to get into this early on... I do plan on going over some of the finer points of E-Bay SEO here. That would be the aspect of this whole thing that I am best at.

          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Are you using the ebay price lowering if the products do not sell for this project?
          This questions brings up an interesting side question... Do you need a e-bay store? the answer is to start, No not at all. At what point would I consider going from just listing to listing with a store format? This is a hard one to answer... when we first started... we ran 5 figures per year for a few years before we finally made the jump. there are some very specific advantages to having a store and once you know what they are.. you kinda know when you need to make the change.. but to start absolutely no need for one. - save the $4.95 a month.

          And to answer the question... I called Grandma to get a discount hahaha so YEAH I will use every tool in the bag to ensure I get a quick turn on the items. I had actually thought about this and was thinking I was not going to.. but today I inadvertently included some of the project products in a side promotion I do so at this point it will be kinda game on.

          So one of the advantages of using a e-bay store is the ability to discount prices.. but more specifically when you discount prices on items that are being "watched" those people are notified of the promotion. I go through and select all of the watched items in my listings and then set a 5% promotion offer. You can then name the promotion and there is some text in that the person sees.. I use "Is 5% enough to move this from watch to bought?" I will generally run this until 3am PST the following day.

          Doing this type of thing DOES increase sales, and often times opens up direct lines of communication with buyers. Again this is a bit more advanced process that I do plan on covering in the next 29 days.

          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Are you using more than one picture for each listing?
          ABSOLUTELY hahaha The video games I am using 5 each. The Tommy Hilfiger boots I am using all 12. The Bible I used all 12. The clothing I am using between 5 and 7 Pictures are a key aspect to getting some amount of page rank for your listing.. basically the more you have the better your odds of getting a high ranking.. and again I will be going over SEO related stuff as we get more into this.

          Cassini ( E-bays Search Engine algorithm ) I find to be super fun to work with. Its not so static in nature IE post it and see what happens.. its pretty instant in terms of results. And some of the non static things that you can do to increase rank is cool - time consuming sometimes but cool.. and again I will get into a lot of this stuff at a later point.
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Love it that you are involving your kid.

    Important lessons here ...

    You won't find learn these hard won skills taught in any school or college curriculum!

    Thanks for sharing!!

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 2 Update


    Sat down with the boy today and we were looking over the comps and the amount of traffic each item was getting after day 1. we tweeked some prices a bit.. and about an hour after doing this we Sold the Bible... and had just added a couple of bucks on that.. so that was cool

    A quick throw in here.. Bibles... they fall pretty much into 2 categories.. there are cheap ones.. and then there are those that you can make profit on. Pretty much every time I see one in a thrift store or the like I buy it.. cost is always minimal and the potential seems to almost always be there AND they ship at MEDIA rate which helps a ton.

    So real quick here is the update:

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $79.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    Saturdays are generally slow for our stores... So like mentioned in the post above we try to push a bit to get some sales on our slower days. Sundays and Tuesdays are our best days, and generally Mondays and Fridays would be our worst.

    As promised.. lets talk about the #1 killer of profit when selling on e-bay - Its SHIPPING.. and I think more specifically its WEIGHT. So I am going to go over a list of the packing materials we use ( the list is pretty short actually ) and then talk about shipping specifically.

    We actually only BUY 4 different envelopes and 2 boxes. Everything else is either shipper supplied ( USPS or Fed EX ) OR we will go out and source a FREE box to ship items that go beyond what we normally sell. You can get the boxes for USPS in 2 ways.. you can stop in your local post office OR you can visit their site USPS.gov or make it easy visit here: https://store.usps.com/store/results...ies/_/N-7d0v8v and order the boxes online ( they are free ) just a note, they will not be delivered tomorrow hahaha in some cases it can take a week or 2

    The 4 envelopes and 2 boxes look like this:
    • 6 x 9 Poly Bag
    • 6 x 9 Padded Envelope
    • 8.5 x 11 Poly Bag
    • 8.5 x 11 Padded Envelope
    • 6 x 6 x 6 Box
    • 14 x 8 x 8 Box

    Our only other expense is tape and white craft paper. We gave up on tape guns and use the pre packages 50yd sized hand sized dispenser deals. we actually stock 2 different ones.. from Walmart we get the Scotch brand.. the tape itself is a bit thinner and sticks really well. And the other is from Dollar General, I think Duck brand and its a bit thicker and a bit more robust. Both cost like $3.00 a roll.

    The padded envelopes we buy in bulk.. BUT you can get both in 12 packs from Walmart for like $4.00 so your package cost is like $.35 ( we pay less - in bulk - but for this I am using the walmart cost ) The poly bags we order as well actually from e-bay Im pretty sure you can get 100 count for like $8.00.

    The boxes.. we get the 6 x 6 x 6 from Home Depot... $.49 and the larger 14 x 8 x 8 we buy off of ebay as well and pay .60 each.. but we buy 1000 at a time anymore. This s a new box size we added recently, so its probably not a must have.

    Aside from the poly bags.. everything you need is probably obtainable between WalMart and Home Depot. IF you need bigger boxes.. Walmart late night when they are stocking shelves.. how big is your car? hahaha it may not be pretty but when you are just beginning it will get the job done. which leaves me to the craft paper - brown or white it doesn't matter.. which ever you can get cheaper. we use it to wrap existing product boxes to ship, we use it for padding - we use it... one of my other business' is Large Format Printing.. so we have a ton of scrap that comes from that so we really don't spend a lot on this.. but f you have to you can go online and buy huge rolls for next to nothing.

    On to Shipping.... Lets start with watching this:

    "https://www.youtube.com/embed/65BeX5FHIvM"

    Reyes cracks me up... if you actually watch the video you would have seen Shipping cost chewed him up. If you look back at my post from yesterday.. you may have noticed #1 everything is already packed #2 I may not know the exact amount of shipping.. but I have a real good idea. So lets make sure what happened to Reyes, doesn't happen to you!

    So first things first click this and book mark it: https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator?...45375397262459 ( in the near future you will use this A LOT! ) You really want to play around with this a bit get an idea of weight and cost. I will go over some of the real basics here.. but if you play around enough you will find some hidden little sweet spots here and there.

    So having that screen open lets look at packages that are 16 oz ( 1 pound )and smaller.. with this weight you can ship First Class pretty in-expensively. once you have entered dimensions and all that the next screen you want to click on "eBay Rates" and that will adjust for the eBay discount. USPS postage is "Zoned" basically the further away the place you are shipping the more it will cost. Priority Fixed rate boxes however are just that Fixed rate.. but back to 1st class. there are price increases in increments. 1 to 4 ounces the same price, 5 to 8 the same 9 to 12 and then 13 to 16. So basically the more something weighs the more it will cost to ship.

    Once you step over that 1 pound mark.. first class disappears as an option, and the expense of shipping increases pretty fast.

    WHEN YOU ARE STARTING OUT Try your very best to stay UNDER 1 Pound.- to the point I would actually suggest a " Fish Measuring Scale " ( look it up on Google ) you can get one for like $8.00.


    A personal experience... I picked up a A&W root beer mug not to long ago.. they sell for like $16.00. Comps looked awesome.. its $2.00 Im in... YEAH it was so heavy it would have cost over $13.00 to ship the dang thing - without question a Reyes moment - Im staring at the damn mug as we speak actually hahaha

    So when I get home with the stuff I bought.. the very first thing we do is figure out how we are going to package the item, and then the item goes on the scale with the packaging and the item, and that cost is written down.. from there we do a much more in depth analysis of pricing before we actually create the listing, take the photos and ultimately list the item. - aside from the geography variant of the shipping cost.. we pretty much know what the bottom line on the product is before it is listed.

    So that's the absolute basics.. if you have questions by all means ask.. ill answer anything and everything! Thanks for reading and following along!

    Tomorrow I think I will go over photos - If there is another topic you would rather learn about let me know!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Taking Photos For e-Bay


    Some of the things I am going to start sharing on this topic, and a few of the others comes from my experience at my "Day Job". I own a marketing agency. We deal with Website development, SEO, CRO ( Conversion Rate Optimization ) Social Media, Print Media, Vinyl, and just about anything else a small to mid sized business needs to " Advertise " .

    With CRO there is a lot of time spent in understanding what people look at and click on. I have run and have access to the results of 10's of thousands of test specifically about the impact of images in the sales process on commerce sites. There is without question some stand out results - AND there are some stand out reasons to buck the " Norm " And I will go over both of those here.

    There are 3-4 things that people see when looking at product... that would be the Picture, the Price, and the Listing Title. Obviously today we are going to discuss the Picture. The #1, do not break rule ( Aside from the exception I will explain later.)

    TAKE YOUR IMAGES WITH A WHITE BACKGROUND


    This is right up there with do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to jail.

    with eBay when you do a search there tends to be 3 items visible. If only 1 of those 3 has a white background.. it will be the one to be clicked more than 80% of the time. And the bottom line is all things being equal ( price and matching what the buyer wants ) a click equals a sale.

    The question then is how do you take pictures with white backgrounds? The answer is a light box. you can go onto Google and look up " Photo Light Box " and get tons of ideas of how to make one yourself. There are some pretty cool examples made from cardboard boxes - and my preference would be the ones made from PVC.

    The closest example that I could find to the type I have built would be in this video:

    https://youtu.be/hbbm_PNkGng

    Unfortunately Joe is speaking Spanish, but you really don't need to hear how to build this. I will note in the video he does use glue to put this together and I will tell you, you don't need to do that. PVC fits real tight together.

    The important part is to shine the light through the paper on the sides ( I also have top lighting as well with mine ) The primary lightbox we use has 24 inch square sides and the back is as wide as the roll of white craft paper ( 30 inches ). we also have a much larger one we use for clothing and the like.

    On the smaller unit we use lights like these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-75-W...0PDQ/205139241 one on each side and 2 on top. You want to use " Daylight " ( 5000 K ) bulbs in these and I prefer to use LED flood light bulbs. you basically want to get something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart...SD02/303574522 Super bright and super white.

    A super quick camera trick to get your whites even whiter.. on your phone or even a DSLR set your white balance to " florescent " this basically removes any yellow from shadowing or whatever that may still be there even with the 5000k lights.

    Another eBay trick.. take your images " Landscape " vs " portrait ". Hold your phone length ways between your hands vs up and down like you are making a phone call. eBay's image place holder is actually square 500x500 minimum and 9000x9000 max BUT the height will actually adjust to fit.

    Phones and cameras take images with a 2:3 ratio - not so square right? but making sure you take your images landscape means the ratio looks like 3:2 so the width of the image will fill in the square from side to side, and then the box actually closes in the gap from top to bottom.

    You can go out into any search listing and see images that were taken portrait style, they will have white lines on the left and right side, vs the others taken landscape that do not have that. I think the non white stripe look is more appealing.. AND again I have data that suggests it performs better.

    If you really wanted to take this to the next level you could actually go in and crop each of your images into a square format - a little more work, and I have no data that would suggest it is worth the effort. Saying that, I think we have only tested this a hand full of times - and looking out at the listings the square images do look pretty good.. but from experience I can say that my landscape image listings out perform square image listings.

    And now onto the EXCEPTION rule. the best example of this I know of is looking up " Apple iPhone ". and scroll down... you will see it. when ALL of the listing images are white, it sometimes pays off to buck the system. The bright yellow is about retina breaking LOL

    And that's about it... an added link here: https://developer.ebay.com/devzone/m...es.html#Image2 this is eBays image guidelines to look at. I think the most important take away from that page is basically if you didn't take the picture, don't post the picture.


    *** Added later ***

    So I left out a very important aspect of pictures.. how many to use. Basically the more you use the better.. there are 12 spaces available. I do use 12, but NOT all the time. It literally depends on what I am listing. I will look up the top 5 comp listings for a product I am going to sell. I will count the number of images. An example would be the video games.. 3 of the listings had 3 photos.. one of them had 2 and one of them had 1.

    Photos are used by Cassini ( eBays search spider ) as a variable to determine your products ranking ability. eBay wants good user experience no? Photos above anything else will give a buyer a really good idea of the shape and condition of the item they are buying. The more photos you have, the better.

    I used 5 Photos for the video games.. we actually use 5 almost always for video games. Clothing... almost always 12, Shoes generally 10 and sometimes up to 12. Anytime there is something in a sealed box.. 6 is pushing most of the time.

    how many times have you looked on a listing in eBay and they like have duplicate images and all that.. and I know I say - what a jerk?! and click off and look for another one.. be relevant with the images you use.. don't just slam in 12 images because it gets you better rank.. I have a feeling Cassini probably knows a duplicate image. Just do whats right for the customer to understand what it is they are getting! That's kinda all that eBay could ask for.. what the customer would ask for.. and what you should deliver!

    So again.. any questions feel free to ask.

    I think tomorrow we will get into the listing title? Image and title both being important.. the TITLE hands down is the most important!

    I will get an update up here in a bit - spoiler alert - it was super poor today and I will see you all tomorrow!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 2 Update


    Today sucked for this project - no other way to say it.. I will get into real quick a product I purchased for this that was a mistake.. but no sales today. All of my other products on the other hand.. strongest day of the year so far. Kinda strange actually.. but it happens.

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    So the Coffee mug.. I generally do pretty well with these #muglife.. they don't always sell right away but they all sell ( well except the dang A&W mug ) I am going to go ahead and share some details about this listing because it is a pretty good learning lesson.

    Search " Edible Arrangements coffee mug " and don't look at the listings.. because if you have read any of the 2 posts above you would be able to identify my listing.. but do the search and click on " sold listings "

    Scroll through the sold listings and there is a good number of Feb sales right.. now look closer - 6 of those were all in the same day OUCH!!! So basically remove those listings out and the sales history suggest slow moving product.. except for the day someone decided it would be a great idea to buy 6 of these - for gifts I am assuming?!

    So back over at the search result... I have followed all the image rules.. I have followed all of the title rules that I will give tomorrow... Its ranked in #1 #2 position.. and 48+ hours after listing. not a ONE SINGLE VIEW - NOTHING zero nada.

    The lesson here.. PAY ATTENTION to every little detail. Granted its a $.74 cup but it could easily be a $74.00 item as well - and that could hurt.

    So anyways we are heading into Monday OH YEAH.. the worst day of the week usually.. this should be exciting! hahaha Have a GREAT day, and I will be here later to let you know how it went!
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Not you started this weekend and already sold two items and only need $14.45 to get your initial investment. If you only have 2 dud purchase the mugs and the 1 play station you should end up with a great project.

    When you get the boxes from the UPSP do you use the craft paper on the outside of the box before shipping ?
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      Not you started this weekend and already sold two items and only need $14.45 to get your initial investment. If you only have 2 dud purchase the mugs and the 1 play station you should end up with a great project.

      When you get the boxes from the UPSP do you use the craft paper on the outside of the box before shipping ?
      We do our best to use the ordered boxes for " Priority mail" but have been known to wrap them from time to time, but not to often. That's why we recently added the 14 x 8 x 8 box to stop most of that. That, and we got into books a bit more and that box is easy to cut to size and holds multiple books pretty nicely.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    eBay Listing Titles

    If the photo is important to get your link clicked.. the TITLE is important to get FOUND. I don't know how many know this but, by DEFAULT when you search eBay, you are searching for text within the TITLE only. And that is actually only a half truth of sorts and we will get into that.

    You can search eBay using other text in the listing by checking the "Includes Description" box right below the blue Search button in the upper right of the screen. To be honest I have no clue how to do this in the mobile app

    So now you can see the importance of spending some time with this element of your listing. You obviously want to include the brand, The broad category ( Women, Mens, Unisex, Kids, Youth, Toddler, Infant ) Color, size, year and whatever else.

    Something that I do is use e-Bays search to see what the auto fill choices are. Another thing I do in the listing itself is look at the "Item Specifics" and see what options are there. I then go out to other top listings and look at their "Item Specifics" as well.

    The Title is 80 Characters including spaces, and I feel you want to use all 80 if you can - and make each character count. Forget stuff like C@@L or L@@K , that's not helping. when was the last time you search for something and included "NIB" ( New In Box ) - the answer is you haven't, and THAT doesn't need to be there either.

    Unlike many other search engines cassini doesn't seem to put a preference in where in those 80 characters a word is. So something like " Womens long sleeve blue & red long sleeved dress size 6 Ralph Lauren " is no different than " Ralph Lauren Womens long sleeve blue & red long sleeved dress size 6 " in terms of searching the item.

    In the above instance I would put "Ralph Lauren" first myself.. and that has nothing to do with search, but more to do with brand recognition and click ability. Because THAT is the other aspect of the title that has to be considered. I think of it this way.. how much of the item details can I get in the Title? how much information can I give the shopper before they even click on the link?

    So now onto the half truth. I study this stuff more than enough to know the "Title" is not the only place cassini pulls data in order to fill search results. There is NO QUESTION it extracts data from the " Item Specifics " section of the listing. That being said.. you want to fill in anything and everything you can. If you feel it may be of value... I would add things in there. I just don't think there is such thing as too much when it comes to " Item Specifics ".

    I can only imagine there may come a point where repeated terms in there may be considered stuffing.. but I have never really tested that. The reality is in terms of ranking items in search there are plenty more variables.. the title and Item Specifics happen ot be the only 2 text related variables.

    Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 3 Update


    Went exactly as expected.. nothing, but again Monday is just the absolute slowest day of the week for us. Did do a bit of shopping today with the boy.. bought an item I will add to the list tomorrow.

    Little Savidge actually found 2 banger items today, but one would break the current budget ( and really only by a few dollars ).. so we are going to keep that one out... he was a bit bum'd about that idea.. selling that one item alone would put us over the goal.. and YEAH it is THAT banger - and I probably would have walked right passed it. - he got that from his mother.

    To be honest I probably hate the purchasing process the most. I am more of the tech geek guy that has the ability and understands HOW to put an item in front of the eyeballs that need to see it. I LOVE selling stuff.. just hate the buying it part. and with that todays grid:

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    same as yesterday - and again Monday I totally expected this. I will say we did get some traffic across the listings, and a couple of " watchers " I believe we have 5 of the items now with watchers. 3 games, the boots, and the Mens Harley shirt.

    I am going to talk about this more that's for sure but now seems like a good time to maybe start the conversation... EXPECTATIONS... If you are needing to get cash fast.. Hopefully here in the next day or 2 I will be able to show you CAN do it... Like DWolfe points out it really isn't a bad start.

    There is some math that goes into what to expect and later I will get into that.. and right now I can say we are breaking the math rules a bit... but I want to say the item selection has something to do with it.

    The Bible.. it was a giant print reference bible in REALLY good condition... anytime we get our hands on one of these it usually sells in hours.

    I am still a bit puzzled we still have the games.. I thought for sure those would be gone Sunday. For the most part really good titles and they are priced really well, and are ranking in search really well... The one that did sell, Little Savidge said that was the best one.. both of us look at the traffic across the listings and the one we both thought was going to be the last to sell is crushing the views.

    And with that a seller tip.... When you get a ton of views.. that is a good thing.. don't get all antsy and think you are priced to high because its not selling. The AVERAGE conversion rate on eBay is 1.5%... meaning 1.5 items sell for every 100 listings looked at.

    You can actually take that little bit of information and scale down / up to the number of products you have listed on your account. IF I only had those 13 items listed.. I/you would have to reach 200 views to sell 3 items. Including the 2 sold items, we are currently at 122 views across our 13 listings.

    Our current conversion rate on this project is 40:1 - so we are due a sale any time now.. and should have another 2 before hitting 200 views - BUT I am NOT expecting that.. but it would be nice hahaha

    Again this is the side of sales I understand REALLY well, and I will get into more...

    So for tomorrow i am thinking of leaving a list of references I have found to be helpful.. some youtube channels and like. Its like an unwritten eBay rule that you are not supposed to share your secrets or something.. so I know it is a bit frustrating looking for information on this stuff. so I do have some goto sources I watch and look at that dont always lay it right out there like this.. but there is definitely something to learn from them.. I know I have.

    So again.. questions comments? Ill do my best to be around to answer those!

    Thanks for reading!
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    • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      Day 3 Update
      The Bible.. it was a giant print reference bible in REALLY good condition... anytime we get our hands on one of these it usually sells in hours.

      I am still a bit puzzled we still have the games.. I thought for sure those would be gone Sunday. For the most part really good titles and they are priced really well, and are ranking in search really well... The one that did sell, Little Savidge said that was the best one.. both of us look at the traffic across the listings and the one we both thought was going to be the last to sell is crushing the views.

      !
      Just for some fun and giggles, apply the age rule to the items and I would guess the bible was well into the adult range = 21+ and the games would be teeneagers ? 13 <> 19 range probably around the 15 range, with the exception of the cracker that sold.

      might be wrong because not really up with games but my guestimate would be medium supply ? 5 medium demand ? 5 and maybe medium to a little better quality if no boxes or instructions ? 6 giving a 16 total

      the bible was probably harder to find ? 7 very much in demand ? 8 and of top quality = 9 total 24

      both guesses in my minds eye, but keep a side eye on those numbers and see if you find a pattern just as some side fun and see how close it comes.
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      | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 4 Update


    Had some family issues today.. My wifes Grandmother - so its heartbreaking a bit, but also expected but focused on that most of the day.

    Nothing sold again... I didnt have the opportunity to get the new item listed, will get that tomorrow. but below are the numbers

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    I will be on track again tomorrow

    See you then
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  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    This Christmas one of the gifts that landed in my lap was book by Scott Pape, Barefoot Investor for Families.

    I've read some of his newspaper articles and his style of writing is easy to read and digest.

    Anyway, I left the book lying around, as you do, hoping my wife would pick it up because despite demonstrating many of the principles over the years and encouraging her to do a multitude of things to assist in the wealth creation of the family. She has always preferred to listen to "others" advice relating to many areas.

    Surprise outcome of having book lying around was my seven year old decided to pick it up. Little subtitle on cover "The Only Kid's money guide you'll ever need"

    Book is aimed at parents educating kids about money.

    Seven year old has largely read book and got his three jars set up to save, spend and share his pocket money.

    Anyway one of the 10 tips, which seven year old has already identified, is to buy and sell something secondhand.

    I'm going to share this thread with him because I'm pretty sure he will get most of the content. (he reads at a 15 year old level).

    Hopefully it will inspire him to foster some entrepreneurial skills and once he's got a few things flipping on Ebay (via my account) his mother might get with the program.

    Thanks for the journey.

    I'm glad I browsed this part of the forum again.

    Best regards,

    Ozi.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Oziboomer View Post

      Hopefully it will inspire him to foster some entrepreneurial skills and once he's got a few things flipping on Ebay (via my account) his mother might get with the program.
      Dude.. your son is as good as hooked mate! hahaha And the wife.. once she understands she can shop and not get yelled at?!?!?! it will be game on. That literally was the turning point for my wife.. she straight up LOVES to shop.. and now instead of it collecting in the closets or cupboards.. its filling a 5000 sq ft 465 sqM building, but she averaged a 7X return on investment last year.. ( just got the final numbers back from the Accountant )
      For MOST households... THAT is NOT secondary income!

      Not that your son is going to be interested in either.. but your specific geographic has 1 NEED and one surprisingly LARGE export. The need you may have seen me post a time or 2 about.. It was a discussion one night with the boys from the WF office ( In AU ) on the facebook group page about the cost of baby formula in AU. I did some amount of research.. quickly found a supplier and ON EBAY targeted the Far East, AU and NZ ( I did this by excluding countries in the shipping section ) This is a just short of 6 digit NET NET portion of our business.

      On a whim this evening after reading your post... I did a bit of research.. knowing YOU and your record. Record equates to brand-ability. The Boomerang is a pretty freakin hot niche item. Like I saw more than one item page that was like " 5 sold in the last hour " You see stuff like that in December with toys.. But in February? Just throwing ( pun really not intended ) that out there!

      Now speaking Father to Father... Dont let " Profit " be a variable in the decision making to begin with... Oh Gawd, I am about to sound like Ryan Biddulph... Yeeet! LETS GO!!! Allow him to sell what he has interest in... The GAMES are my sons touch.. the Bible was him having heard me and mom talk about how ridiculous it is they sell for so much. The mens Harley Shirt.. it has a pretty sweet graphic on it. The Womans clothing was " I think Mom would like these, so they might sell pretty well " I was pretty much just along for the ride.

      The other day when he picked up the Rugby Jersey and the Coat... His favorite Color is blue, and the Jersey is Blue and white striped across the front and solid blue on the back - If it was actually his size I am pretty sure we would not be selling it. He had no clue the coat was from 1997.. no clue who Terry Labonte is.. but " Who doesnt love frosted flakes? " and apparently some people REALLY like Frosted Flakes

      and then there was the DAMN cup... <raises hand> that was ALL me! hahaha

      Yeah Im trying to be a responsible parent and show my kid the ways of the world.. teach him about money and all of that... but for me - RIGHT NOW - getting to see the thought process. Him trying to be down about the baseball game and super pumped about the coat... the adventure is priceless, and I think that will be the case for both of us.. he wont forget that Frosted Flakes coat anytime soon thats for sure!
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        The need you may have seen me post a time or 2 about.. It was a discussion one night with the boys from the WF office ( In AU ) on the facebook group page about the cost of baby formula in AU.



        The other day when he picked up the Rugby Jersey and the Coat... His favorite Color is blue, and the Jersey is Blue and white striped across the front and solid blue on the back - If it was actually his size I am pretty sure we would not be selling it. He had no clue the coat was from 1997.. no clue who Terry Labonte is.. but " Who doesnt love frosted flakes? " and apparently some people REALLY like Frosted Flakes
        Cool to see your son only spent $37. and made $399.00 He met the goal of this Path without evening trying. Wonder if the teenagers have a better grasp on what would sell, since they see the current trends? As we get older and more rational may lose this ability to see whats hot before they do. Might be worth your son doing a WSO here it could sell fast. See how I make $399.00 a day with only 2 hours of work!


        You are saying Baby formula is expensive over seas in the AU. What is a way to cut shipping costs over there from the US ? Any thoughts ? I know its kind of off track for this thread, it might help me solve a problem selling a different product from the US to AU.

        One other note on Ebay their is a seller that has a good deal on the buble wrap envelopes less than 4 days turn around from order to free delivery!
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          You are saying Baby formula is expensive over seas in the AU. What is a way to cut shipping costs over there from the US ? Any thoughts ? I know its kind of off track for this thread, it might help me solve a problem selling a different product from the US to AU.
          there are kinda 2 options here... depending on the weight you can use the flat rate boxes for items up to 20 lbs OR you can use first class international ( which isn't priced so bad ) for things less than 4 lbs.

          YOUR best bet is to start developing a relationship with your Post Office employees if not the local post master and go in and ask questions. Play with order size.. sell 2 instead of 4 or sell 4 instead of 2 it just depends how big the item is and the weight. I know the folks at my post office have helped me a ton over the years with some ins and outs of shipping.

          I actually went as far as to price out shipping in bulk to a friend of mine is AU and then ship from there, and it was for sure less expensive to ship straight from here.. AU postage is pricey compared to US postage prices - and if you think our zoning charts are confusing - WOW hahaha

          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          One other note on Ebay their is a seller that has a good deal on the buble wrap envelopes less than 4 days turn around from order to free delivery!
          Unless you are looking for packing materials in the 1000's Ebay is S U P E R cheap if you take the time and really search through the listings to find the best price. We buy our poly bags still from eBay because they are so dang cheap.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 5 Update


    Goose egged again today. And to be honest I am not in the slightest discouraged. 4 of the 6 games we have left have over 25 views each. 2 of them hit the 50+ mark today.. its only a matter of time - Those will go.

    The boots had some ( 3 ) offers today, sent back counter offers. And again not to concerned here... we got 3 offers that honestly were not that bad. All 3 offers would be right at or just short of doubling... 100% profit is not always a bad thing, I just think we can eek out a bit more, and the interest is there.

    So the numbers:

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    Still have not listed the new item to the list. Happens to be a Canterbury US Rugby jersey blank ( meaning no name or number across the back ) we paid $7.03 on this and the comps are in the $40.00+ range. 3X + shipping puts us at about $28.00 so this will be a 4X + profit margin item.

    The BANGER my son spotted the other day was a Terry Lebonte ( Nascar ) frosted Flakes Team Coat. In a XL, it weighed in at 6 lbs to be shipped ( so the sucker was heavy )we paid $37.00 for it and we listed it for $399.00 and it sold in a touch less than 2 hours. It is a 1997 season coat.. so its just on the inside of what would be deemed "Vintage" ( 25 years ) and it might as well have been brand new. - it for sure checked all the boxes!

    when I picked little Savidge up from school today, the first thing he asked was about the coat.. and the look on his face was priceless when I told him it sold already, And then I told him we decided to up the price a bit... he was like Yeeet LETS GO!!! ( translation - Yeeeees!!!! - That's awesome!!!!! ) hahaha
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    BRAND and eBay


    I was going to discuss some reference material for you all today.. but am feeling the need to side track a bit and discuss something that is a bit elusive to me, and appears to be in general with eBay sellers... and that is BRAND.

    My day job if you will is developing BRAND, and leveraging BRAND for my clients. In terms of longevity for any business I feel that this essential for long term growth and development. eBay reselling is in essence leveraging the brand of the product you are selling. Going to Goodwill and paying $3.00 per shirt be it Polo or Nike or Puritan, it clearly becomes a no brainer the Puritan shirt is going to remain on the rack.

    To be honest there is a part of me that is fine with this... BUT as a business owner this creates issues. As hip as I try to be.. the generation gap thing is really starting to catch up... I am not understanding what is " HOT " in the market place until its too late in many cases AND the life span of many of the current fads are very short. So what happens is I am unable to get product from my suppliers til the fad has passed at a price point that would be needed to create profit.

    So to clarify that a bit more... As a fad trends the price of product increases basic supply and demand.. demand is high price increases. The fad then peaks.. and then plummets. The marketspace is now filled with product and the price drops considerable - again classic supply and demand. You can very quickly be caught buying high and having to sell low IE lose money.

    A GREAT example of this would be Fidgit Spinners. I literally have suppliers that will sell me 100ct bulk spinners for $.10 a piece. But the reality is I probably could not give these away.

    So as an eBay reseller you obviously want to buy low and sell high. You also want to understand the demand of the BRAND you are buying to sell... because THAT is obviously important. Sony PSP games there is demand.. you can get them cheap, and there is decent amount of markup to be made. The flip side of this would be Xbox 360 games.. The are hit and miss.. far more miss than hit...

    and to even think of paying $3.00 for a game you might sell for $6.00 and it cost you about $3.00 to ship.. I am not sure it would be worth the time to go through and scan and scan and scan to find a winner here and there. - I actually not to long ago spent 1 hour scanning games to find 1 that sold for like $20.00, and at the time thought that was alright.. but when I got back and logged " shopping time " with purchase and potential profit.. no the hour was wasted. ( And in a later post I will go over how we track this! )

    Somebody I watch is Ralli Roots ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRv...XV_W6zwPpMgWTg ) In terms of a Reference.. I would suggest they are right up there on the list. what intrigues me the most is in their thrifting videos is the CONSISTENCY of product they pick up.

    So getting this back on topic.... My wife and I primarily stray away from clothes.. and focus on pretty much everything else.. our eBay stores have "Categories" but lack any amount of consistency. watching Ralli Roots They very much carry a vintage theme across the products they look for and buy.

    So why do i bring this up? Because they are so focused on what it is they buy... As a WHOLE there is a BRAND that can be created around that. And THAT can get powerful real fast.

    So whats the difference? My Instagram accounts for our stores are CLUGES of photos of STUFF.. one really does not relate to the other.. WHO would follow that? The flip side of that being Hey We sell Vintage stuff.. check out this and this and that and the other. BRAND then speaks to Consistency vs some eBay store that SELLS brands. Make sense?

    Part of the idea for the new store front I am working with this project in, is TRYING to identify a BRAND. I don't live in Florida like Ralli Roots... I will NEVER see that stuff in my Goodwill.

    The things that I can go in and grab in abundance is not all that profitable... BUT I teeter on the VALUE of Consistency - I mean I can buy FLANNEL til the cows come home.. but none of it is going to be Hilfiger.. and Yes I can buy Hilfiger short sleeve shirt all day every day but they cost $3.00 and sell for about $15.00 and cost $4.00 to ship.. so there would be a whole lot of $10's to get to $1000 a week. And I am not sure the sell rate would support that either.

    I see great overall potential with consistency of product in a store.. developing off platform promotion for YOUR brand.. and sending that traffic to your store.

    Getting in the game for profit is one thing.. but looking at long term and longevity.. taking a bit of time and understanding how you can develop a brand and overall image with what it is you are selling would be well worth the effort.

    A kinda case in point.. Ozi... developing brand around his Worlds Record of throwing something the furthest ( which happened to be a modified Boomerang ) and selling Boomerangs. A website.. social media.. and then using Ebay as a sales distribution point.. makes pretty good business sense.

    as always, any questions Ill be happy to answer.. and comments.. they are greatly appreciated!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      BRAND and eBay

      <snip>

      So getting this back on topic.... My wife and I primarily stray away from clothes.. and focus on pretty much everything else.. our eBay stores have "Categories" but lack any amount of consistency. watching Ralli Roots They very much carry a vintage theme across the products they look for and buy.

      So why do i bring this up? Because they are so focused on what it is they buy... As a WHOLE there is a BRAND that can be created around that. And THAT can get powerful real fast.


      <snip>

      Co-op might be something to think about? There are people that are great buyers and want to do what you are doing and cannot do it because they lack your "seller" knowledge and skills. If those same people were part of your Co-Op they would become the source of the products for the store(s) and you would be the "seller."


      Example: I do Co-Op auctions and flea markets in the spring and summer. My Co-Op partners are mainly experienced people with vans and pickups that do the buying at garage sales and thrift shops and I do the selling. Without going into details we all make money.


      Love your thread and it is commendable of you to share with the forum.


      Jeffery 100%
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

        Co-op might be something to think about? There are people that are great buyers and want to do what you are doing and cannot do it because they lack your "seller" knowledge and skills. If those same people were part of your Co-Op they would become the source of the products for the store(s) and you would be the "seller."
        I have the GREAT fortune of having a CO-OP as a partner LOL. She and her 2 assistance, are particularly good at BUYING. Once my wife understood the numbers part of buying it really was game on. and I have said it already I really dislike the buying part of all this.


        Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

        Example: I do Co-Op auctions and flea markets in the spring and summer. My Co-Op partners are mainly experienced people with vans and pickups that do the buying at garage sales and thrift shops and I do the selling. Without going into details we all make money.
        I can only imagine... you probably deal with more bigger bulky items IE dressers and tables and the like? along with a slew of smalls I am sure. I personally love wood working and the like, and have kinda always had an interest in getting junk and working it back into shape to become a treasure. but the truth is my day job.. pays REALLY well, and I happen to LOVE it as well.

        IF I was not doing what I am doing.. there is probably no question I would have a re worked furniture store of some sort or another.

        BUT let me throw this at you... I am sure you bundle things up in boxes and just try to get something for it at the auctions right? I might try and look some of that stuff up on eBay... Old phones - HOT. Old brass anything - HOT. I would think that selling the big stuff during Auction and Flee Market season would be good.. but then using the "other" months to list and sell the smalls.. that might be where the REAL money might be.

        Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

        Love your thread and it is commendable of you to share with the forum.
        I really do appreciate this, Thanks!
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          I have the GREAT fortune of having a CO-OP as a partner LOL. She and her 2 assistance, are particularly good at BUYING. Once my wife understood the numbers part of buying it really was game on. and I have said it already I really dislike the buying part of all this.

          I can only imagine... you probably deal with more bigger bulky items IE dressers and tables and the like? along with a slew of smalls I am sure. I personally love wood working and the like, and have kinda always had an interest in getting junk and working it back into shape to become a treasure. but the truth is my day job.. pays REALLY well, and I happen to LOVE it as well.
          These days I focus more on smalls for the flea markets and bulk for the auctions:
          + Flea markets, smalls: Buy/sell products the customer can hand-carry.
          + Auctions, large and bulk: Buy/sell products the customer needs personal or assisted transport.
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          IF I was not doing what I am doing.. there is probably no question I would have a re worked furniture store of some sort or another.
          We have three warehouses and one of those is a combined storage space and wood shop. We make 'wood toys' and do minor repairs on small to medium size furniture. The 'wood toys' are smalls, all season sales mostly to specialty stores.

          The toys are my personal favorite and the most profitable.
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          BUT let me throw this at you... I am sure you bundle things up in boxes and just try to get something for it at the auctions right? I might try and look some of that stuff up on eBay... Old phones - HOT. Old brass anything - HOT. I would think that selling the big stuff during Auction and Flee Market season would be good.. but then using the "other" months to list and sell the smalls.. that might be where the REAL money might be.
          Auctions: Buy wise, yes.
          Flea markets: Sell wise, no. Used to, but not anymore. Given the local economies I target it is more work and the same or less profit. The profit in smalls involves less work and less overhead.

          Flea markets, bundle wise, we only bundle related items such as gardening eqp: hoses, rakes, shovels etc. Again, smalls that a customer can hand-carry to their own transportation.

          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          I really do appreciate this, Thanks!
          If your ever in TN give us a shout
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 6 Update


    Made some sales...FINALLY hahaha so after today we have recouped or initial $40.03 and we are $31.11 in profit! woo hoo

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    2 "Secret" Ebay Reseller Tips


    I cant say right off the bat both of these will save you money.. but once you reach "Pro Seller" status.. the BOTH save you money

    so #1 has to do with your return policy. "FREE Returns" is HIGHLY recommended, and highly debated. I just recently started doing this - as in a few days ago on all new listings. Sounds a bit drastic but hear me out... Aside from Profit margins the #1 thing you need to protect being a eBay Reseller is your feedback or sellers rating. Negative feedback can effect you in ways you might not know.

    Just starting, negative feedback may not have that much impact. but as you build your business it starts to play more of a role. To achieve "Top Rated Seller" you had better have a pretty spotless seller rating. So to get this you have to have 100 sales with a value of over $1000 within 12 months. When you achieve this you get a 10% discount on final fees.. so instead of 10% you pay 9% basically. No matter how you look at this 1% can add up pretty fast depending on the volume you do.

    So you ask.. so how does free returns protect this? eBay is a bit more give and take than many out on the net give credit to them for. for instance.. IF you offer free returns and everything is done in the needed time frames - the customer CAN NOT leave negative OR Neutral feedback. Ill repeat that - the customer CAN NOT leave negative OR Neutral feedback.

    IF it happens to show up on your acct, you can call eBay and they will quickly and gladly remove it - as in it never happened. Given the variables needed to keep "Top Rated Seller" are defect rate, time to ship, time to posting tracking, and cases closed by ebay.. removing the customer variable that you have NO control over.. you are now the captain of your own ship.

    When you go out on the net and look this stuff up.. people complain like there is no tomorrow at how much this would cost them... People say they have like MASS returns all the time. On the store that I am using for this series of posts.. I have 212 seller transactions and a 0% return rate. On my oldest store we have 6 digit transactions and .04% return rate.

    The number thrown around the most is to expect a 2% return rate.. I personally don't understand it.. well I do but that's for another discussion! hahaha

    So for ME doing this only MAKES SENSE.. and cushions me from the whim of anything outside of my control - even if I had returns.. I would still look at the expense as being insurance for my seller rating.

    #2 out on the web is a bit elusive.. kinda funny really... even eBay staff I don't think totally understand it. BUT.. when using the eBay APP to either CREATE a listing or REVISE a listing you click Revise or Create it there is a series of clicks "Easy Pricing" and "Boosting" and then the last click is "Share Your Link". Instead of clicking DONE.. reach for the middle of the screen and click "Share Your Link" and then send it off to your e-mail.

    Once you have this little gem of a link.. you can use it to post directly to said product anywhere out on the net EXCEPT on eBay itself.. and what does it do? If someone visits your product by using that link from say Instagram.. and they BUY that product... Ebay will CREDIT you the seller fees.. IE 10%.

    I have been playing with this bit over the past 4 months now.. and YES you do have to wait to see it appear, but it WILL be there. As in last month the new store had a $9.88 credit, and across all 4 of our store fronts it was $2300.00+ in fees returned to us.

    Now with this little bit of information added, go back and read the BRAND post, and you begin to understand creating a following outside of eBay itself that follow YOUR brand takes on a whole new meaning.

    Throw in a line to the effect of "Fast and Free delivery on all items, FREE 30 day no Hassle Returns, and 100% Customer Satisfaction" and all of the sudden you have a pretty solid USP.

    Hope that helps! and as always questions and comments if you have them and I will see you here tomorrow!
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    • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      "FREE Returns" is HIGHLY recommended
      Always! And free postage - some sellers don't seem to get this. Some who do get it may put separate postage on an item, but maybe that's because it will show up as lowest price if that's the search made.

      With eBay you may as well offer free returns because you are obliged to accept returns up to X days anyway (14 is it?). If a customer knows they will have to pay the return cost for a non-faulty item they may shop elsewhere. I know I might. 'No Returns' screams bad seller to me. If they have bought an unsuitable item already they may make something up or be nasty in the feedback if unhappy for their own personal reasons. 30 days refund of total cost of item plus return postage is my standard. I went a whole different ball-game further with one product, offering a lifetime replacement of a part of the product if it were to ever fail. Just a bit of apparent added value which, like a free returns policy, instills confidence and trust.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

        Always! And free postage - some sellers don't seem to get this. Some who do get it may put separate postage on an item, but maybe that's because it will show up as lowest price if that's the search made.

        With eBay you may as well offer free returns because you are obliged to accept returns up to X days anyway (14 is it?). If a customer knows they will have to pay the return cost for a non-faulty item they may shop elsewhere. I know I might. 'No Returns' screams bad seller to me. If they have bought an unsuitable item already they may make something up or be nasty in the feedback if unhappy for their own personal reasons. 30 days refund of total cost of item plus return postage is my standard. I went a whole different ball-game further with one product, offering a lifetime replacement of a part of the product if it were to ever fail. Just a bit of apparent added value which, like a free returns policy, instills confidence and trust.
        Exactly... In the States at least, you can easily determine your most expensive postage rate. aka Zone 5 from your location. and then add that to the cost of the item aka free shipping lol. BUT if someone from zone 2 buys the item you are then pocketing the postage difference you have added in the price.

        We spend a better than good amount of energy in our listings to list exact details of an item. It cuts down on questions asked and it cuts down on returns. We will say the year 2020 is over and this year we had a total of 17 refund requests. We mandate the item is returned - at our expense in order to process a refund. out of 17 requests for the year only 4 actually sent the item back for the refund. that means the other 13 were probably hoping that we would not bother with the return and just issue a refund - like way to many people do.

        Lifetime replacement is AWESOME.. like they will be able to remember where they bought it a year from now let alone 5 years from now.
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        • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Lifetime replacement is AWESOME.. like they will be able to remember where they bought it a year from now let alone 5 years from now.
          LOL



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        • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          ...we had a total of 17 refund requests. We mandate the item is returned - at our expense in order to process a refund. out of 17 requests for the year only 4 actually sent the item back for the refund. that means the other 13 were probably hoping that we would not bother with the return and just issue a refund - like way to many people do.
          You have to insist on returns to weed out the scammers but genuine customers with coherent complaints seldom have to return a product to me. This is because I allow genuine customers to be as happy as they can be, and making them go to the bother of sending something back after being unhappy with it in the first place is not going to endear me to them. And a faulty product may get a good review for the customer service part of the transaction, at least. They may not even mention the fault.

          The trick is to know who is genuine and who is coming it. One clue is any bit of fuss about returning the item. Genuine customers make no fuss - they know they need to return the item in order to get their money back.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Ralli Roots $100.00 Challenge



    Kinda cool to watch... I know for me personally living in BFE these finds would not happen in a year let alone all in 1 day.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    One not about Goodwill, spent a few hours there earlier today. When you go to pay they offer a rewards card. After 50 points you get a discount. Anyone else have this ?
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      One not about Goodwill, spent a few hours there earlier today. When you go to pay they offer a rewards card. After 50 points you get a discount. Anyone else have this ?

      Kinda. My wife holds onto the discount cards like she holds onto our credit cards and cash when we go shopping. She points me to the truck with the goodies, so I never get to use the discount card. However, what she doesn't know is I usually sneak away for a cigarette at times like that
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      One not about Goodwill, spent a few hours there earlier today. When you go to pay they offer a rewards card. After 50 points you get a discount. Anyone else have this ?
      We don't have a card.. but we have scheduled discount days, and our store is tagged by color and every week is a different colors week and on Sunday that color is 50% off
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 7 Update


    No change today in terms of sales. "The Girls" talked me out of my F350 and 22 foot box trailer and drove off to Philadelphia to go buy "something" so me and "the programming boys" were left shipping today. Kinda went over like a ton of bricks stacked reverse pyramid inside a glass house. But we got through it.

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95

    So after the first 7 days we spent $40.03. and after all fees, postage, packing material we have sold $78.14 with a total NET NET of $38.11. just so the number is here as a point of contrast the total in fees and postage and all of that is $36.61.

    Im gonna skip the added content tonight but will be back at it tomorrow.

    But questions and comments as always are welcome! Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Which eBay listing Duration Should You Select?


    So you have 6 choices:
    • 3 Day
    • 5 day
    • 7 Day
    • 10 Day
    • 30 day
    • Good 'til Cancelled

    Would kind of make sense to select "Good 'til cancelled" then you wouldn't have to worry about relisting and all that.. but is that really the best option? I am going to suggest, No it is not the best option.

    If you have been reading through this thread at all you keep reading how I mention eBay SEO aside from the Title is dynamic in a way. This is the gate way to the start of that discussion.

    So you go through the process of creating a new listing.. you've got a kiler title and great photos, pricing is right, and a good description.. and then you click "List Item" That very click begins a 4 to 24 hour boost in your products search rank within the listings of eBay - the length of the boost depends on the Category you are listing in. In almost every category you can go out and search for your item and find your listing at least somewhere on page one of the listings with the high lighted "NEW LISTING" tag.

    So what does that have to do with Listing length? well if you could by a press of a button create a ranking boost for your item every 3, 5, 7, or 10 days vs once every 30 days.. wouldn't that kinda make sense?

    But before you get all trigger happy and go out and start posting 3 day item listings... there is a catch of sorts... and that's called "Monthly Limits" More specifically you have limits on the number of listings you can create in a month.. just beginning that number I believe is 100. So if you have 1 item you list over and over on 3 day listings.. in a months time that would mean you would use 10 of your allocated 100 monthly listing to list that single item every 3 days.

    So obviously that may not be the best idea. So the overall happy medium selection would then be the 10 day listing. My general rule of thumb is I run through the 10 days 2x and if the item is still not sold then convert it over to a 30 day listing.

    So an important little tid bit here.. when the listing ends you open it up to list it again you have 2 options "Sell Similar" and "Relist" Sell Similar is what you want to select IF you want the SEO effect. By using Sell Similar you are creating a NEW Product listing ID, basically a NEW product. IF you select Sell Similar, you WILL NOT get the SEO advantage.

    However, like with all things in life there are exceptions to what you would do and not do. I personally will RELIST an item if it has WATCHERS. When you relist the item, you carry over the watchers.. if you Sell Similar, you will lose them. There comes a point, depending on how many items you have listed that even the 10 day option is not very viable. You kinda by default fall to using the 30 day listing.

    I WOULD NOT and DO NOT ever use the Good 'til Cancelled option. It basically automatically does a relist every 30 days and you have no option for a boost. If I am going to "use" one of my allotted monthly listings I would prefer to at the very least get the SEO boost for it.

    And not to worry, this is not the only SEO boost trick I have up my sleeve, and again I will get more into this stuff as the month progresses.

    Hope you enjoyed this one, and as always if you have any questions or comments Ill be here to answer them!

    Thanks for reading!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 8 Update


    Still a bit wearly to be doing this, but I generally don't sell much on Saturday nights so we will get this one in the books. Today was a pretty decent day. Sold 3 items - Kinda excited about that. Son is super excited because that means we have to go out for breakfast and hit the stores, and do some sourcing to hit the $250.00.

    I don't really know why he is so excited about breakfast in the morning considering it is a Sunday morning tradition we have had since he was like 5. AND like every other 250+ Sundays before he will order pancakes! hahaha

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41 ( Item shipped using flat rate priority )

    Things might be looking up for the Coffee Mug.. it got some traffic across it today. The video games are really interesting to watch. The most expensive one by far gets more traffic across it than the others, but has yet to sell ( I am starting to think I may lower the price to get it to move ) and the one with the least amount of visits, but had the most watchers sold today.

    So our total profit after today is $104.09 minus the $40.03 = $64.06 With another $100+ in product to sell. If we were to look at cost of goods vs profit it would be at this point 25.11 is the cost, and 64.06 is profit putting us at 2.5x of investment. I was shooting for 3x but that's not to bad - and if we can get the boots and Mug in there.. that I think throws us right at the 3x mark.

    So the way my brain works... If we can carry on with 3x.. at the end of the month I would reinvest All that there is and go another month, and at some point well within 3 months, we could turn the $40.03 seed into $2000.00 And mathematically speaking over the course of a year this could turn into 6 digits.

    I am thinking my next run at this will be running an eBay business from 10 to midnight and at the end of the year cashing out at $100,000.00 That's LIFE CHANGING money. And the more I play with this project the more I see that is entirely possible.

    BUT we will get through this month first! hahaha

    thanks for following along!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 9 Update


    just a quick update here. Sold 1 video game. Didn't really expect that to be honest 3 day weekends Sunday tends to be a bit rough.. and Monday becomes the better day. BUT we shall see.

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $14.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Being True to Ones Self

    Today took a bit of a turn which I will get into...

    Me and the boy went for breakfast this morning... he had PANCAKES, and we were both pumped to get shopping. I was planning on maybe hitting a few stores, we only went to Goodwill. We SCORED 10 pieces for just under $30. 2 Donald Trump dress shirts for .99 each. An Affliction T-shirt some super nice Hilfiger dress shirts, and a pair of Harley button down short sleeve shirts.

    We stopped and grabbed a shake to celebrate and did the math.. we had $214.00 dollars worth of stuff, $32 in fees and just under $40 in shipping and $3.50 for the packaging material. Minus the $30 we were looking at $100 in profit! life was good! THEN we got home...

    Son is all excited, we head into the shop, he wants mommy to look at the stuff.. he lays it all out.. he is telling her how much each piece cost, how much it was gong to cost to ship and how much profit... right then I was a pretty proud dad. And THEN she says... Savidge4? can I talk to you in the office? My heart sank hahaha

    My son then says if daddy is in trouble.. we both are, you can talk to him out here ( a glimmer of a proud dad moment again ) And then it began.. " with this stuff you bought.. are you being true to yourself? " " Look at the pair of you " she says " Savidge5 do you wear anything other than Nike or Puma or gaming shirts?" "No Mommy" he says. "And YOU savidge4, You wear work pants, a red t-shirt, boots, and a work shirt every day of the week." "is there any Nike, or Puma or gamer stuff here? Is there any manly man work gear here? " both of us with our head down said "no ma'am" ( In unison I might add )

    She goes on to explain, Yes we did a good job shopping for profit.. but its not about the money, its about buying and selling in what you believe in. The last haul she further explains.. there were stories of connection.. I bought this because mommy would like it... you bought video games.. you bought a frosted flakes jacket, not because of the name on it, but because you thought it was cool.. and this stuff? you bought it because you were thinking of the money.

    So mommy is going to list the shopping Haul from today and we have to go out and try again. So hopefully tomorrow we will go out and do just that.. find things that we have an interest in, and have some knowledge in - And be true to ourselves.

    So a step further and me and the boy slink off to the house and sit down and discuss what just happened.. We did the high five thing for the buys we made and talked about personal brand and all that good stuff. We have adjusted our game plan.. we have a good idea what we are looking for, and we will see what happens.

    A couple hours later my son comes to me and asks if he can show me a video.. and I am thinking I have to endure another gaming video and he shows me:


    He then shows me a few more videos by Cityline... he says "Dad, you like to do this stuff.. and I like to help you do this stuff.. maybe we should think about doing this kind of stuff?" ( had another proud dad moment ) and was like heck yeah!!!

    Looking at the videos.. I start to wonder.. I have a room specifically for Vinyl lettering and decals and the like.. I have more large format printers than should be allowed. I have Graphic artist and College interns at my disposal - and we don't sell any of this on ebay.. or online for that matter... ( I have in the past.. but not for a while now ) and honestly.. I enjoy that stuff

    So that leads me to a guy with a pretty decent name.. Paul Savage. Not quite "Savidge".. but pretty beast on its own. I think of all the Amazon FBA videos I have watched, this guy is the most straight forward... and has an interesting view on things. He did a series on differentiating product:


    The truth is... minus having this made in China.. YES there is without question room in that market space for a $30.00 QUALITY version of a Birthday Board. If you watch the video and remove "Amazon" from it and take the same information on listing improvements, photo improvements, and product improvements - and apply those directly to your eBay business... Its pretty solid.

    So a few months ago... My wife and I sat down and discussed opening up our 4th eBay store.. something that we could place brand on, and develop brand over time. The issue we were / are having was what image we wanted to promote with out brand..

    To be honest we were struggling with this to the point I have considered bringing in a " Stylist " to help us figure out what was available locally that could be put together in a way that we would feel good about, and have value out in the market space. BUT it really wasn't feeling right.

    All things happen for a reason.. and today was that THING that probably put us on the right track.. Should be real interesting to see what we come home with tomorrow!

    Thanks for reading! and as always questions and comments PLEASE!
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      First let me say that the WF has lost my attention lately but I was home sick and kind of bored today as it was storming all day and I have a cold. Anyway, so I came here because I like these threads and when I saw that Savidge started one I was in regardless. So I've sat here and read the whole thing. I've got some experience on eBay myself, and this thread is gold. Many things I knew, some that I didn't, especially as it's been some time since I've sold on there.

      I think the one thing I want to say regarding most of what you've posted is that for anyone watching this you need to pay attention to the fact that the most important thing here is just getting in the game. You can't win if you don't play. That goes for anything. Look at how this little $40 beginning has resulted in so much more. You don't have to print your own mugs to start, you don't have to know what your products of choice will be, just get in the game and learn. Learn from your mistakes. Track things. You can't manage what you don't track.

      This is inspiring stuff. I'm currently starting my own life coaching practice, literally tomorrow evening I start my first group with six eager participants. If I wasn't going down a path right now I'd jump on this. Losing focus would be a foolish plan as I have big things planned for my coaching practice, but this is a great plan too.

      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      Being True to Ones Self


      My son then says if daddy is in trouble.. we both are, you can talk to him out here ( a glimmer of a proud dad moment again ) And then it began.. " with this stuff you bought.. are you being true to yourself? " " Look at the pair of you " she says " Savidge5 do you wear anything other than Nike or Puma or gaming shirts?" "No Mommy" he says. "And YOU savidge4, You wear work pants, a red t-shirt, boots, and a work shirt every day of the week." "is there any Nike, or Puma or gamer stuff here? Is there any manly man work gear here? " both of us with our head down said "no ma'am" ( In unison I might add )

      She goes on to explain, Yes we did a good job shopping for profit.. but its not about the money, its about buying and selling in what you believe in. The last haul she further explains.. there were stories of connection.. I bought this because mommy would like it... you bought video games.. you bought a frosted flakes jacket, not because of the name on it, but because you thought it was cool.. and this stuff? you bought it because you were thinking of the money.

      So mommy is going to list the shopping Haul from today and we have to go out and try again. So hopefully tomorrow we will go out and do just that.. find things that we have an interest in, and have some knowledge in - And be true to ourselves.
      This is the one thing in this thread that has stuck with me in a negative way. I'm not sure I get this. You were buying and selling what you believe in............PROFIT. You don't believe in Nike or Puma or many clothes, you believe in profit and business and enjoy making it so that you can buy things you like, but that doesn't mean that they are all that you like. In fact, many people like things and get emotionally attached and overpay at the buy when flipping items because they like a thing and are too emotionally invested.

      So this advice just bothered me on some level. I think we all have to find what drives us and it can be different things. My wife and I have cleaned houses for years. Do I enjoy scrubbing a toilet or a shower for the millionth time? No. I do enjoy helping families find sanity in life. I enjoy making things shine. I enjoy the fact that I get to work with my wife. I enjoy the challenge of cleaning something new but I don't truly enjoy cleaning all that much. I enjoy listening to podcast while I work, or audio books that help me grow as a person. Should I stop cleaning because I don't enjoy the work? No. I enjoy the money, I enjoy the process, I enjoy the business or the people or whatever.

      The same can be said for what you and your son did in buying those items. Maybe they weren't your passion, but your son lit up making that profit, seeing that something he picked was desired by others and appreciated, working with you, learning about something new, working the process, etc.

      So is the advice to limit yourself to what you personally use and enjoy yourself as far as the product goes? Should all of the focus be put on the product alone? Or is the focus the process, the profit, what you can do with it, the work and potential relationships, the growth in knowledge, the curiosity, etc.? Maybe there was more to that conversation than I saw from the post, but it seemed like there was too much focus on the product and that being true to oneself was equated to the product only and missed out on the bigger picture.

      By the way, this is my favorite thread in a loooooong time. Thanks to those like DWolfe and tryinghere and Jeffery and others that are participating as well and dropping knowledge or questions. It's making this fun.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        This is the one thing in this thread that has stuck with me in a negative way. I'm not sure I get this. You were buying and selling what you believe in............PROFIT. You don't believe in Nike or Puma or many clothes, you believe in profit and business and enjoy making it so that you can buy things you like, but that doesn't mean that they are all that you like. In fact, many people like things and get emotionally attached and overpay at the buy when flipping items because they like a thing and are too emotionally invested.

        So this advice just bothered me on some level. I think we all have to find what drives us and it can be different things. My wife and I have cleaned houses for years. Do I enjoy scrubbing a toilet or a shower for the millionth time? No. I do enjoy helping families find sanity in life. I enjoy making things shine. I enjoy the fact that I get to work with my wife. I enjoy the challenge of cleaning something new but I don't truly enjoy cleaning all that much. I enjoy listening to podcast while I work, or audio books that help me grow as a person. Should I stop cleaning because I don't enjoy the work? No. I enjoy the money, I enjoy the process, I enjoy the business or the people or whatever.

        The same can be said for what you and your son did in buying those items. Maybe they weren't your passion, but your son lit up making that profit, seeing that something he picked was desired by others and appreciated, working with you, learning about something new, working the process, etc.

        So is the advice to limit yourself to what you personally use and enjoy yourself as far as the product goes? Should all of the focus be put on the product alone? Or is the focus the process, the profit, what you can do with it, the work and potential relationships, the growth in knowledge, the curiosity, etc.? Maybe there was more to that conversation than I saw from the post, but it seemed like there was too much focus on the product and that being true to oneself was equated to the product only and missed out on the bigger picture.

        By the way, this is my favorite thread in a loooooong time. Thanks to those like DWolfe and tryinghere and Jeffery and others that are participating as well and dropping knowledge or questions. It's making this fun.
        First of all THANK YOU for commenting.. totally awesome!

        So the answer here is 2 fold.. YES for YOU and for ME and for my WIFE and for DWolfe, and for Ozi, and Tri, and for Jeffrey this is about profit.

        BUT I will say this.. if it wasn't for my wife being good at shopping.. I wouldn't have gotten into this. I HATE shopping ( Its actually kinda fun with the boy ) I make more than enough money doing what it is I enjoy. The flip side of this, Erin can play Solitaire and check e-mails.. I kid you not.. She has 2 assistance, that do all of the listing... HER job is to do what she enjoys MOST... and that's SHOP - AND she is F'ing good at it. This whole thing stemmed from me turning a financial negative into a positive.

        I am Beyond a big believer in doing what you most enjoy - with a caveat - there is a time and a place to do what you have to do, if doing what you enjoy does not pay the bills.

        So this thread in part is the documentation of a life lesson I am teaching my son. Through this he is starting to understand the 12 people that work with us ALL enjoy what it is they do. He has commented recently that so and so really likes what they do.. and the Vinyl guy.. does he ever not smile? ( and a side note Steve "the vinyl guy".. he could literally cut and weed vinyl 24/7... give him a set of wireless headphones ( he has 3 actually, wears one, and the other 2 are charging ) a radio and 6 vinyl cutters and let him go LOL ) he loves every minute of it.

        Its important for me as a father to ensure he understands you don't have to do what you don't like when you don't have to, BUT when Stuff hits the fan, you had better bring the mop and bucket.

        So a quick side note. We do NOT hire a cleaning company. Part of little Pauls chores every day include taking out the garbage, and swiffering floors. We do a bit deeper cleaning on Sunday, and I help. If it were not for my son.. yeah I would hire this out LOL

        The other side of that message which got lost in translation was the development of BRAND. An example.. hmmm How about Sears.. they didn't just sell Tools.. they sold CRAFSTMAN tools. - and really the only thing that was worth a damn that will live beyond Sears.. is just that Craftsman tools. And with an eBay store it is real easy to just sell whatever. BUT we are talking about selling online.

        And its that little nugget - "Selling Online" that makes the concept of BRAND so important. IF you were to take the same name and build a site, build up Instagram, and build up Facebook, and venture over to Posh, and mercari and and and with a unified BRANDED message and a cohesive and consistent line of product... long run - Profits only or the possibility of return customers and greater profits?

        So maybe the title "being true to ones self" was not the best pick... but "being true to brand" maybe a better choice?

        Again thanks for stopping by, reading, and the commenting!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 10 Update


    Sold the Boots today Kind of exciting.. left with 2 games and a Mug at this point.

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items )
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $13.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95 - $59.95 - $9.59 - 0.00 - $9.20 = $41.16
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41

    this puts us at $160.41 and then take out the total first investment, leaves us with $120.38
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    The teachers in West Virginia are officially on strike in the morning and my day job is getting slammed with RUSH orders for Banners and signs etc so no added content tonight.

    Little Paul and I did go shopping today. The wife will list the items for me tomorrow... A couple of DVD players That rugby shirt, and a couple of other things. I believe selling through the next lot of things will hit the target. ( crossing fingers )

    Ill see you guys tomorrow!
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 11 Update

    Oooo what a day.. got up at 6am yesterday morning.. and I might get some sleep tomorrow night - THANK GOD for COFFEE!!!

    Sold a bunch of stuff today.. not any of the 3 remaining items from lot A tho. The "Expensive" game has hit 100 views tho

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    The List ( 13 items ) LOT A
    1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
    2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
    3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
    4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
    5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
    6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
    8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
    9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $13.95
    10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95 - $59.95 - $9.59 - 0.00 - $9.20 = $41.16
    11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
    12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
    13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    1 Hot Dots Pen $2.00 - $10.95
    2 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    3 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    4 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    5 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    6 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    7 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    8 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    9 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    10 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    11 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    12 Cantebury USA Rugby Jersey $7.00 - $34.95
    12 Star Wars Han Solo Hat $3.00 - $49.99
    13 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $24.95
    14 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $27.95
    15 Philips DVD player $5.00 - $29.95

    So a total of $42 spent with a projected Gross of $294.24 So as long as there is like $150 in profit here we should hit our target.

    So that's what we have added... AND here is what we sold today!

    Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
    Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

    1 Hot Dots Pen $2.00 - $10.95 - $0.00 Threw this in as a bonus for the large order
    2 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    3 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    4 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    5 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    6 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    7 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    8 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
    9 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.65 - $5.62 - $3.77
    10 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    11 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95
    12 Cantebury USA Rugby Jersey $7.00 - $34.95
    12 Star Wars Han Solo Hat $3.00 - $49.99
    13 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $24.95
    14 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $27.95
    15 Philips DVD player $5.00 - $29.95

    In total the order was for 20 packs - We separated out the packs that were bought for this project and figured postage for those ( in case you are wondering with Hot Dot cards we use Media Mail. )

    So in this we lost a sale of an item - the hot dots pen so we lost $8.95 in potential Gross. Because all of these went out in 1 order.. we only had the expense of one box, and the combined shipping vs single single single is severely cheaper as in it cost as much to ship all of that as it would cost to ship 2 singles.

    So as it stands with Lot A we are at $120.38 NET NET and Lot B 1 day in we are at a NET NET of $61.55 For a total NET NET of $181.93

    The race for $250 is ON!!
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      Day 11 Update

      In total the order was for 20 packs - We separated out the packs that were bought for this project and figured postage for those ( in case you are wondering with Hot Dot cards we use Media Mail. )

      So as it stands with Lot A we are at $120.38 NET NET and Lot B 1 day in we are at a NET NET of $61.55 For a total NET NET of $181.93

      The race for $250 is ON!!
      Nice a $181.93 profit so far. What is Media Mail is it thru the US Postal service or some other company, like Fed Ex or UPS?

      Second you said you could see 6 figures within in a year, in another post. How would you go about that reinvesting more than half your profits or some similar method ? Would you need a second person to help you if someone started out by them self ? Even 1/2 that would make a lot of newbies on this forum very Happy !
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Nice a $181.93 profit so far. What is Media Mail is it thru the US Postal service or some other company, like Fed Ex or UPS?
        Its Media mail with USPS. if you use this there are a bunch of stipulations with it. you might want to look here: https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm

        The absolute basics with this.. whatever it is you are sending can not have advertising IE magazines or have any electronics IE game cartridges. BUT you can send flashcards IE hot Dots, But not the pen. You can send video games that are a CD but not a game cartridge. You can send printed materials like a book, but like I said not a magazine.

        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Second you said you could see 6 figures within in a year, in another post. How would you go about that reinvesting more than half your profits or some similar method ? Would you need a second person to help you if someone started out by them self ? Even 1/2 that would make a lot of newbies on this forum very Happy !
        MY PLAN.. I am going to reinvest over and over. I actually started today by buying an iPhone 8+ that was bricked that I believe I can "unlock" ( I really am a geek ) for $100 and should be able to sell for $500.00.

        Honestly I am curious how far I can get this.. I want to do this with my son maybe a couple hours a week sourcing, and then 2 hours a day 10 to midnight listing and selling. I already have a couple of buys lined up once I sell the phone, so I should be well on my way to $1000 in probably a week. And then invest the $1000,

        hopefully follow my 3x rule and then invest $3000 then $9000 then $18k and one more time would put us at $54K. How long that will take? I don't know yet. $1000 a week is a very do able number.. but probably not enough.

        I would think 1 person can do this, 2 for sure. we will find out soon enough!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ella smith
    Great Work Hope you will reach $250 soon.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 11 Update


    Nothing sold.. some new items were bought.. im so tired I cant see straight.. we will be back at it tomorrow night!

    thanks all for reading along.. greatly appreciated!
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  • Profile picture of the author gdmatthew
    Sounds like a great idea. I'm wondering how you pick what you want to sell. Seems like it should be things that people want to buy. Sort of like looking up best sellers o n Amazon and then selling that kind of stuff.
    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by gdmatthew View Post

      Sounds like a great idea. I'm wondering how you pick what you want to sell. Seems like it should be things that people want to buy. Sort of like looking up best sellers o n Amazon and then selling that kind of stuff.
      Good luck!
      What to look for? brands brands brands.. you just have to look them up. Pay attention to trends.. right now western wear is hot.. I cant find any of that tho... In WV we are redneck, NOT country! lol
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Day 12 Update


    Didn't sell any of the listed items. I DID sell the iPhone.. turned out to be better than I thought.. Paid $100.00 for the phone.. unlocked it this morning to find out it was an iPhone XS Max and listed it for $800. It was a bit underpriced ( intentionally ) and it sold in less than 4 hours. So $100 cost - $800 listed - $800 sold - $128 fees $21.09 shipping and insurance with Signature. $650.91 net $550.91 NET NET

    I buy about a phone a week sometimes more from Craigslist or facebook. For the average person you want to ensure you can actually get into the phone and ensure the icloud features are turned off before you buy ( back up, lost phone etc ).

    if you are new at this ( flipping phones ) make sure your buy price is less than what you can sell a phone for that is "IC Locked". I thought I was buying a iPhone 8+ and they generally sell for $200 IC Locked. Something like the X's can get $400 to $700 IC Locked.

    I only deal with iPhones myself...
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Good job!

      I need to search for an iPhone XS Max. I haven't even heard of that model.

      EDIT: Having done that, those are recent phones. I've seen them before.

      How did you get one for $100 and why did you need to unlock it before you knew what model it was?

      An iPhone 8 screen isn't edge to edge. They are two entirely different breeds:







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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

        Good job!

        I need to search for an iPhone XS Max. I haven't even heard of that model.

        EDIT: Having done that, those are recent phones. I've seen them before.

        How did you get one for $100 and why did you need to unlock it before you knew what model it was?

        An iPhone 8 screen isn't edge to edge. They are two entirely different breeds:
        AND the camera indent on the 8 is across the top and the X series it is up and down along the side.. and had been up for 3 days straight.. and just made sure it turned on and was on my way LOL

        But aside from that.. I did realize once I got 6 hours of sleep and looked at it, it was a score. It ended up being a 256Gb model, which I couldn't figure out until it was unlocked that wasn't showing up when I did an IMEI search

        I ended up getting the phone because A they had a receipt it was paid for, and B their daughter just went to jail ( Typical WV ) and they couldn't get into the phone, and I weaseled them down from $300 - which still would have been a good deal.

        If you start looking at Facebook sales groups and Craigslist.. you will be surprised what you can find for next to nothing. I have even had people text me saying I bought a phone off of so and so and they suggested I deal with you. REFERALS are awesome hahaha

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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      eBay Cassinni SEO

      So as I explained in a post previously, in terms of Optimizing your listings to get good rank you really need to focus on the Title of the listing. You then want to ensure you have a good amount of information in the "Item Specifics" section of the listing as well.

      The third "Hard" area you want to make sure is right is the category you are listing in. If you have mens shoes listed under shoes it will not appear as well as it could.

      And THEN... rules go out the door from here on. Cassini is probably my favorite Search Engine to work with because of all the dynamic elements. eBay search rewards those that are selling. So your feedback score can give you a boost as compared to others listed. If you are a "Top Seller" you get a boost. If you accept an offer on any product, you get a boost. If you sell an item, you get a boost.

      If you consistently list items, you get a boost. newly listed items like I mentioned before, that item gets a boost, and it helps your other listings as well. How much it helps your other items is probably determined by how many items you list.

      With listing items specifically... if you consistently list items daily and you take 4 days? seems to be the magic -/ unlucky number.. you will without question see a drop in sales. Start listing again, the sales come back.

      You can do a product reset... Go in and do a bulk edit.. select a bunch of items and click "edit" Select all the items in the bulk editor, and simply click save. we tend to only do this when we see a category slowing down to a crawl... time and again we will do this and within an hour or so there will be a sale.

      You can Stop a listing ( I suggest stopping one that is close to ending ) and then go back and relist by using "Sell Similar" and you will see an uptick there.

      Again.. eBay is very dynamic in the sense that it values action vs some static set of rules. This is specifically moving forward with a goal of reaching $100,000 In a year I want to spend a minimum of 2 hours a day - EVERY day listing something.

      when we first started we used to binge list items as we got them... like 3 people going to town all day listing 100+ items.. but then we would not list items for a few days... Our sales would fluctuate based on when we were listing, and drop off when we were not... The pattern was very clear.

      As an experiment we started dragging the listing process out over a few days.. and our sales became far more consistent. If you goto Goodwill and buy 10 items.. list 3 or 4 a day. UNLESS you are going elsewhere and buying stuff day in and day out.

      It amazes me to watch youtube videos of eBay sellers that literally have sheds and storage lockers FULL of stuff that they have not listed... If its not listed, you cant sell it! LOL I think those people are the opposite of me and enjoy the Sourcing more than the listing. - God Bless them! hahaha

      Well that's it for tonight.. any questions or comments by all means.. Ill do my best to answer what ever you may have!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 13 Update


      Sold a couple of items from Lot B today. Overall slow in general. I heard eBay was having server issues .

      Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
      Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

      The List ( 13 items ) LOT A
      1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
      2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
      3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
      4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
      5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
      6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
      7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
      8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
      9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $13.95
      10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95 - $59.95 - $9.59 - 0.00 - $9.20 = $41.16
      11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
      12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
      13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41


      Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
      Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

      The List ( 15 items ) LOT B
      1 Hot Dots Pen $2.00 - $10.95 - $0.00 Threw this in as a bonus for the large order
      2 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      3 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      4 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      5 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      6 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      7 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      8 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      9 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.65 - $5.62 - $3.77
      10 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
      11 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
      12 Cantebury USA Rugby Jersey $7.00 - $34.95
      12 Star Wars Han Solo Hat $3.00 - $49.99
      13 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $24.95
      14 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $27.95
      15 Philips DVD player $5.00 - $29.95

      Bought another phone today for $50, took a best offer and sold it for $180. Bought 500 iPhone XS Max phone cases for $100. I am a bit hesitant about these.. phone cases is a hard category to crack.. its like getting a #1 listing for the term "XBOX" I will PROBABLY try and bulk sell these something like $50.00 for 25 of them vs going after 5 to $10 each and holding them forever. And really $1000 gross is not all that bad if I can fast flip them

      Thats it for now.. see you for day 14
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      When we.. ok I talk about "hustle" I actually live it.. here is a great article about the mindset...

      https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/smal...cid=spartanntp
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Couple of questions say you find an item that you can not find the exact match selling on ebay. You look up the sold items and there are several similar but just the color is different than the popular ones that sold. Would you try to flip the product or leave on the shelf of Goodwill ?

      I read you and another poster have sheds full of unsold inventory. Do you relist these items at a later date ? Or do you just donate them after a certain amount of time ? The reason I'm asking say someone only has a very small place to store stuff. They have no extra room and don't want to build a shed or put it in storage.

      Which leads me to a final question, if your A&W Mug does not sell after so many listings what would you do with the item ?
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Couple of questions say you find an item that you can not find the exact match selling on ebay. You look up the sold items and there are several similar but just the color is different than the popular ones that sold. Would you try to flip the product or leave on the shelf of Goodwill ?
        I would say get the item. As long as the same item is selling.. having the different color makes yours UNIQUE. In all likelihood it will sell faster! Or that has been my experience

        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        I read you and another poster have sheds full of unsold inventory. Do you relist these items at a later date ? Or do you just donate them after a certain amount of time ? The reason I'm asking say someone only has a very small place to store stuff. They have no extra room and don't want to build a shed or put it in storage.
        We buy generally in bulk, so its a bit different. We don't mostly by one of anything.. we buy 500. For this thread I am showing how to begin. An example I gave already was the ugly sweaters.. we have 400+.

        YOU don't have to do this. Single items work just fine. If you have watched any of the Ralli Roots videos you will see in their warehouse they have Stacks of stuff.. but again mostly for their videos they go over what they buy one offs of. Its kinda the difference between starting and having taken this concept to scale

        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Which leads me to a final question, if your A&W Mug does not sell after so many listings what would you do with the item ?
        The A&W mug is sitting on my desk not listed.. it is a reminder of how that small mistake could have been costly. If things do not sell... remember.. there is more than one platform to sell stuff.. throw it up on Craigslist.. on any of the facebook sales groups. on Mercari, or PoshMark or any of the others... I honestly have never found anything that wouldn't sell... its just like all the threads and answers you read on WF.. you have to get what you are offering in front of the right set of eyes.

        Really appreciate the questions! and I hope you crush it! hahaha
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Since last night this wind / Rain storm is kicking my tail end. The power and internet keeps popping on and off so hopefully it stabilizes tomorrow and I will update then. Sorry!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      I am just now getting caught up with my "Day Job" I will be back in the morning with full reports and some new topics for discussion. I really appreciate your patience as I work through this.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 19 Update


      Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
      Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

      The List ( 13 items ) LOT A
      1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
      2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
      3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
      4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
      5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
      6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
      7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
      8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
      9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $13.95
      10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95 - $59.95 - $9.59 - 0.00 - $9.20 = $41.16
      11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
      12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
      13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41


      Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
      Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

      The List ( 15 items ) LOT B
      1 Hot Dots Pen $2.00 - $10.95 - $0.00 Threw this in as a bonus for the large order
      2 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      3 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      4 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      5 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      6 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      7 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      8 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
      9 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.65 - $5.62 - $3.77
      10 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
      11 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
      12 Cantebury USA Rugby Jersey $7.00 - $34.95
      12 Star Wars Han Solo Hat $3.00 - $49.99 - $43.95 - .$7.03 - .35 - $3.20 = $33.37
      13 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $24.95 - 24.95 - $3.19 - $0.00 - $5.60 - $16.16
      14 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $27.95 - 27.95 - $3.99 - $0.00 - 5.60 - $18.36
      15 Philips DVD player $5.00 - $29.95 - $29.95 - $4.19 - $0.00 - $5.60 - $20.16

      In addition to these new sales my son and I went out and doubled down on 500 phone cases for iPhone Xs Max for $100 Trying to sell them singly but the competition is to tough. We are now selling them in lots of 25 for $60.00 each. Out of the 20 lots we have we have sold 8 already. we are getting +/- $40 each.. so that will be $800 for a $100.00 investment.

      I would consider the journey to be completed. I will let you guys know if and when I sell the remaining few items. The video games are a bit of a shocker. The more expensive one is approaching 200 views. I have raised the price, and lowered the price and NOTHING.. AND there are other listings selling that are more and less than mine.. I really am at a loss.. this is the bit about eBay that confuses me LOL
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Day 19 Update


        Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
        Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

        The List ( 13 items ) LOT A
        1 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.70 = $6.04
        2 PSP game $2.24 - $17.95
        3 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.00 - $1.91 - .35 - $3.09 = $5.65
        4 PSP game $2.24 - $6.95
        5 PSP game $2.24 - $14.95 - $14.95 - 2.39 - .35 - 3.09 = 9.12
        6 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
        7 PSP game $2.24 - $11.95 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $2.68 = $7.01
        8 Bible $.96 - $27.95 - $27.95 - $4.47 - .60 - $4.31 = $18.57
        9 Coffee Mug $.74 - $13.95
        10 Tommy Hilfiger Womens Boots $7.49 - $59.95 - $59.95 - $9.59 - 0.00 - $9.20 = $41.16
        11 Harley Shirt $3.96 - $39.95 - $39.95 $6.39 - .35 - 3.09 = $30.12
        12 womens Harley blouse $5.24 - $19.95 - $19.95 - 3.19 - .35 - $3.09 = $13.32
        13 womens North Face Fleece $5.99 - $34.95 - $34.95 - $5.59 - .00 - $6.95 = $22.41


        Item name Cost - Asking - Sold - Fees - Packing - Postage = Profit
        Anything in Bold Italic will be something that has been adjusted from the previous day

        The List ( 15 items ) LOT B
        1 Hot Dots Pen $2.00 - $10.95 - $0.00 Threw this in as a bonus for the large order
        2 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        3 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        4 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        5 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        6 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        7 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        8 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.00 - $0.00 - $10.04
        9 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - $0.65 - $5.62 - $3.77
        10 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
        11 Hot Dots Cards Pack $1.50 - $11.95 - $1.91 - .35 - $1.70 - $7.99
        12 Cantebury USA Rugby Jersey $7.00 - $34.95
        12 Star Wars Han Solo Hat $3.00 - $49.99 - $43.95 - .35 - $7.03 - $3.20 = $33.37

        13 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $24.95 - 24.95 - $3.19 - $0.00 - $5.60 - $16.16
        14 Sony DVD player $5.00 - $27.95 - 27.95 - $3.99 - $0.00 - 5.60 - $18.36
        15 Philips DVD player $5.00 - $29.95 - $29.95 - $4.19 - $0.00 - $5.60 - $20.16

        In addition to these new sales my son and I went out and doubled down on 500 phone cases for iPhone Xs Max for $100 Trying to sell them singly but the competition is to tough. We are now selling them in lots of 25 for $60.00 each. Out of the 20 lots we have we have sold 8 already. we are getting +/- $40 each.. so that will be $800 for a $100.00 investment.

        I would consider the journey to be completed. I will let you guys know if and when I sell the remaining few items. The video games are a bit of a shocker. The more expensive one is approaching 200 views. I have raised the price, and lowered the price and NOTHING.. AND there are other listings selling that are more and less than mine.. I really am at a loss.. this is the bit about eBay that confuses me LOL
        Savidge,
        There are typos in LOT B highlighted in red.

        I would consider the journey to be completed.
        Are you saying you will not be reporting, i.e. adding more items other than the remaining items?
        If that is the case would you please let us know when you reached the $250 mark (Day X Update) and where you are at profit wise now?

        I ask because I have been compiling the data and just want to have a in-the-clear picture.

        You Are Awesome!
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

          Are you saying you will not be reporting, i.e. adding more items other than the remaining items?
          I knew the end goal was possible, but operating off a fairly new account I was not so sure? It came together way faster than I expected actually. So I will not be adding more Product and list content.

          Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

          If that is the case would you please let us know when you reached the $250 mark (Day X Update) and where you are at profit wise now?
          Day 18 was when I got to the goal. - well just short of... $249.45 is what you see from the 2 lots that have been sold profit in the pocket after expenses and cost of goods with a total of 7.25 hours of work. ( Not including the time my son spent looking at the screen waiting for a sale LOL )

          Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

          You Are Awesome!
          Thanks! your pretty awesome yourself!
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      • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
        I would consider the journey to be completed.
        Thank you for sharing and wish all the best moving forward.
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        | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      How to create UP SELLS within eBay


      this was one of those things you see it, and your like "WOW". So we were doing research on designer mens dress shirts. Brooks Brothers to be exact. and there was a listing that caught my eye. Down at the bottom of his listing text they had a line to the effect of "Free shipping will be sent in a poly bag. If you would like to upgrade to having this shipped in a box, you can select the Priority Mail option for an additional fee."

      was pretty straight forward. I looked at some of their other listings and this seemed to only appear on the finer clothing they were selling. The Brooks Brothers shirts they sell and now we sell retail for $140 and up.. we got a slew that retail at $260. so these are the type of clients that may appreciate such added service.

      So I got into the details of adding the additional shipping and it is very straight forward. In the create listing screen under shipping there is an option to "Offer additional service" and then you select "Priority Mail" or what have you, and then it allows you to add a surcharge for that service.

      In original listings case they were charging $5.00. However for us.. I saw this as a profit point. The box would be FREE - because I would order the right size boxes from USPS for free. I worked out the additional shipping charges to be around $2.00. So for each of these we "Sell" we are making an additional $5.00.

      We have sold about 60 of these high end shirts at this point... 20 of the orders have included the box upgrade. it is literally a free $100.00.

      we are going to roll this out across all of our clothing listings starting next week and see what happens.

      I will be back tomorrow with a post on box presentation... stay tuned!

      Hope that Helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
      Guys,


      Insiders Tip. Antique Plows! eBay (link) and spring markets in Nashville TN. Another tip: Real estate realtors > Rural homes.


      Last year I sold a dozen or so to realtors from my flea markets and yesterday I received calls from three of them placing orders for as many as they could get their hands on. They stage the plows prominently in yards of rural homes for sale.


      Hope it helps.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

        Last year I sold a dozen or so to realtors from my flea markets and yesterday I received calls from three of them placing orders for as many as they could get their hands on. They stage the plows prominently in yards of rural homes for sale.
        About roughly how much do you get for these? I know RIGHT NOW I could put my hands on like 5 at least and maybe 10 for next to nothing.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          About roughly how much do you get for these? I know RIGHT NOW I could put my hands on like 5 at least and maybe 10 for next to nothing.
          $50 to $100 each and buyer transport. Later, I was told I could have asked $150 for some of them.

          Last year I had a little fun buying them though my objective was old farm tools and horse shoes. Here you have to be very careful when you approach a farm house out in the middle of no where.

          When I saw an old couple sipping and dipping on their front porch of their home I stopped and said something like "Howdy, I'm paying cash for old plows and tools if you don't mind me asking"?

          9 out of 10 were happy to sell almost anything for cash and cheap.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 21 Update


      No sales on the last remaining items. The expensive video game just hit 200 views today with 2 watchers.. the baseball game.. Ill just strike that off as a loser, but keep it listed out of spite - hahaha the Coffee Mug.. there is hope here it has gotten a number of views in the past week. I think its up to 30 total. IT WILL SELL hahaha.

      Lot B's Rugby Jersey.. again a bit of a shocker. not many listed I thought it might go fast. It only has 9 views and I have double checked all the SEO factors to make sure the keywords and category stuff is correct. Just not a bunch of demand.

      With the seed money from this project ( the $40.03 ) aside from the listed items here in this thread.. those funds have bought 4 phones. 500 phone cases, a collection of coffee mugs, 2 iPads, I Amazon fire, and an amazon reader.

      With that seed money as of TODAY, day 21 we have NET NETTED $1306.00

      My son has taken an interest in coffee mugs. I will admit they are easy to photograph and easy to list. we are currently building up a collection to create "His Store" that will sell coffee mugs and coffee. In this process he figured out that coffee cups come in all shapes and sizes and a mega ton of graphics.

      We have a toilet shaped mug.. a few more than many different Star Wars mugs, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, stainless, porcelain, ceramic, and glass. Once garage sale season kicks in we should be able to source the snot out of these.

      we currently have 40 of them. I want to get to 100 before we open a store and we should be able to source online inventory to about 1000 by the end of summer ( I guess / hope ) and hopefully have a stash to get us through the winter.

      Mugs we get from Goodwill are generally .49 each. We have found a few at Target for $1.00 and some others at Walmart for $1.00 as well. I suspect with garage sales we should be in the .25 to .50 cent range. and they sell anywhere from $9.00 to $24.00 and sometimes a bit more.

      My input in this project has been to add coffee. I have always wanted to make a "Savidge Coffee" brand and this might be the way to check that one off the bucket list LOL

      The "Problem" with coffee mugs.. there is a very fine line between 16 oz ( 1 pound ) with box and packing material and 1 lb 2 oz's Meaning the 16 oz cups will ship 1st class for $5.00 basically everywhere vs 1 lb 2oz's that cost $10.86 to ship to the west coast. and $7.00 most every where else.

      We use a shipping included or "free Shipping" model in our pricing. Its just easier to list, and when you get multiple item purchases there is no back and forth with sending an invoice for combined shipping. time is money and that really can be a time suck. So this is a variable that mom and I need to figure out.

      But none the less he is totally stoked with the idea of having product we don't sell very often.. my little boy wants to be his own man LOL . He already has a store name. has an idea what he wants his pictures to look like. he is working on laying out a website and grabbing ideas for logos and overall appearance.

      And all this is to the point I had a conversation with one of our graphic artist today as they asked "Since When did 5 have clients?" and I responded "HE is the client, so put me as billable time" and they just laughed.

      I will for sure keep you all up to date on the progress of his project.

      As for the talk of seeing exactly how much I can make in a year with eBay. I am going to continue with this and really push it to some limits. I am seeing already that 2 hours may not be enough time, but if all else fails I will bring someone in to operate this and their salary will simply be an added expense that has to be covered to reach $100,000 Profit in one year.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Day 21 Update

        No sales on the last remaining items.

        With the seed money from this project ( the $40.03 ) aside from the listed items here in this thread.. those funds have bought 4 phones. 500 phone cases, a collection of coffee mugs, 2 iPads, I Amazon fire, and an amazon reader.

        With that seed money as of TODAY, day 21 we have NET NETTED $1306.00
        IMO, that is how it is done in terms of reinvesting assets to upscale the growth of the business. Anyone new to this thread and starting an online business just learned one of the mandatory aspects of any business model. Well done!

        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        My son has taken an interest in coffee mugs.

        My input in this project has been to add coffee. I have always wanted to make a "Savidge Coffee" brand and this might be the way to check that one off the bucket list LOL
        My fav is Kronig. Made in Africa and sold primarily in Germany and other countries under different names, Few years back I found a vendor in Books-A-Million with a nice coffee bar. She said it was brandable, but she learned her customers loved the Kronig Brand, so she used it.

        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        But none the less he is totally stoked with the idea of having product we don't sell very often.. my little boy wants to be his own man LOL .

        I will for sure keep you all up to date on the progress of his project.
        Sounds like he is being raised right!

        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        As for the talk of seeing exactly how much I can make in a year with eBay. I am going to continue with this and really push it to some limits. I am seeing already that 2 hours may not be enough time, but if all else fails I will bring someone in to operate this and their salary will simply be an added expense that has to be covered to reach $100,000 Profit in one year.
        Please do. One of the best things I did was hiring full-time people. Yes, it is an added expense and it is justified when you are free to focus on other aspects of the business as a whole.
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        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          Wow first off .49 for a Mug is flipping Dirt Cheap. Goodwill here charges $1.99 for coffee mugs, some higher. NJ Taxes are high here so that might explain it. 1/2 those views on your mugs are most likely us Warriors. ;>) Never knew about the different price on the coffee mugs. Will have to change shipping costs on a mug I have listed.

          One thing I'm glad you did show was how you present your items and the little extra's like the coupons is a great idea. This shows the advantages that newbies should consider. You have spent a lot of time of this Path, one of only less than a one hand have completed since this section started last year. Tell your son we are proud of him at the W.F.

          Just one question the fancy stuff that Mrs. Savidge took from you guys and was selling from one of the early posts. How are they doing ? I enjoyed reading the story when you posted that but was wondering about the results.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

            Wow first off .49 for a Mug is flipping Dirt Cheap. Goodwill here charges $1.99 for coffee mugs, some higher. NJ Taxes are high here so that might explain it. 1/2 those views on your mugs are most likely us Warriors. ;>) Never knew about the different price on the coffee mugs. Will have to change shipping costs on a mug I have listed.
            If you missed it.. this is invaluable: https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator?...45375397262459 just be sure to click "eBay Rates" right below the shipping company tabs. In the process of listings MANY things we actually pack them. Cups and Mugs for sure. so while you are in the listing page you can pack the item and get a final ship weight. So we know for SURE what the shipping could be when we do final pricing.

            We even tape up the box and write whats in it, and the weight where the shipping label will go. So when it comes time to ship, the weight should alredy be n the listing ready to go, but in case its right there on the box, and all you have to do is print the label and stick and you are done.

            Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

            Tell your son we are proud of him at the W.F.
            He read this while eating pancakes this morning... made him so happy, THANKS

            Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

            Just one question the fancy stuff that Mrs. Savidge took from you guys and was selling from one of the early posts. How are they doing ? I enjoyed reading the story when you posted that but was wondering about the results.
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            We SCORED 10 pieces for just under $30. 2 Donald Trump dress shirts for .99 each. An Affliction T-shirt some super nice Hilfiger dress shirts, and a pair of Harley button down short sleeve shirts.

            We stopped and grabbed a shake to celebrate and did the math.. we had $214.00 dollars worth of stuff, $32 in fees and just under $40 in shipping and $3.50 for the packaging material. Minus the $30 we were looking at $100 in profit! life was good! THEN we got home...
            1 Trump Shirt - sold for $20.00 about $15.00 profit
            2 Trump Shirt - sold for $18.00 about $13.00 profit
            3 Affliction Shirt - Still listed
            4 Harley Shirt Sold for $45.00 $35 profit
            5 Harley Shirt - sold for $40.00 $30 profit
            6 Tommy Dress Shirt
            7 Tommy Dress Shirt
            8 Tommy Dress Shirt
            9 Tommy Dress Shirt
            10 Tommy Dress Shirt Sold for $150

            Ms. Savidge ( hahaha ) bundled the 5 so they all sold at once they were the same size and complimentary color palette or some non sense like that LOL but we payed $2.00 each and the lot sold for $150 and shipped for $7.00 - THIS is why she is the BOSS

            I under estimated the Tommy Shirts - there was something about them that made them "better" and under estimated the Harley Shirts. they had a "Wille G" skull on them and "willie G" drives up the value - so look up "Willie G"

            As it stands that haul has made something like $230 in profit after all expenses. with the one shirt left and should turn over about 12 to 15 in profit. So we came just short of $250 with that bunch.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      eBay Box Presentation


      I am a big fan of presentation. Down to how I dress every day. what my company vehicles look like. the Overall architecture of the outside of my office buildings and "Storage sheds". What my employees wear. Any paper work... Really anything and everything. I simply pay a lot of attention to the small details.

      ALL of our boxes are white. For each of our stores I have printed labels with the store logo that is affixed to the side of each box. Inside each box is another round logo sticker for the customer. The packing material we use is also ALL white. Along with the sticker in each box is a hand written note saying thank you for the order.

      one of the things we have started in the last year is to shrink seal all electronic items before they are packed. We had 3 instances were the package got wet and the product was sent back as defective. It was very clear from the photos that were sent to us as part of the claim, the box got wet. Those 3 items in particular were sold at a total cost of $600. So basically any investment we can take to ensure that doesn't happen again is in my eyes a good one.

      You don't have to goto the extreme of heat shrinking the items, just placing those items in poly bags is more than enough. At scale, the shrink wrapping is cheaper in the long run.

      Any time we get a multiple item order we do our best to throw in something a little extra to show our appreciation for the order. ( going back to the day 11 update you will see there was an order for 20 packages of Hot Dots, and we threw in a hot dots pen. We also threw in a number of coloring books ) We wrap what ever that may be in white wrapping paper of course hahaha and we use either red or blue ribbon, depending on the store colors.

      We have gotten feedback comments that range from "The packaging alone was worth the order" "The item was great, the packaging was insane" "A hand written note, who does this?" "It was like Christmas opening the box" and so on and so on. The EFFORT is worth its weight in gold. Its the little things like this that create return repeat customers.

      eBay or not, Repeat customers is the name of the game. This is why I keep mentioning identifying yourself as a BRAND, having some amount of consistency in what you sell, and then going over the top to obtain customer satisfaction. If you have spent any amount of time reading this forum as a whole, you will have seen the message If they buy once, they will likely buy again.

      When it comes to collectibles and the like.. THAT can not be anything closer to the truth. Women will buy more shoes. Guys will buy more dress shirts. Mother will buy more educational items and toys. dads will buy video games and car stuff.

      SO I think its rather important to take something as blah as ordering something on eBay, and giving them an experience when they get the order - unlike anything they will ever get from 99.9% of other eBay sellers or at all from Amazon. I call it after the sale USP ( Unique Selling Perspective ) building. why would you buy from us? to get another killer box! hahaha

      Hope that Helps!

      Next post will be about how to ensure you are running a Business and NOT a tax nightmare!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 22 Update


      big storm blew in today got about 7 inches of snow... did "boys Breakfast" and my son being 10 does not technically have a phone yet. He has a tablet... and we are eating and he is over there flipping page after page and I say "Hey what are you looking at?" and he gives me THAT look... and I am like oh why did I ask...

      He then says "what do you know about sublimation printers?" and I am in my head thinking dear god I have created a monster. He then says "That place you buy stuff from for the t-shirts and stickers has one on sale" So I then ask "what do you want to do with it?" and he again gives me that dad are you that dumb look and says "make my own coffee mugs"

      So its bad enough already... he then says "You can call china and get them to put "Savidge" on the bottom of mugs right?" and at this point he about got a chunk of sausage across the forehead because I almost spit it up from laughing. And just in case anyone is wondering.. NO, I do not just call china LOL

      So after that fine breakfast.. we stop in at Goodwill and bought 6 more cups Oreo another blasted edible arrangements mug, an Amsterdam mug with a bicycle on it, he liked the "Subject matter", Godivia Chocolate mug, a mug with a cool 50's graphic that says "I don't have hot flashes, I have short private vacations in the tropics" again it had nice graphics. and a couple others.

      Mom lost it on the Hot Flashes mug - thank god she wasn't eating sausage... especially after he pulls it out unwraps it and say it has a nice graphic.

      We found a "rocketfish" speaker wireless thing for $3.00 that sells for $100. A few more DVD players, 2 new in box ( 10.00 each ). A sony dream machine for $5.00 and a pair of Puma Ferrari car driving shoes for $5.00 that should sell for $75.00. - Give or take another $200+ haul for less than $40.

      Because we were kinda sorta snowed in I was watching over some facebook groups and lined up a bundle of "Miller Specialty Tools" they are car repair tools that are super expensive 11 pieces in total for $150. Should get about $800 for them. They are worth far more, so we shall see how I work this one. Also set up buying some sound equipment. "Digital recording interfaces" a lot of 4 for $200 and the each sell for $200. I will probably loose one to little pauls computer set up so should get $600 on $200 staying close to the 3x rule!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      How to Ensure You Are Running a Proper eBay Business


      This ALL comes down to paper work. You can get as fancy with this as you want, but I will lay out a bones basic setup that will get your through.

      So lets start with what you will need. 36 envelopes A Receipt Book, and a pen. pretty easy so far. If you want to get all cutesy here you can get 3 sets of 12 envelopes in different colors. The idea is you need 3 sets of 12 envelopes 1 for each month that will hold receipts for product purchases. A set for Monthly ebay / paypal transactions ( this will include sold price, paypal and ebay fees and shipping fees.) The third set needed is for any additional expenses such as packing materials

      so ill break each of these down for you.

      Set One

      ALL of your COG ( Cost of Goods ) for the month. Store receipts, printed out receipts from online purchases. and hand written receipts from garage sale purchases, for craigslist or facebook groups type purchases - what ever. EVERY SINGLE ITEM needs to be accounted for.

      On the outside of the envelope you want to place the TOTAL cost in say the lower right corner. I would also add up by source a monthly total and list those out on the front of the envelope as well.

      Set Two

      How much you sold things for and how much it cost to sell them ( IE paypal fees eBay Fees and postage fees. you can get this information from paypal: https://community.ebay.com/t5/Member...qaq-p/26518032 This specifically shows you how to do this at the end of the year, I suggest doing this MONTHLY.

      On the front of this envelope you want to provide a total for each PayPal, eBay, and Total Sales. You will also want to include the number for any purchases you made on your ebay account. so those can be removed.

      Set Three

      This is all of your expenses. IF you bought things on eBay for your business IE Boxes labels etc, print out the same report as above and highlight each of those transactions. You then want to include any receipts you may have from Dollar General or Walmart or where ever else for that month. IF you buy stickers and the like keep this total separate as an "advertising expense" IF you "Promote" listings, this is a ADVERTISING expense as well, and you will have to goto the ebay report for this ( https://community.ebay.com/t5/Archiv...s/td-p/2699287 ) its not as nice as the paypal one.

      Probably being a small business.. I would suggest writing down how much your cel phone cost. ( this becomes a business expense ) Your internet bill ( a business expense ) write down your gas, electric, and water bill. You should be able to write off 10% of each of those if not more ( CONSULT an accountant to understand that one a bit better )

      From here at the end of the year once eBay sends you a 1099 you will have all the paper work needed to do your taxes. I can not suggest this enough.. get an accountant to do this for you. The expense is a 100% write off the following year. In the realm of "self employed" 100% write off equates to FREE

      So that's the EASY method. you can quickly get into receipt scanners and quickbooks and after the 6000 year learning curve get a pretty decent workflow going LOL - but seriously for a part time deal, the envelopes take maybe an hour a month and its done!

      Hope that Helps!

      As always questions and comments are absolutely welcome!
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      • Profile picture of the author be smart
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        How to Ensure You Are Running a Proper eBay Business


        This ALL comes down to paper work. You can get as fancy with this as you want, but I will lay out a bones basic setup that will get your through.

        So lets start with what you will need. 36 envelopes A Receipt Book, and a pen. pretty easy so far. If you want to get all cutesy here you can get 3 sets of 12 envelopes in different colors. The idea is you need 3 sets of 12 envelopes 1 for each month that will hold receipts for product purchases. A set for Monthly ebay / paypal transactions ( this will include sold price, paypal and ebay fees and shipping fees.) The third set needed is for any additional expenses such as packing materials

        so ill break each of these down for you.

        Set One

        ALL of your COG ( Cost of Goods ) for the month. Store receipts, printed out receipts from online purchases. and hand written receipts from garage sale purchases, for craigslist or facebook groups type purchases - what ever. EVERY SINGLE ITEM needs to be accounted for.

        On the outside of the envelope you want to place the TOTAL cost in say the lower right corner. I would also add up by source a monthly total and list those out on the front of the envelope as well.

        Set Two

        How much you sold things for and how much it cost to sell them ( IE paypal fees eBay Fees and postage fees. you can get this information from paypal: https://community.ebay.com/t5/Member...qaq-p/26518032 This specifically shows you how to do this at the end of the year, I suggest doing this MONTHLY.

        On the front of this envelope you want to provide a total for each PayPal, eBay, and Total Sales. You will also want to include the number for any purchases you made on your ebay account. so those can be removed.

        Set Three

        This is all of your expenses. IF you bought things on eBay for your business IE Boxes labels etc, print out the same report as above and highlight each of those transactions. You then want to include any receipts you may have from Dollar General or Walmart or where ever else for that month. IF you buy stickers and the like keep this total separate as an "advertising expense" IF you "Promote" listings, this is a ADVERTISING expense as well, and you will have to goto the ebay report for this ( https://community.ebay.com/t5/Archiv...s/td-p/2699287 ) its not as nice as the paypal one.

        Probably being a small business.. I would suggest writing down how much your cel phone cost. ( this becomes a business expense ) Your internet bill ( a business expense ) write down your gas, electric, and water bill. You should be able to write off 10% of each of those if not more ( CONSULT an accountant to understand that one a bit better )

        From here at the end of the year once eBay sends you a 1099 you will have all the paper work needed to do your taxes. I can not suggest this enough.. get an accountant to do this for you. The expense is a 100% write off the following year. In the realm of "self employed" 100% write off equates to FREE

        So that's the EASY method. you can quickly get into receipt scanners and quickbooks and after the 6000 year learning curve get a pretty decent workflow going LOL - but seriously for a part time deal, the envelopes take maybe an hour a month and its done!

        Hope that Helps!

        As always questions and comments are absolutely welcome!

        First of all thank you so much for this whole great and informative thread. I'm just wondering, before starting with all this do you recommend getting a dba(doing business as) , or LLC, or something like that along with the TF number for collecting sales tax? Just want to make sure I've got all my ducks in a row as far as protecting myself legally and all that. Thank you.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by be smart View Post

          First of all thank you so much for this whole great and informative thread. I'm just wondering, before starting with all this do you recommend getting a dba(doing business as) , or LLC, or something like that along with the TF number for collecting sales tax? Just want to make sure I've got all my ducks in a row as far as protecting myself legally and all that. Thank you.
          If you are going to create any kind of "Structure" I would go ahead and go with LLC. A DBA simply is not going to create any amount of protection ( if that is your concern ) That being said. Just starting and having not done this, I am not so sure I would worry to much at the get go.

          I will say that with the new "Managed Payments" program within eBay, having a business name, and business bank account makes a ton of sense. ( In the next day or so I will eek out some time to leave a post about the "Managed Payments" system that eBay at some point will be using across all accts. ( for the time being it is offered to accounts that meet some amount of criteria )

          So do you HAVE to.. not really. Would I advise it.. yeah more than likely. Not so much for "Liability" I just dont see that being there, but in terms of taxes and creating the separation of self income and business income in the right tax preparer's hands is a good thing. I will speak with my accountant about the subject, and this maybe a topic I can create a post here for.

          Hope that answers your questions.. and Thanks for letting me know this thread has helped!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 23 Update


      So today being Monday was an expected goose egg. I have a feeling the next couple of days might be pretty stellar. we have some pretty decent higher end items with a lot of interest and watchers that I just did a slight ( 5% ) price drop to get them to move.

      Other than that, today I will split into 2 separate updates. My sons path, and my own.

      Starting with the sons path... Daddy bought a Sublimation printer today with a Mug heat press. you can see the model I bought here: https://www.uscutter.com/Sawgrass-Vi...nter-Mug-Press I am a B I G fan of UScutter I have bought almost all of my vinyl cutters from them, and I buy every last bit of my vinyl supplies from them. I bought 144 mugs and white boxes in addition to the printer and heat press.

      So my son was off school today for a snow day.. sad really there was only 7 inches.. but that's for another post in another section of the forum LOL So we went and had lunch and then went in the office and I explained my philosophies of buying new equipment. the philosophy is basically this.. how fast can you pay the thing off.

      So we spent roughly $900.00 and we have 144 mugs. each mug cost $1.52 the sub fil and the nice white gift box takes us up to $2.00 how many do we need to sell and for how much to make $900.00. And he was like lightening fast with "Dad, all the cost is included in the $900, and we need to sell 100 mugs for $9.00 each.. what, do you think I am in 4th grade or something?" I mean really what can you say? little snot.

      so we agreed that $12.00 each was a fair enough price. and then he was like "Now what?" and I said "your tail needs to get on the phone son, and sell 100 mugs." he just looked at me. So with a little coaxing and a couple of advance pre calls I got him to make some calls to sell his Mugs. we, I mean he.. sold 100 mugs in 5 calls ( it took me 7 calls to line all this up )

      The young man wrote orders for $1200.00 in a little less than an hour, and told each of them that he would bring a run sample before we ran the order. And they say cold calling is dead HAHAHA. Its so easy a 10 yr old can do it <snicker>

      So with the initial set of orders there is a $300 profit, which will be his seed fund for his business. His equipment will be paid off. For every mug from that point forward they will basically cost $2.00 each to make. I think I am going to have to "call China" and order more mugs lol.

      So my side of this. did some research on the auto tools I am buying for $150 tomorrow... and I think I might get close to $2000 out of them, will know for sure tomorrow. I have also lined up a pretty big deal for 2000+ automotive bearings for $1000. Need to sell a few things to get there.. but it will happen. All the bearings that I looked up that were visible in a photo the guy sent me.. they are like $15.00 + each. this could be a HUGE deal once it is all said and done.

      That will probably be the point I bring someone in. Will probably talk the wife in taking on a third person to help her, that will also work on my stuff for me. to make sure there is enough work to keep them at least part time.

      Depending on how the tools move over the next few days I will be at over $2000 in 30 days for sure and could be pushing $4000

      The items that I have to list are starting to stack up a bit, 2 hours is probably not enough time in a day to scale this up. I kinda under estimated that a bit. but I could see 2 hours a day pushing that $1000 a month number pretty easily

      That's all for now.. and if there is anything anyone would like me to talk about let me know.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 25 Update


      Got the car tools yesterday. there wasn't 11 of them there was 25 ( for the same price ) Took them over to a buddy of mine to have him look at them. Aside from 2 of the sets, they are all in brand new never used shape. He decided he needed 10 of the kits and handed me $1000 and was hugging me for such a great deal. ( he said the price not me LOL - I would have probably been less ( based on comps on eBay )

      Still have not sold those last few items.. actually it was rather slow today now that I think about it. I did my 2 hours and listed a few things - A couple 4 pairs of shoes, a Homer simpson clock, some electronic items. I think 8 items in all - which for 2 hours is a pretty good amount of stuff.

      Have a couple of buys set up for tomorrow 2 more ipads, a 4 and 2 should be about $175 in and $500 out for those 2 items alone.

      I did run and get boxes today for the tool kits so I can list and pack them up, so will start listing those tomorrow I hope. They should list fast only like 3 photos or so each and they each have the original documentation in the boxes so I don't have to search around looking for text.

      Other than that not to much going on. OH The mug printer and heat press will be in tomorrow. The logos are with our graphic designer to be cleaned up a bit, and hopefully 5 doesn't get burned learning how to use the thing tomorrow! LOL
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      eBay Sourcing


      I think I have mentioned already I am not keen on this part of the process. I am the have a list, stick to the list, get in and get out type of guy. wandering around and looking is not in my nature at all. My wife... yeah she is all about it.

      so in this thread we have focused completely on goodwill. It just seemed to be a universal location that many could goto ad the variety of product there is more than enough to meet many peoples interests.

      But clothing etc I think can be a bit fickle you either have the right pieces, or you don't. If you don't.. then you are sitting on them. Luckily 9x12 bags with shirts in them do not take much space. BUT its hard to turn profit on items that are not selling.

      Phones and iPads and the like sell FAST, but you cant get your hands on them with any amount of consistency. I am actually on a pretty good roll right now, but the entire month before, I didn't buy a one.

      So I have my wife here tonight ( everyone say Hi to Erin! - She says hi everyone ) So she has some "Picks" that you can walk into most any of these store listed, pay FULL RETAIL for the item and at least double your money.

      Walmart in the mens / boys section has a display of graphic Tees usually like 6.88 or 7.88 or something. this shirt I am about to drop a link is one of those: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...LH_TitleDesc=0 it is the red and black one. ( We think in our store it is $6.88 ) She says they have this out almost year round with new designs 4 to 6 times a year. PAY we will say $7.00 - 3.00 in fees .35 for a poly bag and like $3.50 in shipping. and you sold it for $19.00 - so you make like $6.00

      She is not saying buy the store out.. there are not enough solds on this one to do that, but check the other designs. But buy 3 to 5 of them. List it once.. sell it, relist the next one, and a relist takes moments of your time

      BUT over Christmas they had Fortnite shirts, and the same price gap was present, and the solds indicated buy all you could. - as in 40 a week every week for 6 weeks. ( my jaw just dropped ) she is saying she sold 240 shirts for $6.00 profit each across 6 weeks. Then she ads, they had 2 designs, and she did the same for both.

      Know whats hot right then and there and act on it.

      So here is another one from home depot

      here is what you pay for it: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Sc...0150/204663546

      here is what it sells for: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fsr...ete=1&_fosrp=1

      I can attest for the fact that these go on sale. the gap is not all that much now, but at times there is a gap. But its the idea.. finding things easily and always available.

      She says Marshals Nike football shoes ( spring training is right around the corner ) is pretty good right now. $6.00 a pair for Nike Vapor Speed Our Marshals have UGG's shoes that she has been buying. ( $15.00 a pair selling for $69.00 ) Nintendo 64 button down shirts for $12.00 sell for $49.00. They also have a Naruto shirt that she bought 50 of for $2.00 each, they will sell for $19.95 each.

      The bottom line is to buy low, and sell high.

      Erin suggests trying to find a balance of items that sell quickly - "In" t-shirts with items that sell consistently but maybe not as often such as NFL watches, and then items that have greater profit margin that may have to sit a bit to sell. like China or the like you buy for next to nothing and ha a greater value on eBay. we recently sold 6 salad plates for $75.00 that cost us $3.00 with $18.00 shipping.

      Another place to source.... tophatter.com. we use this kinda often. it has its moments. it is a quick auction site 2 minutes for each item kind of thing. we bought over a course of a month like 100 NFL watches. I don't think we ever paid more than $3.00 for a watch. the minute the bid got over that we stopped bidding. the only PROBLEM with this.. they ship from China, and it takes 30 days.

      When we first got the watches we were getting $24.95 each for them, and then the market saturated and NOW the few we have left we are selling for $14.95 and we are selling 2 to 3 a week. But we sold say 80 of them in about a month month and a halfs time. and even at the lower sales price we are within the 3X profit model.

      So anyways.. The potential to buy and make profit is kinda everywhere if you look I guess. I think more than anything its just being comfortable pulling out your phone and scanning stuff in front of other people.

      well that will do it for tonight... any questions I will answer and If I cant I will bring the wife in!

      Thanks for reading - and I hope it helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
      Hi Erin. Nice to meet you and thank you for your help.
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      In the minute it took me to write this post.. someone died of Covid 19. RIP.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 27 Update


      Another Pancake Sunday is right around the corner. Which means yet another visit to Goodwill is scheduled for tomorrow. The wife and I broke away Thursday and met the mother in law for lunch and a "quick" stop at Goodwill to use here discount! LOL what a buy that was.

      1 Red Corduroy Ralph Lauren Pants $4.00 - $69.00
      2 Red Corduroy Ralph Lauren Pants $4.00 - $69.00
      3 Red Corduroy Ralph Lauren Pants $4.00 - $69.00
      4 Orange Corduroy Ralph Lauren Pants $4.00 - $69.00
      5 Orange Corduroy Ralph Lauren Pants $4.00 - $69.00
      6 Ralph Lauren Dress Shirt $3.00 - $34.95
      7 Ralph Lauren Pull Over Jacket thing $4.00 - $79.95
      8 Sony DVD player $4.00 - $29.95 - $29.95
      9 Cole Haan Dress Shoes $6.00 $59.95 - $57.95

      So like $37.00 to buy have yet to only list the 2 items that have sold already Which puts us at like $59.00 before cost of goods - so we are $22.00 UP already with that lot with another $450+ in sales to go

      I have found in my 2 hour work window on average I can list about 10 items per day. I have actually been pretty consistent with this for the past 27 days. Our store currently has 144 items listed. ( 50 of those were dropped in before we started this thread to give a base of product to start with.. they happen to all be non selling kids shoes in case anyone is wondering )

      As it stands the total value if everything were to sell tonight would be $4458 (about $800 of that is the shoes )

      The reason I bring this up.. in the next few days I am going to be sharing my 30 day totals.. and as of right now.. they are scary. - I didn't meet the goal of this thread, I CRUSHED IT

      What I just shared above is I will have listed on average 10 items a day for 30 days ( 300 ). I started with 50 there are currently 144 items listed. So we have sold 156 items The average sale price with the existing stock minus the shoes is about $41.00. Is this painting a picture yet?

      so The boys new Journey. He is about done with his 100 Mugs. its a good thing I got extras! LOL I figured they may be a bit of a learning curve in this. i think he has messed up 10 so far. out of 75 that's not so bad.

      We sat down and had a whole lesson on copyright today in terms of what he can print and what he cant.. he wasn't to happy with that LOL. But I think he got the idea. He has "a design or 2 he wants to work on and he will discuss those with the graphic artist on Monday". He is so funny

      So how will his path be different than mine. Very much the same in a lot of ways. His profit margins will not be as high, and the level of product listed to sustain consistency I think will be higher. UNLESS we can find those pockets of HOT where there may be greater interest.

      But the greatest factor I look at.. Forget the money... right now, he is greatly enjoying what it is he is doing. He was up until 11 last night ( Friday ) pumping out Mugs. he is allowed on weekends to "work" for 4 hours a day ( 2 hours on week days ) he did is 4 for Saturday, and should be done with his production tomorrow ( after pancakes )

      So that will lead me to my next post ( below ) Discussing how to create consitency!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      How to Create Consistency in Sales


      I will admit to some degree I kind of "cheated" when I started this thread. A) I knew I was going to, B) its not like im really new at this, and C) I knew enough to at least stack some of the odds in my favor.

      Starting out you obviously don't have these luxuries. but what was it I did that stacked the odds? I dropped 50 listings onto my selling space before I started. As simple as that.

      I know I have said this already.. but eBay's overall sales conversion rate is .5% It then stands to reason if you have 100 items listed you will sell ONE item every other day or 15 items a month. Jump to 200 items listed, you then will sell ONE item per day or 30 per month.

      jump this to 1000 listings, and you are now selling 5 items per day or 150 items per month. Using the average listing price from the post above of $40.00 IF had 1000 items listed I could expect to Gross $6000 a month.

      As much as it is "What" you are selling, its really more about "How Much" you have to sell. Sure fill your store with DVD players and iPhones and iPads and video games and you could list less and make more.. but starting out, that simply is probably not possible. BUT as you progress and your buying power ( IE cash in hand to make purchases ) becomes greater these things do open up.

      As an example.. Not to long ago I shared that Erin was taking my beloved truck and monster trailer to pick up product. 25% of that trailer was New old stock DVD and DVD VHS combos. I would have to double check, but I believe there is not much left of the 500 or so she bought. THIS is buying at scale.

      But for now.. starting off, scale is finding and buying 5 pairs of new with tags Ralph Lauren Corduroy pants. Or the 1 or 2 DVD players with remotes you can find.

      Erin has been talking with our friends that resell stuff from across the country. she has been compiling a MUST buy list - that I will share here in a day or 2. Things ( clothing is most of it ) that SELLS FAST. A sneak pick at an item on the list.. Mens jeans overalls - a COMPLETE shocker to me. Looking at Womens overalls.. its about the shorts version and just a few brands Gap, Revolt, and Urban Outfitters.. AND there is a little more room for profit with most other brands for PLUS sizes.

      You also have to keep in mind there is a need to balance your items with those that sell fast with those that may take a bit longer to sell but have greater profits. This ultimately is what creates the CONSISTENCY in sales. Getting to 100 listings and selling 15 items a month.. getting to 200 items listed and selling an item every day VS frantically tracking down your next item to sell because you have nothing listed.

      AND if you follow the model of this thread.. aside from the $40 in.. buying that product to get to 200 items isn't costing you any more than that $40 you started with. And you create a machine that spits out dollars EVERY DAY.

      Like always.. ask questions leave comments
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    • Profile picture of the author socialentry
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      With CRO there is a lot of time spent in understanding what people look at and click on. I have run and have access to the results of 10's of thousands of test specifically about the impact of images in the sales process on commerce sites.


      To be honest I probably hate the purchasing process the most. I am more of the tech geek guy that has the ability and understands HOW to put an item in front of the eyeballs that need to see it. I LOVE selling stuff.. just hate the buying it part.

      Curious:did you ever try to data mine those listings?

      I'm thinking about doing it as a stepping stone to further my knowledge on data mining.

      It looks like the perfect pet project as the ebay sold listings are probably available somewhere in nice clean .csv format.The knowledge gained would probably translate to other retail industries as well.


      A quick google search did turn up some interesting stuff but on the other hand, the improvement might really be too marginal to warrant the effort. Or it might be only worth it at a very large scale. Or it might be reinventing the wheel.


      Your thoughts?


      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      I don't think you chose / used the wrong words.. and I don't think you need to be apologizing... The TRUTH is you are right. THAT is exactly what people are looking for.. they want to play video games and make money on easy street after they pay a bunch of people on fiver $100 to make a cash machine for them.

      The comparaison is not entirely moot.


      A lot of video games (espescially RPGs) are about optimizing something (loot, rare items, gold,DPS, HP, etc).



      This thread kinda reminds me a lot of Diablo actually


      if you tried selling something without having it appraised first you could sell a 10 000 dollar sword for pennies lol.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        Curious:did you ever try to data mine those listings?

        I'm thinking about doing it as a stepping stone to further my knowledge on data mining.

        It looks like the perfect pet project as the ebay sold listings are probably available somewhere in nice clean .csv format.The knowledge gained would probably translate to other retail industries as well.


        A quick google search did turn up some interesting stuff but on the other hand, the improvement might really be too marginal to warrant the effort. Or it might be only worth it at a very large scale. Or it might be reinventing the wheel.


        Your thoughts?
        I have played around with this a bit... The buying behavior on eBay is so far different than on a normal eCommerce site, and I have been trying to get a better understanding of what is making all of this tick. there are simply things that make NO SENSE.

        Some of the things I would be more than interested in is the relationship between "watchers" as compared to "buyers" and that is simply not data I can get my hands on. As an example, my new store is running about 25% of the items with watchers.. which is a lot actually, as compared to the others.

        And yes I am doing some things different at less of scale to "test" BUT my conversion ratio is no better because of it. So why exactly are they "Watching" and in the case of some products watching for months on end? It just does not make sense.

        An example of not making sense.. I have a box of blue legos.. I am the CHEAPEST listing out there.. only 1 box left.. sold 9 others.. 600+ views, and 3 watchers. And YET the same item s selling at a greater price point. I move my price UP.. the people buy less expensive.. I move it down.. people are paying DOUBLE. I just want to sell the last damn box of legos and move on LOL

        I think the data sets would just be to incomplete to actually get any useful data. Title strength, image strength, listing detail strength, description strength - your basic TRUST value builders.. and honestly, I see stuff selling with literally NO description.. Every red flag in the world with images and title.. and all you can do is scratch your head.

        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        The comparaison is not entirely moot.

        A lot of video games (espescially RPGs) are about optimizing something (loot, rare items, gold,DPS, HP, etc).

        This thread kinda reminds me a lot of Diablo actually

        if you tried selling something without having it appraised first you could sell a 10 000 dollar sword for pennies lol.
        Resourcing IS materials mining There is such a direct correlation between gaming and Retail Arbitrage, that is probably why my son is good at it. ( Other than the fact he spent the first 3 years of his life hooked to my wifes hip when she shopped day in and day out - LOL )

        The hardest thing to teach is about "Market" out in the offline world X sells for $200.00 You might find it on Amazon for $400.00 and on Post for $30.00 and then find it listed on eBay for $50.00 but sold listings are telling you "Market" is saying $40.00.

        BUT each and every platform is its own little universe. you really can not compare one to the other - price wise. I find within eBay there is what things are "listed for" and what they actually "sell for" and understanding how important the eBay app is to have in your hand when you are collecting those resources to actually pick items that will A) sell fast, and B) give you the desired profit margin.

        Basically the APP is the appraisal. and getting emotion out of the way and looking at that tool as pure math.. I can buy Z for this.. its going to cost this to ship and that for fees I am left with X.. does X = 3x of purchase price? If there is nothing else anyone gets out of this thread, its THAT right there. that is how to succeed at this.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        Curious:did you ever try to data mine those listings?
        So I have been "Playing", I ran across a post somewhere discussing Google Analytics " Pixel Beacons ". eBay does not allow for scripting of any kind in its listings so traditional GA would obviously not work. Basically a Pixel Beacon is a tiny jpeg that once loaded triggers GA to track some amount of information. Still working with it a little but see this being very useful for say my sons efforts.

        I am a data junkie.. I know that some brands are favorited more in some regions of the states than others. here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...tate/74695524/ So when working with coffee mugs that have Brand Logos, and you are going to start asserting some amount of outside traffic efforts - knowing where to target geographically becomes "Handy" <giggles>

        Still a work in progress... its not always that consistent. Been working with eBay on one end and GA on the other to work all of this out.

        As soon as I know it works " well " I will be sharing this here, for those of you that like DATA!
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        • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          So I have been "Playing",
          Savidge4. Is there any doubt in your mind, you could easily make 5k a month, full time with all this buying and selling?

          The reason I ask is, it just doesn't make any sense to me why we see these "it takes 5 years to make it" in IM, when you have just demonstrated, it takes focus and dedication.

          Some Warriors are posting they have been at it for 5 or 7 years and still haven't reached that level.

          So, do you think, most people with a lot of time and a little "seed" money could reach a five thousand dollar a month profit with ONE YEAR OF dedicated effort?

          MY opinion is, anyone who can read and understand this thread, has been given a tested and proven way to earn money by following your example. And I thank you for sharing.

          I just don't get most of these newer Warriors.

          GordonJ
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            Savidge4. Is there any doubt in your mind, you could easily make 5k a month, full time with all this buying and selling?
            The answer is right here: https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11494254 In this very thread I turned $40 into $3998 with a total of 56 hours of work for the month. I probably made the same amount maybe a bit less with the side deals that I mentioned but did not document. Can you make $5,000 in a month full time? I did $5000+ in 15 hours a week

            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            The reason I ask is, it just doesn't make any sense to me why we see these "it takes 5 years to make it" in IM, when you have just demonstrated, it takes focus and dedication.
            More than part of the reason I finally dedicated the time to do this thread is 2 fold... For my sons benefit obviously, and to show it really is not that hard "to make money on line". Thanks for suggesting I have "focus and Motivation" but 15 hours a week - literally a 10 yr old can do - and pretty much did. Focus and motivation is better displayed in a thread like: https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...bscribers.html Look at the date on the first post.. and then head to page 3 of the thread and see where Michael is now.. THATS Focus and dedication. ME? im just playing around here.. this thread is literally childs play

            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            Some Warriors are posting they have been at it for 5 or 7 years and still haven't reached that level.
            Time and again I am sure you see this.. traffic is the #1 issue.. people don't get the mechanics of HOW to get traffic. The absolute WONDER of eBay? The traffic is already there.. full of people looking to buy what it is you are selling. It simply gets no easier. and when I say easy.. compare how I laid things out vs what Ozi is doing through for Amazon here: https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...r-journey.html Amazon vs eBay in terms of ease of use... eBay wins HANDS DOWN, and there is literally no cost of entry. An email and a paypal account is all you need.

            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            So, do you think, most people with a lot of time and a little "seed" money could reach a five thousand dollar a month profit with ONE YEAR OF dedicated effort?
            HOW is in this thread.. don't buy unless you have the APP right in front of you.. don't buy unless you can make 3X profit. Day skipping around and shopping a few hours a day, making a trip to the post office and listing 10 or more items a day.. if that's dedicated so be it.. but honestly that's all that's needed.. that is literally all I am doing. ( just not shopping daily, and the post office comes to me )

            Here is the kicker.. Erin my wife, with 2 employees and running 3 eBay stores WILL HIT 7 digits this year. THAT is dedication - and she LOVES every minute of it. I really didn't ever want to mention that number here.. but again, this thread is childs play in comparison. Im kinda more than likely on target to hit $100,000 this year with the 2 hour listing and a few hours a week sourcing that I laid out here.

            If you cant sit down and focus for 2 hours a day... if it takes you 4 hours a day.. what are you doing between the hours of 8 and midnight? Get your tail off of YouTube or tht binge watching of Netflix and crank up some tunes do something. You might actually enjoy it?!?!?!

            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            MY opinion is, anyone who can read and understand this thread, has been given a tested and proven way to earn money by following your example. And I thank you for sharing.
            First of all.. If anyone reading this does not understand something I have said in this thread... PLEASE ASK. I am more than happy to explain anything you need. Consider this thread kinda a WSO live 1 on 1 coaching session.

            Thank you sir... Means a lot coming from you. Without question tested and proven... Join any number of Facebook groups and hear from people doing the exact same thing. watch youtube videos ( more specifically about eBay ) and its right there. The Amazon videos in general are a bit, I don't know missing information I think is a good term. There is nothing to hide with eBay. again a 10 yr old can do it
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    The only thing I am seeing wrong with your posts and maybe helping some newbies out on struggle street looking for a start is.

    It involves WORK. that tends to stop most right there.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
      Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      The only thing I am seeing wrong with your posts and maybe helping some newbies out on struggle street looking for a start is.

      It involves WORK. that tends to stop most right there.

      In realty, I think the post emphasizes for beginners is work and a small reasonable investment is involved that has the potential to start, sustain and build a profitable online business.
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      • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
        Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

        In realty, I think the post emphasizes for beginners is work and a small reasonable investment is involved that has the potential to start, sustain and build a profitable online business.

        Yes Jeffery I understand that, I was more thinking if others would understand or accept the word work, most people want effortless, yesterday miracles these days.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      The only thing I am seeing wrong with your posts and maybe helping some newbies out on struggle street looking for a start is.

      It involves WORK. that tends to stop most right there.
      So lets step back to the basic premiss of the thread... the portion I am actually tracking. HOW to make $250 in one month. The truth here is I am making $100 a WEEK right now - with the items I am tracking. We are talking 2 visits to goodwill, listiing the items, and packing and sending them out. THAT is about a 4 hour work week. THAT is $5200 a year.

      What appears to be work is the added hussle I am throwing in here. I really want to see if my son and I can grow this concept to $100,000 in one year.. and do it with a reasonably minimal amount of time spent.

      For ME..the reality is I am doing this with my son...I want him to take over this, AT THE AGE OF 10 or 11. Can you seriously imagine a 6 digit income as a TEN YEAR OLD? Working MAYBE 20 hours a week?

      SERIOUSLY a freaking 10 year old can do it.. so can anyone else.

      Getting out of bed in the morning requires work..and I think this thread is showing with the LEAST amount of work possible..YOU CAN MAKE money... AND if you have any amount of desire to make MORE? this is SCALABLE.

      And for the sake of this thread... I am not even including the use of any other platform to sell your goods.. cuz there are a ton out there.

      And here is a TRUTH that MOST do not understand... if YOU WANT recurring no hassle income.. there are 2 ways to get it. Buy rental property, or invest in the stock market.. and guess what.. to get either of those, it takes work

      I am placing my son on a path to be a MILLIONAIRE by the age of 20.. invested correctly the young man would never have to work another day of his life. RETIRED at 20 LOL... or better yet FREE to do what MAKES HIM happy - JUST LIKE HIS FATHER.

      I basically "work" 18 hours a day EVERY DAY.. and ENJOY every minute of it... I seriously can not remember the last time I was like "Ah I don't want to go in today" - and if I could think of the last time, it would have been 30+ years ago when I had an actual "Job" and was working for someone else.
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      • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        So lets step back to the basic premiss of the thread... .
        I think I wrote my post above using the wrong words, and that is my error and appologise, having done something similar for most of my life I understand fully the work involved along with many learning curves.

        In my error, I was trying to convey the average person who comes to warrior looking for instant fortune and fame, looking and saying that involves work and that they would see it as to hard.

        For some reason I seemed to be lost in my own ability to communicate that, and one area I need to improve in.

        Again sorry for any confusion, and as from the start and as said think this is a great thread and a wonderful thing you are doing, and I wish I had that opportunity when growing up.

        Pete
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

          I think I wrote my post above using the wrong words, and that is my error and apologies,
          I don't think you chose / used the wrong words.. and I don't think you need to be apologizing... The TRUTH is you are right. THAT is exactly what people are looking for.. they want to play video games and make money on easy street after they pay a bunch of people on fiver $100 to make a cash machine for them.

          I AM GLAD this conversation came up... because it HAD to.

          Here it is in a nutshell... Im showing here how the least amount of work possible - 4 hours a week can bring in $100 a week. Im also showing this is scalable to life changing numbers, AND it could be done in about a year.

          THE TRUTH... we have already passed the $250 number set up for this... we are at about $1000 - Which ill get into in a bit for the day 14th day update. But for the sake of the thread and trying to dumb this down for people to understand how easy this is.. I was showcasing gong to goodwill and buying 13 items.. selling most of that, and going back and buying 15 items with the PROFITS from that first set.. and then if time allows I will post how we make a 3rd purchase.

          I am doing my best to lay out the best damn Warrior special offer that is free for everyone to look at. Im really not holding anything back. AND im here to answer questions.. DWolfe sees the value in it.. and as much as it suprises me no one else is asking questions.. I think it goes back to being perceived as to much work. and MAYBE that is MY fault!

          Im just sharing a path I have been on already.. and playing out for others in the same manor that I am sharing with my son. Its really HIS path - that is playing out in these posts every night.. our success, and our failures. Life is full of both.. hopefully more of the one than the other.
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    Now we are back to working hard, I will share 2 things that I swung in this game that may or may not apply here.

    1. was to develop a wish list of sorts (as I mainly dealt in collectibles which was open to repeat customers), this was easy to do by asking after a sale something like "Joe if I was to come across more blue widgets, would you like me to contact you before I place them up for sale?"

    I just complied this information in excel, and over time developed a huge list of people wanting stuff, this then came our first port of call with new items, to check it off from our wishlist. This way time was saved on setting up a complete listing as a few quick photos sent of with a quick message was all that was needed and more often than not it resulted in quicker turn around times on products.

    And for the fast and furious out there, this is not a fast thing to do, it takes time and some work to slowly build up a big list.

    Second to this was knowing what was on your list, helped in making buying decissions as you often seen things that you knew customers would buy.

    2. And this came out of more accident than discovery / thought, was people seeing that you were good at selling online would ask, hey can you sell this for me, at first I did it as a kind gesture, then I started charging but no where near enough, and to end up with the final option which worked well was to charge a flat 50% fee on the sale price of what ever I sold.

    If people did not like the fee, all good, go somewhere else because anything less is wasting my time.

    This in a way is no money down and money coming back into your pocket. Currently I am completeing one job (my last Job) where my contract will see me probably if I am lucky to finish selling everything before this coming Christmas, it is that big of a deal.

    I made this deal just before I decided to out the game, so I must complete it as I gave my word to the client.

    but that side gig alone made a lot of extra $ and still keeps rolling in :-) and as you can see can become large scale. The funny thing here is I never chased this work in any way, but it always came to me.

    Anyway as mentioned it some cases these options could be added in, and work others maybe not.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      Now we are back to working hard, I will share 2 things that I swung in this game that may or may not apply here.

      1. was to develop a wish list of sorts (as I mainly dealt in collectibles which was open to repeat customers), this was easy to do by asking after a sale something like "Joe if I was to come across more blue widgets, would you like me to contact you before I place them up for sale?"

      I just complied this information in excel, and over time developed a huge list of people wanting stuff, this then came our first port of call with new items, to check it off from our wishlist. This way time was saved on setting up a complete listing as a few quick photos sent of with a quick message was all that was needed and more often than not it resulted in quicker turn around times on products.

      And for the fast and furious out there, this is not a fast thing to do, it takes time and some work to slowly build up a big list.

      Second to this was knowing what was on your list, helped in making buying decissions as you often seen things that you knew customers would buy.

      2. And this came out of more accident than discovery / thought, was people seeing that you were good at selling online would ask, hey can you sell this for me, at first I did it as a kind gesture, then I started charging but no where near enough, and to end up with the final option which worked well was to charge a flat 50% fee on the sale price of what ever I sold.

      If people did not like the fee, all good, go somewhere else because anything less is wasting my time.

      This in a way is no money down and money coming back into your pocket. Currently I am completeing one job (my last Job) where my contract will see me probably if I am lucky to finish selling everything before this coming Christmas, it is that big of a deal.

      I made this deal just before I decided to out the game, so I must complete it as I gave my word to the client.

      but that side gig alone made a lot of extra $ and still keeps rolling in :-) and as you can see can become large scale. The funny thing here is I never chased this work in any way, but it always came to me.

      Anyway as mentioned it some cases these options could be added in, and work others maybe not.
      I wanted to comment on this but was waiting for the right time.... It will tie in very nicely with the post above.

      I don't know if you all know.. but you can go over to paypal and get each of your clients e-mail, address, name, and phone number. Building out a spreadsheet ( or database for those that can ) and inputting that information in with what a person bought size color etc can come in handy.

      One of the advantages to having an eBay store is the ability to create discounts be it multi item discounts or single item limited time offers. One of the other cool features is "Codeless Coupons" so take a look here: http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...rgetedCampaign So what this does is allow you to offer discounts from your Facebook page, or your Instagram page, or even an email list. Creating a separate code for each one also gives you the ability to TRACK which is working the best / worst.

      So now you have this spreadsheet full of buyer information and you just got a slew of X in. You can go in and create a coupon code for X items. Then, you can search your spread sheet for people that have bought X and send them a personalized email with the coupon code as a thank you for being a previous customer.

      Depending on the quantity we buy, I have gone so far as to send post cards with the promo code for what ever item it may be. Again your best audience is #1 people that have bought from you before, and #2 people that have bought similar to same items. AND its all right there at your little finger tips!

      tryinhere I really do appreciate the input you have put in on this thread.

      Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author carolyn653
    Thanks, I will wait for your post. This is very interesting to me
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  • Profile picture of the author Filmora
    Best Of Luck Man
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexander Thomas
    Payments as a new seller are held for 21 days UNLESS when you send an item the buyer leaves feedback OR if you send the item trackable and that item shows as delivered + 3 days then email paypal and they will release the funds sooner. Payment holds occur because: You have been selling on eBay for less than 90 days.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Welcome to the Warrior Forum Erin. Great to see you stop in here and share some advice. savidge4 In one of the earlier posts. You mention some times you pick a product that can be a loss. After making a mistake on a product that does not sell. "Reference to one of the games" How do you come up with a price to keep your loss to a minimum ?
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      Welcome to the Warrior Forum Erin. Great to see you stop in here and share some advice. savidge4 In one of the earlier posts. You mention some times you pick a product that can be a loss. After making a mistake on a product that does not sell. "Reference to one of the games" How do you come up with a price to keep your loss to a minimum ?
      She says we try to break even. and we let them sit for 30 days and from there we pull the listing.. and hope we only have one of them, and then at some point try and relist for another month to see if there is a difference. If THEN still no sale.. it goes to the donate pile.

      The game.. we are $2.00 in, we can just take the loss.. OR wait for more sports games and put a bunch together as a bundle
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  • Profile picture of the author luciesmazanska
    Wow this was the longest thread which I saw here so far
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    ★★★★★
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by luciesmazanska View Post

      Wow this was the longest thread which I saw here so far
      LOL thanks.. helps to be long winded... and let this be a demonstration in the ability to write 2000+ word posts hahahaha
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Trying to convince my son to do this, genius.
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    I was just thinking out loud and wondered how many lives would be changed for the better if you took this into schools and taught 10 year old kids with say a 10 week course, it would be 10 X better than some history lesson. 10 X @ 10.

    I remember seeing a young kid a while back online building his brand teaching / mentoring and relating to other kids ? maybe a possible direction as well. mind wanders and ponders at night. :-)

    cool stuff your doing. Back to work
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    | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 30 Update


      I am going to be a day late getting this out. Today has been one of those days. Its currently 1:15 am and I have another 4 hours to go probably. 2 of those is listing my 10 items for the day on the eBay store.

      I will update Little Paul is ok'ing graphics and the like for his Mug Store. We have amassed about 30 or so to get started with and will start that up probably Thursday or so - he has a big Social Studies test to study for.. so not much work for him the next few days.

      We did our rounds today and delivered the custom mugs. everyone was really happy with them, and 2 of the clients dropped the idea they would call little Paul with more orders.

      So I will do the "final" 30 day post tomorrow.. but I will keep the thread going with the larger goal of amassing as much as possible in 365 days.

      See you tomorrow!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Day 30 Update

      A day or 2 late


      Oh my goodness. well to start...I "thought" I could manage 2 hours of my day towards this project, and THAT I have been able to do with the exception of 1 day out of the 30. the added posting here has been my achilles heel. Super easy for me to pop in when time permits and reply to something.. not so easy to come in on a schedule and create a post.

      I am in NO WAY complaining or making excuses.. but to some degree this project has given me a better understanding of the struggles new folks to internet marketing and trying to up hold to content schedules must face. Granted.. that is literally 25% of my day - content creation, but adding an aside has been difficult at times.

      So lets get past the griping LOL... WHAT A MONTH... it really has been a lot of fun... more so than I thought it would be ( I really dread shopping ) Actually sitting down and using our implemented systems for inbound goods, creating a listing and shipping the item out has given me a very hands on experience. there have been a few changes in what we do, and how we do them.


      The whole thing started out with making $250 in a month. and I found that to be a very easy number to obtain. It transitioned at some point to exactly how much can you make? and that turned into 2 hours 10 listings a day. This is where things got interesting. its simply not so easy to list 10 items in 2 hours. that's 12 minutes per item.

      I would literally set an alarm with my google assistant for 5 minutes for product research. There are still items I have not listed due to the fact I cant find anything of like nature to create a decent listing with. a man / woman can only know so much, and you get me into womens Lauren Ralph Lauren pocket book wallets, and I simply have no clue other than the obvious. and the OBVIOUS could be the difference between selling for $30 vs KNOWING something is worth $100.00.

      Its sounds trivial, hey just make the quick $20 and move on.. but something that I share and is read often here on the forum is knowing ones value.. and I think that same philosophy comes into play with Things The FUN part of this whole process is LEARNING all the little things about something as common as a womens wallet, or a pair of shoes. And then joining some of the many Facebook groups for resellers and A learning new stuff and B sharing what you have learned.

      A fun little example.. on one of the groups someone posted a fork rake looking thing. From my experience with my grandmother as a child and having to learn the appropriate silverware and place settings thought the item was either a bacon fork or Sardine fork that sells for like $150 ). It was later posted with picture examples the item was actually a Corn on the cob rake that sells for like $350. Obvious Vs Knowing.

      So 5 minutes of research ( in 90% of the items ) and then 7 minutes for pictures and filling out the listing page. It moves pretty quick when you have everything kinda right in front of you. A stack of 10 items, the packing material, quick access to your photo area, a computer, coffee ready and waiting and bang bang bang. In the next day or 2 I will lay out kinda step by step my process for this.

      So over the past 30 days, 10 days as just listing the items we bout and at the 11 day mark is when I went into the 10 items per day thing, and I missed one of those days. In total I posted 212 items. the original 13 and then the second set of 15 and a "few extras". I have 140 items in the store 50 were seeds - so we sold 102 items in the last 30 days. My current "if we sold everything tonight" value for the store is $5388 - the $800 for shoes so right around $4500.00 so that averages about $40.00 per item.

      My total for the 102 items was 7962.00. There was a total of 1114.68 in fees. Shipping averaged about $6.25 per item so $637.50 packaging came in about $50.00 So my total expense of selling was $1802.18 So before cost of goods we are at $6160.00 ( rounding )

      Of the 102 items 18 of those items were higher ticket and NOT bought at goodwill. the remaining 84 items were indeed bought at goodwill with an average price of $6.80 ( $571.20 ) The other 18 items ( ipads, Iphones, tools etc ) came to $1591 my total cost of goods was $2162.00

      So we are left with:

      Total Gross: 7962.00
      Total OP Expenses: -$1802.00
      Cost of Goods: -$2162.00
      Leaving a NET NET of $3998.00

      A little short of the 3x I was shooting for, but not to bad. So the number is only half the story.. how much TIME was involved?

      The first 10 days was about 8 hours total ( first 28 items ). the remaining 20 days was 2 hours a day x 20 and about 8 hours of sourcing time. So 56 hours for the month or if you are inclined to know the hourly rate - $71.39 an hour

      I think it is VERY important to note at this point. ALL OF THIS came into being with ONLY the initial $40.00 investment. I think to be a bit fair I would say that it really took $60 to start this. that would include a roll of white butcher paper. a roll or 2 of tape and some cushioned bags and boxes from Walmart. I already had those things.

      There have been some cool changes with eBay in the past day or 2 that I want to share once I run through them a bit, and there are some other topics I want to go over.. and like I said the first will be my "speed process" for posting 10 items in 2 hours.

      Really appreciate everyone reading this, and asking questions and leaving comments. means a lot to me! thanks!
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        So we are left with:

        Total Gross: 7962.00
        Total OP Expenses: -$1802.00
        Cost of Goods: -$2162.00
        Leaving a NET NET of $3998.00

        The first 10 days was about 8 hours total ( first 28 items ). the remaining 20 days was 2 hours a day x 20 and about 8 hours of sourcing time. So 56 hours for the month or if you are inclined to know the hourly rate - $71.39 an hour
        !
        Grant it more than 1/2 the people on this forum may never get these results. But how many lives would this change ? Even making $35.69 a hour and working 40 hours every week would change most people's lives here on the forums!

        Amazing the amount of detail you have put forth in this Path. You posted way more than you had too. Also thanks to your wife and your son for contributing to this path. Plus for her stopping in to show us some arbitrage methods.

        Have 2 quick questions if you are pre-packing everything how do you know what is in each envelop or box if they are all the same size ?

        What if you have a smaller item that fits in a small envelop to save on shipping costs. Do you use them or just put them in the bigger size? An Example would be fishing lure, or a baseball card ?
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Grant it more than 1/2 the people on this forum may never get these results. But how many lives would this change ? Even making $35.69 a hour and working 40 hours every week would change most people's lives here on the forums!
          I could see this being a way out of a job you hate. Granted my wife and I make a real good team.. I like the technical stuff, and she likes the shopping. But I am sure you can testify to the fact that the listing part is not all that hard. and once you have the app on your phone its pretty simple ( I think ) to figure out what to buy and what not to. If I am buying an item for $8.00 can I sell it for 3x or $24.00 plus shipping and fees? forget "oh that's cute" or "I really like that" and think strickly does it meet the math requirements, and you pretty much cant go wrong.

          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Amazing the amount of detail you have put forth in this Path. You posted way more than you had too. Also thanks to your wife and your son for contributing to this path. Plus for her stopping in to show us some arbitrage methods.
          This is overall pretty easy to do. there are however some tips and tricks that make it way easier So I thought the more detailed I made this, the better overall it would be. basically a FREE thread WSO - minus the missing parts LOL

          if you couldn't tell, my family and I are pretty tight. A number of years ago, I bought a piece of land and built a house and my office on the property ( to be closer to home for my son ) At this point the lower half of my property is rated commercial, and looks as such.. out in the middle ( kinda ) of no where.

          my wife has anxiety. like bad anxiety. she has not driven in over 10 years. eBay for her is a way to feel like she contributes and has value. Her 2 "employees" ( they are way more than that ) are basically constant companions, that allow her to do what she loves to do most, and that's shop. hen she is shopping the anxiety just slips away. I honestly believe this business venture saved her life. Its great for her.. its great for me, and my son.. well he is along for the ride LOL

          My son has literally grown up around marketing. When every other 2 year old was naming colors as you drive by something.. he was attributing those colors to business' " that sign is red and yellow like McDonalds" From a very young age he has shown interest. in colors and patterns and design. When we are doing color layouts for logos or web or print we tend to actually bring him in to get his opinion - since he was like 4. he can spend hours sitting behind my graphic designers and just watch

          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          Have 2 quick questions if you are pre-packing everything how do you know what is in each envelop or box if they are all the same size ?

          What if you have a smaller item that fits in a small envelop to save on shipping costs. Do you use them or just put them in the bigger size? An Example would be fishing lure, or a baseball card ?
          If you go on my store you will see we have a bunch of watches. If you look at the Titles of those you will see a letter and number ( LA3 ) or something like that. Those bags are in the "Watch bin" and on the buble pouch that code is written on it with a brief description of the item. " La Watch big "LA" " We also write the weight of the package on the box or envelope as well.

          Some of the other items like shoes we have a shelf of.. we just write what vthey are what size the weight and the color.. we "try " to keep that semi alphabetical Adidas to the left Vera Wang to the right LOL

          In terms of saving on shipping cost. Yes anything less than 16 oz you want to ship First Class. BUT you do NOT want to ship anything in a regular .52 cent envelope.. the reason being NO TRACKING. The smallest thing we ship in is the 6 x 9 poly or Bubble envelope. If the item is smaller we simply fold it over and wrap the label around as needed ensuring the shipping address and scan bar are not on a crease and preferably on the same face. ( if that makes sense )

          That tracking label does a few things, but most importantly it stops the "I didn't get the item" With little Paul's project we are kinda going back and forth but have decided everything is going to ship Priority mail. #1 the tracking, and #2 the $50 insurance. If a mug were to break in transit.. it would be covered, so literally no loss ( other than the refund for shipping to the customer )the cost of the item would be paid with the insurance. Kinda minimizes our overall exposure.

          The other issue with this is the eBay matrix wanting a tracking number to provide for the customer. there comes a point when they will actually start charging you more in fees or block you from getting "Top Rated" ranking ( selling 100 items of at least $1000 in value in a years time ) and THAT alone is a big deal. lower fee rates 9% vs 10%, It gets you better page ranking, and it gives you further discounts on your shipping.. 4 to 5% I believe.

          If you go on your " sell " screen and click on " performance " and then "Seller Level" you will see the matrix items that you kinda need to pay attention to.

          Hope that Helps!
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      • Profile picture of the author bthurman1220
        Thank you so much for taking the time to post all of this information. You have no idea how helpful this information is.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      My eBay Listing Method


      So a quick reminder for those of you that may not have read through the whole thread. I have a "Day" job, and spend only 2 hours a day with this eBay business. Time is obviously of the essence for me. and this method is an example of that.

      so going into this we should have an understanding that at the time of purchase you should know there is a active listing for the items you are going to list, and there "Should" be a sold listing. When you are beginning.. you want to ENSURE there are B O T H ( Selling AND sold )

      So my work flow is like this. I take the pictures on my phone. Would MUCH prefer to be doing this with a DSLR but the truth is, it takes about 3 times longer.. and as I walk through this for anyone familiar with a DSLR workflow will see where this method is much faster.

      So i take pictures. I then sit on my desktop, I will open up word pad and then pull up a search that will include the item I want to sell. I quickly look at a few listings and copy description text into Wordpad. I pay attention to the other listings photos, to ensure I got all the shots I need. I grab at least 2 listing descriptions and depending on the quality, maybe a few more. If the quality is not there, or you feel they are lacking information, I would then go out to google and try and find the item listed on the Manufactures website for further details.

      Ok so Now I go back to active listings and find a title of the same product I am going to list that appears close to what I want to list. I then click on that listing and right below the images you will see "Sell Now" Press that, and a new page pops up. ENSURE the listing has the correct category. I then insert a dummy image, and go over the Item Details section tand make any additions or subtractions as needed.

      So from this.. I create a Title, I then COPY the title I use for the listing in the top line of the description. I then create a brief description, and then I am looking for "Features" and "Details" I dont regularly list both, but will do one or the other. If you look at ALL of my listings you will see they are VERY consistant in both Color, text size and general amount of information An example listing looks like:

      ################################################## #

      DREAM. Papaya Art Makeup Cosmetic Bag Pouch Tassel

      A PAPAYA! fan favorite, Small Tassel Pouches are a vibrant carry-all. Pretty enough to use as an everyday clutch and durable enough for organizing makeup, jewelry, art supplies and more. Small Tassel Pouches come with a coordinating luxury tassel and lotus charm which can be removed and used as a key chain. Pouches are made using a durable oil cloth-like material and have shimmering, illustrated satin linings. Wipeable linings and exterior.

      Details:
      • Length: 10 inches
      • Height: 5 Inches
      • Depth: 2 Inches

      Thanks for Looking!

      Fast and Free Shipping - 30 Day Hassle Free Domestic Returns - 100% Customer Satisfaction

      ################################################## #

      FEATURES and DETAILS Anything that a person may need to know to make a informed buying decision.

      You will notice in this I also offer FREE returns.. so my descriptions are that much more important. I dont want to pay to ship the item back to me. I want the person buying to get exactly what it is I have described, and that match what they are looking for.

      I would say the 2 most important variables beyond the Title would be the images should show the item in its best light, BUT also show any flaws. and 2nd would be the description. making very clear what they are getting, any measurements what have you.

      Ok once this is done.. I PACK the item in the box or envelope it will ship in. I measure it, nd weight it. I add that information in the appropriate location. There are a few reasons for doing this.. when it comes time to ship the item.. all you have to do is print the label smack it on the box and you are done. Another thing it does if you happen to allow for the international shipping program.. you get preferred international listing rank if your item has all of this information included.

      So now the pricing. I obviously look at active listings, but I will ALWAYS let SOLD listings guide me.. what people WANT and what items are ACTUALLY selling for in many cases are 2 differnt things. Keep in mind you COG ( Cost of Goods ) fees and shipping here to ensure you are in that 3X range or better.

      I then list the item when I am done. Now from here, I fire up the phone and the eBay App. I click "Home" ( top left drop down ) then "Selling" I then click "Active" and then click "sort" ( upper right ) and select "Ending Latest" and the item you just listed should be right there on top.

      Click the 3 dots on the right and "Revise" and go right to photos. You want to remove the dummy image, and then from the images you took in your phone upload those. Make sure they are oriented right, and in the order you want them to appear. get back to "Listing Summary" and scroll down to the blue bar "Revise It" select that and the follow up buttons and your listing is done.

      IF everything is easy easy I can list an item in 10 minutes or less doing this. IF there are complications.. cant find the item... cant find a decent description.. what have you, I actually set the item to the side, make a quick post it note what info I need, and move onto the next one. I do my very best to post 10 items a day.. I have missed 4 days well only 1 whole day, and the other 3 I ran short of the 10 but still listed some. I have YET to hit 200 active listings There are days I am selling more than I am listing.

      any questions? comments? Greatly appreciated! sorry this took so long!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      DAY 45 Update


      So I have hit kinda a rhythm in thelast 2 weeks or so.. less of a hussle and more consistency in sales. I am averaging about $200 a day over the last week. Today as an example I sold 2 pairs of shoes ( $13.00 each ) a DVD player ( $5.00 ) and a mug ( $.49 ) for $199.90 in total sales. Fees were $24.00 shipping and supplies were right under $20.00. So COG ( $31.49 ) + Shipping ( $20 ) + Shipping ( $24.00 ) $75.49 So a profit of $124.41 puts me just short of 4x. the last week has been right in par with this. And I don't see it changing.

      To start I was very slow and steady and then kicked in to greater profits greater profits.. and the thing with that thinking is, that can kinda dry up. And I knew that to be the case. iPhones as an example.. I go through spells I can get 3 or 4 of them like in a weeks time and then there are periods like now.. not a one to be had anywhere

      If you are in for the long haul.. you want this to REPLACE say a regular job, you have to find consistency over quick cash. Anyone that has looked at my store can see that the overall price I am selling goods for has gone up. A lot of shoes... and most of them I paid $5.00 for the pair with an average asking price of $50.00

      If my average day right now is $125.00 in profit x365 that would put me at $45,625.00 per year. If I get to an average of $200 a day that number jumps to $73,000 and if I can get to $275 consistently I will hit my $100,000. and honestly I see that coming.

      SO you are probably asking, so how exactly do you get from $40 to start to $125 a day let alone $275. And the answer is REINVEST and list new items DAILY. If you have the time to list more than 10 a day, you will get there faster.. if you only list every other day.. you will get there slower. Bottom line... If you don't have it up for sale, you wont MAKE a sale.

      So here I am at day 45.. my first month I pulled $4000.00 in PROFIT. I did have some iPads and a few phone sales this month. Some of the more expensive tools sold.. still haven't sold the original baseball game or the mug or the wrestling game... but 15 days into month 2 and I am sitting at $4200.00 profit and looking to finish the month at $8000.

      That's $12,000 in 60 days from Goodwill and FB and Craigslist.. with I hope this weekend being the first week of garage sales... things could get interesting. I am right now stocked up on "Steady" to list, and looking to add to steady and shoot for higher profit potential items from the garage sales. Maybe $8000 will be a low number by the end of the month.. time will tell.

      Thanks for reading.. and as always questions and comments are appreciated!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      I saw the thread that prompted Gordon coming here to ask the question... "Is there any doubt in your mind, you could easily make 5k a month, full time with all this buying and selling?" and I am going to answer again in a more IM related tone.

      IF I had any amount of sense about me.. I COULD have done a few things differently here. I mean this is an internet marketing forum right. I like to think that reading the content that has been shared here indicates in the slightest I might actually know what I am discussing LOL and that this was not so fly by the seat of my pants, but somewhat methodical.

      So, Yes I had a plan.. I had an idea of what topics I was going to cover, I kinda knew what order to share those topics... Almost as if there was a rough draft for this thread. That same rough draft very easily could have been made into a WSO... It could have a blog behind it, I could actually have an IM product, that I created and was selling WHILE I was sharing on this very thread.

      I probably very easily could have charged $39 for the eBay course. I could have set up a facebook group.. built a list and turned around and sold a product on how to set up a Mercari store.. A posh store, A guide for selling on Craigslist. a guide to selling on FB marketplace. how to start with amazon... and the list here could go on and on.

      And then here is the issue... In the world of the main board and IM in general. people are thinking about the first and fast dollar. They decide they are qoing to get rich online and choose a SINGLE product in a niche they really know nothing about. They build out some landing page, and then the struggle begins... getting traffic there.

      But look at the last paragraph, and then compare that to those above it... NO plan.. vs PLAN. NOW vs Long Term with the for sight of added product, and building of community... and the KICKER, no idea how to get traffic vs Using this very forum, following the rules, and having a very targeted audience to buy my product, join my list, and get sold to over and over.

      So not only could I make $5000 a month selling on eBay.. but I could very easily make another what $2000 a month? sharing the process and knowledge as I am doing it.
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    • Profile picture of the author socialentry
      Originally Posted by savidge4

      So I have been "Playing", I ran across a post somewhere discussing Google Analytics " Pixel Beacons ". eBay does not allow for scripting of any kind in its listings so traditional GA would obviously not work. Basically a Pixel Beacon is a tiny jpeg that once loaded triggers GA to track some amount of information. Still working with it a little but see this being very useful for say my sons efforts.

      I am a data junkie.. I know that some brands are favorited more in some regions of the states than others. here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...tate/74695524/ So when working with coffee mugs that have Brand Logos, and you are going to start asserting some amount of outside traffic efforts - knowing where to target geographically becomes "Handy" <giggles>

      Still a work in progress... its not always that consistent. Been working with eBay on one end and GA on the other to work all of this out.

      As soon as I know it works " well " I will be sharing this here, for those of you that like DATA!
      I did a bit of scanning for fun just to see how the logistics of it all would work and I came up with a few more qs:

      What is your rule of thumb for used items?

      What do you do if there are no barcodes? I noticed the clothes didn't have barcodes. Do you cherry pick and search them manually?

      E.g. I manually searched for "jack and jones jeans shorts", but the search term was too generic and so I didn't find that particular model for those shorts. I am not even sure how I would proceed.As of now,

      the plan is to bribe a friend and offer my help as taxi as she shops around.

      Are some thrift shops better then other? I did see some people online state that wealthier areas had better stuff. Makes intuitive sense.

      Brainstorming a bit here:

      I wonder if data would be useful to know what currently is in vogue instead of relying on guts feelings or domain knowledge. Maybe it would be worth it for example to take a whole bunch of twitter posts in my area, and see what brands appears most.


      Splitting hairs?


      Dunno. I have to admit as with most other math people, I make for a lousy engineer and I sometime am guilty of going for fancy solutions rather then practical ones. My current plan is build a locomotive and then keep going until they stop blowing up. lol
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        I did a bit of scanning for fun just to see how the logistics of it all would work and I came up with a few more qs:

        What is your rule of thumb for used items?
        That is primarily what I sell. I do run into items at Goodwill that are new with tags, but the majority is used. When I get items back to the shop we clean the day lights out of them. If its leather boots or the like we condition them. We TRY to get the item back into as new looking condition as possible. You float around eBay even for a bit, and you see generally the opposite is true. And then you can ask the question, which would you buy, a nice looking whatever or a dirty ratty whatever? I can tell you the time it takes to clean something, is worth the time, and in my experience produces greater sales prices and greater profit.

        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        What do you do if there are no barcodes? I noticed the clothes didn't have barcodes. Do you cherry pick and search them manually?

        E.g. I manually searched for "jack and jones jeans shorts", but the search term was too generic and so I didn't find that particular model for those shorts. I am not even sure how I would proceed.As of now,
        Most everything will have an MPN (manufacturers part number) clothing in particular will generally have 3 or 4 numbers and I will look up each one till I get what I am looking for. with clothing in particular, there is really no easy way around it - Kinda why I shy away from clothing. I know our Goodwills have racks and racks of jeans and the thought of going through one by one looking for comps does not excite me. LOL

        The same holds true with Books.. sure they have bar codes, and I have a goodwill by WVU that has literally 1000's of books there, and the thought of sitting there and scanning each one, to find the "Gems" is um not appealing. I look for Bibles, and D&D handbooks ( have yet to find any of these ) so I do an eye scan only.

        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        the plan is to bribe a friend and offer my help as taxi as she shops around.
        The start of a very good plan. here is the thing.. she will select what SHE likes, and once you goto sell the items will you know if she has relevant likes. My wife is terrible when it comes to what she likes as it pertains to resell.. don't get me wrong dresses and accessorizes VERY WELL... but HER style is not what sells on eBay. The bolder and louder the better. Big ol Logos across the front of anything and screaming large bright graphics. Once you have an idea what you are looking for you can scan through clothing isles and spot these things out. Watch Rally Roots on youtube to get a better idea of what to look for - fantastic resource for that.

        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        Are some thrift shops better then other? I did see some people online state that wealthier areas had better stuff. Makes intuitive sense.
        I have 5 goodwills within 50 miles of me. each one is indeed very different. The one closest to the mountains has skis and ice skates and better flannel and more rustic western kind of stuff. The one closest to me is much more trendy and more affluent. There is another one that is in a smaller community that is not as affluent and is good for small appliances juicers and the like, and tends to have more sports related items Jersys jackets tennis rackets bats etc. The 2 closest to the college, you can tell they are close to colleges

        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        Brainstorming a bit here:

        I wonder if data would be useful to know what currently is in vogue instead of relying on guts feelings or domain knowledge. Maybe it would be worth it for example to take a whole bunch of twitter posts in my area, and see what brands appears most.
        I know my wife looks over the woman's and teen mags all the time to stay up with whats hot. For my "day Job" we have this: https://us.readly.com/ for content creation research. And she uses the same service to look over the woman's mags to figure out what to look for.

        If you really want to see how much of a gap there is between young adult males and yourself pick up a copy of Maxim magazine... and as far out there as it reads, once you start paying attention to young males around you.. its pretty dead on, and its about mind blowing! LOL
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      I have been super slammed with work the past few weeks.. the 2 hours with eBay has turned into 3 and 4, im sleeping like 3 hours a night right now. I REALLY REALLY want to do an update at the end of the month.. The numbers and Growth have been ridiculous!

      Still have not sold those 2 video games or the rugby shirt or the blasted mug. STILL have not hit 200 listings in the store although I have listed over 200 this month alone

      And a bit of a teaser.. we cracked 5 digits in profit this month!

      Thank you all for reading! and thank you guys for participating! LOVE IT!
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      Hey man, just saw your post in the Offline section about this.

      I have a question. Where else do you find it helpful to source things to sell? I've gone to my local Goodwill excited and that place is a dump. Maybe I just don't know what to sell or something but 90% of the people in there were clearly looking for things to resell. People had binders and such. Most had nothing with them because either there wasn't anything or it was so picked through. Maybe I'm just in an area where a lot of people do this and the competition is high. I thought video games might be a cool idea and there was not one in the entire store. It was a lot of junk furniture, books, junk glassware/dishware (maybe some of that is worth something IF you know enough but this isn't a high income area), and just lots of clothes, many being very cheap things that you might find new at Walmart.

      We're getting a Goodwill Outlet soon where you can buy things by the pound BUT these are things that didn't sell at other stores. I hear the competition is fierce at these places as well.

      I can sell things on ebay. Been there, done that. Finding any sort of reliable sourcing can be the difficult part. I have capital. I had a friend that bought pallets of liquidated goods that sold on ebay but he had a lot of issues with returns and such and eventually got shut down.

      We have flea markets that are open on weekends, peddlers malls that are open every day. You can't put up yard sale signs in our town anymore (yes, really) so they aren't always easy to find. I'm not much of a shopper, kind of hate it, but I'm sure once I got a feel for what I was looking for it would help. Going into a place with a lot of stuff, most of it junk, on that treasure hunt where you don't really even know what the treasure is you're looking for, is kind of overwhelming.

      I really like the idea of specializing, kind of like your son. Being the "mug guy" or whatever. That makes it even more difficult though because you're more limited in what you can find and sell.

      You seem to be the sourcing king around here. Then again, you also know a lot about a lot. I've thought about putting an ad up on Craigslist or something saying that I buy certain things and seeing what it brings me to help with sourcing. I'd love to buy things online somewhere and then sell them back online on ebay but I don't really know where to source things efficiently. I can travel to other Goodwill's but they will have to pay off in order to make the time spent worthwhile.

      What say you, oh guru of this space, (and by this space I mean the WF because you can pretty much drop knowledge in any forum here, lol).
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        What say you, oh guru of this space, (and by this space I mean the WF because you can pretty much drop knowledge in any forum here, lol).

        Yep, he is worthy
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      • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        It was a lot of junk furniture, books, junk glassware/dishware (maybe some of that is worth something IF you know enough but this isn't a high income area), and just lots of clothes, .
        Glad this thread came back to life, I would like to throw a twist to this that came about by accident more than planning.

        A property we recently purchased, the owners just upped and walked out and basicly left 30 years of belongings and rubbish in the house, this included thousands of books, and just about anything and everything.

        I had been using facebook marketplace for my other bits and bobs that I still need to clear, and always had trouble with some books etc moving and or cheap items as you refer to.

        But here is the kicker I started to Bundle Lots and in that I would bundle up to 10 items (maketplace only has room for 10 pics) and guess what I am all day almost everyday pumping stuff out the door. I can spend the morining adding say $200 plus in bundles to the site and before I am finished I have people fighhting over buying it.

        If I wanted to, I sort have proved to myself that I could buy cheap good quality junk and probably make 10X on my money.

        Books, anything that is educational or that angle, astrology, mechanics, how to sew, woodwork, anything like that but not old mills and boon novels crap, kitchen ware and containers, good quality cheap ffurniture (but i would not deal in that as it is to bulky) glassware, learn whats what there is some valuable bits out there hiding in junk stores, just normal glass ware is ok, pots n pans, there really is no limit, just learn as you go what works and what does not in small parts.

        Who is buying this stuff, wel it mostly new people into the country that arrive with nothing, home school teachers and people intersted in hobbies, tuition etc buy the books, people getting set up and the list is endless.

        Facebook market place is evolving and getting better and better and I will predict it will take ove places like gumtree if it has already not done so ? I probably make 20 sales on facebook compared to 1 on gumtree if that. It really is bang bang and if you are running like a system you can turn junk into gold.

        I would have no doubt if you went at it that you could make 1 - 2 k a week, for me its just clearing out a hoarders lot of 30 years but all of it I could buy for nickels at these goodwill shops.

        Just buy good quality / in demand cheap stuff and bundle it, this week I have probably sold many hundreds of books and I would try make a min $1 average per book but many I get a lot more from and all of them I could buy probably for .10 or cheaper at garage sales, same with all of the kitchen stuff etc.

        It is not glamourous but if you had to swing the axe then it might work for others, at least people could do a small test, for me its just clearing the stuff from the property then Im out, but I do have a big bag of $ sitting on my table for the effort.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

          I started to Bundle Lots and in that I would bundle up to 10 items
          In the eBay world... I have this habit of finding bulk lots of say M&M toppers or California raison figures. I have found I have to go through all that I get one at a time and price them individually to find the gems in the bunch and then I lot the rest. MOST times there is 1 of whatever that pays for the whole bulk lot purchase, and the rest becomes profit.

          So yes, bundling is a great strategy to moving MEH items!
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        Hey man, just saw your post in the Offline section about this.

        I have a question. Where else do you find it helpful to source things to sell?
        Ill start this with the short answer - anywhere and everywhere. An example go look up wide mouth Ball canning jars on eBay.. Now go look them up on Walmart.com Ok now lets go a step further and look up " sprouting rings for widemouth jars " and throw in a packet of wheat sprout seeds and you now have a complete Rabbit greens year round package

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I've gone to my local Goodwill excited and that place is a dump. Maybe I just don't know what to sell or something but 90% of the people in there were clearly looking for things to resell. People had binders and such. Most had nothing with them because either there wasn't anything or it was so picked through. Maybe I'm just in an area where a lot of people do this and the competition is high.
        I have gotten involved with a few online communities about eBay.. and your experience is not uncommon. I can count my lucky stars that my 5 local goodwills do not spike prices like many other goodwills do.

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I thought video games might be a cool idea and there was not one in the entire store.
        In many of the groups and communities I follow around the net, there are MANY people that deal specifically with video games, consoles and accessories ( powers supplies, controllers etc ) I would say the Majority of these people are buying this stuff in bulk, and it seems that most often its garage sales, Facebook marketplace and Craigslist, that they find these deals. I would also suggest the many other local online apps ( https://www.thespruce.com/best-local...-quick-4150618 )

        Really not an area I get into much.. but they are super easy to list. Include the UPC and eBay already has the details of the game, so a quick description case book, and cartridge/dvd and list the shape its in ) and some photos and you are done. In general I think the return is low with the exception of rares which get crazy expensive, but the sell through rate is rather high.

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        It was a lot of junk furniture, books, junk glassware/dishware (maybe some of that is worth something IF you know enough but this isn't a high income area), and just lots of clothes, many being very cheap things that you might find new at Walmart.
        There is money in junk furniture if you happen to love woodworking and resurfacing and painting.. but for the average person.. we will consider that not an option - or at least not on eBay. BOOKS at goodwill prices they will be hit or miss. Generally speaking Bibles are almost ALWAYS a hit... I have more than a few listed in excess of $50.00 that I paid $1.50 for ( and they ship media mail, so that expense is minimal )

        Glassware and dishware - this is my sons money maker here.. WE have learned a ton in the last few months. lets start with this Replacement ltd ( https://www.replacements.com ) is a hell of a good resource. Have to keep in mind when looking at pricing they ADD shipping at checkout. BUT ultimately if you go back to the day 1 post in this thread ( https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11481920 ) you will see how I suggest having the eBay app on your phone and not being afraid to use it.

        Some things you might want to research a bit - Carnival glass and depression glass. In terms of plates etc Mikasa is a look up EVERY time ( the pattern name will be on the item ) Lennox ( pattern name will be there ), Fiestaware ( no patterns here, just a brand )

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        We're getting a Goodwill Outlet soon where you can buy things by the pound BUT these are things that didn't sell at other stores. I hear the competition is fierce at these places as well.
        I might go to check it out.. I have one 100 miles from where I live and have never really even thought of going. I think the key FOR YOU in that type of market space is to identify what the "rest" are not buying and focus on that

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I can sell things on ebay. Been there, done that. Finding any sort of reliable sourcing can be the difficult part. I have capital. I had a friend that bought pallets of liquidated goods that sold on ebay but he had a lot of issues with returns and such and eventually got shut down.
        So the Category I have the highest amount of returns with is electronics... BUT they sell really well ( dvd players VHS players tv/vhs combos, cordless phones etc )

        USED clothing.. is a PAIN to list - or at least list in what I would consider the correct method.... you have to measure the neck to bottom hem, across the shoulders and pit to pit across the chest. The ISSUE is the clothes have been washed and they are Labeled a size Medium... but they have shrank and now are a small. Listing your items with the actual measurements just listed, and being more accurate with its current size vs listing the labelled size is key

        Some time ago we invested in a full set of shoe makers sized shoe stretchers ( Size 2 to 12 in half steps for women's sizes, and size 4 to 15 in half steps for men's sizes ) So when we list shoes we list "actual size" vs labelled size, and knock on wood, have never had a return due to "does not fit". But, as I recall those sets set us back a bit - but over time I am sure have been well worth the investment.

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        We have flea markets that are open on weekends, peddlers malls that are open every day. You can't put up yard sale signs in our town anymore (yes, really) so they aren't always easy to find. I'm not much of a shopper, kind of hate it, but I'm sure once I got a feel for what I was looking for it would help. Going into a place with a lot of stuff, most of it junk, on that treasure hunt where you don't really even know what the treasure is you're looking for, is kind of overwhelming.
        Flee markets - YES. Peddlers Malls - NO ( I will bet a number of people you saw in Goodwill were filling their booths ) Yard Sales - SEASONAL and I would say YES.. but I don't lol.

        I HATE shopping... Im generally list in hand.. item item item and out the door. I GET it for sure. This happens to be the reason I primarily use Goodwill.. I can go in with my phone look up items make informed choices and be out in 30 minutes.

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I really like the idea of specializing, kind of like your son. Being the "mug guy" or whatever. That makes it even more difficult though because you're more limited in what you can find and sell.
        I get what you are saying, it does limit what you can source... BUT, there are some huge advantages. You don't want one of.. you know you need LOTS... Lots equates to leverage, and lower prices. Dynamics change when you say "How much or all of them?"

        The other bonus in this is Social media efforts. my son has an IG account with 3000+ followers for coffee mugs and tea cups, and that can directly be tracked to 20% of his sales. Throw into this you can use the app to get a link to use to link to the item, and you are rewarded with bringing in outside traffic to buy, with the 10% ebay fee being waived A no brainer in my book! LOL

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        You seem to be the sourcing king around here. Then again, you also know a lot about a lot. I've thought about putting an ad up on Craigslist or something saying that I buy certain things and seeing what it brings me to help with sourcing. I'd love to buy things online somewhere and then sell them back online on ebay but I don't really know where to source things efficiently. I can travel to other Goodwill's but they will have to pay off in order to make the time spent worthwhile.
        Ok so I just finished 30 days of listing 1 item per day that sells for more than $200.00 This is not something I could source from my local goodwills consistantly. I went in the only obvious direction https://www.shopgoodwill.com/. Goodwills online actions from stores around the country. the search engine is LOUSY - it helps to look in off the wall categories and with misspellings and all of the old school search tricks you can drum up.

        So in the comfort of my own office, I can find research and buy nice crap and sell for a huge profit. I bought 4 car rims a few weeks back $60 including shipping. I sold all 4 in a weeks time for $150 each minus $30 each in shipping. Ive bought bulk lots of receipt printers for next to nothing and each printer is selling for $100+. Ive gotten into buying Native American Silver items.. and make a killing. I bought 2 32" digital white boards for $100 each and they sold for $700 each

        IF you have have knowledge on some type of items, I can pretty much say you will be able to find it there. But again the ability to look at something and then research sold comp prices on ebay sitting at home and then the dang things are delivered... WOW God bless America! LOL

        Another place to look is eBay itself. look up " Lots " and if you know what you are looking for, there are deals to be had there as well.

        Again anywhere and everywhere, there are items to flip - go with whatyou know to start and learn to use the app.. and the process is no longer "shopping" but "investing" based on profit potential ( or at least that is what I tell myself.. boy do I hate "Shopping" hahaha )

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        What say you, oh guru of this space, (and by this space I mean the WF because you can pretty much drop knowledge in any forum here, lol).
        Thank you very much for the kind words. I can only say age and experience is what got me here... and diversifying at every opportunity never hurt! LOL
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        • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Ill start this with the short answer - anywhere and everywhere.

          Again anywhere and everywhere, there are items to flip - go with whatyou know to start and learn to use the app.. and the process is no longer "shopping" but "investing" based on profit potential ( or at least that is what I tell myself.. boy do I hate "Shopping" hahaha )

          Thank you very much for the kind words. I can only say age and experience is what got me here... and diversifying at every opportunity never hurt! LOL
          Want to share one little secret, which I shared with you in the report, but I want to show folks something they may not have ever considered.

          First: proof of marketplace and profitability.

          Go to ebay. Seach CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS.

          Then hit the SOLD/COMPLETED LISTINGS.

          Then organize from most expensive down.

          On any given day, you will find drapes and curtains which have sold for over 1k, Several in the 400 to 800 dollar range. Many in the 200 to 300 dollar range. MANY.

          It would take anyone about an hour a day for a month, studying and researching name brand drapes, curtains, shades, blinds, etc. ONE month of very part time research could put you almost into expert category, although you don't need to be an expert to make some quick and steady cash. Here's how:

          Search your Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree or any other marketplace you visit and do a search for CUSTOM window treatments, some sites, like ebay break them down; curtains, shades and valances and blinds and shades for example.

          So, let me ask you all a few questions, OK? In your neck of the woods, do you have people buying and selling houses? Realtors?

          One of the first new purchases a home buyer makes is WINDOW TREATMENTS.

          Then babies. Are people still having kids? Nurseries get those oh so cute custom curtains. And as babies turn to kids to teens, the curtains go from Kermit and Oscar to Batman and Spiderman, to leave me the hell alone dark shades HA!

          My point. And most men don't, won't and for some reason can't wrap their heads around this. And in the last 25 years of FLIPPING window treatments, I have yet to come across a man who is knowledgeable and doing it, although I have met several smart and savvy women who have even opened up Window Treatment stores.

          Curtains and drapes can fit in the back seat of the smallest of cars. Today, at ebay, you can see a SOLD listing for a CUSTOM ORDER for $1,899.60 and one for $1,399.66 and I guarantee you there was significant profit in these.

          I personally search for those that have at least 250 profit, after all expenses, and they are, as savidge4 points out: ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE.

          My best sources are DRY cleaners in affluent neighborhoods, Realtors, who know if the window treatments stay or go, and alterations (often found in the Dry Cleaners).

          Any given day of the week, one can find these items, buy in AM, sell in PM, pocket the cashola. But I do thank you gents, for not pursuing it, leaves me more than I can handle.

          GordonJ

          PS.If you live in a neighborhood where everyone hangs old Goodwill found blankets and sheets over their windows, this may not be for you. HA!
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      First of all, my post asking about sourcing things was legit. So I appreciate the gold dropped here. I'm looking at getting involved in this. Unfortunately some of the niches I know about are difficult to really source in. For instance I have always liked watches but they aren't easy to find and flip. I had a friend that did actually found a good watch at a Goodwill (can't remember the brand, not obviously good like Rolex that is well known but it was good anyway) and flipped it. That's a very rare find though. He's tried since.

      Second, I also just loved this thread and wanted to see it continue. I check here, this thread in particular, as I miss these kinds of threads in the offline forum. We used to have such great discussions of these types of businesses and services offered to offline businesses. There are so many ways to make money.

      Thanks for the great responses. Bring more if you have them. I'm sure there are niches like those window treatments that few people know to even look at. I find it all fascinating.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        First of all, my post asking about sourcing things was legit. So I appreciate the gold dropped here. I'm looking at getting involved in this. Unfortunately some of the niches I know about are difficult to really source in. For instance I have always liked watches but they aren't easy to find and flip.
        I left you the source.. here I will make it easier - ( https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Listing...uyerPrefs=true )you have the heads up o this cuz you know kinda what you are looking atI hope.. but for say $100 you could have probably more watches than you know what to do with.

        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        Second, I also just loved this thread and wanted to see it continue. I check here, this thread in particular, as I miss these kinds of threads in the offline forum. We used to have such great discussions of these types of businesses and services offered to offline businesses. There are so many ways to make money.

        Thanks for the great responses. Bring more if you have them. I'm sure there are niches like those window treatments that few people know to even look at. I find it all fascinating.
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        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          but for say $100 you could have probably more watches than you know what to do with.
          Their is a set of 4 lady's watches for sale right now for a $1.51 buy it now offer. Ships for $ 4.00 in change from South Fla. If anyone is interested.
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          • Profile picture of the author umc
            Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

            Their is a set of 4 lady's watches for sale right now for a $1.51 buy it now offer. Ships for $ 4.00 in change from South Fla. If anyone is interested.
            I assume you're referring to:

            https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/73520727

            None are working. They were cheapies to begin with. All are ladies watches. If you actually put your zip in the shipping and handling comes up to $12.00+.

            I've seen them sell for a little bit if they work on eBay. Here's a lot of 4 that sold on there for less money than this that actually work:

            https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-4-La...cAAOSwM4RdGOL8

            It's not as easy as just finding watches for sale. I do think there may be a few deals on there with a lot of diggingg that could net a few bucks but they are on auction and I don't know how far they'll be driven up before selling.
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            • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
              Originally Posted by umc View Post

              I assume you're referring to:

              https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/73520727

              None are working. They were cheapies to begin with. All are ladies watches. If you actually put your zip in the shipping and handling comes up to $12.00+.

              I've seen them sell for a little bit if they work on eBay. Here's a lot of 4 that sold on there for less money than this that actually work:

              https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-4-La...cAAOSwM4RdGOL8

              It's not as easy as just finding watches for sale. I do think there may be a few deals on there with a lot of diggingg that could net a few bucks but they are on auction and I don't know how far they'll be driven up before selling.
              The one thing with any of the watches sold on Goodwill is they do not test them. Also they say " may have scratches or other imperfections". Easier for them to take them in and blow them out or eventually trash them. Never looked to deep into watches but estate sales might be the place to look.
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              • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                eBay Managed Payments


                Early this year ( 2019 ) eBay rolled out "Managed Payments". To understand the need for this you have to know that up until a few years ago eBay owned PayPal. The 2 systems were integrated ( and kinda still are ) and then eBay decided to sell off the PayPal portion of the business.

                From the outside it seemed like no big deal, but now instead of keeping the processing fees on both sides of the transaction they ( eBay ) was only collecting from one side.

                In eBay facebook groups and the like there has been a great amount of turmoil over switching. Apparently most sellers on eBay don't like change much. Its actually kind of scarry. Enter someone like me that looks at the whole thing from a very technical / analytical view point, and I am speaking any amount of craziness and jibberish to most people.

                I would say as a whole the better than average eBay seller has no clue about any of the technical aspects of how eBay operates - nor do they care. For people with any amount of marketing background this is only a bonus.

                So eBay brings out this new payment system that NOW includes the use of PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Credit and Debit cards. THIS is GREAT for the buyer - thus being GREAT for the seller. I am to a greater extent a fan boy of the new system - with Caveats.

                Right now ( Mid Nov 2019 ) a whole 10 months since they started the migration to the new system it still has its flaws. Not so much on the buyers side anymore ( yes there were issues but they all seem to have been resolved) But the Sellers side, it is a bit of a ( thinking of a good word ) minor train wreck maybe - not a nightmare, and not a Sunday stroll in the park.. something in the middle.

                So with the old Paypal system everything was about instant ( once you has been selling for a while.) Payments were instant to your PayPal account, Shipping came from your PayPal Account, and you could easily make instant withdraws to your bank account from PayPal. The system overall was pretty efficient and easy to manage.

                NOW using the Managed Payments system nothing is instant. There is in general a 2 day delay from Selling something and then eBay transferring the funds to your bank account - and this can take 2 to 4 days. Shipping charges are still taken from your PayPal account ( instantly ) and if there are no funds available it is then taken from the connected bank account. ( why not just take it from the bank account I ask? - never have gotten an answer to that one LOL )

                So let me explain the deposit procedure. Your "Daily" balance as of 11am PST is sent to funds waiting to be transferred ( this is where it will sit for a day or 2 ) and then from there it will be transferred to your bank account in a "Daily Payout" Once you get the hang of this it really isnt that bad - there are without questions things I don't like and I will get to that next.

                The BIGGEST issue for ME is reconciling a days sales. #1 "Daily" sales end at 11am PST so 2pm EST for me. I close our daily books at the end of the day. The "Daily Payout" is a lump sum. meaning if it is 1 item or 40 items there is a single deposit.

                So this means you are now reconciling sales from 2 different payouts, that hit the bank ( 3 to 5 days after the sales are completed ) on 2 different days. AND on top of this you are having to reconcile a shipping charge that was made on the day of the sale.

                They have yet to create a report that kind of puts all these numbers in the same place, so I have literally had to hire an accountant to track all of this down - because for our operation it is flat out tedious and time consuming.

                I actually have a semi direct line of communication with the "Managed Payments" dept and have asked for this type of thing for months now... and the conversation has gotten to the point I have actually talked with their developers about this. - I THINK it is pretty straight forward database stuff... put this number in this box and that number in that box and spit out a report thank you very much. For some reason it is not that easy.

                Aside from the things I dislike I am 100% behind the change as a seller. I ( my wife ) am an extreme with 6 stores. 1 Store selling just a few items a day would be a pain but really not that bad. Its the benefit of the system overall and some of the back ground things that have occurred that are truly amazing. I will touch on that in the next post!

                As always thanks for reading and if you all have questions.... Ask Away.
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              • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                How to SEO for eBay 2020


                As I have stated in the post above, eBay has a new Payment system ( Managed Payments ) and right now you are thinking what the golly gee willikers does that have to do with SEO... give me a moment to lay out some history and some facts and you will se WHY this has a HUGE impact on #1 why you would use eBay to sell items and #2 Why in terms of SEO you want to try and put your best foot forward.

                If you run over to this thread: ( https://www.warriorforum.com/offline...-response.html ) You will find I post about some numbers. I will refer to them below so you don't have to read that to understand my logic.

                So the basics - Last year, 87% of online purchases began with search. 28% of that 87% started specifically on a sales platform IE eBay or Amazon. The 28% was a HUGE increase from the year before.

                We can then break these numbers down more specifically:
                • eBay as an example has 20% ( +/- ) market share.
                • Google as an example has 90% ( +/- ) market share.

                So now you are asking WHY are you bringing Google into a discussion about eBay? Enter Managed Payments... WHO is one of the new payment partners? That would be Google. WHO all of the sudden has a financial interest in purchases made on eBay? That would be Google.

                So the things I have noticed. eBay no longer lists items on the "Shopping" section of a Google Serp page. Once you get down to a item specific search there is more than preference for eBay listings. At the VERY LEAST there always seems to be a eBay Category link. Look up something like "Vintage Pez Dispensers" on Google and you will find ebay listings to be pretty dominate.

                OK so I have listed some numbers above Ebay has 20% market share of the 28% of searches made before a purchase on sales platforms. So 5.6% of overall search.

                Google has a 90% share of 59% search engine search or 53.1% overall.

                The 2 together because there appears to be a preference for eBay listings is awful close to a 60% margin that your item may be seen.

                So understanding this there are 2 aspects of SEO that have to be done within an eBay listing. There are the variables and factors that effect eBay search, and then there are the Variables and factor that effect Google Search. - Because this will be a long POST I will split this between Google and eBay

                Google Search is the least complicated so we will start there.

                How to SEO for Google Search On a eBay Product Page


                There are only 2 main areas of interest. The Title and the Description.

                I will go over the Title here in a minute on the eBay side - and that seems to work very well with Google. The Title is IMPORTANT.. but the Description is CRITICAL. Take a moment and go do some searches on eBay for items and look at the descriptions. more often than not.. there isn't one.

                Previous post I mention that your average eBay seller could care less about this stuff - hence empty descriptions. I have been on Facebook Groups were people BRAG about making 100 product listings in a day - I MIGHT be able to bang out 25 to 30 if I am like really pushing it. The irony is these are the same people that complain about not making any sales. I mean REALLY how do you expect to sell anything, if you are not describing it?

                I have a basic Description format thatlooks something like:

                Title ( I use the same text I used on the main product title )


                Follow up with some retail sales type copy

                Details:
                • list things like number of pockets
                • number of outlets
                • Meterials
                • and whatever else

                Specifications:
                • Dimensions of the item
                • Width: I ALWAYS will include the Word "Inches"
                • Length: so something like 2 1/2 Inches
                • Height: vs 2.5" or 2 1/2"
                • Power usage kind of stuff

                If there are multiple items included I add -
                what Included:
                • So they know exactly what they are getting
                • Remote
                • Power Cord
                • Etc - Saying "Photos are a part of the description is a bit of a no no

                This layout follows very much what Google likes to see in terms of content overall. Strong title, strong headlines.. a decent amount of text and bullet lists are a plus.

                Using this format on lower demand items I can find my listings out on Google about 20% of the time and across almost 5500 items listed in total that's a FAIR amount.

                And for Google that is really all that has to be done. Not that complicated. I am not asking to jam keywords anywhere - even tho we have ( it will be in the title LOL ) Its Good for the BUYER to see this amount of detail - they KNOW what they are getting vs other peoples product pages that are blank.

                I literally charge MORE for my products than the average listing for an item, and probably have a higher sell rate - and I directly attribute that to the description.

                Next ( Part 2 ) will be the 2 Areas of Focus for an eBay listing plus a whole list of variables and up to date tricks! - stay tuned!
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  How to SEO for eBay 2020 Part 2


                  So to start where I left off of sorts lets talk titles. The Title is one of 5 elements that you get to "Attract" potential customers to your product page ( the others being; Image, Price, Shipping Cost / Free and Accept returns. )

                  So the very basics of a Title: you have 80 Letters ( including spaces ) to use in the Title. I try to use each and every one of those 80 - and in some cases wish I had more LOL I have a pretty standard format that I use ( go figure ) And more of this lays more on the side of clickability than it does SEO per se.

                  We will get into this later but some of the elements I include in a Title such as "Mens" or "Womens" or "Boys" or "Girls" as well as sizes and the like are there to help the shopper identify MY link as matching what they are looking for WITHOUT clicking on the link ( and again I will get more in depth with this. )

                  I also "break" some SEO rules and actually use CAPS. So on of my titles might look like this:

                  TOMMY HILFIGER Lemii Women's Red Sneaker Size 9 1/2M Shoes


                  So if the item is a "BRAND" I will cap the brand pretty much every time. If there is a size I will list that, If after some research I determine there are other color variations I include that. I fit the "Model" ( in this case "Lemmii" ) in there. Pretty much any amount of detail that at first glance they know what they are clicking on.

                  Anyone that has ever shopped on eBay may have noticed there are many listings in clothing and Shoes as well as some other categories ( Phone Cases comes to mind ) where the sellers use a drop down style listing and sell many sizes of the same item. The Sizes are not on the Title. Someone looking for a size 9 1./2 in red is probably going to click on your ad, because you have matched the buyers INTENT

                  I am NOT a big fan of the use of acronyms - because who honestly uses them in search? - I dont think many. Of course there are a couple of exceptions. OEM for car parts and every so often "VTG" for Vintage if I do not have the space.

                  Which then brings me to the use of "New" or "Vintage" I NEVER say "New" in a title - again with 1 exception if the item is old and is still "New in Box", and will only use "Vintage / VTG" If the item is dated as such ( in excess of 25 years old ) and I find through some quick searches it helps isolate what it is I am selling. an example being t-Shirt vs Vintage t-shirt - it drastically changes the result of the search.

                  And that is kinda the basics on eBay titles... More of a Click through rate element than an SEO element, but in the next post where I get into the nitty gritty of eBay SEO... you will see that he use of some of these ideas actually duplicates and fortifies some search terms, and I have found thatto help in getting a listing closer to the top of the search listings..

                  So Part 3 tomorrow - See you then!.
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                  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                    How to SEO for eBay 2020 Part 3


                    I can tell you right away this is probably going to be a long one. I think the best way to go through this is going from the perspective of opening a new listing and working from the top down in terms of where some of this is located. The last post was about the Title, and that happens to be at the topof the page.

                    Category

                    The next consideration in terms of SEO is "Category" and this is pretty critical. More often than not what I do is find the item I am selling that is already listed and I use the "Sell now" option below the images of the product. I pay attention to the category that has been used and figure if this is right or not ( this process is easier sometimes than picking your own. )

                    For things like shoes and clothing you want to ensure the Category matches the gender and age bracket of the item you are selling "Women's Shoes" Is not a good choice if you are selling "Girl's" shoes - I hope you get the idea.

                    Her is a bit of a trick I have learned... In the title you want to ensure to use "Women's" and "Men's" being sure to include the apostrophe. Using the example from the last post:

                    TOMMY HILFIGER Lemii Women's Red Sneaker Size 9 1/2M Shoes


                    The reason for this.. with eBay along the right side of search results you can refine the results. the term eBay uses is "Women's" so using this in your title, creates that multiple match on your listing. If you do a search for say "Womens Nike Shoes" and then "Women's Nike Shoes" you will see the results are different. There seems to be a decent percentage of searches that use the refined search options.

                    Interestingly tho the section right under the search box "Related Search" DOES NOT include the apostrophe - with all of my testing however I find "Women's" out performs "Womens"

                    Store Category

                    I have plaid with this one a lot - and There are instances I think kinda matching helps,and then there are others that not so much. IF you have a store you obviously want to use them, just be more concerned with making it user friendly vs SEO friendly.

                    UPC

                    This is a GAME CHANGER.. with the exception of something vintage-ish pre 90's or older you want to ENSURE you do every thing you can to include the UPC code in your listing. ( The reason pre early 90's or later is before this time frame UPC's were not used. )

                    I do a search on Google like " <insert item name>+ UPC " There are times it kind of pops right up in search for you and other times you will find in the search links for:

                    UPC Look up Tools
                    1. UPCitemDB - https://www.upcitemdb.com/
                    2. Barcode Lookup - https://www.barcodelookup.com/
                    3. UPC Database - https://www.upcdatabase.com/itemform.asp

                    These are in the order that I would use them. #1 being the best and most reliable ( I have found )

                    The reason you want to do this... Items with UPC codes are clearly favored.. and if you start paying attention, the use of UPC is few and far between. THIS alone in a low competition product can place you in the 1st listing.

                    Item specifics

                    Item Specifics is the last area of interest. Just a quick overview here... You want to fill in as much information as you can. If you feel there is more detail to be added you can use the " + Add Custom Item Specific " at the bottom of this section.

                    If you were to go out and research this topic on the net.. often times they say the "Title" is what is used in Search. If you goto eBay themselves and read anything they will tell you its the Title and Item Specifics that is used. As I have just laid out.. its a bit more than that - but Hey, that's better for YOU reading this, because you will be one of the few employing these tactics.

                    So that completes the STATIC points of SEO for eBay. Once you get the hang of it, it really is pretty simple. You could follow just this portion of this post and do well in gaining traction in eBays Search results.

                    The 3 Variables that can Over Ride Good SEO

                    One of the 3 is Obvious - as In I can show you examples... the other 2 are not so obvious - BUT tend to only apply under certain conditions. the 3 Are:
                    1. Sponsored Listing ( Promoted Listing )
                    2. CTR ( Click Through Rate )
                    3. Conversion Rate

                    #1 Sponsored listing Is super easy to identify, a Sponsored listing says "SPONSORED". On the Item Listing page down at the very bottom there is a section called "Promoted Listing". This is in essence a paid advertising option.. But you only pay the fee if the item was purchased by someone that used a "Sponsored" link. I set this at 1% FOR ALL LISTINGS. Sell a $100 item it only cost $1.00

                    I have tested this up one side and down the other. Unlike any and every other platform I have run across eBay DOES NOT give preference to 30% Promoted vs 1% Promoted. Dont ask.. just know I have literally tested the day lights out of this.

                    With the exception of Variables 2 and 3 that come into play with terms with HIGH listing count, ALL of the Promoted Listings for any search term are ROTATED.

                    The number of "Sponsored" listing is in direct relation to the number of items listed in a search So Searching the Term " Pez No Feet " there are 928 total results and only ONE Sponsored listing present. Type " Pez " and there are 42,721 results and the top is stacked with 5 ( the max eBay displays at the top of the page ) Sponsored Listings.

                    Overall in terms of the 6 stores I have tracking enabled, on we average about 3 to 4% overall conversion from Promoted Listings. Costs next to nothing, and I find most of the conversions come from competing product pages vs the Main Search Page - and THIS alone makes it worth the 1%.

                    #2 and #3 ( CTR and Conversion Rate ) These 2 go kind of hand in hand. For a term like "Pez" these will have little to no effect. Search something like " iPhone Case " and scroll through and see in bright red "5000 Sold" "3000 Sold" etc etc. Items that have a High Conversion Rate Is like cream in the e-Comm world, and floats to the top.

                    Over time regardless of the competition in a search term CTR will bite you. if you have an item that has 300 views... 1000 views and has not sold, you will see it drop lower and lower in the search results. Its being seen.. its not converting.

                    I have literally had items with 5000+ views and 90 watchers and it took 6 months to sell a item that sold for less than $10.00 - Cant explain it... dont get it... Drives me crazy when it happens. BUT - thats eBay LOL

                    Dynamic Variables

                    Separating eBay again, from most other platforms I work with is the idea of this dynamic altering of how a Item is positioned in search, be it a single item, or a boost to the entire store.

                    New Listings get a 24 hour boost in the search. Often taking the #1 spot. Like other things the overall effect of this may be effected by number of competing items. "Pez" very effective, "iPhone Cases" may not get you to the #1 top but will get you up there. In addition to the Item specific boost.. I find that listing items also gives a boost to the other items in your store... It is suggested kind of universally you want to try and list new items every day - and trust me you can tell when you haven't listed - sales just drop.

                    Editing a Listing Can have an effect on the specific item.

                    Getting and Giving Feedback will give you store an increase. I have also found that going in and remarking on an existing comment does the same thing.

                    Selling an Item Store wide increase

                    Getting an Offer Gives a minor store wide boost

                    Accepting and Offer Gives a more noticeable boost

                    Doing a Listing "Reset" From your sellers listing page you can click "Edit" and then "Edit all <insert number of listings> this brings you to the bulk edit screen and then click the tops square box that selects all of the items, then click the blue "Submit Changes" button and you are done. this will give your store an overall boost.

                    Promoted Listing Promoting your entire stores inventory gives a store wide increase

                    Inserting UPC Using the UPC of an item gives that Item a boost

                    So over time you have not had a sale you can do the reset.. and I have found that helps. Item specifically you can actually go in and "End Item" which removes the item form being sold and then go into "Ended Listings" and under the items choices select "Sell Similar" scroll through and then submit and this will list the item as a "New Listing" giving you the 24 hour boost.

                    One has to be careful with this. Because the initial listing is 1 of your selling spots, and doing a relist uses another. So if you did this once a week on say 10 items you would be using 40 of your item slots.. and you could run into additional fees if you go over your plans allotted item amount.

                    So thats kinda eBay SEO in a nutshell... as always any questions I will be more than happy to answer - Thanks all of you reading this, those that have commented and liked - I hope it Helps!
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                    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
                      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post


                      Her is a bit of a trick I have learned... In the title you want to ensure to use "Women's" and "Men's" being sure to include the apostrophe. Using the example from the last post:

                      Interestingly tho the section right under the search box "Related Search" DOES NOT include the apostrophe - with all of my testing however I find "Women's" out performs "Womens"
                      Great tip right there. Wonder if that is because some of the auto checks on certain browsers usually add the apostrophe ? Your SEO has been a great help. It is appreciated the amount of time you have posted here the past few days.
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                      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

                        Great tip right there. Wonder if that is because some of the auto checks on certain browsers usually add the apostrophe ? Your SEO has been a great help. It is appreciated the amount of time you have posted here the past few days.
                        It is specifically more related to the left panel after you do a search where you can then refine what you are looking for. So if you were to get on eBay and search "Shoes" you could then look to the left and see

                        Categories
                        All
                        Selected category
                        Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
                        Women
                        Men
                        Kids
                        Specialty
                        Baby
                        Sporting Goods
                        eBay Motors
                        Business & Industrial
                        Home & Garden

                        And THEN click on "Women" and look again to the left and you see "Women's Shoes" being the Category.

                        which reminds me of another tip.. you want to pay attention to the terms used in eBays categories. "Shoes" as an example you will notice in:

                        TOMMY HILFIGER Lemii Women's Red Sneaker Size 9 1/2M Shoes


                        I use the terms "Sneakers" and "Shoes" and the term "shoes" has been inserted to create the category match.
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              • Profile picture of the author umc
                This is gold. Thank you so much savidge! I hurt my back over a year ago, pushed through for just over a year, and in August I had to leave a self-employed venture I had been doing with my wife for almost 20 years. I've been a bit lost in ways accepting limitations and grieving the loss, while in other ways I've found myself as I do some very important work that unfortunately I struggle to monetize, and this is something that I'm still potentially pursuing in the new year depending on how some other things go. This is really good information. Hopefully I can figure out how to better monetize this other work I'm doing (basically helping cult victims to find help and create a better life) but if not this is definitely an option. I'm just trying to not focus on too many things at once so that I don't end up doing them all injustice.
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  Originally Posted by umc View Post

                  I'm just trying to not focus on too many things at once so that I don't end up doing them all injustice.
                  The wonder of this model as it is presented... we are talking like 16 hours a week. This WILL put cash in your pocket and relieve some of the stress so you can put more effort into your other ventures. Any questions, just ask... and OH so sorry to hear about your injury..
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                  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                    1) It's been around a year, what's the lastest total score?

                    I'll use it as the yardstick to beat.

                    2) What's the advantage of free shipping vs no free shipping? Also do you ship stuff to Canada?

                    I'm in Canada and shipping rates are all over the place and highly idiosynchratic. E.g. it might be cheaper to send to the US or even Japan(!) then to send inside the country.

                    Would "no free shipping" take away some of the risks? If so, how does the strategy change in this case?

                    3)if the shipping rates were to be jacked up like in Canada, what's the strategy you'd pursue?
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                    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      1) It's been around a year, what's the lastest total score?
                      I had a beyond stellar 4th quarter $40K Gross last month ( December ) with a net of $30k. The month before ( November was not far behind, and October was more than solid as well. With technically a month left I have surpassed the $100,000 in a year goal. My time average has crept a bit, I am at 2.8 hours per day on average. With only a month left I could drop my hour percentage considerably and just let time play out... but I think we all know I wont do that.

                      I am currently doing a bit of restructuring. There are somethings we were testing in Q4 with minor to not so minor changes and there is a bit of "re-tooling" in some of our processes and props to take better advantage of some of the things that tested very well. As soon as I can get in and do some more with that, I will then share those findings and changes made here.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      I'll use it as the yardstick to beat.
                      win lose or draw for you, I will Guarantee you will be in a better financial position. Beyond the technical aspects as I have written above, this is a pretty straight forward system. Just keep the App with you when you are out making "Financial" decisions and you really cant go wrong.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      2) What's the advantage of free shipping vs no free shipping?
                      "Free Shipping" overall gives a boost in conversions. AND it can give you an increase in profit. For every item I / we list I / we know exactly what the high end of shipping will be and we base our price on that number. So if you are familiar with USPS at all, we base our cost of shipping to be added as a zone 5 price. If for example an item ships to a zone 3 location that difference in expense is added profit.

                      THAT being said there is an amount of added profit built into ebay charging shipping. You me and anyone else can look up how much something costs to ship. A USPS flat rate padded envelope as an example costs $7.35 - I have found that eBay might charge retail for that ( you get a discount within eBay once you have reached "Top Rated" status ) The ISSUE I have.. is someone like me that understands shipping cost in an environment that the point of separation may be price.. ill be lower.

                      The OTHER consideration... One that I have actually never seen communicated... Shipping is an expense for those that use free shipping. Shipping for those that charge shipping.. the consumer pays that directly.

                      From the end of year tax standpoint. If cost of goods is $.50 ( a mug ) I sell it for $20.00 I have $2.50 in COG and fees and then throw on $7.50 in shipping expense so my profit 1/2 of what it sold for ( Cost to sell = $10.00 and Profit = $10.00 )

                      VS

                      I sell an item $12.50 + $7.50 shipping. My cost remains the same $.50. My fees remain the same $2.50 but I no longer have the expense of shipping. I am still profiting the same $10.00 in the end. ( cost to sell = $3.00 and Profit = $10.00 )

                      Placing a 50% cost to profit ratio in front of the right accountants, the overall liability is decreased, and with the right amount of added spending ( investing in your business ) tax liability can be drastically negated - and this is due to the added "expense" of shipping.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      Also do you ship stuff to Canada?
                      As of right now we are not.. with the transition to "Managed Payments" the eBay inclusive international shipping program is removed - and IT was super easy. We WILL be bringing international shipping back into our system. But for the time being we were minimizing some variables to get an optimal testing environment within our primary market ( the USA)

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      I'm in Canada and shipping rates are all over the place and highly idiosynchratic. E.g. it might be cheaper to send to the US or even Japan(!) then to send inside the country.

                      Would "no free shipping" take away some of the risks? If so, how does the strategy change in this case?
                      Absolutely it would. Commonwealth Countries in general have super messed up postal systems. They just don't make any amount of sense. I am sure there are those somewhere that understand it to a degree, but I don't think I have ever met anyone LOL.

                      An interesting thing to point out here is Fed-Ex in particular is in a bit of a "Spot" and I believe if it hasn't already in the next day or so there is going to be some rate reductions. - so that's something to look at. Also in June of this year there is a possibility of change. What I DO KNOW is as it pertains to USA mail, the cost to send a package from China to the States will increase DRAMATICALLY.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      3)if the shipping rates were to be jacked up like in Canada, what's the strategy you'd pursue?
                      Overall from probably a overly under educated guestimation I would say that you will want to use the Cost + shipping model. AGAIN... I probably understand enough to maybe be dangerous but I in no way understand Canadian Post in the way I understand USPS.

                      And I believe I have said it time and again..it is POSTAGE that makes or breaks a lot of this. At the end of the day it is what the item is selling for + the cost of shipping that creates a final buy price... and in my book if you are producing a minimum of 3x with each sale your golden.
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              • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                In a spare moment here and there I have been researching Canadian post in relation to eBay it appears there are 2 options, PayPal and Shippo ( https://goshippo.com/ ). From what I am understanding Shippo is the integrated 3rd party software used within eBay.

                A good starter article is here: https://support.goshippo.com/hc/en-u...anada-Shipping

                Hope that helps!
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              • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                I have a few questions:

                a)Would it be worthwihle to look for lists of items? Particularly for medias.

                When it comes to collectibles, what sells doesn't seem to follow any logic so I'm just curious if it would be possible to infer any rules of thumb from them..

                I have a friend who has a couple thousand of mangas and he gave me a curated list in Excel format (he has some really rare mangas, like jorganmund vol 6). I think a curated list like this is likely best but I also found very large lists on the internet on a variety of subjects.

                b) What would happen if I tried to scan every book in a store?

                I found a project on github that uses OCR to catalogue books from photos.

                Do you think that would be a path worth pursuing? I don't plan to dig into the internals. I figure there would be a fair amount of tinkering involved to make it work, but the time savings could potentially be enormous even if it catalogues only half of what's in a given photo.

                c) How much of an advantage does 1 day handling give?

                Maybe I'm just really overcomplicating things. Thoughts?
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  c) How much of an advantage does 1 day handling give?
                  Starting with this one.. Its just a topic unto itself... Just a note... a bunch of this I suspect relates directly to USPS. However, The principle at the core of the thought process remain the same.

                  I use 1 day shipping. The actual truth is, I employ same day shipping. Anything ordered before 3pm Monday thru Friday and Saturday before 11am is shipped out same day. In the post above I stated:

                  Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                  For ME... in todays shipping environment USPS is the premium service. I think maybe ONCE has a package regardless of point of delivery not made it in 3 days.
                  IF, it takes 3 days to get anywhere and I drop it off the same day it is ordered, it "Technically" gets to the customer in 2 days. Fast deliver equates to a happy customer. Happy customers leave positive feedback - and repeat business.

                  So a big part of this decision for me has to do with customer satisfaction. Another fairly big aspect of this is "Customer Expectation". I am ultimately competing to some extent with product on other platforms... oh like Amazon or something, that theoretically can offer same day, or next day delivery. Granted those same pressures do not apply for antique or "used" product, but I sell a decent amount of "new in box" or "new with tag" type items - so there is an amount of consideration to be made - or at least I think there is.

                  Since we are on the topic of "Shipping"... When you consider Customer Expectation and Satisfaction, there are few areas with this type of business model that impact the customer like shipping does.

                  Obviously the item listing itself is what sells the item, but I am a firm believer that actually putting that item into the customers hands is the point they either feel good with the purchase.. or they are less than satisfied. So the "Presentation" of that package at the front door for me is pretty critical. We do not use "recycled" boxes to send our goods.

                  We do our very best to place the item in a sealable bag within the packaging. ( this keeps the item dry if it is delivered on a wet and rainy day and left on the front porch for hours. We use craft paper to line the box ( like the use of tissue paper inside a shirt box etc ) that gets stuck together with one of our stickers. We include "new" stickers, and also place one on the outside of the box.

                  I would say that 90% of our boxes are the USPS supplied boxes. ( you can order them free here: https://store.usps.com/store/results...N-17iopsj?C=2& ) we DO NOT use eBay tape - we had an increase in missing boxes after delivery when we did this. ( Customers are not happy when their box is stolen and they have no recourse of a refund. ) This simple step minimized this from happening - and overall makes life less stressful.

                  So aside from the listing itself, this is really the only other step YOU as the seller have any amount of control over and I believe is worth the effort and minor expense. If it looks good, it is good!
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  Part 2

                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  a)Would it be worthwihle to look for lists of items? Particularly for medias.
                  I get what you are saying here... and to more than an extent it makes sense. But, the answer would be no. Online sales environments are like living breathing things, and the fluctuation of supply and demand is literally in real time.

                  As an example lets think the Beckets trading card guide that has lists of cards and comes out ( used to come out once a month, I don't know about now ) and that would set the price - literally for a month. NOW, if for example you have a card that is in great demand and you go onto eBay and find none listed, until there are others listed you could list yours at an elevated price ( Supply and Demand ). Often times I have found that in doing so, you can actually set a bench mark for further listings - as long as the new set price is not so far out of whack with reality. Although you will find single listed items with how bad do you really want it prices.

                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  When it comes to collectibles, what sells doesn't seem to follow any logic so I'm just curious if it would be possible to infer any rules of thumb from them..
                  each niche collectible or not has a way about it. Collectibles say Funko Pops, the prices are solely based on quantity overall available. So you are looking for the ones with the "Exclusively sold at X" stickers on the front of them. Even with this, not all meeting that criteria are suggested buys. There are some that are release 3 per store, and others are 20 per store and yet others that are sold not in all stores. So the exact number released is the driving force in price.

                  Another example would be Millennial Monopoly. When it first was released in select Walmarts, you could get $60+ for it.. today? Market is saturated and people are actually charging less than the $18 it sold for. But give this 2 or 3 years, and the price will start to grow again

                  So something non collectible in nature I have found that with automobile wheels / rims Import models sell ridiculously well and domestic ( USA ) brands are lack luster at best.

                  Each niche is different into what is hot and what is not, and its getting into these and learning the nuances as you go. There is a LOT to be said for "Going with your passion" in regards to reselling. #1 you are going to surround yourself with stuff you think is cool, and #2 you are going to have an amount of understanding in terms of what how and when the market moves and flows.


                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  I have a friend who has a couple thousand of mangas and he gave me a curated list in Excel format (he has some really rare mangas, like jorganmund vol 6). I think a curated list like this is likely best but I also found very large lists on the internet on a variety of subjects.
                  As a collector a list like this makes sense, for me as a seller.. the only list that matters is the listings for sale. ( notice I said "for sale" and not "to be sold" ) If desired how would you convert that list to a sales list would be fairly simple. Convert it to a CSV file, and then use something like WP All Imports and force that data out to WooCommerce and from there you could use something like WP Lister, and the process becomes about as "seemless" as possible


                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  b) What would happen if I tried to scan every book in a store?
                  there are places I would do this ( if I chose to ) without hesitation - My local Good wills would be an example. But, when in doubt just ask if it is ok.

                  I have a buddy that does exclusively books His end goal is to double COG after fees and shipping and all that. He does this full time and really does not consider or value the time it takes him to locate the books he sells - he just knows $1 in and $2 out. It works for him, he does well - he spends a ridiculous amount of time scanning scanning and scanning. I don't have the time to do that... and even if I did.. I still wouldn't have the time to do that LOL But books are something I know very little about, other than I need to learn about subject X, and this looks like the one that will teach me the most LOL

                  Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                  I found a project on github that uses OCR to catalogue books from photos.

                  Do you think that would be a path worth pursuing? I don't plan to dig into the internals. I figure there would be a fair amount of tinkering involved to make it work, but the time savings could potentially be enormous even if it catalogues only half of what's in a given photo.
                  An interesting concept, kinda like this?: ( https://lifehacker.com/create-a-sear...nappi-30776996 )

                  This can, could, probably, should be able to work across 2 platforms, eBay and Amazon ( most "better" book sellers sell on Amazon from what i understand ) but you are still left without knowing if the book title is a 1st edition or not. So integrating the ability to search both the title AND a second search including "1st Edition" in the search string could and probably would be a game changing added bonus.

                  but the more I think about this... Take a photo, pull the pricing and it spits out a real time shopping list... yeah that would have value LOL The value, using it "for yourself" would be an unfair advantage ( I like unfair advantages ) and then the value for someone to buy access to this... I think there is some amount of money to be made there - the obvious issue being bandwidth and access to API's at scale.

                  Hope that Helps!
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                  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                    Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                    An interesting concept, kinda like this?: ( https://lifehacker.com/create-a-sear...nappi-30776996 )

                    This can, could, probably, should be able to work across 2 platforms, eBay and Amazon ( most "better" book sellers sell on Amazon from what i understand )
                    yeah that's exactly this.

                    I jury rigged something together and started testing in stores and it does pick out some interesting books. No victory lap yet (lots of mangled junk strings) but I'm sure I can make something out of it if I keep improving on it.

                    Just curious:

                    During scanning, I noticed there were a few books that had sold for a good price on Ebay, but where there were relatively few hits (maybe 3 or 4 in sold listings). However they had a rank of <100 k, which apparently is pretty good.

                    I've only really bought a few books online, usually because they were niche and the local library didn't have them in stock(e.g. sales books or textbooks) so it intuitively makes sense that there wouldn't be tons of them moving.

                    Can Amazon sales rank predict whether it's gonna sell well on Ebay and vice versa? Is it possible for example that it sells well on Ebay but does terrible on amazon or vice versa? I also noticed that the price on Amazon seemed to be slightly higher (by maybe 5$), why do you think that is?

                    The other issue I have is I currently don't have API access for Amazon (no website). Should I make a website and just do things by the book or should I just scrape amazon directly? I'm mostly thinking of having access to sales rank + amazon price.
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                    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      yeah that's exactly this.

                      I jury rigged something together and started testing in stores and it does pick out some interesting books. No victory lap yet (lots of mangled junk strings) but I'm sure I can make something out of it if I keep improving on it.
                      I am a FIRM believer that allowing technology to do he "Dirty Work" is a sound investment any and every time VS doing whatever it is the old way like in this case scanning each and every book vs scanning a whole shelf of books at one time - Good on you!

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      During scanning, I noticed there were a few books that had sold for a good price on Ebay, but where there were relatively few hits (maybe 3 or 4 in sold listings). However they had a rank of <100 k, which apparently is pretty good.
                      Bit confused here... Rank is on Amazon? Some super simple eBay math for you: Divide the total number of X sold by ( Total number of X listed for sale + total number of X that has sold in the last 90 days { sold listings } ) this gives you the probably percentage of you selling your item in the next 90 days.

                      Examples: I bought a music box that has sold 3 times in the last 90 days.. there are currently Zero for sale 3/(3+0)= 1 or 100% probability it will sell in 90 days. ( I bought the item for $3.99 and sold it for $350 BTW )

                      then you have an item that has 3000 listings and 290 sold 290/(3000+290) = .09 ( rounded up ) meaning I have 9% chance in selling this item in the next 90 days. There is a line I have yet to truly define where I simply would not pick up this item. The line I am trying to better understand is simply ratio of profit. In the example above close to 100X profit... I'm buying right... I can wait - because the return on investment allows for that.

                      Same scenario and we are talking 3X and the possibility of holding the item for 300 days... I am flat out NOT buying the item.

                      So the line seems very cut and dry but of course there are some amount of caveats that go with this. If it is a one off sale then still no... but if we are discussing a bulk buy where I can use volume for leverage to start super low to build CTR and buy through rate to gain rank, and then increase my price - I M A Y get into that.

                      This is obviously a strategy that takes selling on eBay from selling to make some side cash vs running like a business. Not suggested for most, but just putting it out there that selling on these platforms can be operated at scale.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      I've only really bought a few books online, usually because they were niche and the local library didn't have them in stock(e.g. sales books or textbooks) so it intuitively makes sense that there wouldn't be tons of them moving.
                      The greatest thing to ever happen to my professional career is CRO ( Conversion Rate Optimization ) Forget about the amount of money I make doing it... it was the lesson in learning to let data control decisions. DATA removes you and your past and experiences right out of the equation right? YOU may have only bought a book or 2, but Bill Gates buys a minimum of 50 per year. Amazon became what it is today by selling what? BOOKS. your experience and frame of reference ( and no offense to you personally ) Means Sh*t.

                      Books move by the hundreds of thousands per day - understanding what it is that moves - that's a whole other ball game right? but just keep in your mind, AMAZON is a book retailor that happens to sell other stuff.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      Can Amazon sales rank predict whether it's gonna sell well on Ebay and vice versa? Is it possible for example that it sells well on Ebay but does terrible on amazon or vice versa?
                      I / We use eBay to test product demand... Its simply easier to list a product on eBay and get rank and sell the item. You have 1000 of something and you obviously want to diversify platforms... so determining if A) the item is sellable is better determined on eBay. And B) is it worth the "At Scale" game that one REALLY has to play on Amazon.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      I also noticed that the price on Amazon seemed to be slightly higher (by maybe 5$), why do you think that is?
                      Market meeting expectation? repeating myself "AMAZON is a book retailor that happens to sell other stuff." If you have to / want to buy a book what BRAND comes to mind? "eBay sells everything" Amazon is a book retailor that sells other stuff.

                      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                      The other issue I have is I currently don't have API access for Amazon (no website). Should I make a website and just do things by the book or should I just scrape amazon directly? I'm mostly thinking of having access to sales rank + amazon price.
                      Create an asset to gain an asset, or scrape partial data? kinda what you are asking... Not that I am suggesting this as a business model in any way shape or form.. but Amazon does require an amount of performance to maintain access to API. So build out a minimal needed site to gain access and then create a page you can share on your social media with family etc so you get credit for any amount of purchases that are made.

                      I personally spend about 10K a year on Amazon... and my "Family" spent 2X that through "My" affiliate link - with a return of about $1200 for the year - In terms of "Online Success" and meeting $100 per year in income.... a site I use for family and myself out earns 90% of all Amazon affiliates... again building an Asset to have access to the asset that is the API is the obvious choice in my mind.
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                      • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                        Bit confused here... Rank is on Amazon?

                        Yeah that's it. My bad, I didn't reread my post so I left out that part.



                        But I think I'll just use your formula: I just learnt Amazon didn't publish how it calculates its Amazon sales rank so that'll avoid an unnecessary blackbox.
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                        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                          Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

                          But I think I'll just use your formula: I just learnt Amazon didn't publish how it calculates its Amazon sales rank so that'll avoid an unnecessary blackbox.
                          You are correct, Amazon does not make "being smart about business" easy. Not so sure eBay does either, but they have left enough data around to make smart calculations.
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              • Profile picture of the author umc
                "Savidge - Some super simple eBay math for you: Divide the total number of X sold by ( Total number of X listed for sale + total number of X that has sold in the last 90 days { sold listings } ) this gives you the probably percentage of you selling your item in the next 90 days.

                Examples: I bought a music box that has sold 3 times in the last 90 days.. there are currently Zero for sale 3/(3+0)= 1 or 100% probability it will sell in 90 days. ( I bought the item for $3.99 and sold it for $350 BTW )

                then you have an item that has 3000 listings and 290 sold 290/(3000+290) = .09 ( rounded up ) meaning I have 9% chance in selling this item in the next 90 days. There is a line I have yet to truly define where I simply would not pick up this item. The line I am trying to better understand is simply ratio of profit. In the example above close to 100X profit... I'm buying right... I can wait - because the return on investment allows for that.

                Same scenario and we are talking 3X and the possibility of holding the item for 300 days... I am flat out NOT buying the item.

                So the line seems very cut and dry but of course there are some amount of caveats that go with this. If it is a one off sale then still no... but if we are discussing a bulk buy where I can use volume for leverage to start super low to build CTR and buy through rate to gain rank, and then increase my price - I M A Y get into that."


                Just taking this out of your post and putting it by itself because this is gold for anyone selling on ebay. I didn't want it to get lost in that long reply. I've done market research myself before and never thought about determining the probability of sales in the next 90 days using their information. I'm not yet trying this out because my other business is gaining momentum and I don't want to lose focus but I keep watching this thread and all of the others from offline forum members here lately. Great stuff.
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              • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                The 1 year process of earning from, and learning from eBay


                I will generally walk into a business venture or path with an amount of experience or education behind the jump as it were. I think I was pretty straight forward that YES, there was an amount of experience in starting this thread. I pretty quickly realized, I needed to up my education.

                So for a year and now then some I have been selling on eBay for 2 hours a day. I have also been "Learning" any and everything I could within those 2 hours and beyond. The process of "Learning" has been short of painful? There comes a point when you think you can watch only so many videos of people packing orders or shopping... and if you are lucky 1 video out of say 30 might have a tidbit of information that makes watching / listening to a video worth while.

                I can somehow at the end of that experience say the pain in the long run was worth the time and effort. I am without question all the smarter for putting in the wasted time to find the time of value. THAT is a hard pair of sentences for me to write - but it brings up the point that regardless of what you think its worth, time spent on education is worth it every time.

                I spent a good amount of time in Facebook groups and the like and met some honestly good people that enjoy what they are doing, People I at this point call friends. but the overwhelmingly majority just make you wonder.

                The absolute least talked about subject in regards to eBay is "Cassini" or "eBay SEO". Guys and Gals with big youtube followings when the topic was brought up would ask "What is Cassini?" and they were not kidding... almost heart stopping ( from my perspective. )

                So the greatest takeaway that I have taken from the experience is that Implementing an educated "Marketer Mind" in almost any online sales platform becomes a killer combination. Success from the get go is actually pretty easy when you understand these platforms PROVIDE the traffic with no effort on your part. So learning how to manipulate that traffic in your favor exponentially increases the percentage / amount of success you can have.

                Prior to my starting my new challenge / thread here on the Warrior Path: ( https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...m-nothing.html ) I was going to share a series of articles that kinda dumped this "education" for all to read. With the ability to share this information in a blog style format - it really makes sense to hold off a bit and use this material there.

                I will cover many of the topics I did here - Photography - Titles - Item Details etc etc I will go over these again but in far greater more precise detail. On many of these subjects I have run some fairly extensive testing across 6 store fronts and about 5000 items to really dig deep in boosting conversions. eBay on average converts at about 3%. We are currently converting at about 9% fairly consistently. A 3X jump by implementing listing optimization, and not at all incorporating outside traffic sources. ( the numbers get crazier when that type of strategy is applied )

                Some of the NEW material you will expect to see are things like adding video, and using a description template. The current description template has been better than thoroughly tested, and you will find some of the added information interesting. NOT using multi item listings - if it wasn't for the data I still would not believe this one. And a ton more.

                I am not suggesting this thread is ending I am more than happy to keep things up to date a bit and to leave this as a point of discussion - with like minded Marketing individuals. The back and forth with this community in particular is important to me.

                I just REALLY feel this type of information could, can, and IS life changing. And keeping it bottled up here on WF for only a few to see... vs the possibility of reaching a far greater amount of people seems counter productive.
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              • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                Where to Buy and When


                Having done this now for over a year.. there are patterns that I have recognized in relation to where to buy and when. I have found once I saw the pattern that I need to up my buying from familiar sources during certain times to keep me away from the ones I am less interested in. Keep in mind when I say "Less interested" it doesn't mean they are not valid. GARAGE / YARD sales are VALID - just not for me. ( I hate shopping LOL )

                We are right now about to enter garage / yard sale season. So this will be an obvious avenue to take in terms of how to source. Sometime in the next month or 2 THIS becomes a bad time to source at thrift stores like Goodwill.

                Why you ask? The goods being donated to Goodwill this time of year is what's left over from the garage / yard sales - so yeah they are filled with JUNK for the most part. Because I look at certain items like Mugs and Books and shoes and Belts - these happen to be items that are looked over for the most part so sourcing these types of items remains pretty constant.

                The reason I said "Sometime in the next few months" is that most "regions" of Goodwills actually pull inventory from the stores in the winter months and store them elsewhere. During the more lean times they then bring that inventory back into the store. It generally only lasts for so long before you walk in and the shelves look a tad bit bare.

                Stores that are closing... I would suggest there is a trick to this... buy what you want, but KNOW that you need to hold it for some amount of time. Its not just the store around the corner from you closing down, its regionally or nationally so there is going to be an influx of product... and that's when supply and demand hits real hard, and of course prices drop.

                That being said, its not a bad idea to obviously buy those types of items.. hold them till the knuckleheads in the market have sold out - the prices go back up, and then you list.

                An Example... Last summer Dr Pepper had Spiderman limited time cans.. every one and their brother was selling on eBay - and probably breaking even. I held onto 3 cases of each flavor until a few months ago and sold a single can for $14.95 ( free shipping ) and sold about 1/2 of what I have and then the knuckleheads came back with the low prices, and I am patiently waiting.

                Another trend I am now noticing is that early spring on Craigslist is business' clearing inventory... Last spring bought 1000 sets of bearings for next to nothing and sold the last set 2 weeks ago... some very specific auto mechanic tools I think I bought like 30 of them all together and have like 5 left . The money is without question out there to be had.

                Something else we have gotten into has been word getting out we will clear out storage buildings etc - we pay NOTHING and come clear out these spaces in an afternoon and they are done, and whatever we get we Sort - Sell - and Dispose of the trash. Just did one of these Sunday and there is easily 10K in product... and maybe 5 garbage cans of junk with total of 2 people and 4 hours ( 8 hours total man hours ) to get it, bring it back, unload it, sort it real fast, and run to the dumpster... now all we have to do is list it.

                Dollar General... each and every one of these have a "Clearance" section that I look over every time I am in there, and when I find something of interest I hit all of the other local stores and buy what ever it is out - a lot of this stuff is $.10 on the dollar so you really cant go to wrong.

                I catch close outs at Home Depot and Lowes on occasions.... Home Depot does their price drops on Monday mornings.. and Lowes I have yet to figure out their schedule - but I have more than once walked in on a killer deal.

                Walmart "Clearance" The Clarksburg WV store no longer has a dedicated section for it, but the others in the area do... its just a matter of scanning and knowing what the margins are when you buy.

                So those are a few of the patterns I have noticed, and places I goto and look for deals.

                Hope that Helps!
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      • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        First of all, my post asking about sourcing things was legit. So I appreciate the gold dropped here. I'm looking at getting involved in this. Unfortunately some of the niches I know about are difficult to really source in. For instance I have always liked watches but they aren't easy to find and flip. I had a friend that did actually found a good watch at a Goodwill (can't remember the brand, not obviously good like Rolex that is well known but it was good anyway) and flipped it. That's a very rare find though. He's tried since.

        Second, I also just loved this thread and wanted to see it continue. I check here, this thread in particular, as I miss these kinds of threads in the offline forum. We used to have such great discussions of these types of businesses and services offered to offline businesses. There are so many ways to make money.

        Thanks for the great responses. Bring more if you have them. I'm sure there are niches like those window treatments that few people know to even look at. I find it all fascinating.
        umc, you have hit the problem nail, one without a head, right on it's sharp point. THE problem, with all so-called FLIPPING, is...

        SOURCING.

        Long, long, long and even more long time ago, a guy named Joe Karbo sat with me on a bench at the beach and showed me a HOTSHEET about overstocks and liquidations. Not long after that, he introduced me to Jim Straw. Both knew a thing or too about selling, distressed merch, as they called it.

        BIG LOTS arose from that, OLLIES, many DOLLAR type stores are out there.

        Every month I go through one of the catalogs I get, like Retailer's Forum, from their site. It is full of SOURCES for such things as watches, etc.

        Watches. Why are so many available. Why have TWO local watch shops gone out of business this year, one had a big sale, I'm sure many flippers attended.

        Yet I look around and don't see younger people wearing them. Why? Could it be because of their cell?

        Anyhow, when one selects THINGS, to flip, and seek SOURCES, they put themselves in competition with all the other sellers.

        Something I learned long ago about flipping, is, don't concern yourself with THINGS, or the what to flip. Thousands of people over the last couple of decades have asked me that question. WHAT TO FLIP.

        My answer remains the same as it did 25 years ago. Flip anything with stored value.

        But flip it quickly, don't store it, flip it. Get in AM, sell in PM. Or move on.

        The little watch store that just went out of business did so for several reasons, but the main one was: the owner got old, and NO ONE wanted to buy his retail store.

        But for a very long time, he was part of my NETWORK of buyers. A guy I knew I could take an old pocket watch and have him look at it and tell me the market value.

        In the old days, we had to rely on these experts to help us, like on the reality TV show PAWN STARS, these guys became experts on RETAIL VALUE of stuff. Today, we can use eBay SOLD/COMPLETED listings and other market places and know for certain what the market is willing to pay for any given item.

        But back to SOURCES. I had an apprentice who got into RESTAURANT equipment a few years ago, today he has a thriving business FLIPPING those big HEAVY Hobart mixers, commercial freezers, in spite of having a lot of FIXED LOCATION competition. His success came about because he followed my advice ...but I told him 4 years ago to build a NETWORK of buyers.

        So flippers (or Chattelers as I prefer to call them) are constantly on the prowl, like lions in the tall grass, stalking their prey.

        There is a different way. And this, of course, isn't for everyone. But I don't invest in anything UNLESS, I know it has stored value and can be quickly flipped.

        Also, my mantra mostly is back seat of a small car or call someone else in. NOW, I've seen collectible pocket watches worth thousands of dollars, or even the coveted Rolex at many a pawn shop. Pens, watches, and those very expensive high profit items are great to find now and then, but one must have their EXPERT who insures the Patek is the real deal. Not a Patek Phillipino, or something else.

        Sorry for the long rant. Let me get to the idea to consider.

        Buy stuff people want, sell it for a profit. ONLY rule there is in flipping.

        And set up NETWORKS, or Toll Booths on that path. I used to be big into bicycles, not even knowing back then that PANASONIC made bikes, until I found one with a $500.00 instant profit built into it. I'll make that deal every time.

        So, I looked around my house. And saw WINDOWS, and a constant source of turnover.

        I saw my bicycle, and found local clubs, retailers who buy, and a constant source of turnover.

        I like the daily mundane items, which one can find in almost any house or home in America (which is where I am).

        It does take a little TIME, from when one begins, but just get into the stream of EXCHANGES of items for sale. ANYTHING WHICH has a profit and can flipped quickly.

        I won't touch too much unless there is 500 in it for me, and I can do that in a couple of hours, or 250 if I can pick up in morning, sell while typing posts on WF, in the afternoon.


        Even rural or countryside folks can find a steady stream of stuff to flip. Milk cans to Kubotas, really doesn't matter.

        Just a different take on the whole idea of flipping, which is, an idea of not seeking sources, or running around, but just quick profits.

        GordonJ
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      I've actually been looking at their watches. I was able to locate them on my own but thanks for the additional link.
      Yes they have some cheap ones, often that don't work, and that have little to no actual resale value. I've seen a few that might be worth a shot but simply because something is available and is cheap doesn't mean it's a good buy if you can't sell them. Certain brands will sell more than others. Keep in mind that used watches with bands that have been sized will limit the audience unless they come with the additional links, which isn't likely. Men's watches seem to move better than women's (in my experience selling them). Add in shipping and they also have some handling costs listed separately.

      It's not just a matter of dropping $100 on watches because they're there, it's a matter of buying the right ones that will have sell through at a reasonable profit for your time.

      I saw a couple watches that might be decent deals, nothing great, from my experience, but I admittedly didn't go look each one up. Most are fashion watches and that's a market of it's own.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I've actually been looking at their watches. I was able to locate them on my own but thanks for the additional link.
        Yes they have some cheap ones, often that don't work, and that have little to no actual resale value. I've seen a few that might be worth a shot but simply because something is available and is cheap doesn't mean it's a good buy if you can't sell them. Certain brands will sell more than others. Keep in mind that used watches with bands that have been sized will limit the audience unless they come with the additional links, which isn't likely. Men's watches seem to move better than women's (in my experience selling them). Add in shipping and they also have some handling costs listed separately.

        It's not just a matter of dropping $100 on watches because they're there, it's a matter of buying the right ones that will have sell through at a reasonable profit for your time.

        I saw a couple watches that might be decent deals, nothing great, from my experience, but I admittedly didn't go look each one up. Most are fashion watches and that's a market of it's own.
        So from a guy that will sell anything pretty much, as long as I see an amount of return. I actually sell watches... cheap ones at that, as In I pay maybe $2.00 and sell them for $15.00. Shipping is dirt cheap and I make in excess of 5x on my investment. cant say they sell overnight, but I had 100 of them at one time when I started this thread and only have 3 or 4 now.

        So lets compare apples to apples. lets look at: https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/73568000

        15 lbs of watches. shipping and handling fees is $15.51 to my house. I would think anything under $50 and there is profit to be made. so $50.00 minus the $15.51 means I need to have a bid in as close to time of auction closing as possible of $34.49.

        My general rule of thumb is to have at LEAST 3x after fees and shipping and supplies. I am looking at that listing KNOWING there is more than $150.00 there.

        You can look for the perfect watch all day long.. and you may or may not find one, OR you can take things like this and develop a base of slower moving but consistent sales over the long haul, as you search for "better" watches.

        90% of all sales on eBay are less than $20.00.

        In order to get to a critical mass in terms of inventory to have a "sale a day" you need 200 items listed.

        My sons site has 260 ( +/- ) items and he consistently sells at the least 1 ( less than $20 ) item a day. and then there are days he sells the $50.00 teacup and saucer in addition to the $20.00 item.

        My store sits in the 220 ( +/- ) item area. I am migrating towards higher end, but sales in the $200+ category is S L O W, to the point I would rather sell 10 $20 items over 10 days vs the gap it takes to sell higher end items.

        Having said that.. let me say this... If you list it, it WILL sell maybe not tomorrow, but it WILL sell. I have a collection of specialty car tools I bought for $150 almost 3 months ago. Sold the first one last week, and then another a few days ago. Started with 16 separate tools and the 2 has FINALLY paid for the lot - the rest is profit.

        Kinda what I am saying is, sure this is not going to be a home run, but its a start. It puts thought into motion - it drives the itch to source what it is you really want to be selling, and at the same time staying in the vertical and active while getting there. Money doesn't grow if its sitting in your hand, you need to hand it over to an opportunity to let it grow!
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        • Profile picture of the author umc
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post


          So lets compare apples to apples. lets look at: https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/73568000

          15 lbs of watches. shipping and handling fees is $15.51 to my house. I would think anything under $50 and there is profit to be made. so $50.00 minus the $15.51 means I need to have a bid in as close to time of auction closing as possible of $34.49.
          It's currently over $86.

          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          My general rule of thumb is to have at LEAST 3x after fees and shipping and supplies. I am looking at that listing KNOWING there is more than $150.00 there.
          I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm trying to grasp this. How can you know there's more than $150 there? What do you base that on? The listing says that a lot of it is vintage faces only. So those aren't even whole watches. The rest is listed as a parts/repair lot. So not only is it going well above what you hoped to bid on it already, these aren't even working watches. I don't even get why the people bidding on it are doing so. Maybe they use the pieces in craft projects? Maybe they can repair watches? Maybe the condition of these watches are vastly understated as a rule?

          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          You can look for the perfect watch all day long.. and you may or may not find one, OR you can take things like this and develop a base of slower moving but consistent sales over the long haul, as you search for "better" watches.
          I can kind of grasp this. There is something to be said for quantity even if that quantity isn't the best. Each item listed is like a marketing platform, one that you hope to even get paid for, for the other other better listings.


          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Having said that.. let me say this... If you list it, it WILL sell maybe not tomorrow, but it WILL sell. I have a collection of specialty car tools I bought for $150 almost 3 months ago. Sold the first one last week, and then another a few days ago. Started with 16 separate tools and the 2 has FINALLY paid for the lot - the rest is profit.
          Sure, but why buy something that is knowingly a loss? This lot certainly is at your standards.

          I think this is where I get some frustration from with some of these things. I've picked up WSOs over the years that promise money flipping things. One guy was into liquidations. I liked his ideas. He even said that he'd hand pick lots for us to get us started. When I checked him on his real numbers versus the pie in the sky numbers he gave me he could not find one lot that delivered on his own formulas. Not one. "Oh, just go buy that lot over there for x amount and you'll be good." Yeah, but it bid up to twice that sir. I'm not sure how the winning bidder is making money on this lot. It happened over and over. Not once could he deliver anything close to the formula he used picking lots.

          So what am I missing. So far two lots have been posted here. Neither seem to be anything but a money loser. I wouldn't get into this to lose money. Now if you want to tell me that these pieces help fill out at store and are slight losses but that's okay because you have so many winners that these are advertising for that it makes up for the losses then I can grasp that concept. I'd love to see some of those sure winners though. That's what I have a hard time finding.

          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Money doesn't grow if its sitting in your hand, you need to hand it over to an opportunity to let it grow!
          This sounds nice and I like it. But shouldn't one look for good opportunities? Otherwise why not just do penny stocks or forex trading without much knowledge. The goal is to find wise investments. I don't think that the only options are buying poor quality junk just to get something out there or looking for the "perfect watch". That's not necessarily a fair comparison.

          Then again, I go through the local peddler's mall or flea market and see things for sale for what I feel to be outrageous prices and I see the same stock in booths. I wonder if many people are actually making any money. I'm sure that you guys are and it sounds like you find some gems. I struggle to find those same gems and maybe I'm overthinking it on some level but when people act like they're everywhere and then show these listings so far I'm wondering what I'm missing. Maybe just getting in the game is what I'm missing on this. I'm not trying to doubt people but I'm trying to work through this thought process myself.
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          • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            I can kind of grasp this. There is something to be said for quantity even if that quantity isn't the best. Each item listed is like a marketing platform, one that you hope to even get paid for, for the other other better listings..
            I wont cover everything you posted, will leave that for the OP, but will comment here to give some insight.

            Regardless of $ Value, You MUST look for quality per se, you will not sell junk, junk, but you will be able to sell quality junk for better words.

            1. Supply / How Hard is it to find ? easy 1 hard 10
            2. Demand / How many people Want it ? no one 1 everybody 10
            3. Quality / Condition Is it Crap or in good Nick ? crap 1 mint 10

            You need those 3 things, in some level that works for you and everybody has mentioned these in one form or another.

            The way I sorted this was I asked myself those 3 questions and scored each one out of 10. For Me I needed to get an adult product or in my terminology.

            Score < 12 = Child
            Score 13 - 17 = Adolescent
            Score 18+ = Adult

            I simply learnt no to touch items under score 12 / items with a low score, very rare would I touch a adolescent.

            4. Once you have the top 3 sorted, you then stack on Quantity, but to have just quantity regardless of Quality, will just leave you with a pile of junk you can not sell.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm trying to grasp this. How can you know there's more than $150 there? What do you base that on? The listing says that a lot of it is vintage faces only. So those aren't even whole watches. The rest is listed as a parts/repair lot. So not only is it going well above what you hoped to bid on it already, these aren't even working watches. I don't even get why the people bidding on it are doing so. Maybe they use the pieces in craft projects? Maybe they can repair watches? Maybe the condition of these watches are vastly understated as a rule?
            Start with this.. YOU are not being an ASS at all... this is the process of learning this stuff... IM still learning this stuff... Sourcing for eBay has its own set of rules as I will show you in a few here.

            So how can I be so confident with pricing? well lets step back a second to the auction closed at $95.00 + the $15.00 shipping and handling so $110.00 Aside from anything else listed on Shopgoodwill lots like this are being sought after by resellers. Unlike say a purse or a pair of shoes where bidding gets warped by those that are willing to pay a greater premium for personal use.

            Lets just assume that the buyer of that lot thinks in terms of profit as we do, 3x, they are thinking there is $330 there. lets probably be more realistic and think the person buying that is thinking of doubling so $220.00 - that's ONLY 22 watches at $10.00 each. There is a kick ton of watches in that lot. but yet you say they are faces only.. and scratched and not working. I say go look at those photos... I don't see a face only anywhere. YES they ( bulk listings on shopgoodwill ) are understated as a rule.. "not working" probably means they need a battery.

            So how many watches are there? 50? 75? basically $2.00 each in and $10.00+ out probably.. and I will bet there is a gem or 2 in there that might get $50+ Is $110.00 a stretch at that point? I can say with out blinking an eye that at the VERY least you break even... but if I was into selling watches, I might have been in on the action of that auction.

            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            I can kind of grasp this. There is something to be said for quantity even if that quantity isn't the best. Each item listed is like a marketing platform, one that you hope to even get paid for, for the other other better listings.
            This DOES ring true... but I think the market is more diverse than you think. I want a cheap watch for my son.. am I buying a $50 times or $100 citizens or a $10 superman watch from ebay?

            Im going to pick on Gordon here a bit... he states:

            Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

            Watches. Why are so many available. Why have TWO local watch shops gone out of business this year, one had a big sale, I'm sure many flippers attended.

            Yet I look around and don't see younger people wearing them. Why? Could it be because of their cell?
            And honestly this makes sense... BUT does it hold true? We can goto eBay and type "Watches" in search and we see there is 2,075,000 items for sale. We can the scroll down the left side of the page looking for "Show only" and check "Sold listings" that brings us to a page displaying 680,300 watches.

            What exactly does that mean? in the last 90 days almost 700,000 watches sold ( on eBay only ).. and we are not even around Christmas time yet.. I will bet historically that number increases Q4. So of the 2,000,000 watches listed TODAY.. 1/3 of those will sell in the next 90 days - and then add the factor of 90% of everything sold on eBay is $20.00 or less..

            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            Sure, but why buy something that is knowingly a loss? This lot certainly is at your standards.
            The short answer is I don't... I preach regular, and often, buy educated as an investment vs just buying to buy. I really wish the auction was live cuz I think it would be interesting to buy to either prove or disprove the point here. BUT the fact remains someone DID buy this, and I think without question they did so to RESELL. So part of the education here would be what did they see - or collectively what would be the value? we can assume the value is greater than the $110.00

            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            I think this is where I get some frustration from with some of these things. I've picked up WSOs over the years that promise money flipping things. One guy was into liquidations. I liked his ideas. He even said that he'd hand pick lots for us to get us started. When I checked him on his real numbers versus the pie in the sky numbers he gave me he could not find one lot that delivered on his own formulas. Not one. "Oh, just go buy that lot over there for x amount and you'll be good." Yeah, but it bid up to twice that sir. I'm not sure how the winning bidder is making money on this lot. It happened over and over. Not once could he deliver anything close to the formula he used picking lots.

            So what am I missing. So far two lots have been posted here. Neither seem to be anything but a money loser. I wouldn't get into this to lose money. Now if you want to tell me that these pieces help fill out at store and are slight losses but that's okay because you have so many winners that these are advertising for that it makes up for the losses then I can grasp that concept. I'd love to see some of those sure winners though. That's what I have a hard time finding.

            This sounds nice and I like it. But shouldn't one look for good opportunities? Otherwise why not just do penny stocks or forex trading without much knowledge. The goal is to find wise investments. I don't think that the only options are buying poor quality junk just to get something out there or looking for the "perfect watch". That's not necessarily a fair comparison.

            Then again, I go through the local peddler's mall or flea market and see things for sale for what I feel to be outrageous prices and I see the same stock in booths. I wonder if many people are actually making any money. I'm sure that you guys are and it sounds like you find some gems. I struggle to find those same gems and maybe I'm overthinking it on some level but when people act like they're everywhere and then show these listings so far I'm wondering what I'm missing. Maybe just getting in the game is what I'm missing on this. I'm not trying to doubt people but I'm trying to work through this thought process myself.
            As you have read in this thread by others... buy in the AM and sell in the PM.. a TRUE flip.. and in a perfect world this happens. BUT we are talking about buying and selling used stuff for the most part here, and there has to be a balance in how you think and operate.

            I can sell TI83 and TI84 calculators all day long, BUT I cant buy them all day long at a price that makes me money.. when I find one I BUY IT ( for the right price ), and it sells in less than 24 hours. Same for say HP131A toner cartridges.. I get them and I have literally sold them within minutes of listing them... but I CANT do this consistently.

            What I am getting at is FOR ME, and my thought process is that CONSISTENCY is the name of the game. Its about selling an item, maybe 5 items in a day and making a Consistent return on investment. The items I list may not sell in a day.. a week or a month.. but if you list it, and it is priced competitively it WILL sell. Get your inventory to a point of critical mass, and your phone "CHA-CHINGS" daily letting you know you just 3x'd or better the dollars you spent.

            Which brings up 2 VERY important variables; Time and Money. How much time do you spend looking for a watch you deem worthy of selling? factor time into the equation of return and one has to think maybe the end result aka "Profit" is not as good as one might think/want VS maybe shooting lower on the price point and generating an undercurrent of consistency in your efforts.

            Here is another variable that is at play specifically with eBay. You sell an item, ALL of your inventory gets a "Boost" in the search results. You accept an offer, you get a boost. You list a new item, you get a boost. You get a message with a question from a buyer and you respond, you get a boost. You sell another item, you get boosted even further. And there is a LIST of variable that do this.

            I can count on a sale a day without question... some day its $20.00 other days its $400. but when I get a second sale... things happen, and on certain days that the boost happens and the stars align, its not one or 2 sales its 8 or 9. My sons site today sold 9 mugs ( and its flippin dreaded Monday ) $192 I believe. COST? $4.50, and shipping was like $66.00. So after fees ( $23.04 ), COG and shipping ( packaging was FREE because we use flat rate bags and recycled materials ) we are looking at $98.46 in PROFIT from a $4.50 investment.

            I think the biggest part as you mention is getting in and doing it. I mean really.. look at the title of this thread...did I even think I could turn $40 into $6000? NO.. straight up the answer is NO - and here I am now pushing for $!00,000 from a $40 investment. It defies some amount of logic.

            I would suggest watching some of this: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRP...3FHfqRqdWJ3Ugg and join his facebook group ( im there ) and just scroll through and see what other people are buying.. I honestly don't understand half of it, but then there are other people like the "media marauder" that sells obviously a lot of DVD's, CD's and VHS's and does VERY WELL.

            Whats cool about that group in particular is there are a BUNCH of people that are growing at this, and others that you can see just struggling and I find it of value to look at both ends to see where I need to be.

            As always Aboslutely appreciate the questions. and I get it man some of this doesn't make sense - more questions will get you more answers!
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            • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
              Thanks savidge4 for this thread. AMAZING how a simple little goal of making a few bux can be (WAS) turned into an educational thread on how one can make 40k a year (or more) while many Warriors have trouble trying to make 10k.

              I've learned a lot from this. And questions do get answers. Just one point I want to make about all this.

              WHY? The one thing not to do, is to wonder why people sell stuff so cheap, stuff we know has profit or flip value in it.

              The PSYCHOLOGY of their why should not concern the flipper, whatever THEIR reason for selling stuff with stored value, doesn't concern me.

              Anywhere, everywhere....anything, everything.

              However one does it, it is as close to a sure thing as any Warrior is going to find (other than those dozen or so DFY WSO's).

              Thanks for sharing.

              GordonJ
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Post Covid Ebay Sourcing


              Over the next days weeks and months we are going to see the effects of supply and demand. As stores open up Supply will be high and demand will be low. A marketplace in this state only means one thing, and that is lower prices / aka huge discounts.
              For resellers this can obviously be a good thing,

              BUT there is a not so obvious bad side of this. When we look at our current situtation, this will not be a reginal store at a deep discount here and there, this will be market wide. What this means is that for ALL PEOPLE In resale, there will be discounts. The obvious plus side is inventory at a great discount. the down side of this is that the discount will be available to any and everyone nation wide.

              As an idea price something on eBay right now.. something that you would normally buy at full retail in a store, and the price somewhat matches on eBay. As stores begin to open back up.. the MARKET aka eBay will reflect a lower price. Basically what looks like a good purchase today in a mater of days will probably not be such a great buy - with a caveat.

              The caveat is "in the short term" Everyone will go out and buy cheap and sell cheap. In the last few years with store closings etc this has played out over and over. What I personally do is buy cheap and price according to my purchase price. Forget what market is bearing at the present moment. stay true to the 3x rules. You almost want to be the highest priced listing.

              As inventory run outs and prices normalize the price for items on eBay will increase, the supply of CHEAP will have been exhausted ( purchased ) and your now lower than retail but maintaining your 3X is a bargain. THIS is by no means a short play.. this is a waiting game. and to be honest I have no idea how much of a wait this will be.

              In the recent past as I mentioned the store chain closings, for all of the low ball knuckleheads to run their course has been about a month to 3 months. THIS maybe longer because of the plausible scale of discounts across all market spaces.

              Something to consider for short term gains is to look at the retailors that have remained open. Hardware stores would be something i would look at as a guide. Tools at a discount off of retail will do well - as long as they are brand name and in demand.

              In the last 6 weeks or so shoes for us have done exceptionally well... as in about 40% of our total sales. I more than suspect this will come to an end here in the near future. #1 with lockdowns in place other than Walmart or Target there was no where to go ( in store ) and buy shoes. #2 There without question will be an influx of inventory as a I am describing above that flow into the many sales platforms.

              The general overview is again be smart in the early portion of stores opening back up and the pricing that you will see on eBay. In a matter of hours or a day or 2 the pricing willmore than likey drop - due to the access of the same deals across the states.

              Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author amuro
    What I can only say - even though I don't know much about Ebay marketing - is to stay committed to your goals, keep up and continue to learn what you are doing and achieving in the process.
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  • Profile picture of the author drewcpappas
    I just found this thread by accident and boy am I happy. I will be going over the whole thread this weekend. I am fortunate enough to have a good paying job, I am just looking to do something on the side and if I am able to master it grow.

    Thank you again for the thread and I am sure I will be back asking questions.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by drewcpappas View Post

      I just found this thread by accident and boy am I happy. I will be going over the whole thread this weekend. I am fortunate enough to have a good paying job, I am just looking to do something on the side and if I am able to master it grow.

      Thank you again for the thread and I am sure I will be back asking questions.
      This is like the perfect part time thing... I am literally just over 2 hours a day every day.. this last weekend I worked a bit more. I tried to use Goodwill exclusively - if you follow the 3x ( plus ) rule... it really doesn't matter where you get stuff from. for ME Goodwill is easy... its open til 9pm its open every day.. I There is no condition of weather, and every time I go in there, there is new stuff. But by all means garage sales and facebook marketplace and what ever else.

      BUT.. learning the ropes, I would stick with Goodwill to start. you can use your phone with the item in your hand ( its a bit rude to do this at a garage sale ) The overall key s learning what BRANDS to look for "59FIFTY" and "TOP of the WORLD" sports hats or "Fox Racing" hats are an instant goto. they generally get premium dollar, and sell fast.

      Electronics sell R E A L L Y well. I have recently gotten into printers. have always stayed away because of the size and shipping.. there is silly money to be made. I find printers that I buy for $10.00 ( AT GOODWILL ) that sell for $150.00 almost every time I go in. That's basically turning a $10.00 bill into a $100.00 in a matter of days. I started this 2 weeks ago.. and in 14 days have sold 10 printers.

      But ask away any questions you may have!
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    I think that my wife and I may try doing this in April or May. To make it fun we'll do it as a competition where we each get $50 and see what we can turn it into. Thanks for the inspiration Savidge. Assuming we go through with it maybe I'll come back and add how it went.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by umc View Post

      I think that my wife and I may try doing this in April or May. To make it fun we'll do it as a competition where we each get $50 and see what we can turn it into. Thanks for the inspiration Savidge. Assuming we go through with it maybe I'll come back and add how it went.
      This past month and something has brought my family together in a whole lot of ways. My son has a far greater understanding of what it is his mom and dad do.. and how differently we do it, BUT how well we work together to accomplish a goal - despite our differences, he is understanding how strengths and weakness' come into play. I hate shopping.. my wife hates all the technical stuff.

      The competition would be fun... I actually found an item today that sold for the largest percentage we have ever sold. Im in goodwill with the boy scoping mugs, and I go by mens belts every time I am in there. It always amazes me how many belts they have and not a 1 has a label or a brand on them. I have until today ever only seen 1, and it was a tommy Hilfiger belt.

      we are talking I have never seen as much as a Dickies belt, or a George belt E V E R. So I was walking by and there was a belt with a big old gold "M" as the buckle... so I pick it up and there in tiny tiny letters is "MCM" so I look up "MCM Belt" on the APP and about fell over ( you can type it in Google, it will give you the same effect as you look over to the right where the shopping panel is )

      So I brought the thing home... did some mad research on it.. made sure it wasn't a fake and listed it... for RETAIL - $295.00 - SOLD IT in 30 minutes.. and the best part? I paid .99 minus 25% ( grandma 25% off Thursday LOL ) Erin is fit to be tied! LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author AGRNDZ
    eBay has lots of potential and it's also something that I plan on getting into in the very near future.

    My niche will most likely be sneakers amongst other things.
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  • Profile picture of the author femmeflamme
    Thank you SO much for sharing the blow by blow: it's been hugely insightful to a newbie like me (especially since one hears so much about how easy eBay was 10 years ago and how it's impossible to make any money there now).

    One question, though: you mention putting in 2 hours a day every day, but that's just the listing time, right? How much time on average (daily or weekly) are you spending on actually FINDING the stuff you sell?
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by femmeflamme View Post

      Thank you SO much for sharing the blow by blow: it's been hugely insightful to a newbie like me (especially since one hears so much about how easy eBay was 10 years ago and how it's impossible to make any money there now).

      One question, though: you mention putting in 2 hours a day every day, but that's just the listing time, right? How much time on average (daily or weekly) are you spending on actually FINDING the stuff you sell?
      Your welcome... I think the whole its harder today comes from those that have been on the platform and don't understand things like the APP that puts actual numbers right at your fingertips. I belong to a few FB groups on the topic, and the level of cluelessness is kinda amazing actually. And this is from what I would consider seasoned veterans.

      The amount of questions asked about what is this? and what is this worth? are amazing to me. There are times I buy stuff I am not sure about value on... but the pieces have an obvious value. A very recent example I bought 4 gold drivers from the 60's that are in un-used condition.. which is great in un itself, but what throws it over the top is the Playboy logo on the top of each one. There is basically NOTHING on the net to compare them to. There are some putters out there that start in the $200's but no drivers and no irons.. AND my set of Woods have matching serial numbers. I am going to venture on a $1000+ action in my near future.

      So how much time do I spend... for the first 30 days.. in terms of what I shared on this thread... Less than 12 hours I believe was the final number. Keep in mind like Goodwill is open til 9pm so you can swing by after work or after dinner or at lunch. I am finding with mine, later in the evening seems to be a bit better. Far less people in there, and they are stocking the shelves.

      I maybe spend a 1/2 hour a day looking at FB marketplace and a real quick glance at Craigslist every day. More towards Thurday Friday than say Monday Tuesday ( I dont look at the first part of the week. )

      So looking at my wife and her team... they work 40 hours a week listing, packing, shipping and might spend another 20 hours shopping all together. But the big lot stuff she gets, generally someone calls her and says "Do you want to come look at this?" Word kinda got around quick #1 she bought, and #2 she paid cash. she literally walks out of the shop with 10K, when she goes shopping / picking. When it comes to shopping tho, they are not the norm LOL

      My sons mug store.. less than an 2 hours a week would be all that would be needed. when you think about being so focused on what it is you are buying / selling.. you can walk into a number of stores real fast, look at the mugs and walk out. There may be something to say for that?!

      Hope that answered your question, and again thanks for liking the threaad!
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      • Profile picture of the author umc
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        My sons mug store.. less than an 2 hours a week would be all that would be needed. when you think about being so focused on what it is you are buying / selling.. you can walk into a number of stores real fast, look at the mugs and walk out. There may be something to say for that?!
        So I was wondering about this. How is his store going? I think it's an interesting case study in itself because like you said there is a narrow focus. I can't decide if going broad on a site like ebay would be best (more opportunities for revenue) or if going narrow (being known as THE mug guy over time) is better. It's kind of the old generalist vs specialist argument. There are car lots in town that sell all types of used cars, and there are a few that specialize in one type of car. My guess is that there are pros and cons to each.

        Speaking of cars, you should flip a car on ebay. I did that before. Bought low, sold higher, but there are so many legal things to jump through and you could easily get burned bad. I have sold cars on there though. I sold one for a local dealer once when I was going out trying to help dealers sell more cars for a small cut as a hustle. I sold the car, and as soon as I proved that it could be done he just had his son start listing them and cut me out, lol.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by umc View Post

          So I was wondering about this. How is his store going? I think it's an interesting case study in itself because like you said there is a narrow focus. I can't decide if going broad on a site like ebay would be best (more opportunities for revenue) or if going narrow (being known as THE mug guy over time) is better. It's kind of the old generalist vs specialist argument. There are car lots in town that sell all types of used cars, and there are a few that specialize in one type of car. My guess is that there are pros and cons to each.
          So the sons store. This store was literally started from the ground up. we just hit 100 listings in the store. As you increase the number of items listed the frequency of sales increase. Right now we are doing about 5 sales out of a 7 day week.

          The average cost of goods across the 100 is $.67. the average sale price is sitting at $22 something. MAX shipping is $10. the box is FREE. Fees are right in at $3.00 So basically $9.00 per mug in profit.. Its actually a bit more than that, the low end of shipping is $8.

          So this is his baby.. he is wanting to expand into tea sets and Teapots and cream and sugar sets. He is also pushing ever so gently to include "China" As in plates bowls etc with matching cups or mugs. ( I am smelling a hint of motherly influence with this one - SHE LOVES dishes LOL )

          His "thinking" is in the expansion of things to sell is 1000 listings that translates to about 7 sales a day at $10 PROFIT or $490.00 a week is "only $25,000 a year" The truth here is he is right... Teacups and saucers carry a greater amount of profit overall. China 4 and 5 piece place setting carry an even greater profit margin. He already has a few that he bought for $5.00 and they sell for $90.00 - he is dying to list these.

          So to answer the question of focused vs broad. Dad ( me ) has a trick up his sleeve yet to be executed in this. I have the matching domain and social media accounts for the mug store. Its simply F A R easier to BRAND a focused effort. eBay traffic is GREAT, its pretty much reliable, and it is pretty much constant. This alone makes the eBay fees worth EVERY PENNY.

          BUT, adding a well executed social effort towards something as "common" as coffee cups or tea sets... Its going to be very interesting. Once I start with this I will post more on the subject.

          Now MY store... there is just overall more profit. I found a pair of ( BRAND ALERT ) " Marithe Francois Girbaud " jeans today, for a whopping $3.00 and they will sell for probably $60.00. A Juicer I payed $5.00 for and sells for $135, a neck stretching device I paid $30 for that sells for $200+ or the 5 dog collars ( bark control and invisible fence type ) that I paid $20 for all 5 that sold in a matter of days for $140.

          So again back to the answer.. I think without question BOTH work ( will work ) its just depends on the level of work you are willing to put into it. Focused will take more effort to increase traffic flow vs simply using the amazing traffic already existing in eBay for shotgun interest products.

          Thanks for the question!
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      • Profile picture of the author femmeflamme
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        <snip>
        Hope that answered your question, and again thanks for liking the threaad!
        Absolutely, yes! Thanks again! That averages out to under a half hour extra per day (if it was 15 hours over 30 days, it'd be half an hour per day, so 12 is obviously less than 30 minutes per day)!

        I'm assuming for someone just starting it may be a little longer than a half hour a day the first couple of weeks. Maybe not, given that starting budget, though, but let's say an hour to be really generous. That still is very doable for someone starting, who can maybe go hit the local Goodwill for a few hours on the weekend and then do the listings every day after work.

        Really makes me realize (for the nth time!) that absolutely ANY business can work, if you just put a little effort into it. And of course, it absolutely helps to have such a detailed walk-through on one!
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    I'll throw in a question that also opens up another option of sorts for something similar. Since you have done just about everything under the sun Savidge I wonder if you or maybe Tryinhere or anyone else had experience. I do, but sadly I was disorganized with my numbers so I can't specifically outline the profits. Anyway, the question is:

    Have you ever done anything like this at peddler's malls? Not flea markets, per se, where you sell in person at one off events or every weekend events. Peddler's Malls, at least here, are where you rent a booth in a large space and your items sit there 24/7 with tags that get you credit for the items bought at the register. You pay $120 or whatever for the booth, flat fee, every month. Anything above that you keep. Your job is to lay it out nicely, stock it with things people want, price for profit, and just keep it going once you start.

    We sold used CD's, sunglasses, cheap jewelry, knives, wallets, and some watches, as well as miscellaneous knick knacks.

    Has anyone else done this? I think it's another avenue to be considered. No shipping or anything, you just have to keep your booth stocked and tags on things. We did it for two years, at one point being in four locations. I know that we made profit but don't really have the numbers anymore. I was disorganized but we really had some good months doing it and I know we had more coming in than went out. Had I been more focused back then I probably could have done better with it. The cd's were super popular. Sunglasses were number two. Knives went well but I didn't really start selling them until the end. We quit for unrelated reasons in life. I've thought about giving it another shot.

    My apologies if this is in any way throwing this off course. It seems to have slowed significantly but I just wanted to throw another avenue out there for people considering this stuff and see if anyone else did this at some point. I'm trying to be respectful to Savidge and all he's done and to add to it if anything else to maybe add more value to his amazing thread.
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    • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
      Originally Posted by umc View Post

      Have you ever done anything like this at peddler's malls? Not flea markets, per se, where you sell in person at one off events or every weekend events. Has anyone else done this? I think it's another avenue to be considered. .
      We do have similar things here where I live (or at least did have, not sure if it is still going but it was more for antiques and or collectibles) but not for your general stuff.

      With the slow down in the antiques and collectibles in particular and with the introduction of things like fb marketplace I think it has made it harder for things to survive like that here but I may be wrong.

      Just to go off track to the off track to speak, I did do regular markets etc for a long while and would be similar in a way of sorts, and the very same rules apply if you wanted to make money as mentioned right at the very start of this thread.

      1. Supply 2. Demand 3. Quality 4. Quantity 5. Do steps 1 -3 give me a good score and Can I buy it at a price that allows me to make money.

      Very often at the markets I would take home a good payday and most other stall holders would be complaining they were not covering costs, so in that I think the same principles would apply to a peddlers market per se and allow you to walk away happy.

      Edit

      Would I do it now ? NO based the reasons as GordonJ has eluded to being traffic / people eyes on product, probably a better chance online but again that's tough if your peddlin rubbish these days.
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by umc View Post

      I'll throw in a question that also opens up another option of sorts for something similar. Since you have done just about everything under the sun Savidge I wonder if you or maybe Tryinhere or anyone else had experience. I do, but sadly I was disorganized with my numbers so I can't specifically outline the profits. Anyway, the question is:

      Have you ever done anything like this at peddler's malls? Not flea markets, per se, where you sell in person at one off events or every weekend events. Peddler's Malls, at least here, are where you rent a booth in a large space and your items sit there 24/7 with tags that get you credit for the items bought at the register. You pay $120 or whatever for the booth, flat fee, every month. Anything above that you keep. Your job is to lay it out nicely, stock it with things people want, price for profit, and just keep it going once you start.

      We sold used CD's, sunglasses, cheap jewelry, knives, wallets, and some watches, as well as miscellaneous knick knacks.

      Has anyone else done this? I think it's another avenue to be considered. No shipping or anything, you just have to keep your booth stocked and tags on things. We did it for two years, at one point being in four locations. I know that we made profit but don't really have the numbers anymore. I was disorganized but we really had some good months doing it and I know we had more coming in than went out. Had I been more focused back then I probably could have done better with it. The cd's were super popular. Sunglasses were number two. Knives went well but I didn't really start selling them until the end. We quit for unrelated reasons in life. I've thought about giving it another shot.

      My apologies if this is in any way throwing this off course. It seems to have slowed significantly but I just wanted to throw another avenue out there for people considering this stuff and see if anyone else did this at some point. I'm trying to be respectful to Savidge and all he's done and to add to it if anything else to maybe add more value to his amazing thread.
      We have indoor flea markets, and big places, one is at hartvillemarketplace and if you visit, you will see how HUGE it is. Others have been in old abandon grocery stores and places that used to be stores, like JC Penney's. My most recent experience was with jewelry in a secondhand store that sold a lot of antiques.

      But, what you describe, is just about like RACK JOBBING used to be back in the day. Only instead of a booth, we just had space. I sold KRISTEE PRODUCTS stuff, like Defender of Women, and Dyna-Glaze, Mircacle Polishing Cloths...so, back in pre-historic days.

      Yesterday, my daughter and I went to a Books A Million store, at about 11:30 AM, and there were four cars in the parking lot, we thought it was closed and maybe opened at noon...but it was open, and when we walked in we doubled the number of shoppers...and were outnumbered by employees. I mention this because BAM is now a combination of book, magazine, TOYS, trinkets, and SPENCER'S GIFTS type stuff.

      And a section of USED books. I could tell some of the sections were "racked jobbed". Not a bad decision these days.

      More to your point, yes, I've got quite a bit of experience with this, and today, I wouldn't do it (unless*) too much running around and a high level of trust. You are asking someone to take money, and they have to be paid for doing that, THEIR overhead, and such small foot traffic these days would make me gun shy, not enough profits BECAUSE of the Internet and access to the myriad of wholesalers/importers who can be easily found.

      Savidge4 has given us CURRENT, up to the minute data on what is working now. Sure his wife goes out and he does too, now and then, to SHOP. That might be the only reason to leave the house. I was talking to a neighbor who had a case of Ramen noodles and a case of Lance's crackers delivered to his door by AMAZON. Said he paid less than Sam's club or BJ's and got them delivered FREE.

      Our local mall (ghost town) the Chapel Hill Mall is in the news again, mainly because they didn't pay their electric bills for awhile. What was once one of the busiest shopping areas in the country, is today a skeleton shadow of what it was (the BAM store is in this area too).

      Please let us know if you TRY this again, and if you keep as good records and track as the Savidge folks did, you could even have a little product to sell, or at least to post here.

      Good luck if you do try it. I would hope you would prove me wrong, but I think it is going to be much more difficult than it was when you were doing it before.

      GordonJ

      * The exception might be a consumable, think LITTLE DEBBIE'S SNACKS, or something like that the shopper could buy while shopping and consume once they leave the store. Or a specialty product which has big profits.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by umc View Post

      Have you ever done anything like this at peddler's malls? Not flea markets, per se, where you sell in person at one off events or every weekend events. Peddler's Malls, at least here, are where you rent a booth in a large space and your items sit there 24/7 with tags that get you credit for the items bought at the register. You pay $120 or whatever for the booth, flat fee, every month. Anything above that you keep. Your job is to lay it out nicely, stock it with things people want, price for profit, and just keep it going once you start.
      I have a neighbor I recently found out has a spot in one of these.. and he thought he was doing pretty good. I showed him what we do, and you could just see the look of distain in his eyes. So I said "Hey lets go look at your booth and see what you have and maybe how we can make this better for you." reluctantly he said yes.

      He was just short of giving stuff away. I actually took a photo of one of his items a pretty cool coffee table that he redid and put it on facebook, it sold for 4x what he was asking for in the mall - within 20 minutes of it being up there. After that he was a bit more open to suggestions LOL

      We actually went in 2 weeks ago and pre built a new booth for him, and took it in and installed it, The display is pretty nice.. changed up the items he sells.. coffee cups hands down were the best addition. buy them at goodwill for .49 and even at the mall booth is getting 7 to $10 EACH. Its just one of those items where you can look and say "Dad would like that" or "Oh, that reminds me of johnny"

      Kinda the kicker of the whole story is he was on board with transitioning to new items but knew nothing about the remodel. I worked out a deal with the owners of the mall not to tell him bout all of his high ticket items that I bought, which I then sold on facebook, and used the difference to pay for the new booth display. Once we were done, I called and asked if he could meet me there and the look on his face after he walked past his booth about 8 times wondering where the hell his booth was priceless.

      In the weeks since his ROI has gone through the roof.. his wife brings over cookies like every other day LOL and he is so beyond happy its not even funny.

      So if you are thinking of this... the appearance of the booth is a big deal. White slat board walls, click wood floors in a really light color black rod iron with light wood tops tables and displays - look up Gap store images to get an idea.. and COLOR walk around the one you are thinking of getting into and walk from booth to booth.. they all are just grey and muted and one runs into the other runs into the next. Separate your booth from the others.. crisp clean white with colorful items!

      Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author peterjohn8019
    Good Luck for your Goal
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  • Profile picture of the author wyatt2011
    Thank you for inspiring me to give it a go.
    I've been looking for ways to increase my retirement funds over the next three years for when I actually can retire, I think I will try this.
    We have a Good Will right up the street from me.
    I downloaded an Ebay app to my phone, but I think it may be the wrong one. Can you tell us which one you have. I'd like to try it on some household items since I have just moved and have lots of things I was just going to toss. I think this would be a good jumping off point for me?

    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by wyatt2011 View Post

      Thank you for inspiring me to give it a go.
      I've been looking for ways to increase my retirement funds over the next three years for when I actually can retire, I think I will try this.
      We have a Good Will right up the street from me.
      I downloaded an Ebay app to my phone, but I think it may be the wrong one. Can you tell us which one you have. I'd like to try it on some household items since I have just moved and have lots of things I was just going to toss. I think this would be a good jumping off point for me?

      Thanks
      The app I use is the one by eBay

      Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...obile&hl=en_US

      Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/buy-...282614216?mt=8

      Getting started with Items you already have is a GREAT place to start. Any questions at all just ask.. ill get back to answer them for you!
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  • Gotta wonder evrywan postin' ads dowin' one of two things.


    1) Cruisin' along with pre-existent Smartola.


    2) Bustin' out on a limb with fyootyure-changin' Incendiariola.


    Less'n you Steve Jaaahbs & his way stoopid beard, likely you facin' a way crowded market fulla People Ain't Stoopid packin' Same Kinda Math bcs your Indistinguishable From The Rest kinda stuffs.



    When material variables ossify around a fixed point of hey yeah we got these watches evrywan might kinda want, I would wanna be mebbe super specific 'bout droppin' a more myootually constructive pitch than the next guy.


    You know what these do. They've always done it. It ain't like teleportation or nuthin'. You want this stuff on your wrist, head on ovah or quit losin' your frickin' phone.


    Was it Lilly Langtry who said, "infinite luxury persists as grass, fields full of spears till you lay down your ass"?


    No, waitaminute -- that was Moi in my 2017 journal aftah I been stood up by sum guitar guy in a loser mall an' went lookin' for consolation chocolate sumplace so stoopid they had to call out the cops.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Princess Balestra View Post

      Was it Lilly Langtry who said, "infinite luxury persists as grass, fields full of spears till you lay down your ass"?


      No, waitaminute -- that was Moi in my 2017 journal aftah I been stood up by sum guitar guy in a loser mall an' went lookin' for consolation chocolate sumplace so stoopid they had to call out the cops.
      So you write in your Journal in like regular English, but come here and write all balestra? ROFL
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  • Profile picture of the author be smart
    ^ Thank you for the wise advice and I'll look forward to that post on Managed Payments, when/if you get time.
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  • Profile picture of the author wyatt2011
    So, when you have made a sale-- does Ebay email you or is there a dashboard that you constantly have to watch?

    Thanks !
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by wyatt2011 View Post

      So, when you have made a sale-- does Ebay email you or is there a dashboard that you constantly have to watch?

      Thanks !
      I have more than one store... we have a phone /tablet loaded with the eBay app for each and every account we have ( 6 in total ) and when you get a sale you hear a "Cha Ching" sound.

      You also get an e-mail that's states you have made a sale as well.

      You can also see by logging into eBay in the upper left there is a bell icon, and it will indicate a sale has been made there as well.

      So depending on how connected you are... the more opportunities you will have to KNOW you have a sale LOL.

      Hope that Helps!

      PS - the "Cha Ching" never gets old.. well except at maybe 4am when it wakes you up, but not really even then LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
    Most Excellent posts Savidge4 (don't know your real name) and your contributions to this forum are excellent in every way. Matter of fact, I am in the middle of writing a small SEO guide and your logical approach and knowledge inspires me.


    I thank you kindly.
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

      Most Excellent posts Savidge4 (don't know your real name) and your contributions to this forum are excellent in every way. Matter of fact, I am in the middle of writing a small SEO guide and your logical approach and knowledge inspires me.


      I thank you kindly.
      I use the handles, names, avatars one gives us to use here, and some of us use our real names, others some form of it, but it doesn't matter. It is pretty easy to tell the real deals from the regurgitators here.

      savidge4 is a successful serial Entrepreneur who operates several businesses, and somehow, has mastered the employee/ out sourcing time management that tends to eat many lunches if allowed. His math skills, as applied to IM are fantastic, and since most of the time, we tend to operate on small % of the potential pool of buyers (direct marketers that is)...

      any edge, any advantage we can leverage to beat the competition or increase our bottom line is appreciated. But it takes a price of time to get EDUCATED and the patience to apply that education in the most profitable of ways.

      We Warriors are lucky to have some guys who have stuck around, and give us their perspectives on what is WORKING NOW.

      This thread is as good as and better than most PAID information on how to use eBay to profit and his son, savidge 5, 6 or 11 (who knows how many there are? HA) is getting an education which will bode him well throughout his life.

      I haven't done anything with eBay for a decade, but I'm excited to get back to it as my paltry amount of time allows me to.

      And you too Jeffery, are one of the Warriors who delivers good food for thought too.

      GordonJ

      PS, Got all my azz kissing in for the week, no more to follow.
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  • Profile picture of the author edward liam
    I am also doing ebay dropshipping on the side for the last 3 months and it's not that bad but it's not a get rich quick route haha! Definitely ....

    But really impressive numbers @savidge4, do you mind if i share my own numbers? Going to anyways haha

    Here's my 2 cents!

    For anyone looking to get on ebay, here are some legit numbers (in my experience)

    With as little as 50 items listed i made about $4k in REVENUE (IN SALES) - profit was like $300 bucks and that is for like a 2 and half week period!

    So just have it in mind that you'll prolly be making about 8%-10% profits!

    So my goal has being like scale to 100k revenue a month - where i am at now is not that far off - I can do it with 800 products listed!

    What can i say is ebay dropshipping is the best passive income stream!

    Go do it bros!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by edward liam View Post

      I am also doing ebay dropshipping on the side for the last 3 months and it's not that bad but it's not a get rich quick route haha! Definitely ....

      But really impressive numbers @savidge4, do you mind if i share my own numbers? Going to anyways haha

      Here's my 2 cents!

      For anyone looking to get on ebay, here are some legit numbers (in my experience)

      With as little as 50 items listed i made about $4k in REVENUE (IN SALES) - profit was like $300 bucks and that is for like a 2 and half week period!

      So just have it in mind that you'll prolly be making about 8%-10% profits!

      So my goal has being like scale to 100k revenue a month - where i am at now is not that far off - I can do it with 800 products listed!

      What can i say is ebay dropshipping is the best passive income stream!

      Go do it bros!
      Never have done the drop ship thing... wondering what amount of time is involved in listing an item and then the after sale process?

      For me selling 4k and making $300 is well kinda lack luster if for example you could buy a set of car rims ( wheels ) for $200 and then sell them for $1200 and NET $750 after shipping and fees.

      Me personally I would spend the $300 on product to sell. I will assume the time spent listing and post sale processing is the same. the only difference in TIME is the actually buying of the product, and the visit to the post office. - All of this hinging of course on location I guess? I know people in about 8 countries that do basically what I have done on this thread minus Goodwill.

      The Profit margins are simply far greater if you can put your hands on the product.

      And please don't get me wrong - Its cool that you are out there hustling... just wondering if you could make the hustle more profitable?
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  • Profile picture of the author TheTwoPointZero
    Thank you for the information and letting us watch as you move through this project. I have a friend that does the ebay thing with items he buys locally and resells on there. I told him about your project to use for motivation for his work on there.
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    You could've done this in a week depending on where you source product from. I'm not sure what country you live in, but using CL to source some product and being willing to negotiate the best price will go a long way. These days they have even more markets like CL that are even better. Just don't be afraid to negotiate. For example, you might see a laptop on CL for $100 and you've done your research to see that it can be resold for $200+shipping on ebay.

    Ask the seller are they willing to take $65. You'd be surprised at how well this works. If it's a no go then try with another product. You don't have to lowball, but trying to get at least a 30% reduction on whatever the price of the product is is fair. Wash, rinse and repeat. I like what you're doing here though.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by pheonix44 View Post

      You could've done this in a week depending on where you source product from. I'm not sure what country you live in, but using CL to source some product and being willing to negotiate the best price will go a long way. These days they have even more markets like CL that are even better. Just don't be afraid to negotiate. For example, you might see a laptop on CL for $100 and you've done your research to see that it can be resold for $200+shipping on ebay.

      Ask the seller are they willing to take $65. You'd be surprised at how well this works. If it's a no go then try with another product. You don't have to lowball, but trying to get at least a 30% reduction on whatever the price of the product is is fair. Wash, rinse and repeat. I like what you're doing here though.
      For those wondering "CL" is Craigs List. I get what you are saying.. but sourcing with CL and FB Marketplace is time consuming.. vs 1/2 hour 45 minutes at my local Goodwill. Granted not all Goodwill's are created equal. In the first month as stated in some early posts I was actually doing this and again looking at it then and looking at it now it was time consuming... I was checking for new listings Often.

      Ultimately My wifes model is by far the smartest. Don't buy 1 of anything buy 400 or more. Basically when opportunity presents itself just go all in. Last year.. a few days after Christmas my wife bought 400 Ugly sweaters from Walmart for $1.00 each. after COG ( Cost of Goods ) fees and shipping etc we averaged $23 in profit per sweater ( They are all sold out by the way )

      I personally do this same thing on an e-commerce scale and will buy containers of a single product. Last year happened to be Drones, this year is the first in 5 years running I never could put a finger on a trend to invest in - there just isn't a clear winner product this year... or maybe one that I believed in possibly - which to some degree is important in un itself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fractoggen
    I am pretty much pleased with your good work.
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    Hello

    I have been reading this thread since it has started. I just got re-acquainted with my ebay account. I have had it since pretty much the beginning of ebay. Mostly I used to bid on stuff have not used it for a while but this thread has given me some inspiration

    I have a few questions.

    1. In one of the first posts on this thread you talk about the fees. You mentioned paypal at 6% is that correct I checked my account and selling fees is 2.9% plus .30 per transaction.

    2. This might have changed but, several years ago when I wanted to list something as "Buy it Now" or "Fixed Price" you had to be an established seller, I have looked around and can not find that rule is it still in affect.

    3. Do you ever offer shipping upgrades. For example, I was playing around with the ebay shipping calculator and just threw in a random size and weight going from NY to CA. the costs were about $8.00 for USPS and $13.00 for UPS and Fedex. So would you ever offer the upgrades such as Free shipping or add $4.00 for UPS or Fedex

    Thanks for the Great Thread

    al
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by agmccall View Post

      1. In one of the first posts on this thread you talk about the fees. You mentioned paypal at 6% is that correct I checked my account and selling fees is 2.9% plus .30 per transaction.
      The new rates I believe is 2.9% +$.30 With eBay separating from Paypal with the use of "Managed Payments" I do believe they dropped the rates - al of my accounts are "Managed Payments" so that's why I said "I believe"

      Originally Posted by agmccall View Post

      2. This might have changed but, several years ago when I wanted to list something as "Buy it Now" or "Fixed Price" you had to be an established seller, I have looked around and can not find that rule is it still in affect.
      We opened up a new store a few weeks ago and had no restrictions, and that was before we attached the new store to our existing accounts. So pretty positive here no restrictions.

      Originally Posted by agmccall View Post

      3. Do you ever offer shipping upgrades. For example, I was playing around with the ebay shipping calculator and just threw in a random size and weight going from NY to CA. the costs were about $8.00 for USPS and $13.00 for UPS and Fedex. So would you ever offer the upgrades such as Free shipping or add $4.00 for UPS or Fedex
      For ME... in todays shipping environment USPS is the premium service. I think maybe ONCE has a package regardless of point of delivery not made it in 3 days. I do not or should I say have not used UPS ever once. I do use Fed-ex on oversized and heavy items ( car rims, speakers, and laser printers ) BUT with this I do leave the USPS option ( which is usually W A Y more expensive due to "Dimentional Shipping Weight" and has yet to be used )

      Thanks for the questions! and good luck with your selling!
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  • Profile picture of the author IMWealthMogul
    Just finished powering through all 4 pages of this thread. GOLD!!
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  • Profile picture of the author cheese1688
    You've posted a huge amount of helpful tips in your journey! I really appreciate this and hope that I have enough patience to get through it.
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  • Profile picture of the author cage73
    This post has been a gold mine of information.

    Thank you Savidge4 and everyone else that took the time to contribute. I originally came across this post back in December of last year, around that time I was in the midst of leaving a 20 year career and looking for a way to take my existing eBay business(I also sell on Mercari and Poshmark) to the next level, so I don't have to go back to a 9-5( I have 1 year to make this work) and this thread has really helped me get things moving in the right direction. The information in this thread, if applied, works!

    One thing I struggled with in the beginning was sourcing. I'm from your neck of the woods Savidge4 (Buckhannon) so the amount of thrift stores are limited. When I first started down the reselling path I hit up the Goodwill on Earl Cove Rd(I believe) and was immediately overwhelmed with the amount of merchandise and I was all over the place with my purchases and walked out with a few duds. I was also not very comfortable with pulling out my phone and looking up comps. I've gotten better with both but still struggle a bit with sourcing.

    Anyway, I can ramble on and on but I wanted to thank you and everyone for providing this information.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by cage73 View Post

      I was also not very comfortable with pulling out my phone and looking up comps. I've gotten better with both but still struggle a bit with sourcing.
      So awesome to read!!! Means a lot, thank you. and then add on top you are "local" even better!

      I hit the Spring St, Buckhannon store probably 3 times a month... one of my favorite stores actually - always interesting stuff. Have you tried the store in Elkins, on Stone Mountain Ln - by the Walmart? A totally different vibe TOTALLY DIFFERENT lol.

      As I have kind of laid it out.. looking at comps before you buy is key. I have bought 3 duds in the last year and then some. one was the way to heavy A&W Mug, another was a purse that one of the metal clips that holds the strap broke, and the last was a "Charango" ( Mexican 12 string ukulele kinda thing ) that once I got it home it warped, as in like almost became a pretzel warped.

      But knowing - or at least having a really good idea of what you are buying before you buy is just critical. I obviously watch a bunch of video's on the subject - and the topics of listing specifics and buying are rarely covered. I have concluded that most people that produce content for YouTube.. are buyers 1st and then they just sell to keep up their buying habit. You very rarely see people looking things up til after the fact - they are buying on gut. And that is not a business - that's the obsession of buying.

      I will write a quick article right after this that may help a bit more with sourcing.

      As a side note - because I know your market... pay attention to estate sales - the better ones in our greater area are actually in your back yard. And go haggle with the merchants downtown and the couple of thrift type stores over by the Taco Bell.

      To give others an idea - Buckhannon is this small little town on the fringe of entering BFE. There should be a sign that reads "Last Gas Station for 50 Miles" as you head south on 20 LOL - but anyways Downtown is this kinda cross between millennial hip and the hood mixed in with a bunch of flea market booths with a 1940's backdrop - Brick covered side streets included BTW... just cool no matter how you look at it LOL
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      • Profile picture of the author cage73
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        So awesome to read!!! Means a lot, thank you. and then add on top you are "local" even better!

        I hit the Spring St, Buckhannon store probably 3 times a month... one of my favorite stores actually - always interesting stuff. Have you tried the store in Elkins, on Stone Mountain Ln - by the Walmart? A totally different vibe TOTALLY DIFFERENT lol.

        As I have kind of laid it out.. looking at comps before you buy is key. I have bought 3 duds in the last year and then some. one was the way to heavy A&W Mug, another was a purse that one of the metal clips that holds the strap broke, and the last was a "Charango" ( Mexican 12 string ukulele kinda thing ) that once I got it home it warped, as in like almost became a pretzel warped.

        But knowing - or at least having a really good idea of what you are buying before you buy is just critical. I obviously watch a bunch of video's on the subject - and the topics of listing specifics and buying are rarely covered. I have concluded that most people that produce content for YouTube.. are buyers 1st and then they just sell to keep up their buying habit. You very rarely see people looking things up til after the fact - they are buying on gut. And that is not a business - that's the obsession of buying.

        I will write a quick article right after this that may help a bit more with sourcing.

        As a side note - because I know your market... pay attention to estate sales - the better ones in our greater area are actually in your back yard. And go haggle with the merchants downtown and the couple of thrift type stores over by the Taco Bell.

        To give others an idea - Buckhannon is this small little town on the fringe of entering BFE. There should be a sign that reads "Last Gas Station for 50 Miles" as you head south on 20 LOL - but anyways Downtown is this kinda cross between millennial hip and the hood mixed in with a bunch of flea market booths with a 1940's backdrop - Brick covered side streets included BTW... just cool no matter how you look at it LOL
        Great points. I have watched plenty of videos over the last few months and agree with what you are saying especially the buying on gut part as that was me when I first started reselling and I still find myself doing that on occasion, mainly with toys, which is what I really enjoy selling.

        I was hitting the Spring St. Goodwill about 2 to 3 times per week(plenty of good finds there), and yes, the one in Elkins is a bit different and they tend to price their items up in comparison to the others in the area, I tend to hit that one on Sunday. The one I have never had any success with is the one in Bridgeport although that could be more on me as I'm sure there are great flips there as well. There are a few other thrifts in the area, smaller run shops, that I've found some decent items to flip. I'm not familiar with any near Taco Bell so I'll have to scope that area out.


        One thing I really need to work on is sourcing items that will bring in a higher ROI. Right now I'm averaging $18.41 per sale, I would like that number to be higher. I've shied away from electronics for the most part but will start putting some focus on those.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by cage73 View Post

          One thing I really need to work on is sourcing items that will bring in a higher ROI. Right now I'm averaging $18.41 per sale, I would like that number to be higher. I've shied away from electronics for the most part but will start putting some focus on those.
          I would say go with what you know to some extent... I sell electronics, not so much because of the ROI - because in my world that number stays pretty constant ( 3X ) but because it interests me ( Im a Geek ) and if I buy a printer that doesn't work.. i might be able to fix it ( BA in Electronic Engineering )

          So you are saying your ROI is on average $18.41 So according to my equation to success you should be at $6.00 COG ( Cost of Goods ). Keep in mind The average sale on eBay is $20 - so you are already in the sweet spot. When you jump to more expensive items of course your numbers go up, but in theory ( actually more practice on my end ) your ROI remains the same ( 3X )

          The issue with Bigger price tags is they take longer to sell ( Yes I understand there are exceptions ) but in general this is the case. So if you really think this out.. you have 2 choices.. you can diversify your inventory to include more expensive items or you can SCALE what you are already doing.

          A segment that has done me very well is Shoes... I source a TON at Gabes in Bridgeport.. i get more than my fair share at Goodwill Bridgeport. ROI more often than not is wicked high if you buy right ( buy for $5 to $10 and sell for $50 to $100 ) - stick with KNOWN BRANDS and make sure your images are real close to color correct. DO NOT gut instinct a shoe purchase EVER as in ever never LOL. The app is right there in your pocket.. USE IT.

          Have you looked at Shopgoodwill? ( https://www.shopgoodwill.com/ ) Pay attention to shipping, and I am sure you will find great deals with good ROI

          Because you are into toys.. i have been researching Lego now for 2 years? something like that. there is a a pattern in the ones that blow up.. buy for $70 and sell for $300 - BUT its a time game. I have been buying un opened Lego Speed Champions sets any time I can - they are starting to retire that line, and the price at this point will only go up.

          THIS type of strategy is more "investing" than flipping and I literally have 400 or so boxes of lego cars - whats that worth 2 years from now.. 10 years from now... 30 years from now?

          Toys run in 20 to 25 year cycles.. so what was hot then is now hot over again.. Parents want to share what they played with with their kids. So toys in the 90's to early 2000's are hot right now. Think about knowing the pattern to be true ( and it is ) what a new in box 1995 lego Aquazone kit is worth... a hint the SMALL boxes in new shape are in the $50+ range and the bigger sets are in the $200+ range.. and thats a lego series that didnt stick around long

          So some stuff to think about... comes down to SCALE what you are doing now.. or higher ticket items... i have chosen to Scale for the most part myself.. its easier - and the saying of " the more you list the more you sell " holds true.

          Hope that Helps!
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          • Profile picture of the author cage73
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            I would say go with what you know to some extent... I sell electronics, not so much because of the ROI - because in my world that number stays pretty constant ( 3X ) but because it interests me ( Im a Geek ) and if I buy a printer that doesn't work.. i might be able to fix it ( BA in Electronic Engineering )

            So you are saying your ROI is on average $18.41 So according to my equation to success you should be at $6.00 COG ( Cost of Goods ). Keep in mind The average sale on eBay is $20 - so you are already in the sweet spot. When you jump to more expensive items of course your numbers go up, but in theory ( actually more practice on my end ) your ROI remains the same ( 3X )

            The issue with Bigger price tags is they take longer to sell ( Yes I understand there are exceptions ) but in general this is the case. So if you really think this out.. you have 2 choices.. you can diversify your inventory to include more expensive items or you can SCALE what you are already doing.

            A segment that has done me very well is Shoes... I source a TON at Gabes in Bridgeport.. i get more than my fair share at Goodwill Bridgeport. ROI more often than not is wicked high if you buy right ( buy for $5 to $10 and sell for $50 to $100 ) - stick with KNOWN BRANDS and make sure your images are real close to color correct. DO NOT gut instinct a shoe purchase EVER as in ever never LOL. The app is right there in your pocket.. USE IT.

            Have you looked at Shopgoodwill? ( https://www.shopgoodwill.com/ ) Pay attention to shipping, and I am sure you will find great deals with good ROI

            Because you are into toys.. i have been researching Lego now for 2 years? something like that. there is a a pattern in the ones that blow up.. buy for $70 and sell for $300 - BUT its a time game. I have been buying un opened Lego Speed Champions sets any time I can - they are starting to retire that line, and the price at this point will only go up.

            THIS type of strategy is more "investing" than flipping and I literally have 400 or so boxes of lego cars - whats that worth 2 years from now.. 10 years from now... 30 years from now?

            Toys run in 20 to 25 year cycles.. so what was hot then is now hot over again.. Parents want to share what they played with with their kids. So toys in the 90's to early 2000's are hot right now. Think about knowing the pattern to be true ( and it is ) what a new in box 1995 lego Aquazone kit is worth... a hint the SMALL boxes in new shape are in the $50+ range and the bigger sets are in the $200+ range.. and thats a lego series that didnt stick around long

            So some stuff to think about... comes down to SCALE what you are doing now.. or higher ticket items... i have chosen to Scale for the most part myself.. its easier - and the saying of " the more you list the more you sell " holds true.

            Hope that Helps!
            I've had a few pretty good flips with used shoes that I've picked up from Goodwill. The shoe section is one of the first sections I will hit when going to Goodwill. I have not done any "full-time" retail arbitrage with shoes other than when the local Hibbetts went out of business a few weeks back, couldn't pass up the deal. Fill a bag for $10. The average cost of my items purchased came to .65 and I was able to flip the few pairs of shoes I was able to get for $35 to $60 but they were slow sellers. Do you find that a specific size or range sells better than others?

            Right now, I have a ton of toy inventory from years of buying for collecting purposes but some purchases were made with the intent to eventually sell(I just never got around to it) which is what I have been focusing on this month. I wish I would have picked up Legos over the years but I always passed those by. Live and learn I guess.


            Good stuff and you've given me much more to think about! Thank you.
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  • Profile picture of the author starbaby
    if your potential customers value your product for $250 or you selling much of one or several products that equal 250 dollars
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by starbaby View Post

      if your potential customers value your product for $250 or you selling much of one or several products that equal 250 dollars
      Not sure what the Original Poster is up to, but most likely when he gets a break he will chime in and answer your question. He was busy making the most out of the Covid-19 situation the last time he posted on the board.

      However you may want to go back and read the whole thread. You may find the answer to your question. Plus you can learn how to make a full time living off this method.
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  • Profile picture of the author daillyprofits
    It will be good to get an update on how this side income hustle using Ebay is going. As there have been numerous updates to Ebay in the last couple of years. It would interesting to hear how things are going just now.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by daillyprofits View Post

      It will be good to get an update on how this side income hustle using Ebay is going. As there have been numerous updates to Ebay in the last couple of years. It would interesting to hear how things are going just now.
      By enlarge the "articles" within this thread remain valid and true with the exception of the time of listing that is now just 30 days.

      eBay is booming... and has been since Covid started.

      The only main alteration I could make at this point is to the idea of creating separation between you ( a seller ) and others selling the same product. USP ( Unique Selling Perspective ) in my opinion is absolutely critical.

      Free shipping is still king... Pointing out you are a US seller with US inventory is probably the #1 point to be made. I point out on each and every listing on most of our stores that the item is in stock and located in WV. We then point out that we ship the same day ( before 3pm ) and the next day at the latest. 90% of our feedback refers to our fast shipping.

      To make this even more clear... I recently was involved with a group that had some members that have been financially devastated with the whole covid thing. I took each of them ( there were 9 families that were effected ), handed them $50 and we went shopping... In all 9 cases following the overall guidance of this thread and obviously some amount of personal time with me, my wife, and our team.. they are ALL financially in a place they have never been in their lives.

      eBay is by far hands down no questions asked the easiest place to learn and better understand e-commerce in part or whole. Everything you need to succeed is built into the platform. I STRONGLY believe that anyone with dreams or desire to get into e-commerce should ( if they are able ) open an eBay store, and sell items as described in this thread. There is profit to be made and the education from the experience is priceless.

      Hope that Helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Posted a question in this thread here - https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...nothing-2.html About Ebay payments.

      The question was about getting paid by Ebay. Just a update, getting paid all the time now. The last buyer paid on a Thursday night. Friday I shipped the package, this morning Ebay ( Monday) Ebay initiated the payment.

      The biggest change from the past as seller. The buyer would pay via Paypal the money went right to the paypal account. You could use the funds to buy shipping. Then Ebay would withdraw fees at a later date.

      Now Ebay handles every thing. Once a auction ends and the buyer pays. Ebay sends a shipping notice, print out the shipping label. Ebay withdraws the funds from the bank account. Then once it is mailed they send payment a few days later, with all fees deducted.

      Note - Still do not have a Ebay store at this time and selling via auctions. Liquidating personal belongings that have been sitting for years.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Note - Still do not have a Ebay store at this time and selling via auctions. Liquidating personal belongings that have been sitting for years.
        It must be a store thing because my shipping is removed from my pending total, and i still pay fees at theend of the month. but thanks for the update for sure!
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        • Profile picture of the author Aristocratic
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          It must be a store thing because my shipping is removed from my pending total, and i still pay fees at theend of the month. but thanks for the update for sure!
          Maybe you are thinking of the storefront monthly fee; if you are on managed payments, the fees should be taken out at time of sale too.

          I love thrifting for flipping but was finding a ton of inventory I could 3x and even 5x; my problem was buying it all. I have recently donated over 30 boxes of inventory accumulated over the past 4yrs. Now I only purchase if I can make at least a $30 profit on the item or bag/lot/box/group of items. If I am having a good shop, I will eliminate some that are at the $30 mark if they cost more than $10.

          Changing the parameters and sticking to them has helped me manage my space/inventory. Listing often has helped me generate more sales more often too so better inventory with more sales has been more profitable in the end.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by Aristocratic View Post

            Maybe you are thinking of the storefront monthly fee; if you are on managed payments, the fees should be taken out at time of sale too.
            I have been on Managed Payments for a while now... I actually just got a letter that this ( fees removed at time of sale ) would start this month for me. The change over has been a long process LOL

            I love thrifting for flipping but was finding a ton of inventory I could 3x and even 5x; my problem was buying it all. I have recently donated over 30 boxes of inventory accumulated over the past 4yrs. Now I only purchase if I can make at least a $30 profit on the item or bag/lot/box/group of items. If I am having a good shop, I will eliminate some that are at the $30 mark if they cost more than $10. [/QUOTE]

            I say this a lot and pretty sure I have said it in this thread... You just have to take YOU out of the equation. You have the APP right in your hand.. you can tell what things sell for, how many have sold in the last 90 days and you can get a really good idea how fast things will sell.

            I hear the same things over and over about a bunch of dead inventory... From my own experience and listening to the experience of others, that accumulation is usually from "It was on sale" or "I got it for cheap" but they didnt look at what things are selling for and how fast they are selling. and again the APP is right there in your little hands LOL Its just a mindset to take away the thinking in the buying process, and placing the entire buying decision on a profit margin.

            Originally Posted by Aristocratic View Post

            Changing the parameters and sticking to them has helped me manage my space/inventory. Listing often has helped me generate more sales more often too so better inventory with more sales has been more profitable in the end.
            With my formula.. Buy for $1 and sell for $3, you simply can not go wrong. I personally do free shipping.. so I have to account for that in the price mark-up, but in the end the investment dollar is going back into the "inventory fund" and I am banking double the value of the purchase on each and every item I / We sell. Essentially doubling ever dollar I spend on inventory.

            Listing is a VERY important aspect of the eBay algorithm. It is better to list a little every day than it is to list everything on one day. We have actually gotten into the practice of pre writing out the descriptions etc ahead of time and putting the images and text in a folder to list over time to try and equalize the number of listings we add each week. This has actually made sales far more consistent for us.

            Best of luck with your business - and keep it fun.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Looking forward to 2022


      Disclosure: I am not a financial advisor, A tax advisor, a CPA, or a Accountant. Im just a redneck with goals and dreams. If you question your personal situation after reading this, you might want to consult a professional.

      There are some changes that will occur starting the first of the year in terms of selling on eBay. Fr me personally it will simply be business as usual, but for many others there will without question be an adjustment.

      To get a better idea of what the changes are visit my thread here: ( https://www.warriorforum.com/main-in...le-2022-a.html ) and that will give you an idea of what is going on.

      So here specifically I want to focus on how these changes will effect YOU selling on eBay if you live in the United States. The short of it is, if you sell over $600.00 worth of stuff on eBay, at the end of the year they will be sending you a 1099-K ( tax form ). And that means you will be liable for the tax associated that income. This is a change from the making $20,000 AND having sold more than 200 items.

      Its Time To Get Legit


      It sounds a bit stressful, and I get it, but in the end you probably will be in better shape TAX wise at the end of the year than you think.

      There are 2 ways to structure yourself. You can be YOU the individual and report your earnings ( and expenses ) on Schedule C of your tax form OR you can do some very basic stuff like getting a DBA business license and a business bank account, and to maybe get added benefit of this get a State Tax ID. I personally suggest the 2nd method, hopefully for some reasons I will be able to explain below.

      Why a business vs just doing it as personal. In terms of TAXES, the difference between personal and business for the IRS is a "Hobby" vs a "Business". As a business there are broader tax deductions, and it is REALLY REALLY worth the minimal effort to put yourself in that situation. The BIGGEST advantage is in many cases going from being able to take proportional deductions ( as a Hobby ) VS full deductions as a business. The vehicle credit is a great example of this.

      Now you have yourself in 1 of the 2 "Structures" you have to start keeping records. This still applies: ( https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11490099 )

      The envelope method to start is awesome, My son uses this method for his store and it makes my work at the end of the year very easy.

      A brief run down of the things you want to track:
      • Gross Sales
      • COG ( Cost of Goods )
      • eBay Fees ( Insertion, Final Value, Promoted Listing )
      • Shipping
      • Shipping Materials
      • Advertising ( insert cards - and some added I will make a post about later )
      • Keep track of the time and expense in cleaning items to sell ( Its a business deduction )

      Again use the envelope method and at the end of the year you just add up all the numbers and place them where they need to go on the tax forms - supper easy.

      The Advantages of Running a Business


      deductions deductions deductions. As a business... your car/truck at $.56 a mile ( in 2021 ), Advertising expenses, your Phone, Internet, a portion of you home or apartment expenses IE Electric, Gas, Your Rent or Mortgage ( home office deduction ) Here is a link to turbo tax to maybe study up on some of this stuff: ( https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips...ions/L5RueYPVS )

      Like i said at the top, you in better than theory in the end should be better off doing this legit, than what you were doing before. Depending on your tax situation, Single, Married, Head of household, there is a "Standard Deduction". and you can take that for sure, but as you fill out your taxes you might find that your business expenses are of greater value.

      So... just some basic information.. what to expect moving forward, if you are not prepared for Jan 2023 I think its going to be ugly myself for many - Just educate yourself and when in doubt keep any and every expense so your not caught off guard.

      I hope everyone had a great year, and that 2022 is even better. I know for myself 2021 in terms of reselling is going to be REAL hard to beat.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      For a guy like me, its easy to say the world is about to go to crap in a hand basket. I am sure most would think, what the heck is savidge4 smoking... OR if I am lucky, people might wonder... if that is the case, what is savidge4 going to do to pivot to take advantage of the end of the world.

      Lets start with watching this:


      I am a Graham fan, I like how he can lay things out.... In this video I pretty much agree with what he has said, but there is I believe a bit of a gap. "The Fed" is looking at "inflation" and it was thought that the supply chain bottle necks were the root cause...as time has passed - the bottle neck is still there, BUT There has been no correction in the downward spiral of the market, So... "The Fed" is going to increase interest rates in an attempt to hold back inflation.

      I believe this is a mistake... I believe current inflation is as Graham points out is "Supply and Demand" I am sure most dont know but Feb 1st is the beginning of China's 12 day "holiday" aka Chinese New Years. Basically, everyone in China migrates to their family home ( the largest human migration pattern in the world btw ) and the entire country takes a 12 day vacation. A 12 day vacation in China means no boats leaving ports, meaning the ports in the States all of the sudden have a 12 day period to play catch up.

      Regardless of the immediate effect of this occurring "The Fed" is going to increase rates, and actually do the opposite of the desired effect and inflation will continue. The effect of Supply and Demand will be replaced with the effects of higher interest rates - Prices will continue to go up.

      So where does that leave us - as resellers? I suggest in the drivers seat. The population at large will be strapped for cash, BUT still buying, just buying "Smarter" or should I say, "less expensively".

      My wife buys season end closeouts... Right now we are selling way to many winter boots and coats, that were bought in years past. We are looking for the end of "season" to go in and buy bulk of the same items. Last year was amazingly good, like kids $60 coats for $5.00 that we are right now getting about $40.00 for. Which is great... but to follow our 3x plan we could come down to $27.50 free shipping. Do you see where this is going?

      There is this line... inflation creates higher prices... and the line is the point that things get to expensive that people stop buying, and at that point supply and demand kicks in because no sales equals increased supply with less demand, and the prices will drop drastically. BUT until that happens, if YOU can buy and sell at 3X and remain below 1/2 cost of new, people will be out there looking for deals.. we are without question seeing this already. As things are getting worse, our sales are increasing.

      Historically when the stock market drops as it has, there is a 3 to 4 month gap of inflation or increased prices. I am speculating that this run may be a bit longer in nature June to July I believe will be the bursting point towards deflation .

      Reselling right now for basics... boots, shoes, I would start thinking youth soccer, winter clothes, spring jackets - BASICS and maintain the 3X, and you will do very well.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      I haven't fully binge watched this guy yet... its kinda on my list of binges to do, but haven't gotten there yet. I did however watch this video #1 for the title, and #2 the videos I have seen have been pretty good.


      He is very much into Niche selling... and to a degree I get it, there are some absolute advantages to doing this. However in the video he talks about his Sourcing time... and I think because you are specifically looking or 1 type of thing and 1 type of thing only... you are greatly increasing the time needed to find those items.

      We specifically look at the math and nothing else... do we have the ability to pull 3x out of the item. He suggests a profit number.. $10, $20 etc. And again i think this can be limiting in a sort of way.

      Knowing that for every $1.00 I throw into product is going to bring back $3.00 at a minimum is in my mind just a simple easy way of knowing if a product is right for you.

      He does volume... and I have no problem buying one of something.. and we also buy bulk of things. He talks about in this video about having the product come to him... and yes there is a point that as a reseller you have grown to the point, where you can start calling wholesale houses and just get a feel for what they have.. they WILL start calling you, if they know what you are looking for... we now source a vast majority of our inventory this way. A phone call, a price, and we drive off and pick up a truck or trailer load of inventory - its nice and easy.

      Hope the video helps!
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      • Profile picture of the author art72
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        I haven't fully binge watched this guy yet... its kinda on my list of binges to do, but haven't gotten there yet. I did however watch this video #1 for the title, and #2 the videos I have seen have been pretty good.

        3 Ways to Make $200 Dollars Daily on eBay - YouTube

        He is very much into Niche selling... and to a degree I get it, there are some absolute advantages to doing this. However in the video he talks about his Sourcing time... and I think because you are specifically looking or 1 type of thing and 1 type of thing only... you are greatly increasing the time needed to find those items.

        We specifically look at the math and nothing else... do we have the ability to pull 3x out of the item. He suggests a profit number.. $10, $20 etc. And again i think this can be limiting in a sort of way.

        Knowing that for every $1.00 I throw into product is going to bring back $3.00 at a minimum is in my mind just a simple easy way of knowing if a product is right for you.

        He does volume... and I have no problem buying one of something.. and we also buy bulk of things. He talks about in this video about having the product come to him... and yes there is a point that as a reseller you have grown to the point, where you can start calling wholesale houses and just get a feel for what they have.. they WILL start calling you, if they know what you are looking for... we now source a vast majority of our inventory this way. A phone call, a price, and we drive off and pick up a truck or trailer load of inventory - its nice and easy.

        Hope the video helps!
        I really need to read the entirety of this thread, but just in this last page alone you've shared some epic level insights. Although it's been roughly 15 years past, the wife and I used to attend local storage auctions, and the way you teach is exactly what made us very successful at buy -sell - and trading physical items we acquired for pennies back then.

        Granted, the television show; "Storage Wars" really killed the opportunity as drones of people began showing up to bid, with zero clue what they buying or what they were doing there. The TV made it appear as if there was an Elvis Presley collection in every unit, when that was hardly ever the case.

        We NEVER bid a unit over $500, and although I was still contracting pool work and doing the auctions as a side hustle, I learned a great deal from antique collector's and well... the professionals that knew about Venetian mirrors, taxidermy, antiquities and memorabilia, etc...

        As your approach is 3X, I used to bid based only on what was visible, as you were not allowed inside the units, and those who knew; brought flashlights and looked under the moving blankets for high end furniture with clawed feet, Royal Dalton, Meissen, and pottery from George Orr, expensive and/or older highly valued items, etc...

        The irony being, I bought a 10' x 20' unit that wasn't full, maybe 1/3 of the space was used, but within that unit was a stack of Miller Antique books that I browsed, studied, and learned a great deal from to educate myself as to what I was bidding. I paid $450 for that unit, kept all the antiques and artworks, and still made 10X what we paid for the unit.

        Despite having made great money selling off all the junk - there was a ton of work involved, and a lot of trips to the local dump to get rid of truckloads of garbage.

        There's still money there, but not like it was before "Storage Wars" ruined the fact; it was far more lucrative before they started airing those shows!

        I never did try selling physical items on eBay, definitely something to consider in the near and not so distant future, thanks for posting this thread, as clearly - you teach what you most need to know brother, and that quote has reshaped the way I see the future!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      So I have been watching more and more "Daily Refinement" and I ran across a video from a few days ago.. his eBay account was suspended - as in shut down forever suspended. Once I watch the video.. it made more sense - and he knew better.


      He says it in video after video... $10 to $50 common items... And never brings up $1.8 Million in 6 months with $20,000+ sneakers - Just straight up insane actually-- and then he mentions in the video the profit margin wasnt that great - OUCH.

      To cut some of you off.. this is in NO MEANS another example of why you should not use platforms... Understand what can make this happen - and it more than appears he understood exactly - but did it anyways.

      The last 5 yrs of videos that he produced... it really is gold... he had /has a system and strategy for everything he does. Should be REAL interesting to see how he adapts to his current situation.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      We've only had about 120 actual views in (*just under 4 days) and average 1.3% click-through rate... I don't know if that is good or bad?

      Would that be friday through monday of a holiday weekend? Would that weekend/holiday affect traffic on ebay? or not?
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      • Profile picture of the author art72
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        Would that be friday through monday of a holiday weekend? Would that weekend/holiday affect traffic on ebay? or not?
        Wife said the same thing... with memorial weekend, odds are probable everyone was cooking out, doing the long-weekend thing.

        They have been upgrading the eBay listing tools and adding new features, which may also be a factor, as I read seasoned sellers questioning the drop in traffic. I have no data yet to really know what to expect, it may be "all thee above".
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        Would that be friday through monday of a holiday weekend? Would that weekend/holiday affect traffic on ebay? or not?
        It does yes - the 1 exception I find being Christmas night
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  • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
    Is there anything about how to deal with negative customer feedback in this thread? Hopefully you'll get none but this may be useful to know:


    1. On eBay and eCrater, at least, the seller can always have the last word. You can respond to negative reviews.

    2. Therefore nothing said in response to a negative review can be questioned.

    3. Therefore you can say anything you want.

    4. So you should say something which makes you look good in some way.

    5. But should almost always avoid saying anything negative about the customer.


    If you feel like calling the customer a stupid $%^&* then write it out, come back in 5 minutes, realize that you can't actually do that and say something else instead. The worst you should make it would be mild sarcasm. It's needed sometimes to be honest. Whenever writing anything for non-domestic consumption, and you are unsure if it is 'proper' or not ask yourself this: what would a court judge think of it? Then you'll know.

    If someone complains prematurely (for example after their order was sent but before they received it) you can say something like "Sorry about the issue but we're glad you were happy with the product you received". So now the customer goes, "I haven't even received the bloody thing yet - what are they on about?!", but that's as far as it's going. They had the item and they liked it - it says so on the feedback.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

      Is there anything about how to deal with negative customer feedback in this thread? Hopefully you'll get none but this may be useful to know:


      1. On eBay and eCrater, at least, the seller can always have the last word. You can respond to negative reviews.

      2. Therefore nothing said in response to a negative review can be questioned.

      3. Therefore you can say anything you want.

      4. So you should say something which makes you look good in some way.

      5. But should almost always avoid saying anything negative about the customer.


      If you feel like calling the customer a stupid $%^&* then write it out, come back in 5 minutes, realize that you can't actually do that and say something else instead. The worst you should make it would be mild sarcasm. It's needed sometimes to be honest. Whenever writing anything for non-domestic consumption, and you are unsure if it is 'proper' or not ask yourself this: what would a court judge think of it? Then you'll know.

      If someone complains prematurely (for example after their order was sent but before they received it) you can say something like "Sorry about the issue but we're glad you were happy with the product you received". So now the customer goes, "I haven't even received the bloody thing yet - what are they on about?!", but that's as far as it's going. They had the item and they liked it - it says so on the feedback.
      In regards to eBay there is a bit of a trick of sorts. If you are a "Top Rated Seller" and offer Free returns - meaning the seller pays the return shipping - the trade off for doing this is you can dispute any negative feedback and have it removed.

      I can say that last year we had a total of 1 negative feedback placed on us, and it was a "for parts only" type of thing, so we were not offering returns on the item - so we did not qualify for the above stated trick. We were well within our right to not refund the customer, nor did we have to accept a return due to the reason for return the customer used to process the claim... but after his complaint was posted we replied with the fact we would accept a return on the item - but they could not return it. - made us look good.

      I have always suggested to get the bad experience delt with first, and finalize between you, the platform, and the customer the issue and the resolution. THEN you can go in and leave a response to any feed back. And NO, you do not want to bad mouth the buyer, and depending on the resolution you may simply respond with "Customer was refunded" or like in my case where the customer couldn't anyways.. I responded "We will gladly accept your return"

      To dive off the deep end in the middle of things and get mad is just not a good idea.

      Since we are on the topic of Feedback... ever thought of adding feedback to positive feedback? We don't do it in every instance but we do maybe 10% of them. "Oh Im glad you liked it" or "I was shocked how fast that got to you"

      I very much stay away from "Hope to see you again" or anything like that... it goes from a genuine response to one that more than appears to be sales related.

      A pet peave of mine is Holiday e-mails... On Holidays on all of the assorted mailing lists I have both online and off we do indeed send Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years messages... like any other business right? The part we do not include is a sales pitch of any kind - as in no check out our site... or 10% off NO, NO, and NO... From our families to your we wish you.... is in a nutshell, the message. The response to this is the greatest we get all year.

      I work with some pretty big business' and one of my clients is a large retailor, we ran a "Merry Christmas" e-mail last year to 10% of their mailing list... no products, no sales pitch, no our store will open at X tomorrow.. no Shop online... a very direct message from the Pres of the Company wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays from everyone at X.

      Just got a report yesterday that the 10% that got this message last year spent more money this last year ( that was trackable ) as in 4X greater than the other 90% combined. Not selling in some cases is more powerful than selling. So Positive comments on top of positive comments go a long way... not to just those that receive them, but those that actually look at your feedback and read them.
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      • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Since we are on the topic of Feedback... ever thought of adding feedback to positive feedback? We don't do it in every instance but we do maybe 10% of them. "Oh Im glad you liked it" or "I was shocked how fast that got to you"
        Crossed my mind but not considered. I'll consider it more.

        I do send personal messages to customers who are delighted to find/get/have gotten a desired product. It would be rude not to.

        *****

        Are you prompt? Do you prioritize messages? Which ones? The complaining ones? The first in the queue? The easiest ones to deal with? The tricky ones?

        I choose none of these. I choose first-time enquiries. Then quickly answer the enquiries that demand a quick response. And which ones of those do I answer first? The ones which allow me to point out to the potential customer how reliable and efficient our customer service is. And maybe make assurances about the product if the buyer sounds undecided. I don't need to tell them we respond quickly to emails because it's self-evident.

        No time at all to send these messages and then I can deal more leisurely with something like a return or shipping issue.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

          Crossed my mind but not considered. I'll consider it more.

          I do send personal messages to customers who are delighted to find/get/have gotten a desired product. It would be rude not to.

          *****

          Are you prompt? Do you prioritize messages? Which ones? The complaining ones? The first in the queue? The easiest ones to deal with? The tricky ones?

          I choose none of these. I choose first-time enquiries. Then quickly answer the enquiries that demand a quick response. And which ones of those do I answer first? The ones which allow me to point out to the potential customer how reliable and efficient our customer service is. And maybe make assurances about the product if the buyer sounds undecided. I don't need to tell them we respond quickly to emails because it's self-evident.

          No time at all to send these messages and then I can deal more leisurely with something like a return or shipping issue.
          Over the years in my retail end of things I have developed a template of least resistance. We dont get product questions very often... maybe one a week - and probably not even that. We have gotten one dispute in the last 3 years. On my eBay accounts there is literally 10x more messages in my eBay mailbox from eBay than there is customers.

          I look at it this way, If i am answering questions or communicating in any with a customer I have not done my job up front. For me, and focusing on the mathematical needs to create a sale:

          [ C= 4M+3V +2( I+F ) -2A ]


          A bunch of letters and numbers I know here is what they mean:
          • C = Probability Of Conversion
          • M = Motivation Of User ( When )
          • V = Clarity Of The Value Proposition ( Why )
          • I = Incentive To Take Action
          • F = Friction Elements Of Process
          • A = Anxiety Over Entering Information

          Once you can wrap your head around this kind of stuff... you can directly relate communication before the buy as "Friction". They HAVE the Incentive to buy ( they reached out and asked a question ). However there is friction and anxiety over pressing "Buy Now".

          As marketers we have to look at input from our prospective buyers and understand what is holding up the process... In the realm of Online sales, more often than not there is no second chance... they ( the customer ) may have all of the motivation in the world to buy what you are offering, and the friction and anxiety sends them off to buy elsewhere.

          LEARN from questions about products. And read this one over and over A Product is a Product is a Product. meaning a question you might get about what size is a X, applies to Y, Z, A, B, and C. Its not that the customer is asking a stupid question... The reality is YOU are stupid for selling something and NOT answering the question for them. For every person that DOES ask a question there is 100's that just passed on by.

          So how do I prioritize messages... First come first serve.. resolve the issue at hand, and then there is a really hard look at what was asked and how best to answer that within the text of the product page, so the question is never asked again.
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          • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            So how do I prioritize messages... First come first serve.. resolve the issue at hand, and then there is a really hard look at what was asked and how best to answer that within the text of the product page, so the question is never asked again.
            You have to put sought after info on the product page.

            I made a special FAQ page - with a link to it on the product page - d'ya think anyone ever looks there? Probably - they just don't tell me about it. It's a suppository* of all of the answers to almost all of the questions I'm ever asked. And then there's the information repeated again on my shop store front - with a load more useful info, but no - not good enough because it's not right there.

            It's amazing how specific you have to be. Especially on an unfamiliar site where buyers may be looking for assurances, not potential issues due to incorrect descriptions or lack of clarity. I had an order from the UK the other day, which would be shipped from the US. The customer bought it as an Xmas gift and expected 4 day delivery! But normal shipping times are stated and that's at least 10 days. I guess some just live in hope.




            *Sorry.
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          • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            [ C= 4M+3V +2( I+F ) -2A ]


            A bunch of letters and numbers I know here is what they mean:
            • C = Probability Of Conversion
            • M = Motivation Of User ( When )
            • V = Clarity Of The Value Proposition ( Why )
            • I = Incentive To Take Action
            • F = Friction Elements Of Process
            • A = Anxiety Over Entering Information
            I have looked at the formula and made a new one up for comparison: C = A x D, where A is ad spend and D is desire. But I'm no mathematician and and I'm often illogical so you have to watch me.
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

              I have looked at the formula and made a new one up for comparison: C = A x D, where A is ad spend and D is desire. But I'm no mathematician and and I'm often illogical so you have to watch me.
              How much you spend on ads in no way effects a conversion... Go read the main board of this forum and read all of the I have been running an ad for 3 months and spent $1000 and havent sold anything threads... or the I have been trying to make money online for 12 years and havent made anything threads. They are there, and its disheartening to me.

              This very thread that ended up making $3998.00 in one month ( profit I might add after ALL expenses [ end of 30 day totals post: https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11494254 ] ) and had exactly $0 in ad spend. As this played out over 1 years time the total exceeded $100,000 for the year. Again, Ad Spend means nothing

              Desire / Motivation only takes you so far - It gets them there, and they WANT to buy.. but it is really the remain elements of the equation that push a buyer to the tipping point. Ad spend and desire doesn't sell, it puts them in front of the offer.

              So what does matter? When you start matching the text of the ad ( expectation ) to the lander text ( meeting expectation ) you are headed in the right direction. This is the beginning of the process of removing friction and cementing the Value Proposition. They click on something and it is exactly what they clicked on.

              As an eBay example here go search search a shoe on eBay Say Nike Jordan's or something... and once you are there find a link that lists your size in the product title. Sounds kind of silly right.. just go try it... When I searched "nike jordans" I was presented with 45 rows of 4 shoes in each row ( 180 shoes in total ) and 21 of the listings actually had a size listed in the title.

              So obviously no one ( well ok they do ) searches "Nike Jordans" but they may search "Nike Jordans size 9" and again 180 shoes, and this time there was 60 listings with the size present in the title. What links am I most likely to click on?

              THIS little detail removes 66% of the competing products. So if we consider the Title of a product on eBay as an Ad... does it matter if I boost the ad ( ad spend )? or does it matter to meet supply with the specific demand ( size 9 Nike Jordan shoes )?

              Once you then have the click.. its the photos and the description that are going to do the work... Free returns... free shipping... but what happens if in one of the photos there is a scuff mark and its not listed in the description? If they are listed as "New" the customer will bounce to the next listing right? "New" is the Expectation and "Scuffed" is the expectation not being met.

              Again its the details... and as a developer of websites and dealing with the conversion of pages specifically I am not a fan of "questions" being answered on a separate page. The answers should be woven within the text to add Clarity of the Value Proposition.

              Lets pick a page any page.. how about Tesla Solar Panels ( tesla.com/solarpanels ) is there a Q and A page? uh nope. As you scroll through ( down ) the panels of information you will see 1 or 2 calls of action "Order Now" obviously and when needed "Learn More". As much information as they ( Tesla ) feels you need to click "Order Now" is all right there. and I bet for the average person going to that page specifically because of "Motivation" probably clicks "Order Now"

              There is simply more than getting people interested in an offer, to YOUR offer.
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              • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                Ad Spend means nothing...
                I imagine it depends on the product. I advertise a product and the product sells. So for me advertising means everything.

                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                Desire / Motivation only takes you so far
                Desire takes them to my product because they search for it and find it - and then buy it. I have no need to build desire - it exists.

                We will all have different business models, experiences, skills, time, talent, ways of doing things. Slap it on and send it out defines my way of doing things. I fathom that you may pay a little more attention to operational detail than that.
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

                  I imagine it depends on the product. I advertise a product and the product sells. So for me advertising means everything.



                  Desire takes them to my product because they search for it and find it - and then buy it. I have no need to build desire - it exists.

                  We will all have different business models, experiences, skills, time, talent, ways of doing things. Slap it on and send it out defines my way of doing things. I fathom that you may pay a little more attention to operational detail than that.
                  So lets really call a spade a spade here... " I advertise... the product sells. " is REALLY I get TRAFFIC and my product sells. Not that there is such a thing as FREE traffic... but there are alternative methods of traffic. I Pay eBays 10% fee because the traffic is already present. That 10% fee ( minus the cost of credit card transactions and hosting etc etc ) is in essence PAYING for the traffic.

                  Translate this at scale.. your 1 item vs my 3000+ items and if I had to create a direct traffic flow for each item I would go broke.

                  Or translate this down to even scale your 1 item that you have paid advertising vs my 1 item that I spend time in trade for the spend to develop multiple avenues of traffic... and there comes a point that my time spent is in value less than your ad spend. I would argue that Ad spend is an expense ( which is not a bad thing ) and that exchange for time vs ad spend is an investment.

                  Ad spend is a faucet.. its on or its off... building a network of traffic avenues once developed is just on. and again the variables at play here are Time and Money.

                  Im not saying I dont use paid ads... but Ad spend is used as a means to an end. Ad spend allows for the time to develop the avenues of traffic that will in time replace the spend. expense vs investment.

                  Ive been doing this for a long time, and I understand my views and opinions especially on this topic are not considered "Normal" or even "rational" in the eyes of most. People that use Ads succeed and those that use SEO or Social Media fail. But again you go out on the main board and the great majority of users on this very Forum ( WF ) fail at both.

                  Success on this Forum is few and far between, and like I said before the fact that this is true is very disheartening to me. Its easy for me... but I have been making a living online for over 20 years now.. and technically making money with the use of computers going back to 1982? 83 maybe with a BBS.

                  And the absolute truth... The more things have changed over the years the more they have remained the same. SEO is no different today than it was 20 years ago. Social Media today is no different than the BBS's of days gone by.

                  The transition from Print Ads to Digital Ads is the platform... The nuts and bolt are exactly the same. People try so hard to re-invent the wheel... if the wheel rolls.. just roll with it.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
                    Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                    Ad spend is used as a means to an end.
                    When you hit the nail on the head as squarely as that it drives the point home better than anything I could say.

                    Because the end is sales and ads get sales.

                    I think a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

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                    Projects need completing and can't wait for me to become competent enough to do them. So either they don't get done or I get help. I could not photo edit with photoshop at one time. I just didn't know how. Turns out it is very easy. But at the time I paid 6 dollars for someone on SeoClerks to do it so I could list the product and start making money immediately.

                    If I decided to make a completely new line a website would be perfect. Nice branding, easy checkout, lots of interest, vibrant and appealing. But I can't do a website. So ecommerce sites plus Google is what I'm limited to. If I was someone who was unaware of their limitations I'd have spent the last 10 years being broke. If I know I can't do X I know it's best that I do Y.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oscar K
    Brass guitar slides: How would a seller corner this market? Supply = sales. More/most desirable product at lower price than competition = some sales increasing to most sales of product over time on platform. Such a specialism could be marketed in other ways but always be selling from an ecommerce site. It's only 13% of gross.

    Who sells most guitar slides? Amazon and eBay*. That's paid ads, in effect. Can any other method or platform compete? I couldn't make one. Not just to conquer the brass tube market at any rate.

    Make lemonade when you have lemons is another good one.



    *Probably.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Oscar K View Post

      Brass guitar slides: How would a seller corner this market? Supply = sales. More/most desirable product at lower price than competition = some sales increasing to most sales of product over time on platform. Such a specialism could be marketed in other ways but always be selling from an ecommerce site. It's only 13% of gross.

      Who sells most guitar slides? Amazon and eBay*. That's paid ads, in effect. Can any other method or platform compete? I couldn't make one. Not just to conquer the brass tube market at any rate.

      Make lemonade when you have lemons is another good one..
      To best answer this we will use some math. eBay of all the platforms has the most transparent data available to figure things like this out. Regardless of platform you choose to sell on, I would suggest using eBay and the below tactic to give you a better idea of "market" for any given product.

      So what we will need to do is goto eBay and search for "Brass Guitar Slide". The number we are interested in looking for is in the upper left of the screen ( when looking from a PC or Laptop ) # of results for X.. in this case 229 results for brass guitar slide. We then are going to look to the right upper corner for the word "Advanced" justto the right of the blue "Search" button.

      From here we are going to ensure the search string in this case "Brass Guitar Slide" is inserted and then just below the blue "Search" button we want to check "Sold Listings" then click the search button. We are now looking in the upper left for 91 results for Brass Guitar Slide.

      So we have the number of total active results ( 229 ) and the number of items sold in the last 90 days ( 91 ) and we want to add these 2 numbers together ( 320 ) and then we want to divide number of items sold ( 91 ) by the total number of items listed and items sold ( 320 ) and we get .28.

      .28 is the percent or probability of selling this item in 90 days. .00 being the worst, and .99 ( or greater ) being the best.. this item does not fair well. If we look at the 91 items sold in the last 90 days we can also determine that only 1 slide per day was sold... hard to "Dominate" such a week market.

      So lets get a broader picture of the market and do the same for "Guitar Slide" 1595 listed, and 596 sold Current plus previously sold is 2191 and then we divide the 596 by 2191 and get a sales probability of 27%... but things look promising with 6.62 being sold daily.

      The one observation that I see is that "Aged" brass seems to sell consistently. IE soak the item in Salt and Vinegar for like an hour and then bake in the oven ( 450 degrees ) / or super heat with a propane torch and then cold dip real quick... takes a $10.00 sale to a $20.00 sale.

      The market is clearly stronger in Metal ( stainless ) and Glass and Ceramic and painfully less strong for the likes of Copper and Plexiglass.

      Taking an instant look at these kind of things this time of year in some cases can be misleading... It being Christmas and all, and it seems to me this would be a gift type item.. so I wonder if it performs less as we get on with the new year...

      Based on what I am seeing here... if you and your ad efforts are selling 1 a day.. you might be at the top of your game... Demand is just not there... your odds of "Selling More" ( maybe 3 every 2 days) would be to get your hands on Stainless steel ones.

      BUT if you are currently selling basic brass, looking into the aged look and getting more per sale might be worth the effort.

      Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Alright, I feel to have been stricken with a NEED to DO THIS... after reading through MOST of this entire thread.

    There are certainly questions that arise, as my wife and I used to buy/sell/trade - but we didn't have any online store, ship product, or really get dialed-in on how to create an inventory system, so when a product sells we can KNOW that item is part of Lot# 10 purchases, the date was May 2022, and the SKU is 00027 or as in organized tracking of item and location.

    Also, I too have been binge watching Chris (Daily Refinement) he definitely had a good run going, no doubt, and I like his FOCUS being on TIME, efficiency, and being disciplined and concentrated on making everything FLOW ergonomically... that can save time, and time is money!

    Again, I find myself studying a new opportunity and feeling a wee-bit ignorant, clearly the BULK of this model I already know as it parallels (*or operates) similar to other businesses and opportunities I have experienced and did well with in the past... like selling ice cream and snacks as a local vendor on wheels as younger man... that ice cream sold itself, I did not have to force anyone's hand to buy a chocolate éclair or buy their kid a specialty Pink Panther on a stick ice cream for $150 (and those at cost cost me .47 cents each, if my serves me well)... so that was a 3X item.

    My rules back then were very similar...

    4X Minimum return - so if I paid $2.40 wholesale for a case of 24 count Creamsicles - they would sell for .50 cents each x 24 and returned $12.00 (over) 4X ROI... BUT, thereto I had products that cost .10 cents each that sold for $1 each... so, the returns (before operating costs) was 9X (900% gains on net sales) excluding my initial product cost and operating expenses, pennies! Those items BALANCED OUT any deals I ran on 2 for ! days... or when I ran specials like BUY 5 Choco-Tacos (*normally $1.25 each) YOU SAVE $1.25 when you BUY 5 - YOU were getting ONE for FREE... but what it did on the backend was take a person buying 3 to buying 5 and I would reduce giving change back from keeping that $5 bill. (*Round em' up...)

    Now, I am setting a goal to create (2) stores: Store A. My wife's store Store B. My store - I'll likely be doing 80% of the work and research on both, as I know from past experience she likes the shopping and collecting money... but has a hard time letting go of "pretty thing or things she finds with value attached to them" and she too like Erin is a ninja at the bargain hunting game. (She bought 5 items at a yard sale 2 or 3 years ago, comes home "looks up the brand name and item, shows me the retail cost was $150 at the beauty retailers stores (Sally's and others) and I am BLOWN AWAY saying:

    "You bought this item for $1 and it is in brand new condition, works flawlessly, but no box... that would SELL for $50 online - all-day-long!"

    She said; "I don't have enough inventory!"

    SEE... problem #1 - DO NOT get attached to the items or their 'face value' - as her hair straighteners and OTHER yard sale TREASURES sit idle and barely (if ever) get used in this house!

    Sell... Sell... Sell...

    I can foresee a entire warehouse filled with valuables... she can shop til she drops and when the warehouse is full and the 6-figure barrer or threshold is crossed annually, then she can ONE of any 1000 items - FOR FREE (less the value it would've sold for edgewise."

    I'm also thinking... since I DO NEED a job to sustain the basics while building a buiness, there's a good chance;

    DOING UBER, LIFT, or Grub HUB (*maybe shop for other people's groceries" could fetch the bare bone $2200 minimum living costs we NEED RIGHT NOW (and we live cheap AF ATM) - could be a dual purpose...

    While I am delivering a latte and a veggie burger from "X" - She could be dropped off at the Goodwill or thrift to pluck her treasures...

    I can pluck treasures in-between rides or deliveries...

    But, I can see 3 birds (1) stone within this business model.

    My only real FEAR is what happen to Chris selling high end items without "Chain of Control Receipts" will likely NEVER happen to the average person - he admits that... but now, he is DONE on eBay for life, lest he TRUSTS Christine - or - his wife to put her social security and I.P. address on the line to re-open under an alias or switches platforms (which is always an option) there's What not, Let Go, local FB markets, Craigs List, AMAZON, Shopify, and plenty more sites/platforms to use to do this!

    Lastly, and most importantly...

    I have looked into wholesaling stuff from China (Alibaba) and I wonder:

    How the hell is the freight and shipping more than the damn items YOU BUY at wholesale?

    I am researching specific niche-markets (*in preparation for bulk buys in the future, cart befiore the horse mindset) and I no knowledge of the shipping process, I'd LOVE to BRAND both the wife's store and my own with Stickers and Thank-You for Your Purchase branded or personalized packaging, as well as offer a discount code on their NEXT purchase to keep them coming back to her or I.

    Also, 2 years ago I filled a 20' x 25' 4-bay storage unit (*no power, no lighting) - just 4 bay doors and a HUGE area to store goods and materials. 2 Years ago that unit rented on special for $262 per month... same unit today is renting for $475 - so I am blown away by the massive HIKE in EVERYTHING.

    I am NOT just jumping in blind, I won't do it. I need to know basic protocols, and legal stuff, as well as expected costs for shipping, renting a warehouse, and LEARN the basic of say "SEEDING" the store wit 50 items first and staying disciplined to listing 10 items per day (or more) in both stores.

    The sourcing, treasure hunting, and testing market values seems to be the easiest part.

    What I foresee as the hardest part learning the ALGO, legal, and TOS to stay in favor of eBay's rules and rewards for those who OBEY on their platform. And, having a PLAN B - just in case a major infraction (Like w/Chris happens to us.) That's scary!

    This guy has been around longer than Chris... and they are kicking ass... I like what this PRESENTS opportunity wise, at least have some controls over the ASSETS... and BUILDING ASSETS FAST!

    I LOVE THIS MODEL... and the work cannot be nearly as bad as working FOR someone ever again!

    Like Boston said in their song; "Don't Look Back!" (look FORWARD, live NOW!)

    Anyways, thank-you savidge4 -m I'm putting my other business model "on-hold" til funds and time support that model, unless I can work that TOO in the foreground (*here comes the next 100 hour work week, LOL)

    Anyway, if you haven't watched this guy and his wife's growth... it's an amazing view!

    https://youtu.be/YGb8aSxknXs
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Anyways, thank-you savidge4 -m I'm putting my other business model "on-hold" til funds and time support that model, unless I can work that TOO in the foreground (*here comes the next 100 hour work week, LOL)

      Anyway, if you haven't watched this guy and his wife's growth... it's an amazing view!

      https://youtu.be/YGb8aSxknXs
      1st your welcome. Ralli Roots - yes i have watched them more than a bit... when you compare a number of these people say Cincinatti Picker or Froggy Flips or the Ralli's or Daily Refinement - Daily Refinement hands down is the one to some degree or all in emulate.

      Im a business guy, Im an engineer head... so my brain is programmed by percentages... Chris is NOT that - and its interesting.. every sale in a $10.00 bill, a $20.00 bill vs I just doubled or tripled my investment - Chris' is easier on the accounting end.

      Shipping is a thing... With many of the postal changes you really want to stay with things that fit in a 12x12x12 box or smaller to start - I keep meaning to binge watch some of the guys that sell golf clubs and bats etc to see what has happened since the most recent increases - anything over 36" gets hit with a $15.00 added charge YIKES.

      I say this over and over right? DOCUMENT.. what exactly is this thread? I practice what I preach. So you need to get in the practice of doing the same... and ding it publicly and not in some little notepad where the only amount of accountability is with yourself. From Self Employed / a JOB... to THIS... REALLY self employed.. is an "Exit Strategy" 1 post a day 365 days from now is AUTHORITY all day long - thinking this through in reverse where would you be if you started this a year ago? You cant get yesterday back... but you can make 364 yesterdays into day 365 that has you set for success - starting TODAY - Do something today, that will make tomorrow better.

      so back to shipping... Poly Bags are so the way to go... 15 oz or less keeps you in first class postage ( $6.00 max shipping cost ) after that Fix rate Padded bags... Region A boxes ( anything over 2lb and under 15lb - ships at a 2lb rate ) IF you are going to use "Free Shipping" calculate your shipping based on its possible furthest destination ( look ata postal map I am sure i linked to more than once ) I literally use "90210" ( i am sure you get the reference ) and thats how I determine my "Shipping Cost" , now if it ships closer, Zone 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 I have an added profit center.

      Taxes... watch this:


      I share the envelope method.. since then eBay has made this process easier.. i would still employ the envelope method to track any "outside of eBay" expenses - super easy and once a month for less than 20 mins and done.

      And seriously... any questions big or small - im right here!
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Alright without overthinking too much, my main concern is not to jeopardize the store(s) right from the rip as I have a summary checklist that seems to cover most of the main areas of focus - such as 3X Rule, scheduled daily routines (*post 5-10 items per day, clear out-of-stock items daily, sourcing, etc,...)

    Real quick to me... 3X is TOTAL - $10 purchase lists for $30 Buy It Now... less say $10 fees & shipping - minimum ROI 2:1 - every dollar in returns 2 (*although I am aiming higher than that, naturally) *Is that HOW YOU EQUATE 3X? (*or do mean 3X PROFIT?)

    Also, I do have a few questions that may have different answers based on certain niches or models, as I do not intent to do ANY eBay auctions (due to payment delays, and people bail on the bids)...So I am 100% focused only on "buy it now" or "make offer" deals.

    One of the primary questions centers on "out-of-pocket costs" as the new managed payments has created a riff with a lot of older/established sellers - who are so frustrated they are leaving the platform... doesn't effect me, so I'm cool with that.

    But... it does pose an operating budget question:

    We are hoping to minimalize refunds (I'd prefer to have NO REFUNDS) by posting clear photos and transparent listings and being 100% straight-forward with any blemishes, chips, mis-stiches, etc...

    Even still, we have to have funds to cover the sale price and the shipping costs in the event of a refund - *until eBay transfers money from buyer to our checking account which ranges from *1 - 5 days before those sales are forwarded and made available to us - in our checking account.

    *Not really a big deal, it's just like waiting that first week for a paycheck at a normal job... I can live with that, although I can see why old school resellers are pissed over not having funds available in PayPal sooner and building their credit by paying off those fees vis; credit card every month. (*That does SUCK!)

    So... my question;

    My wife received a $200 buyer's credit from eBay - she loves to shop, lol... but, when we open her store (and mine separately) - these new changes suggest we WILL have a delay in funds receivable - plus, if a person refunds - eBay expects us to reimburse the buyer - and then when they process the buyer's payment/shipping/fees etc, eBay will then release funds to our bank.

    I am prepared to eat a few sales - just to RID the burden of those who it would be cheaper and easier to refund than FIGHT... so, I am mentally preparing for *maybe 1% of 1000 sales to be a LOSS - so long as it is not a switch-a-roo or high dollar item dispute! (*Especially, if it is authenticated, certified, or passed eBay's authenticity - when required).

    How much should a NEW store owner have in say escrow or their account?

    For the record, nearly everything we have right now, maybe *200 items range from $5 - $100 (asking price) - so nothing too extreme ATM.

    Also, I totally forgot that a client gave me a ton of stuff when I remodeled their home they were going to drop off or donate to Goodwill such as:

    (14) Veritas - Harvard Classics - Deluxe Edition Hard Cover Books... (*naturally Darwin is missing, LOL - seems one everyone wants) - but, just to spread items and kick the BOTS into hyper-drive, I plan to list them individually... and that gives us time to source more goods - as we really do not have a gauge on what TIME FRAME items will take to sell.

    I've studied this thread, Chris, Ralli, Lamp Lady, and a few others enough to know what I am looking for now, and I believe we (wife and I) can each LIST (10) items per day in under a few hours per day by the middle of next month consistently, if not sooner... *WE (ME) am still getting the whole PLAN from photos, listing, inventory, and shipping FLOW sorted as we are starting with limited space to actually store merchandise/inventory - until we rent a storage unit (later, of course when funds permit).

    So, the next question concern my own ignorance, I'm a smoker - and I DO NOT want to sell something from my closet that reeks of smoke...

    Right now, I have a few items that are sure to sell as follows:

    1.) Vintage NFL Chicago Bears - Starter Youth Jacket - Large Satin - in really good shape, little discolor, no dry rot... really, really, good shape. (*most are listed for $100 now)

    2.) Kenneth Cole Black Leather Jacket (*really heavy actually, could be a shipping nightmare?) - and it's like new I bought for myself actually for $15 at a local thrift store and "if it sells?" - I can likely get a bunch more (*I live in Florida, it's never cold enough to wear the damn thing here, LOL) - so they are common in thrift stores around here.
    Obviously, we don't know how many items will sell? or How fast? - but clearly the higher priced the items and the higher the shipping costs will INFLATE that number we need to have "on hand"... So, it's hard to know if a couple hundred dollars will cover the refunds until we build momentum and build working capital... to where the account(s) are growing... the real plan!

    Also, as much as "I am a total camera-phobic mess" when it comes to trying to be on video, I intend to start a website with the brand and post a transcript, reviews, article, or summary and try my best to document everything, and post a video daily on YouTube channel with matching Store, Brand, Channel, etc... *even if it is just how we hunt merch and source some of our stuff locally. Until I understand the platform enough to "give authority advice". (*I think that part scares me more than running the damn store TBH!)

    We found: StickerYou[.]com (no affiliation) to maybe order 500 stickers (*it's like $100 - so it's only .05 cents to brand the boxes and packages - as money permits - not right now, but soon) as I am planning to create a clean delivery and shipping system - even if it's only a white box, sticker (brand logo) and a Thank-You card inside stating: "If you have ANY issues - PLEASE contact us @JohnDoeBrand[.]com - we aim to serve our customers, respectively! (*minimalize returns and negative feedback)

    I'm not sure if I can offer discount coupons like 10% OFF Your Next Purchase of $50 or more... or do that inside, as I haven't started the store yet... I think we are almost ready - the fear of losing the eBay account delayed me a bit, better safe than sorry!

    So...

    In summary:

    1.) What's the cheapest way to rid smoke from a clothing item? (*drycleaners maybe? or just launder item?)

    Example: *NFL Starter Jacket will sell for $75 no problems... if I have to have it steam cleaned for $20, I'd still make money... but I DO NOT want refunds!

    2.) The FEAR of delayed payments due to the new MANAGED SYSTEM seem to suggest *1-5 days, so I'd like to know if $200 starting capital sitting in the account will suffice - in the case of a refund?

    *We are sincerely shoe-stringing this thing... so it is really hard to know how much to have sitting in eBay? or a bank account? - without having SOLD anything yet and the delay of time from sale to bank deposit(s) does factor into the equation for the start-up and in the beginning delays only - I was told even "Daily Payouts" can take *1-5 days on eBay now - with most seasoned sellers stating *1-3 days money hits their account(s). _I'm cool with that, it's just the first 30 days, we need to be sourcing and listing nearly 20 items daily for our (2) stores.

    3.) Some of the items we have like the Harvard Classic Books would likely sell faster as a lot - but to build a little inventory and buy some time to get CONSISTENT items sourced and listed daily... I'm thinkin LIST them INDIVIDUALLY for under $10 each... + Shipping. (*I have zero dollars invested in these - I can always discount them to $1 + shipping later if need be!)

    4.) The shipping... You say offer FREE Shipping (*and just factor the 90210 costs - I'm in FL - so, yeah it makes sense!) - But then I have to have more available funds and the boxes, etc... if I cover the shipping, right?

    Whereas, the alternative of THEM paying shipping separately from the list pricing only hurts me if they refund, if I understand the rules correctly?

    So... even though I intend to TEST this as we go/grow our listings... I do wonder:

    Does the larger pricing SCARE PEOPLE? as opposed to items I have seen sell for $5 - where the shipping was on them @ $9.95? (*The shipping cost is more than the item itself in some cases).

    Personally, I would be hesitant to pay ONE PRICE of $14.95 w/free shipping - for an item I know is sold for under $10 - even though people do it all the time from what I have researched... they'll pay more for the convenience of having it shipped to their door... (maybe these are my own newbie jitters, IDK?)

    Any ways, I'm trying to sell my small Chevy S10 truck (*hopefully) by the next week., we have a nice little Mazda 3 hatchback that'll suffice - way better gas mileage, etc... If all goes well, I am fixing to go WIDE OPEN HUNTING & SOURCING... She and I used to be really good at this in our earlier years - the listings, platform TOS, and the shipping is really all new to us though! (*we didn't have smart phones back then 15 years ago, LOL)

    PS - kind of upset, had we started sooner, I would've sourced some stuff from Chris (*What Not auctions) as he's liquidated most of his merch on What Not for cheaper pricing, that alone was almost guaranteed to double the investment!

    Oh, well... there's plenty of thrift stores, yard sales, closeouts, clearance, and auctions in our area... my daughter is getting excited and we haven't even started yet... she's like Dad - you know, I am the BRAINS of this family (*she's a trip) and that Beaull's, The Okeechobee Flea Market, and the deals I come across - let alone wht is already in my house that we don't use... I could probably RULE in that business... she just started a job working for the enemy (*I'm kind of kidding here, she just switched jobs and works as a teller at PNC Bank, LOL).


    Oh, and lastly, she reminded me people are fanatical over all things Disney - I'm not trying to be niche-specific, but I am almost positive living 30 minutes from Disney - I can HUNT Disney stuff ANYWHERE! (*That's my default market to TEST - if all else fails!)

    Thanks!

    Art
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Alright without overthinking too much, my main concern is not to jeopardize the store(s) right from the rip as I have a summary checklist that seems to cover most of the main areas of focus - such as 3X Rule, scheduled daily routines (*post 5-10 items per day, clear out-of-stock items daily, sourcing, etc,...)

      Real quick to me... 3X is TOTAL - $10 purchase lists for $30 Buy It Now... less say $10 fees & shipping - minimum ROI 2:1 - every dollar in returns 2 (*although I am aiming higher than that, naturally) *Is that HOW YOU EQUATE 3X? (*or do mean 3X PROFIT?)
      I mean 3x PROFIT...buy for $10 sell for $46.00 ish $10 for shipping and 16% or roughly $6.00 for fees - $30.00 into your account after everything is removed

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Also, I do have a few questions that may have different answers based on certain niches or models, as I do not intent to do ANY eBay auctions (due to payment delays, and people bail on the bids)...So I am 100% focused only on "buy it now" or "make offer" deals.
      We do very few auctions - as in maybe less than a handful a year. Offers sounds like a good idea - "sounds like" but at scale it is a bit of a pain... someone is looking to buy and instead of "Buying" they make an offer. There is without question a gap between the time they click it, and the time you get it, and even as soon as getting it you respond - you have now locked in the item ( somewhat ) and the response back takes time.

      eBay does allow you to set automatic accept and decline values for offers. For a period of time we did do this. What we have found over time is people are using software or something and coming in at almost exactly your defined bottom line - so just list it at that and call it a day.

      https://www.thebalancesmb.com/increa...ease%20profits.

      Keep in mind the above is from the perspective of eBay... Reading 1 and 2 "Make Sense" but again at scale 100 items with offers and your are answering offers. Another way of looking at this - does Amazon have this feature?

      If you are going to do this... i would use the auto decline / accept and you will find there are no non payment issues - and holding of inventory for the 3 days and the need to answer back and yada yada Buy it, List it, Sell it, Ship it - anything less and we are consuming time, that adds up over time and ultmately costs money - this is how I see it anyways.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      One of the primary questions centers on "out-of-pocket costs" as the new managed payments has created a riff with a lot of older/established sellers - who are so frustrated they are leaving the platform... doesn't effect me, so I'm cool with that.

      But... it does pose an operating budget question:

      We are hoping to minimalize refunds (I'd prefer to have NO REFUNDS) by posting clear photos and transparent listings and being 100% straight-forward with any blemishes, chips, mis-stiches, etc...

      Even still, we have to have funds to cover the sale price and the shipping costs in the event of a refund - *until eBay transfers money from buyer to our checking account which ranges from *1 - 5 days before those sales are forwarded and made available to us - in our checking account.

      *Not really a big deal, it's just like waiting that first week for a paycheck at a normal job... I can live with that, although I can see why old school resellers are pissed over not having funds available in PayPal sooner and building their credit by paying off those fees vis; credit card every month. (*That does SUCK!)

      So... my question;

      My wife received a $200 buyer's credit from eBay - she loves to shop, lol... but, when we open her store (and mine separately) - these new changes suggest we WILL have a delay in funds receivable - plus, if a person refunds - eBay expects us to reimburse the buyer - and then when they process the buyer's payment/shipping/fees etc, eBay will then release funds to our bank.
      Start with this... If we are talking a "Business account" you need a minimumm $100 in there anyways - I know you are having issues with banks... As the system works.. someone buys something... the funds go into eBay holding and fees are removed and if you create the shipping label ( in 24 hours I believe ) that amount is removed and the remainder is then sent to your bank account on a daily or weekly basis. MY bank drops the funds the next business day - When I get a payout on Monday it is in the account Tuesday.. When I get a payout on a Friday it is in my acct on Saturday ( Most of the time ) banks and Fridays are weird.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I am prepared to eat a few sales - just to RID the burden of those who it would be cheaper and easier to refund than FIGHT... so, I am mentally preparing for *maybe 1% of 1000 sales to be a LOSS - so long as it is not a switch-a-roo or high dollar item dispute! (*Especially, if it is authenticated, certified, or passed eBay's authenticity - when required).

      How much should a NEW store owner have in say escrow or their account?
      So someone files a dispute... you have a time frame to accept the dispute ( 72 hours ).

      THIS IS CRITICAL - Even at a LOSS - request the return. Keep in mind we use "Free Returns" BUT not all returns are "Free" - it depends on the "reason" for return... so sometimes it may cost you return postage and other times NOT. We dont deal with a lot of returns, actually considering the volume very few. BUT only 10% of the returns that are initiated actually make it back to us - resulting in a "Refund". I can only assume the customer is trying to basically get the item for free. So your willingness to just refund is a double loss.. the item itself and the shipping.

      You accept the return... they ( the buyer ) then have to ship the item back to you and then you issue the refund once the item is back in your possession. By default you have given yourself a 5+ day window to ensure the amount needed is in your account. So the bank account operating expense should not be such a big deal - but again there is a built in buffer as needed.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      For the record, nearly everything we have right now, maybe *200 items range from $5 - $100 (asking price) - so nothing too extreme ATM.

      Also, I totally forgot that a client gave me a ton of stuff when I remodeled their home they were going to drop off or donate to Goodwill such as:

      (14) Veritas - Harvard Classics - Deluxe Edition Hard Cover Books... (*naturally Darwin is missing, LOL - seems one everyone wants) - but, just to spread items and kick the BOTS into hyper-drive, I plan to list them individually... and that gives us time to source more goods - as we really do not have a gauge on what TIME FRAME items will take to sell.

      I've studied this thread, Chris, Ralli, Lamp Lady, and a few others enough to know what I am looking for now, and I believe we (wife and I) can each LIST (10) items per day in under a few hours per day by the middle of next month consistently, if not sooner... *WE (ME) am still getting the whole PLAN from photos, listing, inventory, and shipping FLOW sorted as we are starting with limited space to actually store merchandise/inventory - until we rent a storage unit (later, of course when funds permit).
      Go watch a few videos of Garage flips, or Cincinatti Picker - even Rally Roots, and compare what they do to Chris. We parallel Chris'. Item comes in... research... photos... Pack it... Listing... and store ready to ship.

      Obviously takes more time on the front end to "List" items... but shipping is pulling the item printing a label and closing up the bag or box and sticking the label.

      The primary reason for this is we exclusively use "Free Shipping" and the expense of shipping has to be determined in order to set the price. I dont like to guess - you have read it on this thread and probably on other posts i have made - I like to take ME and my feeble little brain out of the equation - and insert DATA.

      We take the photos and then where the label is going to be placed we write whats ON the package ( Size L Rossini dress shirt pink ), the weight and the dimensions. we then go over and List the item... and all of the shipping information is right therre, and then we place the item IN THE BOX OR BAG on the shelf.

      One thing you can do is on the product title, you can put in a inventory number F-5 or something like that, so when the order sells you can see the product title you are pulling and the location is right there in front of you. - makes things easy.

      Having watched all of the same people you have... and probably then some, Chris hands down has "refined" the system - follow Chris. It may seem cumbersome at first but in terms of work flow makes absolutely the most sense.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      So, the next question concern my own ignorance, I'm a smoker - and I DO NOT want to sell something from my closet that reeks of smoke...
      I smoke as well... So I am going to throw a scenario at you... you get some things to the dry cleaners and clean them up and do what with them? Your going to bring them right back in the house correct? and the house is full of? Smoke Smell -1 step forward and 2 back.

      I dont smoke in my house... I dont smoke in any of my business facilities, and I dont smoke in my vehicles...

      This plays out 1 of 2 ways... you disclose on each and every listing it comes from a smokers house - and lose sales OR you stop smoking in the house. It is literally that cut and dry. You live in Florida so I dont want to hear anything about the weather...

      And please dont think for 2 seconds that I keep all this stuff in this room over here and we keep the door closed... you know better.

      In terms of cleaning them up.. there are "Dry Cleaner" kits that you run in your clothes dryer - kinda like bounce sheets on steroids. you can also try the scent beads if you are washing the clothes.





      Also, as much as "I am a total camera-phobic mess" when it comes to trying to be on video, I intend to start a website with the brand and post a transcript, reviews, article, or summary and try my best to document everything, and post a video daily on YouTube channel with matching Store, Brand, Channel, etc... *even if it is just how we hunt merch and source some of our stuff locally. Until I understand the platform enough to "give authority advice". (*I think that part scares me more than running the damn store TBH!)

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      We found: StickerYou[.]com (no affiliation) to maybe order 500 stickers (*it's like $100 - so it's only .05 cents to brand the boxes and packages - as money permits - not right now, but soon) as I am planning to create a clean delivery and shipping system - even if it's only a white box, sticker (brand logo) and a Thank-You card inside stating: "If you have ANY issues - PLEASE contact us @JohnDoeBrand[.]com - we aim to serve our customers, respectively! (*minimalize returns and negative feedback)
      Stickers are great if you are doing the "Document" thing - if not, they are an expense - follow?

      Shipping boxes etc - again an EXPENSE - OR you can use USPS boxes FREE - and the ship to your door. With the exception of of oversized boxes for larger items we buy as needed the only 2 boxes we keep in inventory are 6x6x6 and 4x6x8 brown boxes we get from Walmart

      We used to buy printed thank you cards ( gotprint.com ) Then I printed simple cards, and now? 8.5x11 card stock cut into 8 cards and hand write each one - "Thank you for your order!" "Have a great Day!"

      The please contact part.. sounds somewhat counter intuitive... but you dont want to be side stepping the eBay process - THAT actually works against you... work within the system and everything is just fine. Now that PayPal is not a thing, you cant issue a refund unless its within the eBay system...

      Like I stated before "Free Returns" does not mean EVERY return will cost you, and side stepping the eBay system means you will be buying a shipping label without the eBay discount - for a return you might not have had to pay for.

      There is absolutely NO REASON to do anything that pertains to eBay - outside of eBay.

      In terms of Negative Feedback... a side benefit of "Free Returns" is you cant get Negative or Neutral feedback - when you offer free returns

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I'm not sure if I can offer discount coupons like 10% OFF Your Next Purchase of $50 or more... or do that inside, as I haven't started the store yet... I think we are almost ready - the fear of losing the eBay account delayed me a bit, better safe than sorry!
      You can now directly do this from within eBay itself from the "Orders" then "Paid and Shipped" page. Works very well for my sons page, not so much for business stores... The sons is niched vs the business stores are just whatever we get out hands on.



      In summary:

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      1.) What's the cheapest way to rid smoke from a clothing item? (*drycleaners maybe? or just launder item?)
      The dryer dry cleaning kits or wash them - but like about... all the effort to place them in the same environment - still an issue.

      A side note here on the idea of storage building etc. you life in Florida... its humid, and cardboard and things in poly bags and clothes and purses etc not such a good idea... you want to store this stuff in conditioned space Loni from Shed flips used to storge and ended up with a pre built storge shed he put in his yard, and the space is conditioned and he has a video somewhere a few years back about the reasoning for the switch #1 was the monthly expense #2 was the loss of inventory due to mold and moisture etc.



      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      2.) The FEAR of delayed payments due to the new MANAGED SYSTEM seem to suggest *1-5 days, so I'd like to know if $200 starting capital sitting in the account will suffice - in the case of a refund?

      *We are sincerely shoe-stringing this thing... so it is really hard to know how much to have sitting in eBay? or a bank account? - without having SOLD anything yet and the delay of time from sale to bank deposit(s) does factor into the equation for the start-up and in the beginning delays only - I was told even "Daily Payouts" can take *1-5 days on eBay now - with most seasoned sellers stating *1-3 days money hits their account(s). _I'm cool with that, it's just the first 30 days, we need to be sourcing and listing nearly 20 items daily for our (2) stores.
      "Managed Payments" are literally just that. You sell the item and the seller fees and shipping come out of those funds. They have removed all of the charges etc back and forth ( that was an accounting nightmare for a while ) so in the end you get a deposit of the remainder. Its way super easy once you see it.

      A side note about shipping. My local post office closes at 4pm M - F and at noon on Sat. Any order before 3pm M - F and 11am sat, ship out the same day - Print the label close the box ship the box right? I also have a regional post office not to far away that closes 2 hours later on each of those days if its a big ticket item order I will try and get it out.

      We ship EVERYTHNG if not same day - next day. Part of this is "Do unto Others" If I order something I want it fast... So If Im selling something, i want to ensure it gets shipped ASAP - the other part of this is again with Managed Payments getting the funds moved from that specific item before the payout happens and then there is a bunch of separate charges.

      So If you sell something on Monday the payout would occur for that on Wednesday.. so if you have the label bought and printed before Wednesday that cost will come from your pending balance within the Managed Payment setup.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      3.) Some of the items we have like the Harvard Classic Books would likely sell faster as a lot - but to build a little inventory and buy some time to get CONSISTENT items sourced and listed daily... I'm think in LIST them INDIVIDUALLY for under $10 each... + Shipping. (*I have zero dollars invested in these - I can always discount them to $1 + shipping later if need be!)
      You can ship books using "Media Mail", so a poly bag and the postage. Looking specifically at these books listings I am seeing shipping from $4.00 to almost $6.00 per book so to sell one at $10 to $12 free shipping seems to be the place to be $11.49 maybe.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      4.) The shipping... You say offer FREE Shipping (*and just factor the 90210 costs - I'm in FL - so, yeah it makes sense!) - But then I have to have more available funds and the boxes, etc... if I cover the shipping, right?
      Nope... Managed Payments - buy and print the label the same day or at the latest the day after, and the cost of postage will be removed from the money that is being held prior to payment to your account

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Whereas, the alternative of THEM paying shipping separately from the list pricing only hurts me if they refund, if I understand the rules correctly?
      It doesnt hurt you in any way - in the case of a refund specifically if the buyer paid shipping vs YOU paid shipping, YOU are not out the cost of initial shipping. So in reverse of your logic - the cost you take on with free shipping in the case of a return is the expense of that shipping.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      So... even though I intend to TEST this as we go/grow our listings... I do wonder:

      Does the larger pricing SCARE PEOPLE? as opposed to items I have seen sell for $5 - where the shipping was on them @ $9.95? (*The shipping cost is more than the item itself in some cases).

      Personally, I would be hesitant to pay ONE PRICE of $14.95 w/free shipping - for an item I know is sold for under $10 - even though people do it all the time from what I have researched... they'll pay more for the convenience of having it shipped to their door... (maybe these are my own newbie jitters, IDK?)
      So when you are looking at listings on eBay.. the shipping price is DYNAMIC. so where the item is being shipped FROM and to is factored, and then a shipping price is displayed. Going back to the books listings you will see there are some with super cheap shipping cost, and some with like $9.00 shipping cost. If you go in and open those listings and look specifically at the sellers location, it starts to make sense... less shipping is closer in proximity, than he expensive ones.

      A BOOK... using Media Mail is CHEAP AF - probably $4.00 to 90210 MAYBE $4.00 actually I think its less than that.

      So your price is a SET PRICE.. maybe more to someone local to you, but will be less to someone in 90210 or Texas.. we actually send a lot of orders day in and day out to Texas - God Bless Texas! ( I think the girls say that like with every order - its funny )

      Again, its a break even on some and win some on others more often than not The postage paid is less than the postage budgeted for. AND if the same customer orders multiple items you are not dealing with combined shipping ( a pain in the tail to deal with ) and you make out like a bandit throwing all the orders into one box.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      PS - kind of upset, had we started sooner, I would've sourced some stuff from Chris (*What Not auctions) as he's liquidated most of his merch on What Not for cheaper pricing, that alone was almost guaranteed to double the investment!

      Oh, well... there's plenty of thrift stores, yard sales, closeouts, clearance, and auctions in our area... my daughter is getting excited and we haven't even started yet... she's like Dad - you know, I am the BRAINS of this family (*she's a trip) and that Beaull's, The Okeechobee Flea Market, and the deals I come across - let alone wht is already in my house that we don't use... I could probably RULE in that business... she just started a job working for the enemy (*I'm kind of kidding here, she just switched jobs and works as a teller at PNC Bank, LOL).
      Start with the process.. work with what you have NOW... get a foundation under your feet. I would start with 1 store in the beginning. you have to get the schedule down... Post office closes when? I have to be done with this by 3pm to get to that... I have to start my day doing this.. I have this time to list... and then maybe back form the post office I list more.

      These are the types of things you have to figure out - as close to clockwork you can make each aspect of this - the better it is. Its 1pm I need to be doing this.. its 5pm I need a beer its 9 am and I need to get to this store and be back by 11 and list this and print labels - work out the flow.

      This is going to sound silly to you now... getting to 100 items listed in your store - is is is like the twilight zone - youll see LOL Dial in ( refine ) the process - start with just one store for now - make it a TEAM effort - in it to win it - start smoking outside - change your habits change your life


      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Oh, and lastly, she reminded me people are fanatical over all things Disney - I'm not trying to be niche-specific, but I am almost positive living 30 minutes from Disney - I can HUNT Disney stuff ANYWHERE! (*That's my default market to TEST - if all else fails!)
      Mugs and Snow globes is the absolute best place to start Mugs will fit in the USPS 7x7x7 Priority box and the Snow Globes generally fit in the 12x12x10 UPSP box.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Awesome! Thanks for the detailed response.

    Yeah, I need to really dial-in on the best shipping and return policies to minimalize any negative feedback - so free shipping and free returns will likely be the route we start off with. Honestly, I didn't realize USPS shipped FREE boxes directly to us (at least some of them) - after pricing out costs, I can definitely see where that is the better option... unless a custom shipping box is required - I believe they (*custom boxes) have to be a brown box if I read the USPS site correctly.

    Also, we are going to do the ONE store merge for now... just to be able to 'get ahead' of sourcing more goods and still be consistent in our daily listings.

    The smoking thing will likely be the primary cause to get a climate controlled storage unit nearby (although the units are double what I paid 2 years ago, insane!). Kids tried to get me straight vaping and I do have one, but it doesn't curb the itch so to speak.

    Honestly, I think the hardest part will be learning the shipping, labels, and being QUICK to ship as you noted above is crucial to ship asap... and watch the returns for switch-a-roos, etc. I didn't know there was time delay from the return (*72 hours) before eBay requires reimbursement... little details add up.

    Good call on the banking issues... trying to use Chime until I clear my old business account with BofA not a big deal - just a small hurdle - not a fan of their way of handling a fraud charge against my old account, they handled it horribly in favor of a vendor we don't even know who they were? or how they hit the account 3x for exactly $100 (even) every Friday! - Still no clue who the vendor was, and that was my business account.

    Also, if anyone can benefit, I've read that "Blue Vine" is an online banking option with decent limits for online merchant accounts... no affiliation, so IDK if they are a good choice or not?

    I've read people have used Chime successfully, and I certainly plan to get a real business banking account - once we start breaking 5-figures - along with a resellers permit for tax exempt purchases and file an LLC.

    Until we test the waters, sole proprietor is fine by me!

    Thanks again!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Yeah, I need to really dial-in on the best shipping and return policies to minimalize any negative feedback - so free shipping and free returns will likely be the route we start off with. Honestly, I didn't realize USPS shipped FREE boxes directly to us (at least some of them) - after pricing out costs, I can definitely see where that is the better option... unless a custom shipping box is required - I believe they (*custom boxes) have to be a brown box if I read the USPS site correctly.
      When you get into oversized boxes more often than not you will probably be using FedEx ( and eBay has that built in ) and we use Home Depot boxes.

      I double checked what exactly we have in stock in terms of Boxes and Envelopes. 6x6x6 and 4x6x8 boxes ( walmart ) and then 6x9 and 9x12 Poly bags and 6x9 and 9x12 padded bags and we get those from eBay - meaning we go on eBay and order them from whoever is the cheapest. They are cheaper there, than anywhere else i can find be it wholesale direct or amazon.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Also, we are going to do the ONE store merge for now... just to be able to 'get ahead' of sourcing more goods and still be consistent in our daily listings.
      I think this is a good move... getting 100 items listed in your store - not listing 100 items but actually getting 100 items in your store while people are buying things is a MF - its crazy... and then getting to 200 such a struggle. after that it gets easier.

      And I am not talking this being difficult for your first store and every store after is easy... it has been that way every time we open a new "Store" its crazy. Its a good struggle to have but when you are pushing goals and getting to 100 items in your store and it just drags on - it willmess with your brain - youll see! LOL

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      The smoking thing will likely be the primary cause to get a climate controlled storage unit nearby (although the units are double what I paid 2 years ago, insane!). Kids tried to get me straight vaping and I do have one, but it doesn't curb the itch so to speak.
      Being a smoker I can say this - read what you are saying... because the idea of going outside is just not an option for you... you are at 2 packs a day $12 to $14 a day $360 a month and you think its a good idea to add another $200 for conditioned storage? Thats a $500 - $600 a month habit. Let that sink in... Just go outside bro - everyone in your family will be all the happier AND you will save an added $200 a month - Moneys tight and i need to earn a living, and all that - Think TEAM EFFORT here - You the Wife and the Daughter right? maybe a bit self centered? Keep in mind here Im not asking you to QUIT - im just saying smoke in the smoker section outside.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Honestly, I think the hardest part will be learning the shipping, labels, and being QUICK to ship as you noted above is crucial to ship asap... and watch the returns for switch-a-roos, etc. I didn't know there was time delay from the return (*72 hours) before eBay requires reimbursement... little details add up.
      A little trick...1 box 1 label - if you get ahead of yourself you will end up putting the wrong label on the wrong box - been there done that.

      We send out 1000+ packages a week on a bad week, we might get 20 returns a year MIGHT?!?! and have NEVER had a switch-a-roo. How many millions of items are sold on eBay in a year and how many videos of sellers having a bad experience are there? Proportionately the number is 0 ( ZERO ) It hasn't happened yet and you are worried about it - that sounds like stressful or something. Deal with it when it happens and not a moment sooner.

      As you list if you pack everything, shipping is literally closing the box and sticking the label - it takes minutes? a minute? Adding the trip to storage? and it then becomes a hassle.

      Look at someone like Chris I bet he is at his facility 9 to 4 every day - at his level ok thats cool.... but just starting... doesnt that sound like a job? Going to work honey!

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      once we start breaking 5-figures - along with a resellers permit for tax exempt purchases and file an LLC.

      Until we test the waters, sole proprietor is fine by me!
      You may want to consult with someone on this... you can operate under a DBA. I would suggest there is an amount of advantage doing this... You dont have to technically "Pay" yourself... meaning anything left over is income for the year. ALL of the tax benefit is within the business itself ( Schedule C on your tax forms ) and YOU personally will have none - so to "Pay" yourself becomes added tax liability.

      My business' are "Structured" S Corp or C Corp with LLC's underneath, and then DBA's within the LLC's and its a whole thing - BUT I build business' with the intent of building and selling, and this allows us to just peel away a entity that has sold. So YOU just dont have to go that far - the DBA up into the 6 digits area is fine - or so says I - again seek some advice on this.
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      • Profile picture of the author art72
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        When you get into oversized boxes more often than not you will probably be using FedEx ( and eBay has that built in ) and we use Home Depot boxes.

        I double checked what exactly we have in stock in terms of Boxes and Envelopes. 6x6x6 and 4x6x8 boxes ( walmart ) and then 6x9 and 9x12 Poly bags and 6x9 and 9x12 padded bags and we get those from eBay - meaning we go on eBay and order them from whoever is the cheapest. They are cheaper there, than anywhere else i can find be it wholesale direct or amazon.
        Cool... I am getting ahead of myself a bit when it comes to calculating the costs, as the ideal start up for me has always been minimal investment with maximum ROI - even though, I am shifting my mind away from the focus of trade skilled (labor), using different tool boxes (*pun intended) and going back to what appears; I knew well as a younger man - I hate to say it, but as a teen the cost of partying motivated me to learn business - as so not to have the burden of needing more money to enjoy the spoils - I simply needed more friends who enjoyed the same liberties and freedoms... supply & demand. Back then it was baggies, LOL. (*I'm really not a party animal anymore, but the memories remain)... and I have less friends at the moment, as I avert those who are my age and still stuck in the work all week, party all weekend, and repeat on Mon.


        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        I think this is a good move... getting 100 items listed in your store - not listing 100 items but actually getting 100 items in your store while people are buying things is a MF - its crazy... and then getting to 200 such a struggle. after that it gets easier.

        And I am not talking this being difficult for your first store and every store after is easy... it has been that way every time we open a new "Store" its crazy. Its a good struggle to have but when you are pushing goals and getting to 100 items in your store and it just drags on - it willmess with your brain - youll see! LOL
        After watching primarily Chris and those who source their goods locally (*Goodwill, thrift, yard sales, etc.) - like Commonwealth, Froggy Flips, Crazy Lamp Lady... (*I've been hardcore binging on 'sourcing and flipping' videos to reengage my brain to be on the 'lookout' for certain items... stuff that blows my mind and people will pay a small fortune to acquire.

        I still retain quite a bit from the past about antiques, collectibles, and pottery/glass, etc... just from doing the auction thing. But, I feel these people today are insane about vintage Nike's, T-shirts, and like old hats... that is all new news to me, blows me away, actually.

        I made fun of my wife for buying 'used' shoes for years at thrift stores... I'm finnicky about socks, shoes, and underwear... BUT shorts, shirts, jackets, and sweaters, I can wear used, no problem... but my own BIAS might have blinded my ability to carve a path in territorial 'yellow brick road' - (*My wife's name is Terri - Territorial Resell, LOL) - She won't let me brand her store... she's too stubborn, LOL.

        We had plans (*many moons ago) to create T& A Wholesale (Terri & Art, LOL)... that faded when we added up the expense of owning (leasing commercial space and the utilities, etc... of having a storefront) so THIS feels like a second chance to us... I'm actually excited to DO IT!

        As far as inventory, even Chris mentions; "it's better to list ONE item that WILL SELL than have *100 stale listings in your store that NEVER SELL" - I guess it trips the eBay ALGO - I feel like I am back to learning SEO but on a different playing field, different rules, and applications.

        So, I have chosen to explore what IS working for other resellers before just diving in blindly, but for now, I have to get the stuff around the house listed this week. Just watching what other people 'pluck' from yard sales and thrift stores, blows my mind - at just how much room for growth there is using these seller platforms. It FEELS illegal already, and, I haven't even started yet, LOL.

        Lastly I watched a millennial, Blaze-somethin or other... (probably a 20-something year old kid selling 'DS' shoes on What Not last night, the kid pulled nearly $7K in under an hour - it was like a feeding frenzy and he was dropping goldfish into a piranha tank!

        Mind-blowing!

        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Being a smoker I can say this - read what you are saying... because the idea of going outside is just not an option for you... you are at 2 packs a day $12 to $14 a day $360 a month and you think its a good idea to add another $200 for conditioned storage? Thats a $500 - $600 a month habit. Let that sink in... Just go outside bro - everyone in your family will be all the happier AND you will save an added $200 a month - Moneys tight and i need to earn a living, and all that - Think TEAM EFFORT here - You the Wife and the Daughter right? maybe a bit self centered? Keep in mind here Im not asking you to QUIT - im just saying smoke in the smoker section outside.
        When we lived in nicer houses, I NEVER smoked in the house. I still recall my garage being our morning coffee and cigarette area, I'd crack the garage door maybe a foot and my office was set up because the wife and I both smoke (*double-that costs... OUCH!) and we didn't want the kids/animals to breathing our second hand smoke.

        Since the kids moved out 6-7 years ago ( and...2 of them now smoke lightly, one vapes - shame on us) - I just started smoking inside again, a lazy habit, I guess. Plus, I smoke more now as a result... I'm at 2 packs a day, she smokes 1 pack per day... although, we just switched to buying tubes, a decent machine, and a pound of tobacco about a month ago... so now, the cost for both of us smoking is about $150 - $180 per month (*down $450'ish from the prior store bought packs)... when I smoked Marlboro red shorts and she smoked Marlboro lights - we were spending well over $600 per month...that is way too much TAX man!

        The idea was to use that savings to run ads to a lander and test my copy chops to 3rd party offers and build buyers lists online... but, I am definitely seeing LESS RISK faster turn-over and MORE control over the assets doing the reseller platforms first, then later as the burden of needing money lifts (or at least some) - I can always work on those projects as well. (*So still plan to use the IM knowledge too while doing the stores).

        The irony being, Mom died of bone cancer last year, Pops and I spoke for the 1st time in over 20+ years (haven't physically seen him in 36+ years) - he apparently just went through 3-4 throat surgeries, survived the disease, and he is currently cancer free for the time being - and he was still puffing his Winston's when we spoke on the phone... You'd think that would be enough to put them down, nope... I'm still smoking.

        The wife has suggested we ONLY smoke outside innumerable times... I can still remember walking into that garage (that was a brand new home I rented with the option to buy) - and man what a difference in air... the garage smelt like an astray, it is a nasty habit, but I am a spaz without em' and I eat like pig when I don't smoke, LOL. (I personally think they are cheaper than the food I would eat to compensate for the nicotine.)


        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        A little trick...1 box 1 label - if you get ahead of yourself you will end up putting the wrong label on the wrong box - been there done that.

        We send out 1000+ packages a week on a bad week, we might get 20 returns a year MIGHT?!?! and have NEVER had a switch-a-roo. How many millions of items are sold on eBay in a year and how many videos of sellers having a bad experience are there? Proportionately the number is 0 ( ZERO ) It hasn't happened yet and you are worried about it - that sounds like stressful or something. Deal with it when it happens and not a moment sooner.

        As you list if you pack everything, shipping is literally closing the box and sticking the label - it takes minutes? a minute? Adding the trip to storage? and it then becomes a hassle.

        Look at someone like Chris I bet he is at his facility 9 to 4 every day - at his level ok thats cool.... but just starting... doesnt that sound like a job? Going to work honey!
        Exactly... I'm worried about the UNKNOWN already... that ignorance thing, whereas, I don't like not knowing beforehand, but until I gets hand-on, I probably never will truly KNOW from experience, as I didn't learn pools and 6 trades just reading books, watching others, or sitting on my rump! - I was emulating all those things actively!

        I am torn between the warehouse and being here... as here is neither where I intended to be, nor very accommodating size wise for 'inventory' or 'growing' - we have very limited space... the upside being 'dirt cheap rent' by comparison to what others are paying... I'm paying $600 in rent... my 24 year old daughter is paying $1800 for a 0ne-bedroom in a gated community - I cannot stand 'living' in those compounds - the gate provides NO SECURITY - you just follow the leader through - no code required, LOL. (*I see false security in those places and over-priced rentals). I'm a hillbilly of sorts... I need space.



        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        You may want to consult with someone on this... you can operate under a DBA. I would suggest there is an amount of advantage doing this... You dont have to technically "Pay" yourself... meaning anything left over is income for the year. ALL of the tax benefit is within the business itself ( Schedule C on your tax forms ) and YOU personally will have none - so to "Pay" yourself becomes added tax liability.

        My business' are "Structured" S Corp or C Corp with LLC's underneath, and then DBA's within the LLC's and its a whole thing - BUT I build business' with the intent of building and selling, and this allows us to just peel away a entity that has sold. So YOU just dont have to go that far - the DBA up into the 6 digits area is fine - or so says I - again seek some advice on this.
        Whoa... I know a little bit about being a sole proprietor (*now DBA) and I've had a couple LLC's... but NEVER really saw the 'tiered structure' you just laid out for growth within those various forms of business building... that actually just connected a few dots for me, thank-you for that perspective view!

        I just looked at it like, if I am "grey hat" or as I call it; "I'm the Grey iSpy - the one that wasn't cast for the show", LOL - but, I need to keep my accounting better ONLINE than I did offline. I never really got in trouble with the IRS in my sole proprietor days, but today with the tracking online, I need to run a tighter ship and document the costs, overhead, and profit like NEVER before, that scares me a little bit...

        But, like Gordon, Claude, you and others have said repeatedly...

        The same process over and over and over again becomes the habit, ergonomics, and the FLOW becomes a fluid daily routine... it's the bad habits, habitual routines, and frequency that gets distorted when we develop the negatives too often...

        I feel like I am in the "Red Room" studying and developing a keen eye on on all the negatives to process the bigger picture, like a pro photographer - and seems to apply to most people... once you understand how to develop the negatives - THEN, you can render a more a more positive outcome.

        I sincerely believe, I had become addicted to studying the 'negatives' - under the impression doing so would afford the opportunity to better present the solution(s) or positive outcomes, and my experiences became more negative than positive by not ACTIVELY providing those solutions... as I went deeper in studies of "How the mind works".

        As you said... people communicate through purchases, that is OLD SCHOOL - George Carlin to me... we are a 'shopping mall' as he joked about in his routine of making people THINK! - I think that was his real message, even if he wasn't everyone's cup of tea.

        So, this week... I need a BRAND - I need a my website; I have RipeN'Juicy[.com] - add resellers to it... it might do it(?) - none of my other domain really fit this model... so if I stay disciplined, document the journey daily if not 3-5 times per week in an article, video, or some public arena... I can see EXACTLY how these gals/guys built massive followings, subs, and audiences... and apparently - that is HOW most are utilizing What Not auctions - they established their audiences first.

        The only question that remains is I keep hearing the TERM; "stores" - which leaves me to wonder;

        Can I brand different 'niche markets' under ONE eBay account to separate say; "vintage clothing and footwear" from say "Antique pottery & glass"?

        or...

        Is is all just THROWN into one brand, one store, and based on people's keywords and search like 'keywords' in SEO structure?

        And... forgive my long-winded posts, I am seldom of few words, bro... I thought I was diseased for most of my life for being hyped like Russell Brunson (*blame it on the ADHD, LOL)... but, in all due seriousness - I plan to have this BUILT and WORKING before month's end (*I get my driver's license back... haven't been without it since I was in my 20's and that was idiotic of me back then, being too stubborn to go court) - I went to work with or without it, but today - you cannot take those risks, it becomes too costly.

        Again, my now 28-year-old kid said "I got you dad, I'll pay your ticket - can't have you without your license" - then he hauled ass - inverse of "Cat's in the Cradle!" - I honor my word(s) - these kids today (*some of em' anyways are NOT wired right!) - I knew better, now I'm paying MORE for that mistake of relying on someone else!

        BUT... what an opportunity I have RIGHT NOW to show him - WHY he should've payed attention with that 'golden egg' he landed... I could've retired that boy by the time he is 35... now I'm going to TEACH him a long-overdue lesson.

        His sister already wants in on this... and I haven't even fired-up the engines yet! A few more little ant hills to disperse and we're GOOD as GOLD!

        Nothing I learned on this forum should go to waste... it fits the whole plan. That is amazing!!!

        Thanks,

        Art
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        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          (*I've been hardcore binging on 'sourcing and flipping' videos

          I still retain quite a bit from the past about antiques, collectibles, and pottery/glass, etc... just from doing the auction thing.
          .
          So, I have chosen to explore what IS working for other resellers before just diving in blindly, but for now, I have to get the stuff around the house listed this week


          I am torn between the warehouse and being here... as here is neither where I intended to be, nor very accommodating size wise for 'inventory' or 'growing' - we have very limited space..

          it's the bad habits, habitual routines, and frequency that gets distorted when we develop the negatives too often...


          I sincerely believe, I had become addicted to studying the 'negatives' -
          ..
          I can see EXACTLY how these gals/guys built massive followings, subs, and audiences... and apparently - that is HOW most are utilizing What Not auctions - they established their audiences first.

          Art
          Can I make a few suggestions from reading the past several posts. I don't want to Hijack this thread.

          Art why not start today just by listing one collectibles or glass you already have. Try not to even worry about the negatives at this point. Start selling is the easiest way to learn the ropes.

          We have to learn to crawl before we walk. No one gave us a book or video how too. The same, no one gave us a book how to ride a bike. We figured it out and I'm sure your very cable of being a success.

          Before running out and renting a warehouse. Find a small area and put the items in plastic bins at first.

          Just a Fyi, some of the people that are youtubers started their channels the same time they began selling. Meet Kevin was posting a long time before he became real popular. Just a fyi he sells a course on making YouTube videos. Guess what he suggests in the very beginning. Just use your phone and put it out there.

          If you want you can start a Path here on your eBay Journey to keep yourself accountable. You can even start with a simple. I want to list my first eBay product with a time line to your first sale. https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-path/

          One final thing your wife might like watching this seller on
          Code:
          youtube
          . She does all her selling during the day. https://www.youtube.com/c/HustleatHomeMom
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          After watching primarily Chris and those who source their goods locally (*Goodwill, thrift, yard sales, etc.) - like Commonwealth, Froggy Flips, Crazy Lamp Lady... (*I've been hardcore binging on 'sourcing and flipping' videos to reengage my brain to be on the 'lookout' for certain items... stuff that blows my mind and people will pay a small fortune to acquire.

          I still retain quite a bit from the past about antiques, collectibles, and pottery/glass, etc... just from doing the auction thing. But, I feel these people today are insane about vintage Nike's, T-shirts, and like old hats... that is all new news to me, blows me away, actually.

          I cant say it enough, when you are out in the wild as it were - USE THE eBAY APP. if it has a UPC code scan it... or look it up ALL of the information you need to make an informed purchase - Pricing, rough shipping cost, and sell through rate are right there at your finger tips... And as much as the videos can HELP... there are things way beyond what you see them buy and say "REALLY?!?!"

          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          As far as inventory, even Chris mentions; "it's better to list ONE item that WILL SELL than have *100 stale listings in your store that NEVER SELL" - I guess it trips the eBay ALGO - I feel like I am back to learning SEO but on a different playing field, different rules, and applications.:. cool:

          So, I have chosen to explore what IS working for other resellers before just diving in blindly, but for now, I have to get the stuff around the house listed this week. Just watching what other people 'pluck' from yard sales and thrift stores, blows my mind - at just how much room for growth there is using these seller platforms. It FEELS illegal already, and, I haven't even started yet, LOL.
          As much as Chris is a good Model, you have to carry over a caveat... and thats LOCATION... He is dead center to one of the largest garment districts in the world.. if you have any aspirations of starting a clothing line.. YOU WILL end up going to California - MAYBE the Garment District in NYC.

          The absolute beginning... $40 - knock yourself out and set a budget of $100. List those items and allow that SEED money to fund anything and everything moving forward. $100 into $300 in to $900 into $2700 - with the use of the APP and making solid business buys vs "Oh this is cute" or "I bet this is worth X" you could be in that 4 times turnover within 2 months EASY. Once you are in the $2700 tripled up category - $8100 you can then probably extract $3000 - and I would say not a moment sooner.. the longer you let the funds build the larger your buying power becomes and you can then start looking for wholesale buys of THINGS ( like Chris ) Maybe not clothing.

          Buying is FUN... but you can quickly over run yourself and end up with whats been labeled as a "Death Pile" your buying to buy and have lost site of buying to sell - and I see and hear about this time and again.

          Have you joined any reseller facebook groups? You should... get in and see the dirty dirty of the average sellers mentality - make some connections as you grow

          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          Lastly I watched a millennial, Blaze-somethin or other... (probably a 20-something year old kid selling 'DS' shoes on What Not last night, the kid pulled nearly $7K in under an hour - it was like a feeding frenzy and he was dropping goldfish into a piranha tank!

          Mind-blowing!
          Somebody somewhere understood what they are doing. With what happened to Chris there have been some interesting tidbits of what can get you Banned... VERO violations obviously... In Chris' case it wasnt even that so much as verified wholesale purchasing. BUT VERO is interesting We have had 2 VERO slaps.. one for "Velcro" ( us the term "Hook and Loop" ) and the other was listing a shoe and the model name was "Smiley" - The Brand had permission to use the name, any subsequent reseller of the brand was NOT allowed to use the name.

          So why DS ( Dead Stock )? MANY companies have a VERO action in place that states you can not sell an active item they sell for LESS than what they sell it for. The MORE you sell of a specific brand and are breaking this the more you are likely to get the "Show Proof of wholesale purchase letter" and the possibility of a shutdown.





          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          But, like Gordon, Claude, you and others have said repeatedly...

          The same process over and over and over again becomes the habit, ergonomics, and the FLOW becomes a fluid daily routine... it's the bad habits, habitual routines, and frequency that gets distorted when we develop the negatives too often...


          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          So, this week... I need a BRAND - I need a my website; I have RipeN'Juicy[.com] - add resellers to it... it might do it(?) - none of my other domain really fit this model... so if I stay disciplined, document the journey daily if not 3-5 times per week in an article, video, or some public arena... I can see EXACTLY how these gals/guys built massive followings, subs, and audiences... and apparently - that is HOW most are utilizing What Not auctions - they established their audiences first.

          The only question that remains is I keep hearing the TERM; "stores" - which leaves me to wonder;

          Can I brand different 'niche markets' under ONE eBay account to separate say; "vintage clothing and footwear" from say "Antique pottery & glass"?

          or...

          Is is all just THROWN into one brand, one store, and based on people's keywords and search like 'keywords' in SEO structure?
          Do a quick search here on the WF for the term "Brand" and my user name... there are 240 entries. I AM ALL ABOUT BRAND

          BRAND in regards to eBay and external connections are few and far between. I dont BRAND associate our eBay stores. Lets take Ralli Roots as an example. Their eBay store name is "The Hip Lion" The GREATEST fault within in eBay today is the NON ability to look up stores within search... so knowing the name of the store and actually getting there - can be done but its not so easy. BRAND on eBay is just short of a waste of effort

          LINKING from a branded property to your eBay store is really that is all that is needed.

          So I am assuming you are going to Document the Journey... You can write the daily blogs.. in real time, doesnt mean you have to post them in real time... as a matter of fact I would go a month or so and get in the flow of things and have the 30 blog posts in the bag before I even got started on that aspect of the project

          In terms of eBay, the only BRAND you need to be thinking of is the BRAND of item you are selling - forget the BRAND you are selling from...

          I have said this to you a few times now... you are literally throwing obstacles in the way of you starting... $40 in product and start listing - no next week, by the end of the month.. or I need to do this first. Product, and the packaging to ship the item once it sells - should be your #1 priority - and labels.

          Speaking of labels, do you own a Laserjet printer? if not find one on facebook or the like for as cheap as you can..MONOCOLOR ( black only ) works just fine and you then want: ( https://www.ebay.com/itm/22476043475...3ABFBMiovts5lg ) labels like this. super easy.. because of the laser they are water proof... stick and forget. We have one of them there fancy label machines and we dont use it.. the half sheet labels are just better.
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          • Profile picture of the author art72
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            I cant say it enough, when you are out in the wild as it were - USE THE eBAY APP. if it has a UPC code scan it... or look it up ALL of the information you need to make an informed purchase - Pricing, rough shipping cost, and sell through rate are right there at your finger tips... And as much as the videos can HELP... there are things way beyond what you see them buy and say "REALLY?!?!"
            Honestly, the amount of time I was spending looking items up from the Goodwill shelves was taking up a ton of time. Due to that factor alone, I am considering spending the $27 per month for the "Basic Store" perks and the research tool. I mean it's less than $1 per day... and "IF" we invest into this, even at the minimal entry level, I believe I will be more motivated to treat it as a business.


            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            The absolute beginning... $40 - knock yourself out and set a budget of $100. List those items and allow that SEED money to fund anything and everything moving forward. $100 into $300 in to $900 into $2700 - with the use of the APP and making solid business buys vs "Oh this is cute" or "I bet this is worth X" you could be in that 4 times turnover within 2 months EASY. Once you are in the $2700 tripled up category - $8100 you can then probably extract $3000 - and I would say not a moment sooner.. the longer you let the funds build the larger your buying power becomes and you can then start looking for wholesale buys of THINGS ( like Chris ) Maybe not clothing.
            This is the area, I have been concentrating on is the "mathematical formula" whereas, if we can maintain a 33% - 45% profit margin on the majority of sales, I can see the 3X (min) model ramping up listings, inventory, and sales rather quickly. (*I want to have 1000 items listed in under 90 days, but I NEED to get fast at taking photos and listing (10) items in about an hour...

            I am still amazed by the fact, you ramped the store from $40 to $8100 with roughly $4K in profit. This is definitely a goal for the first 30 -60 days, as $1000 per week (profit) would enable us to grow the store, pay down bills, and go hard for the first 90 days, as so not to need a JOB - which I feel will detract from the focus of my other ambitions, marketing, and writings.

            When my wife fractured her back, she was placed at a local thrift store doing 'light duty" work and the workman's comp paid the thrift store owners for her to be there... they called it: "transition to work" from her injury to keep her moving.

            During that time, she (along with the other employees) were cherry picking items before they ever hit the floor... she has some nice stuff tucked away, over $1000+ in mid-range comps selling or sold already on the platform.

            She just pulled out (8) designer purses last night and blew my mind. Coach bags with (comps) between $65 - $100 listed and sold already... she has (4) hidden in a tote in the closet. (*She got them for under $10!!!)

            The point being, she knows how to find deals - she paid $5 - $12 per bag, and the other (4) sell for no less than $50 each, BUT... she still refuses to "do the research" and gets grabby - "Oh this is cute" - and she THINKS getting TOP DOLLAR is the key... we are already clashing a wee-bit on the "price to sell" mindset I am going in with... waiting 6 months for an extra $10 - is not worth the inventory sitting there, I would love to rotate the bulk of inventory every 90 days (or less.) As opposed to having to edit a ton of listings and lower pricing later to move those items.


            My argument is "turn-over" - PRICE IT TO SELLL FAST (*and still profit, of course) - so I do worry she may struggle to conceive the concept of MOVING the product faster is better than having 100 over-priced items sitting stagnant!

            We agreed to 'meet in the middle' - whereas, she will let me set the pricing at first, based on my research and comps, and even still, we will likely still have to go back in to listings over *90 -120 days and reset (or lower) pricing to get those items GONE!

            I do not want a DEATH PILE!!! (*I know some items may take longer to sell, but the more we grow, the less I want an item sitting for 6 months or longer.

            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            Have you joined any reseller facebook groups? You should... get in and see the dirty dirty of the average sellers mentality - make some connections as you grow
            No, not yet I haven't. I've actually been avoiding social media and this forum a bit more lately as I tend to get distracted on social media and here too, actually. Trying to limit my time to 1 hour max as leisurely posting and research.


            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            Somebody somewhere understood what they are doing. With what happened to Chris there have been some interesting tidbits of what can get you Banned... VERO violations obviously... In Chris' case it wasnt even that so much as verified wholesale purchasing. BUT VERO is interesting We have had 2 VERO slaps.. one for "Velcro" ( us the term "Hook and Loop" ) and the other was listing a shoe and the model name was "Smiley" - The Brand had permission to use the name, any subsequent reseller of the brand was NOT allowed to use the name.

            So why DS ( Dead Stock )? MANY companies have a VERO action in place that states you can not sell an active item they sell for LESS than what they sell it for. The MORE you sell of a specific brand and are breaking this the more you are likely to get the "Show Proof of wholesale purchase letter" and the possibility of a shutdown.
            There are some 'fine lines' that trigger account shut downs, suspensions, and as you mentioned 'keywords' that I need to learn to AVOID - I'm guessing they infringe on trademark issues with VERO or larger brand rules - I feel more confident now, as a few weeks ago, I knew NOTHING about eBay, outside of your thread.


            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            Do a quick search here on the WF for the term "Brand" and my user name... there are 240 entries. I AM ALL ABOUT BRAND

            BRAND in regards to eBay and external connections are few and far between. I dont BRAND associate our eBay stores. Lets take Ralli Roots as an example. Their eBay store name is "The Hip Lion" The GREATEST fault within in eBay today is the NON ability to look up stores within search... so knowing the name of the store and actually getting there - can be done but its not so easy. BRAND on eBay is just short of a waste of effort

            LINKING from a branded property to your eBay store is really that is all that is needed.
            Years ago the wife and I jokingly talked about opening a thrift or country store - based on our 1st names; "T&A Wholesale" - which I am going with [Ripe N' Juicy] just because I already have the [.com] domain sitting - collecting dust, LOL.

            But, my creative juices haven't been up to par lately, so I still need to create the logo, banner, and a decent look/feel to match the logo across whatever channels I decide to use to document the journey and market to those following the posts, videos, etc... I am hoping to get video going before the end of the year, that's my 'phobia' - I hate being on camera, LOL. - But the opportunity to create multiple income streams from social media, YouTube, and of course, being an affiliate to both suppliers and the platforms themselves does intrigue me to get a YouTube channel going a.s.a.p.

            Like I mentioned to DWolfe - Hustle at Home Mom, she's brilliant - she has an eBook she wrote and sells at $19, a growing YouTube following, she is linking in her descriptions to her book, her store, and other offers (*supplies; packing, shelving, totes, etc...) to where she is pulling multiple revenue streams, not just what she sells on eBay or other platforms... and with babies on-board, she's a super-hero in my book, LOL.

            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            So I am assuming you are going to Document the Journey... You can write the daily blogs.. in real time, doesnt mean you have to post them in real time... as a matter of fact I would go a month or so and get in the flow of things and have the 30 blog posts in the bag before I even got started on that aspect of the project
            YES, definitely... I love writing, and plan to create a few "How to's and What not's" reports, eBook or similar, as stated above, as that seems to drive traffic, buyers, fans, and creates authority as you mentioned... I just don't know where I plan to do that yet? - probably on the domain site, that matches the intended store name.

            I don't think I'll do it here, as you already have this thread, so I may blog and try to overcome the FEAR of cameras and start a YouTube channel, even if only to document our 'sourcing" and invest in a Go Pro, as many do... BUT I suck at video, that's a whole-nother learning curve, LOL.

            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            In terms of eBay, the only BRAND you need to be thinking of is the BRAND of item you are selling - forget the BRAND you are selling from...
            I get that branding within the platform is obsolete and mute point. I just want any domains, blog, or social media, such as YouTube to match the store BRAND - so "if" or "when" we start building a following as we document the journey it will all flow back and forth from the store to other income opportunities within those platforms (i.e., ad rev share, affiliate links, eBook sales, etc.)

            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            I have said this to you a few times now... you are literally throwing obstacles in the way of you starting... $40 in product and start listing - no next week, by the end of the month.. or I need to do this first. Product, and the packaging to ship the item once it sells - should be your #1 priority - and labels.

            Speaking of labels, do you own a Laserjet printer? if not find one on facebook or the like for as cheap as you can..MONOCOLOR ( black only ) works just fine and you then want: ( https://www.ebay.com/itm/22476043475...3ABFBMiovts5lg ) labels like this. super easy.. because of the laser they are water proof... stick and forget. We have one of them there fancy label machines and we dont use it.. the half sheet labels are just better.
            No I don't currently have a working printer, our HP was dying and I barely used it. I intend to get one like CommonWealth uses in his shop, just a simple label printer a.s.a.p.

            I'm still trying to understand "how much I'll save" using pre-purchased labels -vs- printing them at the USPS?

            The only other "grey area" concerns the best shipping practices, obviously utilizing the Express and Priority FREE supplies whenever possible will save us some dough.

            But, I have been looking into the TYPES of shipping and it seems everyone gets 'jacked' once and awhile paying too much for an item to ship that doesn't fit the 'dimension and weights" established by the USPS.

            One guy pointed out that a Regional A shipping saved him a ton of money, but those boxes are seldom available locally and need to be ordered from USPS.com -or- use yur own boxes - so, I am still in the S&H forest when it comes to BEST practices and we are try to "include free *1-3 shipping on EVERYTHING" less any heavy or larger items that are not (*under 70lbs) - at that point the 1st Class Express seems more logical.(*somewhere around $22.95 as it were, I don't know if that went up since I watched videos on the basic shipping options)?

            Anyway, today, I am likely going to rent a 5' x 15' climate controlled unit about 3 miles from the house. I understand that is an extra per month expense (it's about $7 per day) - but I think I'll look at this from the perspective, I need to get up and get my ass out of this house and "Do the Work" as Gordon pointed out with Steven Pressfield's book!

            (*The month is free - so it's only about $35 for the acquisition and first 30 days - so about $1 per day!) and it's in route to the post office and some of the shops we intend to source items from... all in a tight route.

            Also, I am planning on finding out "IF" - I can open a checking account w/o paying BofA as I have a balance owed to them - and they have ripped me off twice now. I HATE that bank and I don't know if my CHIME account will work, there's mixed reviews on using CHIME to get our payouts from eBay!

            Then, lastly... I'm fixing to pick up some basic shipping supplies, tape, bubble wrap, and basics to have everything on hand, so we can ship within 24 hours of purchase.

            I tend to over-think everything. But the formula and the math makes sense.

            Lastly, I'm going straight in with the "Basic Store" monthly @$28 monthly, just to have the comps and terapeak research tools, because I am already spending too much time trying to manually look up comps and sold items.

            I am excited and a wee bit terrified, LOL... I'll think 30 - 90 days, we should be hitting 5-figures in sales, so long as I can post 10 (or more) items daily, and minimalize sourcing time.

            {edit} We just dropped $75 on merch - I think we'll do well, I picked up a few items that should fetch $50 (or more) for under $5 at my wife's old thrift store, (*I manually researched everything) Plus, they loved her there, so we get discounts, LOL.

            Now, all we really need is a white folding table, totes, and shelving... that will happen soon enough.

            Ordering a 66lb scale from eBay - I have a $10 credit, until midnight - it's $22 with FREE Shipping! (So $12, after eBay coupon!)

            Lastly, I'm diving in with a Basic Store (post up to 1000 items and research tool) - mainly for the tool! for $27.99 month. Call me crazy, BUT - when I buy tools, it helps me to commit to seeing a project to completion! - Not sure that it saves me on the fee structure at the Basic Store level, but all the other management tools, seem to make it worth the $1 day costs.
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Honestly, the amount of time I was spending looking items up from the Goodwill shelves was taking up a ton of time. Due to that factor alone, I am considering spending the $27 per month for the "Basic Store" perks and the research tool. I mean it's less than $1 per day... and "IF" we invest into this, even at the minimal entry level, I believe I will be more motivated to treat it as a business.
              From experience and as I have shared in this thread your BEST tool is the eBay app looking at the number listed, and the number sold and at the very least getting an idea of the sell through rate if you wish, but more importantly how much the item sold for.

              The longer you "Shop" the easier it gets - its not so much being able to identify what would be good to sell, its knowing what is not worth looking at.

              Looking at items that are "New In Box" and you can scan the UPC code - oh makes life so much easier - in a whole lot of ways. BUT generally speaking the "Great" finds will be anything but that.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              This is the area, I have been concentrating on is the "mathematical formula" whereas, if we can maintain a 33% - 45% profit margin on the majority of sales, I can see the 3X (min) model ramping up listings, inventory, and sales rather quickly. (*I want to have 1000 items listed in under 90 days, but I NEED to get fast at taking photos and listing (10) items in about an hour...
              If you take the sale price, and subtract shipping and fees and whatever else maybe in there - packaging you should end up with 3x of COG. $5.00 COG in the end should end up with COG x 3 or $15.00.



              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              I am still amazed by the fact, you ramped the store from $40 to $8100 with roughly $4K in profit. This is definitely a goal for the first 30 -60 days, as $1000 per week (profit) would enable us to grow the store, pay down bills, and go hard for the first 90 days, as so not to need a JOB - which I feel will detract from the focus of my other ambitions, marketing, and writings.
              With only for the most part 2 hours a day. I say this over and over... The longer you can wait to take "profit", the stronger overall your BUSINESS will be in the long run. 1 year no profit removed was in excess of $100,000.

              WHY this is important... Goodwill and garage sales and what have you is a START... its scalable to a point. Its when like say Chris is buying 1000 pieces at a crack - you start to understand SCALE. Do we - my wife goto goodwill etc, and the answer is yes... but generally speaking, we/she is not looking for one offs - we go at seasonal closeouts and buy 400 Ugly Christmas sweaters or 10 crockpots or 4000 electric scooters. We have a store that has i think 500 individual items right now, and each item has no less than 100 items behind each listing. That store is selling 50,000+ items with only 500 listings - SCALE. and you cant get there if you are pulling "Profit" that really should be banked as working capital - Get the job for 3 to 4 months - build the BANK - BUILD your future.

              Think of it this way... i started with $40.. where would I be if I pulled the "Profit" and kept re investing the $40? No where near where it ended up.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              During that time, she (along with the other employees) were cherry picking items before they ever hit the floor... she has some nice stuff tucked away, over $1000+ in mid-range comps selling or sold already on the platform.

              She just pulled out (8) designer purses last night and blew my mind. Coach bags with (comps) between $65 - $100 listed and sold already... she has (4) hidden in a tote in the closet. (*She got them for under $10!!!)

              The point being, she knows how to find deals - she paid $5 - $12 per bag, and the other (4) sell for no less than $50 each, BUT... she still refuses to "do the research" and gets grabby - "Oh this is cute" - and she THINKS getting TOP DOLLAR is the key... we are already clashing a wee-bit on the "price to sell" mindset I am going in with... waiting 6 months for an extra $10 - is not worth the inventory sitting there, I would love to rotate the bulk of inventory every 90 days (or less.) As opposed to having to edit a ton of listings and lower pricing later to move those items.

              My argument is "turn-over" - PRICE IT TO SELLL FAST (*and still profit, of course) - so I do worry she may struggle to conceive the concept of MOVING the product faster is better than having 100 over-priced items sitting stagnant!
              Pricing is dictated by market - in this case Market has spoken as it where and there is the ability to look at SOLD items - THAT is how much something is worth

              Anything other than that is A) leaving good money on the table or B) holding the item - and there are times this MAY happen, if you "overpaid" and you can wait out the lesser priced items to sell first - been there done that - it happens

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              We agreed to 'meet in the middle' - whereas, she will let me set the pricing at first, based on my research and comps, and even still, we will likely still have to go back in to listings over *90 -120 days and reset (or lower) pricing to get those items GONE!
              can you tell me why exactly time of listing matters? Any and every item you sell is for every $1 you spent, you will get $3.00 in return - and if it takes a year? does it matter? I am going to tell you straight... its going to happen - in many cases its not logical, to the point I dont even follow and look any more.. I have seen listings a year out and look at sold comps and there are items less than, equal to and more than what out item is listed for. I have a video game still listed from this thread - most complete and least priced and has been for months on end... and yet people will price lower, and it sells, and people with less complete list for more and it sells - BUT the item aint hurting me in now way... its sitting in a bin just waiting for its day.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              I do not want a DEATH PILE!!! (*I know some items may take longer to sell, but the more we grow, the less I want an item sitting for 6 months or longer.
              The term "Death Pile" is the stack of unlisted items waiting to be listed. There is a balance here - as you will find out - where the pile becomes over whelming and you will lose interest in listing. Hear me now, and I will remind you later BUY it, LIST it - dont buy more till what you have is listed.

              What happens is you buy a bunch of stuff.. you list the "Good" stuff and then buy more and again list the "Good" stuff and buy more and list the "Good" stuff and you end up with a pile of not so good stuff. Learning to BUY only Good stuff and get in the habit of buy it, list it is something you will learn

              Remember this... you are entering the business of SELLING - not the business of BUYING - yes you have to buy what you sell, so the priority falls on LISTING what you have to sell before you buy.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              There are some 'fine lines' that trigger account shut downs, suspensions, and as you mentioned 'keywords' that I need to learn to AVOID - I'm guessing they infringe on trademark issues with VERO or larger brand rules - I feel more confident now, as a few weeks ago, I knew NOTHING about eBay, outside of your thread.
              Velcro ='s Hook and loop - I think everyone gets tagged with that one - like its a right of passage. "Smile" or "Smiley" will get you tagged. "X Brand like" ( Coogi Like as an example ) will get you hit. Selling currently sold in store items at less than retail can get you - All of the major shoe manufacturers will hit you on this if you are selling an amount of volume 1 or 2 is fine... listing 20 of say the latest Jordans for less than retail will get you.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              No I don't currently have a working printer, our HP was dying and I barely used it. I intend to get one like CommonWealth uses in his shop, just a simple label printer a.s.a.p.
              You can pick up a laser printer on Facebook for probably $20 or so. Laser printed labels are WATER proof... ink jet prints have to be taped over - AND when doing this the ink will fade in a fairly short amount of time.

              Im not a fan of the label printers - we have used one in the past...and personal experience was there was an increase in mis delivery - that I attribute to size of print on the label - just something to think about. Laser printer craps out, I can replace it today... label printer craps out and you can replace it today but its going to cost you OR you can be without labels for a number of days waiting for Amazon to deliver one.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              I'm still trying to understand "how much I'll save" using pre-purchased labels -vs- printing them at the USPS?
              Walking into USPS and dropping of 20 packages - or better yet having them come to your home and pick them up vs walking into USPS and paying MORE ( eBay gives discounted rates ) and having them measure and weigh each and every package - forget everything else.. If time is money - and hour in USPS is a waste

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              The only other "grey area" concerns the best shipping practices, obviously utilizing the Express and Priority FREE supplies whenever possible will save us some dough.
              1st class and Priority only... order a bundle or box of each... order more than that of the flat rate bubble mailer, the 7x7x7, the Shoe Box, the 12x12x8, the reginal A and the non flat rate medium size box.

              The medium and large flat rate boxes ( at least at my post offices ) are easy to get, and we RARELY use them. the ONLY flat rate we keep in stock is the bubble mailer


              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Anyway, today, I am likely going to rent a 5' x 15' climate controlled unit about 3 miles from the house. I understand that is an extra per month expense (it's about $7 per day) - but I think I'll look at this from the perspective, I need to get up and get my ass out of this house and "Do the Work" as Gordon pointed out with Steven Pressfield's book!

              (*The month is free - so it's only about $35 for the acquisition and first 30 days - so about $1 per day!) and it's in route to the post office and some of the shops we intend to source items from... all in a tight route.
              Probably to late... but I would wait - We started in the "dining room" moved to the garage and now are in 5000 Sqf and adding another 5000 this year - your kinda spending money you dont have? Sell first and let your business dictate whats needed - and not what you think you need

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Then, lastly... I'm fixing to pick up some basic shipping supplies, tape, bubble wrap, and basics to have everything on hand, so we can ship within 24 hours of purchase.
              padded envelopes to start - Walmart ( best place is on ebay ) Poly bags can come later ( eBay is the least expensive ) The 2 boxes we buy from walmart 6x6x6 and 12x84 I think, We dont use bubble wrap we use craft paper #1 its cheaper, and #2 its a bit more environmentally friendly and #3 roll or roll 1/10 the size to store. Tape is cheapest at Sams club for the 6 pack refill rolls and we use the small plastic dispensers - tape gun is to bulky to man hande all day

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Lastly, I'm going straight in with the "Basic Store" monthly @$28 monthly, just to have the comps and terapeak research tools, because I am already spending too much time trying to manually look up comps and sold items.
              You have watch the videos... you have seen guys/gals look up items... they are all using the eBay APP and not terapeak - We have access to it, and I know i dont use it. It for sure wont make things "faster"

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              I am excited and a wee bit terrified, LOL... I'll think 30 - 90 days, we should be hitting 5-figures in sales, so long as I can post 10 (or more) items daily, and minimalize sourcing time.
              Set a goal... 100 items listed on your store.. meaning as you list you sell and list more and sell more and list more and sell more until your store has 100 items listed - its a bench mark - if you have decent moving items its a pain in the tail..

              An added trick...you are concerned with longevity of your listings... when you have your store you can sort the items by date listed... oldest ones will be on the bottom, you can then click click click all of the older items and then batch all at once a 25% off sale. The mathematical beauty of the 3X pricing strategy is 3x plus shipping and fees and subtracting 25% will never drop you anything less than 100% over COG giving you a 2X ROI
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    There's an advantage to living in central Florida, for sure. And, with the current economic downturns, gas, rents, high insurance costs, etc... I feel blessed being able to see an opportunity that is somewhat 'recession proof' - as this drama continues with over-priced fuel, living costs, and low wages being common around my area - people are definitely looking for the BARGAINS and squeezing every penny to stay afloat.

    I'm am literally 'ignorant' about all that the USPS offered, and I now really want to utilize that resource more than ever, as I never knew they offered so much for so little. Even freight for larger items like larger/heavier items such as vehicle engines, transmissions, and body parts are not nearly as expensive to ship 3rd party (*not USPS) as I would have thought prior.

    I was getting ready to dump my old boat, motor, and trailer for peanuts (*like $250 as is) - until I went looking at the cost of used parts on eBay - just the parts that are still good on my 86" Mercury 20-hp outboard motor "ADD UP" to roughly $675 with FREE SHIPPING or $1000 if the BUYER pays shipping... granted, it might take awhile to find that particular interest or buyer, but there's MONEY there over time from something I was ready to THROW AWAY for scrap value.

    I just sold my small truck yesterday, reinstated my DL, that has been the real handicap since Dec and started my tangent about my child and his lottery ticket (lawsuit money) - as he told us he had us covered and went rogue on a shopping spree for toys. UPDATE: $67K GONE in under 6 months... I could cry for him at this point, as he just threw away "working capital" and has $30k in debt. SAD!!!

    In short, I couldn't drive with a suspended license - that's a 1st time in 27+ years that I haven't maintained my DL and independence to drive and get problems resolved. That issue was just resolved - now, I have to get our other vehicle legal - so I CAN deliver once and item sells...

    I didn't want to admit my humility of losing my driver's license publicly, but that was the BIG PROBLEM - in doing anything offline to make money. Normally, I NEVER sit still this long, it was a test of my patience, for sure.

    In the eBay and resellers arena, I can still utilize the writing as I have noticed a pattern with those who are top-sellers, they all understand marketing across multiple platforms, they are affiliates on eBay and Amazon, they are documenting their journey... like Hustle at Home Mom... her journey started as a freelance writer...

    Now, she has eBook(s) written, building a following on Insta, YT, eBay, Amazon, etc...

    So, I personally think her journey defines what can be done in a relatively short period of tims, and she's is networking, sourcing, and affiliate marketing... while raising babies, writing, and running her store(s)... so it is all systematical, process, and FLOW... and she admits, not everything she lists does as well as expected or sells as fast as she hoped.

    Her showing "how she lists" her items... blew my mind, because was trying to understand how to pack and store inventory and be able to find the exact item 6 months from now - so it can be shipped out within 24 hours or less.

    But, yeah... I think encompasses a lot of what I have learned in the field (hands on) over the years as a service-provider, and crosses into that threshold of having SOME control over the assets (*inventory) and DOES compliment what the WF teaches about marketing, copywriting, building brand awareness, selling, communications, helping others find the means to escape financial limitations.

    And... I still just want to write for a living... so I guess it enables me to do that, maybe not the way I projected, but I can see selling "How to eBooks and reports" doing this reseller gig - from teaching people how to set up their taxes, to initial business start-ups, and more... always the same formula!

    Today... is fix the Mazda 3 Hatchback (Smurfette Mobile, lol) as this is the 1st time I have not owned a truck in over 40 years, but the Chevy S10 was getting 12-14mpg - the Smurfette Mobile gets 28-30mpg.... and the seats lay down, lol.

    I certainly do not want to to detract from your thread, just fascinated by the MATH that I have been doing and seems to add up to a business model with growth potential, and I too am hoping the wife will capitalize on her "GIFT" of treasure hunting. I made fun of her buying used sneakers/shoes at thrift, Goodwill, etc for YEARS... as I will not wear used shoes... BUT the amount of money being made selling used clothing, shoes, and things from the 80's and 90's - blows my MIND!
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I was getting ready to dump my old boat, motor, and trailer for peanuts (*like $250 as is) - until I went looking at the cost of used parts on eBay - just the parts that are still good on my 86" Mercury 20-hp outboard motor "ADD UP" to roughly $675 with FREE SHIPPING or $1000 if the BUYER pays shipping... granted, it might take awhile to find that particular interest or buyer, but there's MONEY there over time from something I was ready to THROW AWAY for scrap value.
      Just an FYI besides listing the boat motor on eBay. You can also try Facebook marketplace. You may get a lot of useless messages from tire kickers, but there are some decent buyers there. You won't have to worry about shipping either.
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      • Profile picture of the author art72
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Just an FYI besides listing the boat motor on eBay. You can also try Facebook marketplace. You may get a lot of useless messages from tire kickers, but there are some decent buyers there. You won't have to worry about shipping either.
        I agree, there are good buyers that respond on FB Marketplace... BUT most of them were lowballing my asking price, it was INSANE the number of responses I received from my little Chevy S10 truck... almost 45 people replied in under 24 hours, there were just under 80 local responses in 4.5 days.... the truck SOLD quick and I only met with 2 people. So it wasn't too bad.

        Lawnmowers and larger items, I would definitely use FB Marketplace again, and sell locally. I've used it a few times. But you are right, there's a ton of people that troll, tire kickers, and lowballer's on there too... that part pushes me towards selling smaller items on eBay and other similar platforms... then it's just pics, list, stick, and ship methods... less interaction with people, more time to make money.

        And, thank-you... the wife and I have recently watched several of the Hustle at Home Mom vids... she rocks, man. She landed an auction pallet (I guess they call them Gaylord's) and she hit the mother load (pun intended) with some huge items. She has a very 'down to earth' personality and she knows more than just eBay... she was a freelance writer too, which I thought was cool. If she can do it with the little one's at her hip, there is no excuse.

        We made a HUGE mistake yesterday... walked into a local Goodwill and I was looking at the prices - telling my wife, this store sucks - the prices were super high... come to find out, it was a Goodwill RETAIL Store, LOL... I didn't even notice the HUGE sign when we walked in, LOL... they are charging reseller prices, now I know better.

        BUT... I still plucked (2) items for $5 that should sell for $25 - $30. They had the goods, if only the prices were a normal Goodwill pricing we would've filled a cart with $50 yesterday!

        We got the car legal, I'm legal again, now a little trouble shooting a minor issue with the car, MAF (mass air flow leak or sensor) and we're good to start listing, and getting this thing rolling!
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Alright, the mission has begun!

    We have everything set up and started getting a few items listed today. Hoping to have 50 - 100 items listed by the weekend. Learned a lil' bit about photography and what a difference it makes on clothing with and without flash, as it practically changes a black shirt to grey when the 'flash' is on.

    We've got the eBay app and comps dialed-in and I have since plucked a few nice items that'll fetch 20X - 30X (before shipping and fees) - so, those items should do very well based on sales over the past 90 days!

    The ONE problem (*outside of the time it takes to photograph 25-30 items, which took a few hours, to wit I am still likely going to modify a few pics as the color and lighting looked fine, until we uploaded them to the laptop and everything changed, LOL.

    The one thing I cannot figure out is, we have a Marvel Character Mug (*DeadPool) in it's original box, if we offer FREE SHIPPING via; Priority 1-4 day shipping - it appears we are going to EAT $10 minimum on the shipping (*possibly more) until we start printing our own labels and learn the ropes.

    That is a bit disturbing being, I can probably fetch $15 - $18 for the item, less $10 for shipping, another $3 -$4 in fees... and it is an item we acquired for free cleaning out a storage unit.

    So the question is... How can you ship a $15 - $18 Priority item*1-4 days and make a profit?

    I paused the listing and saved it as a draft after seeing the estimated cost to deliver priority mail, which is at $9.45 as far as I can calculate... or am I missing something?

    Whereas, we picked up a Chinese Money Frog at a local thrift for $2 that is heavy and sells for around $30 -$35, so I can still get 20X in profit from that - but the Marvel DeadPool Mug seems to have me stumped as to WHY sell it for $1 - $3 profit - the whole profit gets eaten up in shipping & fees?

    Asking exclusively here, due to the fact, little Savidge sells coffee mugs, right? - I imagine weighing, boxing, and printing your own labels saves a few dollars - but WOW, I figured it would ship for $5 - $6 priority.

    Outside of that issue, 2 hours on the phone with a eBay rep this morning to get my account verified - right after we listed the 1st item, they 'locked' my account and flagged it stating; we couldn't list any more items until they verified our account, which was strange - but that is handled, payout is set up, and aside from the indexing and actual time items show up in search, we're good to list a bunch of items! (*Still nervous that our store shows ZERO items, but I have 5 listed so far... not exactly fast YET, but starting to make sense.

    There's definitely some decent potential in 'treasure hunting' as yesterday we spent maybe 1.5 hours at a local thrift and I landed 4-5 key items (*using the app, LOL) that have 20X potential based on items sold, plus another 10 -12 items that should do 10X before fees and shipping! - I love antiques and historical stuff, so finding Theodore Haviland Apple Blossom 40 pc porcelain dish sets for under $30 - I consider that a good score, especially broken down into smaller lots.

    And, I appreciate the insights on 'scaling up' with multiple items under one listing, we're definitely not there yet... but it is a lot of work sourcing, photos, listing, and getting organized with general items being so random from framed art pieces, to Stanley Roberts electro-plated gold silverware (*that was a good score, LOL) - and a mixture of brand apparel, etc..

    We also went to (3) local shops claiming to be 'liquidators' and their pricing was laughable... they're buying Pallets and truckloads from Home Depot and Lowes and asking near retail pricing for what appears reconditioned, refurbished, and open box items. I saw a couple items that might sell for profit, but these places were far from wholesale or liquidators, LOL.

    Now, we need to get these items all listed and I need to learn to stay consistent as I am going to look into a few other opportunities that allow me a flexible schedule, until we can ramp this up to a decent monthly sales flow. We are going to try to leave the money alone, and invest more as funds permit.

    My scale arives tomorrow, once a few items sell, we're getting the laser printer and ordering labels, I was looking into PirateShip [.] com, they claim you can SAVE up to 87% on USPS fees, if so... might be a bargain there to be had, still investigating and trying to LOWER shipping costs.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Seriously seriously seriously... your mission by the end of day Saturday is finding a laser printer... Be it a garage sale or facebook, or craigslist, or a thrift store ( my goodwills have them all the time ) $25 - $30 and its worth every penny. Until you order the half sheet labels ( https://www.ebay.com/itm/36304809104...3ABFBM8umOuqBg ) you can print the labels on paper and cut the sheet in half and tape them on the package.

      If you start looking at the pricing between Pirateship and eBay they are damn near the same - and with eBay shipping you are not having to transfer over the tracking info - I would say its an absolute no brainer. eBay shipping is like 20% off of regular office USPS rates... so again get the printer, an absolute priority.

      as a seller you have a rating... right now you are middle of the road and get a discount on shipping, but you are paying full price for eBay fees. Once you sell 100 items AND have reached $1000 in sales you will become a "Top Rated Seler" your eBay fees go down, AND your shipping goes down.

      SHIPPING: the question is HOW? LOL YOU will get this... 4"and 6" thin wall pvc pipe and a heat gun and shape them oblong so the mug fits inside and then use a flatrate padded envelope ( YOUR cost with eBay right now would be $8.40? right now. Top Rated its $7.25? i think, and USPS rate is $9.65 ) Standardizes your shipping rate - its a flat rate AND the packaging is about indestructible.

      The next option is the walmart 6x6x6 box or the USPS Priority 7x7x7 box, we use hard foam insulation ( 1/2 inch ) to line the 4 sides top and bottom ( you can cut this to size with a table saw ) and then pad with paper. SHOULD be under 2lbs more like 1lb 2oz usually and be in the $9.00 range shipping using eBay shipping. AND over 2lbs you would use the regional A box - ships at 2lbs - in the $10 range with eBay, and $13.54 using USPS office rate )

      And again HEAVY... the reginal A box is a must must must - UNLESS you can get it protected and in a padded flat rate envelope

      PHOTOS... I have been a digital photographer for YEARS... and its ALL in the lighting. You want to progress to a light box ( https://www.amazon.com/LTRINGYS-Fold...s%2C261&sr=8-9 ) BUT to get started some 1 inch pvc pipe ( https://www.pinterest.com/pin/263531015669514515/ ) using cheap clamp lights with 5000K bulbs - we have a bigger one of these and we use LED flood bulbs for the siddes and 100 watt equivalent on the top.

      If you buy a roll of white craft paper I believe they are 36 inch across the back top bar you can slide the roll onto the 1 inch pipe and then roll that down over the back and across the bottom. and then tape a piece from left to right across the side, the back and the right side to cast the lights onto. You WANT to diffuse the light from the fixture.. so the paper route or a white sheet works.

      You can then also use the same clamp lights in a setup like chris has with the hard foam insulation sheet and get one left and one right and one over the top

      COLOR... IF the camera you are using allows for "Custom white balance" you can grab 2 natural white coffee filters so they are stacked together and place those in your light box and then focus n those, and set the custom white balance to those ( they are about equal to a 15% grey card )

      The lighting makes a huge difference - you want 5000K bulbs... if you are in a room and there is an overhead light, you want to switch that out as well - even an over head light will cast a bit of yellow and wonk out your color.

      You can also set the item you are selling in the box and hold the filters to get your camera to lock on and then remove them and take the shot. A friend of mine has his tied to a piece of string so he can pull them out of the way.


      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Alright, the mission has begun!

      We have everything set up and started getting a few items listed today. Hoping to have 50 - 100 items listed by the weekend. Learned a lil' bit about photography and what a difference it makes on clothing with and without flash, as it practically changes a black shirt to grey when the 'flash' is on.

      We've got the eBay app and comps dialed-in and I have since plucked a few nice items that'll fetch 20X - 30X (before shipping and fees) - so, those items should do very well based on sales over the past 90 days!

      The ONE problem (*outside of the time it takes to photograph 25-30 items, which took a few hours, to wit I am still likely going to modify a few pics as the color and lighting looked fine, until we uploaded them to the laptop and everything changed, LOL.

      The one thing I cannot figure out is, we have a Marvel Character Mug (*DeadPool) in it's original box, if we offer FREE SHIPPING via; Priority 1-4 day shipping - it appears we are going to EAT $10 minimum on the shipping (*possibly more) until we start printing our own labels and learn the ropes.

      That is a bit disturbing being, I can probably fetch $15 - $18 for the item, less $10 for shipping, another $3 -$4 in fees... and it is an item we acquired for free cleaning out a storage unit.

      So the question is... How can you ship a $15 - $18 Priority item*1-4 days and make a profit?

      I paused the listing and saved it as a draft after seeing the estimated cost to deliver priority mail, which is at $9.45 as far as I can calculate... or am I missing something?

      Whereas, we picked up a Chinese Money Frog at a local thrift for $2 that is heavy and sells for around $30 -$35, so I can still get 20X in profit from that - but the Marvel DeadPool Mug seems to have me stumped as to WHY sell it for $1 - $3 profit - the whole profit gets eaten up in shipping & fees?

      Asking exclusively here, due to the fact, little Savidge sells coffee mugs, right? - I imagine weighing, boxing, and printing your own labels saves a few dollars - but WOW, I figured it would ship for $5 - $6 priority.

      Outside of that issue, 2 hours on the phone with a eBay rep this morning to get my account verified - right after we listed the 1st item, they 'locked' my account and flagged it stating; we couldn't list any more items until they verified our account, which was strange - but that is handled, payout is set up, and aside from the indexing and actual time items show up in search, we're good to list a bunch of items! (*Still nervous that our store shows ZERO items, but I have 5 listed so far... not exactly fast YET, but starting to make sense.

      There's definitely some decent potential in 'treasure hunting' as yesterday we spent maybe 1.5 hours at a local thrift and I landed 4-5 key items (*using the app, LOL) that have 20X potential based on items sold, plus another 10 -12 items that should do 10X before fees and shipping! - I love antiques and historical stuff, so finding Theodore Haviland Apple Blossom 40 pc porcelain dish sets for under $30 - I consider that a good score, especially broken down into smaller lots.

      And, I appreciate the insights on 'scaling up' with multiple items under one listing, we're definitely not there yet... but it is a lot of work sourcing, photos, listing, and getting organized with general items being so random from framed art pieces, to Stanley Roberts electro-plated gold silverware (*that was a good score, LOL) - and a mixture of brand apparel, etc..

      We also went to (3) local shops claiming to be 'liquidators' and their pricing was laughable... they're buying Pallets and truckloads from Home Depot and Lowes and asking near retail pricing for what appears reconditioned, refurbished, and open box items. I saw a couple items that might sell for profit, but these places were far from wholesale or liquidators, LOL.

      Now, we need to get these items all listed and I need to learn to stay consistent as I am going to look into a few other opportunities that allow me a flexible schedule, until we can ramp this up to a decent monthly sales flow. We are going to try to leave the money alone, and invest more as funds permit.

      My scale arives tomorrow, once a few items sell, we're getting the laser printer and ordering labels, I was looking into PirateShip [.] com, they claim you can SAVE up to 87% on USPS fees, if so... might be a bargain there to be had, still investigating and trying to LOWER shipping costs.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    There was some weirdness with getting items from "active listings" to actually being "available in search" and showing up in our store, I don't like that. If the item is pending, it should say pending... not active, as the item was not inventoried in our store or in the search listings, that is NOT ACTIVE!

    I'm guessing they had a delay due to our account being 'brand new' - as the first 12 listings NEVER went live!... and until I revised a few - those were not showing up either! (*despite showing as 'active listings' and dropping my monthly free listing count).

    I noticed last night, as I was listing more items they were showing up almost instantaneously, view counts were growing, etc. In fact, the 1st item I listed last night a set of 6 cups and saucers - received an offer within 15 minutes after listing them... for $5 less than our listed 'buy it now' pricing, I accepted the offer and am still awaiting payment from (potential) buyer.

    We accepted that offer (and provided the buyer pays) - that will be our 1st sale, so that was cool! - *I may have done the 'cabbage patch dance' a lil' bit prematurely, as the buyer HAS NOT PAID as of yet - so, we're hoping it wasn't a window shopper or maybe a competing seller(?) - as the buyer account has NO HISTORY! (*I find that suspicious!)

    Any ways, it appears, we've cleared the hurdle of getting 16 of the 20 items to actually 'show up' in our store, I'm planning to just add *5-10 items per day, as I have a limited amount of funds to cover seller costs and shipping fees 'loaded' in our account.

    The printer is MUST, and I'm on the hunt for that and ready to order the good shipping labels from the link you sent.

    Once sales and money start being received into our account, we plan to invest more, until then, I am about maxed out on spending until these first items start moving. (*We're under $150 total spend with the small storage unit, merchandise we bought to resell, and the basic packaging and shipping items we needed to get rolling. And, $120 - is still 'on account' for shipping/seller fees).

    We received an offer on a $110 item and noticed it was from Hawaii - so again, basic understanding of shipping costs will remain part of my priority (and strategy), and YES we are going to pick up a laser printer, order labels, and USE eBay's system to print labels as people purchase, even if I have to run to the UPS Store and print them as needed on copy paper and tape them on to the package, LOL. (*I didn't even know you could do that!).

    While we; I was taking photos at our unit yesterday 2 younger kids were talking about selling speakers and items, so I was talking to this kid, he's 19 - he's buying storage units and straight hustling - he's been doing eBay for 6 months and had over $8K in his account... I shared a few things you've shared here with him to help him try to scale-up his operation, but honestly, I found that highly motivating!!! (*I'll probably be bidding against him locally in weeks to come, but I thought it was cool he was trying to tell his friend how to sell stuff online, again the kid is 19 years old and already making some bank on eBay and locally selling! (*Good kid!)

    Again... thanks, newbie jitters (*the shipping driving me nuts - and once sales happen, we print the dang labels, it's probably a no-brainer.) Without having actually done it and KNOWING the cheapest way to expedite items to buyers, messing with my brain, cause I have no data on file, thus I over-think - until it becomes autonomous and fluid!

    Lastly, we have at least (3) other opportunities (*excluding IM related explorations) - plasma is apparently paying $100 a pop, we can do that by appointment 2X per week (That's $800 per person monthly - so, if we BOTH do that... there's $1600 right there monthly.) Just now retrieved my 1099-G from the taxes taken out of DEO (*unemployment, stimulus, etc... and, I still have over $4k available in unemployment - "IF" I choose to file it - but it felt dirty, so I stopped filing that last year and went back to work for awhile - I HATE relying on the SYSTEM, not a fan of dependency on welfare, unemployment, or any of that crap, and really I shouldn't need to resort to that EVER!) - Forgive my bias, as I understand there are people who NEED those resources, so I am NOT implying a lack of empathy for those trying to sustain hard times!

    But yeah, we should be good in *30-90 days (or less)...

    My goal is to have at least a 5-fig nest egg (*$10k in working capital) - as you have definitely educated me to see money from a heightened perspective with the 3X model.

    Trying not to withdraw that money for bills, is going to be a disciplinary challenge until we create a couple other streams of income.

    We've considered doing some daily labor - daily pay (*it's been years since I have done that) - Older lady next door told us the new plasma center is paying $100+ per person - per visit (*might help save a life and I can filter my blood and get paid, LOL... even though I am total needle-phobic, I cannot stand being pricked by anything!) and I am still awaiting approval (or denial) from Uber Eats/Grub Hub at the moment. It seems everyone is applying so it's taking longer to determine eligibility!

    My daughter wants our gold silverware, she's a trip... she's like Dad, you know you can just sell a set of (4) and give me (2) place settings, and STILL make profit, right?

    It's getting easier... now that the sun is on my face again, I'm fixing to go straight hustle, non-stop, all-in burn the island, sail the ship...whatever it takes, FAILURE is not an option!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      We accepted that offer (and provided the buyer pays) - that will be our 1st sale, so that was cool! - *I may have done the 'cabbage patch dance' a lil' bit prematurely, as the buyer HAS NOT PAID as of yet - so, we're hoping it wasn't a window shopper or maybe a competing seller(?) - as the buyer account has NO HISTORY! (*I find that suspicious!)
      I touched on this with you recently... with "Offers" its a dance... its a back and forth, and You click accept offer and it can take a day or 2 for the payment to process. Within the actual listing of an item you CAN set an amount that is automatically accepted - Like I stated I have found that almost 99% of the time the buyer is paying the lowest amount vs somewhere above that. Seems odd to me.

      As you scale this... you have to think about this 1 off incident as it turns into 3 and 4 and 5 a week, and do you want to deal with it... I personally just want to sell stuff and ship stuff right? so as automated as I can get it with the least amount of manual back and forth... thats what works for us.

      If you get into facebook reseller groups ( a huge time suck btw - but to some extent worth the time - more so to learn what not to do vs what to do ) People over and over talk about getting questions on items and doing the whole back and forth with offers and oh my.... Getting questions on an item means you are not placing enough information in your listings. I just looked at all 6 of our accounts and cant see a "Question" about an item in the last 6 months - and that is as far back as I looked. Again "Daily Refinement" ( Probably the best channel name ever ) lead us to this - questions are a failure in communication, how can we communicate better?

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Any ways, it appears, we've cleared the hurdle of getting 16 of the 20 items to actually 'show up' in our store, I'm planning to just add *5-10 items per day, as I have a limited amount of funds to cover seller costs and shipping fees 'loaded' in our account.
      If you go into the main "Seller Hub" page ( the one with all of your items for sale listed on a page ) and click on "Payments" and then scroll down to "Payout preferences" you can select how often eBay sends money to your account. You keep mentioning having to have funds for... and those are your funds that would could and should pay those. I would set it to Weekly... Our stores are set to monthly - BUT we are in a position that we dont "Need" the cash right? - YOU will get there. So your store fees, your shipping, and all of that will come out of that fund - You are then only protecting say your subscription fee coming out the same day you have a payment scheduled - everything else will be covered with the purchase


      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      We received an offer on a $110 item and noticed it was from Hawaii - so again, basic understanding of shipping costs will remain part of my priority (and strategy), and YES we are going to pick up a laser printer, order labels, and USE eBay's system to print labels as people purchase, even if I have to run to the UPS Store and print them as needed on copy paper and tape them on to the package, LOL. (*I didn't even know you could do that!).
      Again the Pirateship USPS zone map ( https://www.pirateship.com/usps/zone...BoC0-8QAvD_BwE ) and you quickly see Hawaii is no different than sending the package to California. again "Daily Refinement" you can have watched every video in the world on the topic, but until you place these things in practice for yourself - you wont know what works and what doesnt...

      3X in most cases - unless you are selling car wheels / rims or something big and heavy will protect you from a mistake - its just money - you can make more.. take the lesson on the cheek and move on... but again this thread is by design stupid proof - I build stupid proof and am damn good at it.. If you are selling a $100 item you paid $10 for? does it matter if the shipping is $12 or $20? you will be fine

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      While we; I was taking photos at our unit yesterday 2 younger kids were talking about selling speakers and items, so I was talking to this kid, he's 19 - he's buying storage units and straight hustling - he's been doing eBay for 6 months and had over $8K in his account... I shared a few things you've shared here with him to help him try to scale-up his operation, but honestly, I found that highly motivating!!! (*I'll probably be bidding against him locally in weeks to come, but I thought it was cool he was trying to tell his friend how to sell stuff online, again the kid is 19 years old and already making some bank on eBay and locally selling! (*Good kid!)
      I LOVE hearing this stuff... That kid will ALWAYS have a skill set to fall back on, and draw experience from - and YOU will as well.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Again... thanks, newbie jitters (*the shipping driving me nuts - and once sales happen, we print the dang labels, it's probably a no-brainer.) Without having actually done it and KNOWING the cheapest way to expedite items to buyers, messing with my brain, cause I have no data on file, thus I over-think - until it becomes autonomous and fluid!
      This thread... if you know it or not is the daily refinement of the process ( as we practice it ) If you re-read through this and understand all aspects of this process are very set in stone - the entire process is "Static" Shipping in this process is no different. aside from some rate changes here and there - shipping is a very static aspect of the business. You will get to the poiint with practice when you are in the buying phase, you wil roughly know in your head what the shipping expense will be.... That will fit in a bubble flat rate, that will fit in a Region A... that will go in this at first class... I can send this media

      But keep in the back of your mind... take YOU out of the buying process, and THIS system has your back - there will be no absolute failures... there will be learning experiences. The absolute one thing I do very well is build business', Business' that win lose or draw come out in the black in the end - and THAT is what this thread is - the biue print to success.

      If you have a question - I will answer - I got your back. But again follow this as close to a T as possible, and you simply cant fail.
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  • Profile picture of the author dikshasharmaa69
    Thanks for share Informative post.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    There's been a lot of new changes this week, which I think in the long run will benefit sellers - such as the new listing tool, videos, and messages built-in to listings... All good!

    We have still yet to make a single sale in 3-4 days, and we were trying not to 'upgrade to a 'basic store' just yet, as that is an additional $27 per month (*$28 if you round up)...

    Although, it makes us wonder "if" we either need to lower price points(?), examine new (or different) inventory(?) - or I am just impatient, lol. <--- probably the REAL answer!

    I have found most of the 'automation tools' you mentioned- there are only a few that are not available to new free listings - until we upgrade to either a "basic" or "premium" store such as sponsored listings, storewide discounts, etc - which is not a big deal, there are still some great tools available for messaging, offer discount to potential buyers who have liked or previously viewed items.

    We've only had about 120 actual views in (*just under 4 days) and average 1.3% click-through rate... I don't know if that is good or bad?

    We are offering Free 1st Priority Shipping & 30 Day Returns... But, we have no following or feedback - which may require more creative means to start driving traffic to our offers(?)

    The part that keeps my interest is seeing the total number of items and inventory value grow daily... that is a huge motivator.

    However, reaching a point where 'if' we don't start making sales this week - we will need to drop pricing or risk being able to list a minimum of 5-10 new items in-store daily!

    The good news is we may get those 100 listings up without draining inventory... but, I'd rather see sales than be forced to keep sourcing more goods daily 'out of pocket' as opposed to using existing inventory and sales to grow the business.

    Even $50 per week at thrift and garage sales will give me at least 5 items daily if we shop smart!

    Now the question becomes...

    Do we keep listing our 5-10 items daily? (*even with no sales) or run the risk of not consistently growing daily inventory? - which will likely deduce what little traffic we are currently getting.

    I'm all for continuing to list a min of 5 items daily... even if we have to pluck stuff from home or buy more stuff!!!

    Almost didn't list yesterday... But buckled down late last night and got 6 new listings up - before midnight, lol.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Although, it makes us wonder "if" we either need to lower price points(?), examine new (or different) inventory(?) - or I am just impatient, lol. <--- probably the REAL answer!

      We've only had about 120 actual views in (*just under 4 days) and average 1.3% click-through rate... I don't know if that is good or bad?
      Your pricing should be about the same as those with free shipping AND look at the listings with plus shipping and average those numbers out and be in the item plus shipping range there. You have to remember, take the YOU out of priciing. The Market has spoken, and the data is right there in front of you.

      1.3% is not great... more often than not, it will be the phots or the title - usually the tityle. Post a few example titles for me and I can give you tips. plus maybe re read this https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11482789 )

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Do we keep listing our 5-10 items daily? (*even with no sales) or run the risk of not consistently growing daily inventory? - which will likely deduce what little traffic we are currently getting.

      I'm all for continuing to list a min of 5 items daily... even if we have to pluck stuff from home or buy more stuff!!!

      Almost didn't list yesterday... But buckled down late last night and got 6 new listings up - before midnight, lol.
      Does success come from working when you feel like it, or absolutely need it? I will answer that for you, NO. Every day at roughly the same time every day - start developing GOOD HABITS - it will pay off I promise.
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      • Profile picture of the author art72
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Your pricing should be about the same as those with free shipping AND look at the listings with plus shipping and average those numbers out and be in the item plus shipping range there. You have to remember, take the YOU out of priciing. The Market has spoken, and the data is right there in front of you.

        1.3% is not great... more often than not, it will be the phots or the title - usually the tityle. Post a few example titles for me and I can give you tips. plus maybe re read this https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11482789 )
        We are trying really hard NOT to be attached to each item or pricing (at least I am) - most of what we've listed has no greater value to me than the other items listed. I'll admit, some of the items are priced a little high - based only on the fact we can lower prices - but we cannot raise prices, so I was testing a theory of sorts, trying to find the sweet spot.

        Plus, we have the SOLD items app dialed-in now, but even then, many times with say Coach signature bags - there are voids (no sales within the past 90 days) for an exact match or a specific item number or model number. - So I am seeing one person listing (the exact item we have) for $39.95 + Shipping $11.95 - and another asking $260 + Shipping $15.00

        We put that Coach purse up at $45 with FREE 1St Class Shipping! *30 Day Returns (*We have $8 invested before shipping - should fetch the 3X profit model minimum).

        Whereas, a few others I went a little higher w/ Free shipping and 30 Day Returns.

        I have a few that after re-reading, I may revise, but most are as you stated; Brand Name 1st - A couple I put Antique or Vintage just before the brand name though.
        • B. Makowsky Leather Shoulder Bag - Reptile Style - Snap w/Pockets - Silver Trim
        • Florida Gators Men's Long Sleeve Shirt w/ Embroided Raised Logo. 100% Cotton
        • Antique Theodore Haviland Apple Blossom - New York - Creamer & Sugar Set w/Lid

        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Does success come from working when you feel like it, or absolutely need it? I will answer that for you, NO. Every day at roughly the same time every day - start developing GOOD HABITS - it will pay off I promise.
        Well right now, my eBay thing consists of maybe 30 mins to 1 hour per day sourcing locally, and then *3-4 hours tops, doing photos and listings from 6 pm - Midnight. I'm running late right now, 3.5 hours to go photograph, research (again) and list 5-10 items tonight.

        Spent $21.00 on (7) items at 5pm... (1) sale pays for all 7 items easy... and we saw an entire lot of old "precious moments" collectibles I wanted to offer a price on - but they were closing and I just didn't have enough time to determine (*research) which ones they have??? (*there's at least *35-40 in their original boxes) - I may go back for them in the a.m., an offer to buy the lot.... but they are not huge profit items, so IDK.(?)

        *If we weren't just starting out, I probably could've gotten the lot for $100 (or less) out the door at a local thrift donation center and get 3X - 4X after fees and shipping costs.

        Right now, our average item costs is under $5 - and resells for about 7X - so again, we CAN lower our prices. BUT - I don't really want to be the guy who lowers the goods to such extremes it deduces the items worth for other sellers (as I do see some people doing right now!)

        What is right choice?

        There's people (seller's) that I believe want the competition to BUY their items more than the public, as they priced items as if they got them for NOTHING... whereas, some of my wife's Leather name brand purses -- she did spend $15 - $18 on each... those we cannot 'let go for $40 as others appear to be doing.(*By the time we ship, pay fees... we'd be lucky to get 2X ROI.) -So we do have $60 - $110 bags listed as well, we can wait to see the returns on those items if need be, no big deal.

        Chris at Daily Refinement said he would spend $2000 - IF he knew 100% it would return $2020 - that's fine when you are that heavily armed in inventory/capital.

        We cannot do that... we would tank faster than the Titanic!

        By next week, we may upgrade... I'm trying to exercise some patience, the holiday weekend was definitely a factor, as is the eBay changes to their systems, too many seasoned sellers questioning drops in traffic and sales from what I've read - which may indicate the new changes may take a minute to balance out the new traffic reporting, etc...

        Again, it would be nice to see even $100 in sales, that's another 20 - 30 items (if we stay low key and low budget for now with $3 - $5 finds that'll fetch at least $18 - $25 before our fees and shipping, which I think we could be good at finding!)

        *back to work... 3 hours to post min. 5 more items, LOL.

        Thanks,

        We are both excited, just nervous until we break the ice and start building some momentum.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by art72 View Post

          • B. Makowsky Leather Shoulder Bag - Reptile Style - Snap w/Pockets - Silver Trim
          • Florida Gators Men's Long Sleeve Shirt w/ Embroided Raised Logo. 100% Cotton
          • Antique Theodore Haviland Apple Blossom - New York - Creamer & Sugar Set w/Lid
          When you are looking at eBay from a buyers perspective there are 3 elements of the overall listing that are displayed... Photos, Title, and Price. "Item Specifics" will help with the SEO... but NOT help in the page view...make sense?

          Below are how I would title these items. Keep in mind you want to draw attention to your items... hence the CAPITAL names.

          Spaces and punctuation count as a character so be mindful of that, and remove "." and the like when possible.

          "Mens" vs "Men's" You want to title these as "Mens" eBay is a search engine, and NOT anywhere near Google Status. people will type "mens" before "men's". The "Men's" will be picked up in the "Item Specifics". You are looking to match the buyers input as close as possible.

          B MAKOWSKY Leather Shoulder Bag - Reptile Print - Snap with/Pockets - Silver Trim

          FLORIDA GATORS Mens <insert size L or XL or S> Long Sleeve Shirt w/ Embroidered Raised Logo

          THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom - New York - Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set

          Because we sell a ton of China etc below is what our listing would look like:

          Title: THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom (New York) Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set

          Description:

          THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom - New York - Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set


          Apple Blossom (New York)Creamer and Sugar Set with Lid. Excellent Condition. Gold Rimmed.

          Sugar Bowl with Lid:
          • Height: 4 1/8 inches
          • Width: 5 1/2 Inches
          • Crafted In USA
          • Hand Wash
          • Condition: Used - excellent condition

          Creamer:
          • Height: 2 3/4 inches
          • Width: X
          • Size:6 OZ
          • Crafted In USA
          • Hand Wash
          • Condition: Used - excellent condition

          Free Shipping - 30 Day Free Returns - Thanks for Looking!


          From the buyers perspective this listing, or yours, who would you buy from?

          I am thinking I was looking at your listing for $39.99 ( change that to either .97 or .95 ) You want your FIRST photo to include BOTH items in this case.

          In terms of photos we would have side angle of both items side by side... Top down of each singly ( with lid on side in same orientation ) One with the bottom facing up ( shooting down ) and then at the least one with handles to the left and then handles to the right.

          If it were a single item we take a top, a bottom, and rotate the item 1/4 turns for 4 side photos.

          You need more light - cheap work clamp lights then 5000k leds ( you can get these at the dollar store - at least where i live ) One left one right and one pointing down. and you want to tape like a piece of tissue paper or plain paper in front of the bulb to diffuse the light.


          a GREAT resource for "China" product information and details ( https://www.replacements.com/ ) NOT pricing - they generally fall at 2x what it sells for on eBay They actually buy from us quit a bit.

          If you find yourself selling more and more "China" order a cup and saucer from them ( or something ) to see how they pack things... its mind blowing actually - and far less expensive to use their methods vs bubble wrap and paper and foam - its a piece of cardboard and saran wrap ( hard to explain )

          The title and the photo for sure - 3% or greater is the click number you are looking for. These are the elements that you need to really focus on to develop your "conversions" /sales

          This is why I say eBay is a GREAT gate way to other IM ventures because of the need to learn and understanding the elements of HOW something onverts.

          Hope that Helps!

          *** Added Pay attention to "Antique" and "Vintage". Antique is 100 yrs or older... and "Vintage" is 25 yrs or older. People that know what they are looking at, and you have it "tagged" wrong" will buy from someone else - its a phycological trigger that says "somethings not right"
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          • Profile picture of the author art72
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            When you are looking at eBay from a buyers perspective there are 3 elements of the overall listing that are displayed... Photos, Title, and Price. "Item Specifics" will help with the SEO... but NOT help in the page view...make sense?

            Below are how I would title these items. Keep in mind you want to draw attention to your items... hence the CAPITAL names.

            Spaces and punctuation count as a character so be mindful of that, and remove "." and the like when possible.

            "Mens" vs "Men's" You want to title these as "Mens" eBay is a search engine, and NOT anywhere near Google Status. people will type "mens" before "men's". The "Men's" will be picked up in the "Item Specifics". You are looking to match the buyers input as close as possible.

            B MAKOWSKY Leather Shoulder Bag - Reptile Print - Snap with/Pockets - Silver Trim

            FLORIDA GATORS Mens <insert size L or XL or S> Long Sleeve Shirt w/ Embroidered Raised Logo

            THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom - New York - Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set

            Because we sell a ton of China etc below is what our listing would look like:

            Title: THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom (New York) Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set

            Description:

            THEODORE HAVILAND Apple Blossom - New York - Vintage Creamer & Sugar Set


            Apple Blossom (New York)Creamer and Sugar Set with Lid. Excellent Condition. Gold Rimmed.

            Sugar Bowl with Lid:
            • Height: 4 1/8 inches
            • Width: 5 1/2 Inches
            • Crafted In USA
            • Hand Wash
            • Condition: Used - excellent condition

            Creamer:
            • Height: 2 3/4 inches
            • Width: X
            • Size:6 OZ
            • Crafted In USA
            • Hand Wash
            • Condition: Used - excellent condition

            Free Shipping - 30 Day Free Returns - Thanks for Looking!


            From the buyers perspective this listing, or yours, who would you buy from?

            I am thinking I was looking at your listing for $39.99 ( change that to either .97 or .95 ) You want your FIRST photo to include BOTH items in this case.

            In terms of photos we would have side angle of both items side by side... Top down of each singly ( with lid on side in same orientation ) One with the bottom facing up ( shooting down ) and then at the least one with handles to the left and then handles to the right.

            If it were a single item we take a top, a bottom, and rotate the item 1/4 turns for 4 side photos.

            You need more light - cheap work clamp lights then 5000k leds ( you can get these at the dollar store - at least where i live ) One left one right and one pointing down. and you want to tape like a piece of tissue paper or plain paper in front of the bulb to diffuse the light.


            a GREAT resource for "China" product information and details ( https://www.replacements.com/ ) NOT pricing - they generally fall at 2x what it sells for on eBay They actually buy from us quit a bit.

            If you find yourself selling more and more "China" order a cup and saucer from them ( or something ) to see how they pack things... its mind blowing actually - and far less expensive to use their methods vs bubble wrap and paper and foam - its a piece of cardboard and saran wrap ( hard to explain )

            The title and the photo for sure - 3% or greater is the click number you are looking for. These are the elements that you need to really focus on to develop your "conversions" /sales

            This is why I say eBay is a GREAT gate way to other IM ventures because of the need to learn and understanding the elements of HOW something onverts.

            Hope that Helps!

            *** Added Pay attention to "Antique" and "Vintage". Antique is 100 yrs or older... and "Vintage" is 25 yrs or older. People that know what they are looking at, and you have it "tagged" wrong" will buy from someone else - its a phycological trigger that says "somethings not right"
            THANK-YOU!

            Looks like I am going to be revising A LOT of listings - luckily we only have 40 items listed. I knew the lighting was an issue, your other 'key points' make a lot of sense!

            I knew vintage was 25 years, I always thought antique was 40 years (I don't know why, I think people with cars older than 40 years always said 'antique' and stuck in my brain.)

            The 3% CTR would be great, that would double the views we are getting now.

            We're not looking to niche yet, but I can already 'sense' there will be more 'vintage' and 'china' stuff in the future. So, I will definitely be needing to learn best packaging practices. Appreciate the link, and the insights.

            Got some repair work to do!
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              THANK-YOU!

              Looks like I am going to be revising A LOT of listings - luckily we only have 40 items listed. I knew the lighting was an issue, your other 'key points' make a lot of sense!

              I knew vintage was 25 years, I always thought antique was 40 years (I don't know why, I think people with cars older than 40 years always said 'antique' and stuck in my brain.)

              The 3% CTR would be great, that would double the views we are getting now.

              We're not looking to niche yet, but I can already 'sense' there will be more 'vintage' and 'china' stuff in the future. So, I will definitely be needing to learn best packaging practices. Appreciate the link, and the insights.

              Got some repair work to do!
              Here on the forum... when we are talking about selling say a course... its all benefit benefit benefit. You migrate into product sales, and I would argue it is all about feature feature features, with a healthy dose of details. The more detail you can include, the less likely there will be returns, and comparing your listing vs others selling the same thing you are increasing your odds of actually selling the item.

              That type of description for us is very common - its beyond interesting to me to go and look at many of the reseller youtuber shops and very rarely do you see more detailed descriptions... But then you also see in the videos a lot of items are sold to "viewers". So Youtube becomes an avenue of "advertising"

              But take youtube away... and any and every other person looking at 2 listings I again will argue that the more detail you can provide, that drops the friction in buying - in the end creates more sales.

              What you are starting to learn with this process - will directly apply to your IM efforts as those progress - very much the same but different.

              "Cassini" ( the name of eBays search engine ) is very simplistic.. very easy to manipulate compared to Google... and again, understanding the 3 listing elements that will get someone to click... and then the detail that will make them feel comfortable in buying. Increased CTR, and then increased Conversion - the 2 steps to selling goods online ( once you have removed traffic source - eBay thats just cooked in )
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Art72 - Have you considered starting your own path thread as you get this business going? You've asked some excellent questions which Savidge4 reliably answers - and the answers inform us all.

          But - why not document your journey with a log/journal of your own as a 'path' thread...it would not be identical to this thread because everyone will develop his/her own preferences for products and pricing, etc. Your writing is such that you are able to describe the processes well and having the documented journey later might be useful to you.


          Just a thought.
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          ***
          Life has no remote...
          Get up and change it yourself.
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          • Profile picture of the author art72
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            Art72 - Have you considered starting your own path thread as you get this business going? You've asked some excellent questions which Savidge4 reliably answers - and the answers inform us all.

            But - why not document your journey with a log/journal of your own as a 'path' thread...it would not be identical to this thread because everyone will develop his/her own preferences for products and pricing, etc. Your writing is such that you are able to describe the processes well and having the documented journey later might be useful to you.


            Just a thought.
            Yes. That was part of the bigger plan.

            Oddly enough, I was awaiting a sale before considering the manner to begin documenting the journey, and a positive footing to begin that process.

            As it happens, we finally received an acceptable offer on an item tonight, so it appears that burden has finally been lifted.

            In absolution, I have to thank Savidge4 for much of what he shared here!

            I didn't want to detract (*or takeover) his thread - and I wasn't too sure if it would be impolite to take away from this thread by starting another here on WF(?)

            Although, seeing how my descriptions now layout, the REAL Thank-you concerns finally using "sales copy" to sell items, so I don't have to do sales in person, that to me is GOLD!

            But, YES... I should start that thread, now that the ebay sales process makes sense to me!

            Thank-you!
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Yes. That was part of the bigger plan.

              Oddly enough, I was awaiting a sale before considering the manner to begin documenting the journey, and a positive footing to begin that process.

              As it happens, we finally received an acceptable offer on an item tonight, so it appears that burden has finally been lifted.

              In absolution, I have to thank Savidge4 for much of what he shared here!

              I didn't want to detract (*or takeover) his thread - and I wasn't too sure if it would be impolite to take away from this thread by starting another here on WF(?)

              Although, seeing how my descriptions now layout, the REAL Thank-you concerns finally using "sales copy" to sell items, so I don't have to do sales in person, that to me is GOLD!

              But, YES... I should start that thread, now that the ebay sales process makes sense to me!

              Thank-you!
              I dont think it will detract at all... If anything I think it would help coming from the perspective of someone with less skill upfront.

              Your experience level and mine are 2 different things. I did the best I could to be as comprehensive as possible... but it comes from a level of years apon years of experience,and I will admit it might be a bit difficult to start at A working towards Z and following a guide that started at G and worked towards Z.

              So an added guide, of where you started... My first descriptions looked like... and now they look like. My titles looked like this, and now they look like.

              Universally anyone reading this is BUYING online... but its understanding HOW you buy.. in order to sell. We want X in red size 8 - you are going to search for X in red size 8. But when most go to sell a X in Red size 8 they leave out the detail in all the right places - and it is a universally the most common mistake in selling online.

              YOU learned the nuances quick and easy - SHARE your process of learning and the steps from where you started to where you are now and where you will go. YOUR experience is far more relevant to someone thinking of starting with no experience vs what i shared - and in the end I think worth more to the readers - the future you - as it were.

              I kinda wish there was a way I could make a thread that people could post a sample listing and I could critic it - to do like I did for you, but I KNOW that would end up a spam fest.

              And again please start a thread... it will be good for YOU - and for the readers.

              and your welcome btw... I just want to help... When I read your relationship is doing better.. your life is coming back together... you are enjoying what you are doing, Man... I dont think I can hear anything better... Life changing in all the right ways. THANK YOU for taking the dive off the deep end and listening and actually acting - Im happy for you!
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              • Profile picture of the author art72
                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                I dont think it will detract at all... If anything I think it would help coming from the perspective of someone with less skill upfront.

                Your experience level and mine are 2 different things. I did the best I could to be as comprehensive as possible... but it comes from a level of years apon years of experience,and I will admit it might be a bit difficult to start at A working towards Z and following a guide that started at G and worked towards Z.

                So an added guide, of where you started... My first descriptions looked like... and now they look like. My titles looked like this, and now they look like.

                Universally anyone reading this is BUYING online... but its understanding HOW you buy.. in order to sell. We want X in red size 8 - you are going to search for X in red size 8. But when most go to sell a X in Red size 8 they leave out the detail in all the right places - and it is a universally the most common mistake in selling online.

                YOU learned the nuances quick and easy - SHARE your process of learning and the steps from where you started to where you are now and where you will go. YOUR experience is far more relevant to someone thinking of starting with no experience vs what i shared - and in the end I think worth more to the readers - the future you - as it were.

                I kinda wish there was a way I could make a thread that people could post a sample listing and I could critic it - to do like I did for you, but I KNOW that would end up a spam fest.

                And again please start a thread... it will be good for YOU - and for the readers.

                and your welcome btw... I just want to help... When I read your relationship is doing better.. your life is coming back together... you are enjoying what you are doing, Man... I dont think I can hear anything better... Life changing in all the right ways. THANK YOU for taking the dive off the deep end and listening and actually acting - Im happy for you!
                One of the biggest challenges for me was patience, the buyer we just had was quick to pay, good stats, and we ship our 1st item in the am. *Terri threw in a sapphire ring, and I wrote a Thank-You note! (*It's our 1st customer seems appropriate!)

                In truth, the [bolded] above is what I believe will make a HUGE difference, I can check our descriptions on a phone, and when someone looking clicks "see full description" - the display looks like a professional sales letter should!

                Looking at how few "warrior path" threads remained active, it's shocking more people are not documenting their journey, and I can only assume to "commit publicly" is a wee bit terrifying, especially if for some odd reason it does fail.

                I thrive on humility, and use it as comedy - or at least I used to; before everyone became so easily offended, lol.

                By this weekend, I should get that ball rolling, I'm going to reference your thread, of course, and try to add stuff that may not have been mentioned in your thread (which is tasking, to say the least, as you covered a lot!)

                Wife says; Thank-you! as well - that 1st sale always feels AWESOME!
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          This video came out yesterday... Anyone that has read through this thread, i want you to watch the video and then read what I have to say afterwards


          I dont know where to begin... if you go back to the video and click to look at his store #1 they are not using a white background. #2 "If I would have priced this" is what he said in regards to the belt buckle... Im a guy so I know the red yellow black Chevy logo is specifically for the Chevy Blazer... he sold that for under $12.00, I couldnt find a comp, but I would have sold that fr no less than $50 - and insult to injury the buyer states they bought it for the belt for the son, and they were going to flip the buckle.

          In the video he talks about not taking good photos and not having the best titles, he then goes on to say he ran a 5% sale and tried for the first time "Promoted Listings" on SOME of his listings at what I am assuming was 8%.

          I go in and look at his store... his pricing is all over the place.. the photos are not up to a Commerce standard.. he has little to no description... his description on MANY items are incorrect ( the cook book being an example.. He has the 1996 print of cookbook - a not so desirable version - look at the photo in his listing and the back cover says "updated for the 90's" )

          And this is a guy that makes a living doing this.

          So he has 1100+ items in his store... doing ok should be 33+ sales a day - 3% of 1100 items. He is excited at 22 sales... and how many were from viewers of his videos? How many where because he was running a "Sale"? Take away his videos... take away the sale, and take away the Promoted listings and how many sales are left? I think we are talking a hand full?

          I would say that if he read this thread... and applied all of the things I have laid out he could at least double his number of sales per day, and based on the minimal looking I did increase his bottom line by at least 20% put those 2 together and he could probably double his current income - selling more at 20% more.

          Its mind numbing - if he can "make a living" doing this - anyone can - doing basically everything wrong, he is still ahead of the game.
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        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          Did I understand him when he mentioned he has another company posting his YouTube content on Facebook? Is he paying them?

          When it came to sneakers he does not sell them because he does not like cleaning and taking pictures. Sounds like he is lazy in some areas. Just my humble two cents, his video drags out too long.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Raise your hand.. ITS MY FAULT... now what do I need to do to correct this?
          Should be a sign on the wall. The problem with thinking about what 'might' happen with the economy, etc is that subconsciously, it gives you a 'way out'. It is counter productive.

          I have my own 'sign' given to me by my son at a time when I was peddling hard to keep our heads above water. It's been with me for years in every home office. Just an aged 5 x 15" piece of wood with the edge wrapped in nautical rope.

          Just relocated my office in the house and that sign was the first thing hung on the wall.

          "THO SHE MAY CREAK, SHE HOLDS"

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          • Profile picture of the author art72
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            Should be a sign on the wall. The problem with thinking about what 'might' happen with the economy, etc is that subconsciously, it gives you a 'way out'. It is counter productive.

            I have my own 'sign' given to me by my son at a time when I was peddling hard to keep our heads above water. It's been with me for years in every home office. Just an aged 5 x 15" piece of wood with the edge wrapped in nautical rope.

            Just relocated my office in the house and that sign was the first thing hung on the wall.

            "THO SHE MAY CREAK, SHE HOLDS"

            That's awesome, my youngest daughter just sent me an Amazon link for blank slabs of wood and she's encouraging me to make signs and sell them on ETSY. I love the nautical - as it defines a 'pen name' I intend to use in the future; "Albert Ross" (i.e., albatross) - Robert Collier was a brilliant writer! (*and, I am guilty of shooting the birds, LOL)
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Deleted previous post - have a better idea:


          Tell your daughter to run with it - and make signs....tell her if the signs SHE MAKES are 'up to snuff' you'll list them on ebay.


          Buying 'blank' signs for $1-3 each is not a good idea IMO....find a source of free wood of buy a sheet of good plywood and cut/sand your own wood pieces.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            Deleted previous post - have a better idea:
            In regards to the deleted content... Its all reselling as far as I am concerned... its the exact same set of rules, with some minor platform specific changes ( my simple guide to Etsy - https://www.warriorforum.com/main-in...l#post11683716 )

            In regards to "Wood" Art? I am going to assume you have a miter say? you can goto homedepot: ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Outdoor-...7357/314521365 ) and get 2 and maybe 3 signs per board.

            These have a "rough" side and a not so rough side that with say 60 grit sandpaper comes smooth pretty quick. They "burn" pretty nice as well.

            If there is a will there is a way... start with a visit to Pinterest... and look at Live, Laugh, Love or Believe, Dream, Achive or Hope, Pray, Trust... throw in a torch and a table saw to cut a 1/8 inch groove to make a board look like smaller boards put together. Play with vinegar and steel wool to give the wood an aged finish.

            How often do any of your neighbors have a yard sale? just sit out in the yard with 20 or so of these and see how it works out.

            A drill, a saw and some rope and paint you get from Home Depot or Lowes from the discount returned shelf - its silly

            You could do this with a jigsaw:


            THINK with your hands!!!
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          I am going to throw some words of caution...

          I think it is human nature... to struggle with a THING... and to think it is the THING thats difficult... and to think you should be doing another THING.

          Etsy is NOT the answer here... Your experience with Etsy will be no different... actually it will probably be less rewarding... As much as Etsy is the same... it has its nuances.

          of ALL the sales platforms... eBay is by far, hands down, no questions asked the most profitable and easiest to master - BUT it takes consistency

          One thing I have made a point to emphasize here, is consistency. In the selling game, regardless of platform, regardless of product... its consistency the rules the day.

          If you jump platforms at this point without indoctrinating the positive habits that breed success - you will just carry across the bad habits.

          Every day for X amount of time... I did 2 hours... Monday 2 hours Tuesday 2 Hours Wednesday 2 Hours Thursday 2 Hours Friday 2 Hours Saturday 2 Hours Sunday 2 Hours... you are empire building... there is no time off for good behavior... there is no Ive done good this week.

          You are depressed from a bit at the lack luster performance - you expected more. It is better to list 1 item a day over 7 days than 7 items on one day - Its right here: ( https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...l#post11486581 )

          Your ability to sell on eBay is dynamic - you will get out what you put in... again unlike any other platform, action creates boost... daily action magnifies boost. I cant think of any youtube channel that we are not seeing where they take weekends off... or they list "176 items in a day" - the little guy... with solid photos, a GREAT title, and a description that allows the buyer to buy with confidence - that lists DAILY - wins

          A recent video:

          https://www.youtube.com/embed/vsj4P8a9mTg

          Chris lays out a 6 day work week... I lay out a 7 day work week - there is a reason for this.. unlike Chris in the post I linked above, I give you the reason for this - it has EVERYTHING to do with the eBay Cassini Algorithm - if you are going to play a game.. you need to know and follow the rules - the rule that 99.99% of resellers break with eBay is consistent engagement.

          Go over to the main board on the forum what is the #1 barrier ( in a broad sense of the term ) it would be engagement.

          eBay REWARDS engagement - it is literally cooked into the recipe for success.

          IF eBay is but an exercise to building success... the exercise that needs to be pulled away and mastered is consistency - meaning a time frame of action and DAILY.

          You want to get eBay to 7 days a week 2 hours a day... and when you are THERE... and you want to spend 2 hours a day 7 days a week working on signs...by all means... you want to spend 2 hours a day 7 days a week listing those signs on Etsy... by all means.

          You need to build the pattern of success... and once that is in place... you can then replicate that pattern and what will it do? it will succeed.

          I would say right now you are on the fence... and you need to get on the boat - 2 hours a day is all thats needed - no excuses - you WANT? then you NEED to apply 2 hours a day.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          A couple of insights

          #1

          Watching a lot of youtube videos on the subject at hand... and there is this new ( been going on for a few months now ) rise in stepping away from some norms / stead fast rules. One topic of interest has been background color... a lot of people are suggesting stay away from white... or use backgrounds that are more home oriented etc

          The standard reasoning is to make the image more appealing or to separate yourself from big business.

          The Data - as in ecommerce industry data more than suggests that this whole movement is a bunch of BS - BUT there is a caveat in all of this... I have been going over this over and over trying to better understand the what and why of all of this.

          The final variable that cemented my ideas on this was the new trend to include "Free Pick Up".

          Pay attention to the voices that are being heard the loudest on the topic and there is a pattern... they are more often than not in California.. some are in New York, and there are one or 2 in Florida... and I think the Florida voices are outliers from the why in all of this.

          The WHY... As an eBay shopper I AVOID buying from sellers in California, and New York... 9 times out of 10 delivery times are long and OR the product comes from overseas. So there is this stigma if you will when buying product from these locations.

          So what do you do to resolve this? you break from the norm and make the images that you use and the ability to local pick up to re-assure the customer that the item is #1 being shipped from the States, and #2 the item is in Stock in the States.

          White backgrounds are proven time and again day after day year after year to boost selling - Amazon REQUIRES the use of white backgrounds... any and every major commerce site uses white backgrounds - and we are talking companies such as say Walmart that has spent probably millions of dollars on testing JUST THAT - the use of white backgrounds.

          From the point of outside looking in The Gap ( as in the store The Gap ) is probably the most visible in their efforts to test... and I see this being tested on the regular... and in the end, it always reverts to white backgrounds.

          There is absolutely NO REASON to not use white backgrounds - UNLESS you find yourself living in California or New York, and you are trying to compensate for the geographic perceptions of buyers.

          #2

          Take a moment and watch this video:


          Start in at the about 2:50 mark... as I say time and again... Photos and Titles - the exact same principles apply to YouTube, the exact same principles apply to selling say an e-book, Selling products on Facebook - it applies EVERYWHERE.

          I will say t again... learning these skills is easiest on the eBay platform. Primarily because you are listing item after item and the repetition of refining the skill is just built in Vs trying to sell an e-Book and you get what you think will work and your done... though you might not be, but these 2 variables are last on the list of things to change for most.

          Hope that Helps!
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          • Profile picture of the author art72
            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            A couple of insights

            #1

            Watching a lot of youtube videos on the subject at hand... and there is this new ( been going on for a few months now ) rise in stepping away from some norms / stead fast rules. One topic of interest has been background color... a lot of people are suggesting stay away from white... or use backgrounds that are more home oriented etc

            The standard reasoning is to make the image more appealing or to separate yourself from big business.

            The Data - as in ecommerce industry data more than suggests that this whole movement is a bunch of BS - BUT there is a caveat in all of this... I have been going over this over and over trying to better understand the what and why of all of this.

            The final variable that cemented my ideas on this was the new trend to include "Free Pick Up".

            Pay attention to the voices that are being heard the loudest on the topic and there is a pattern... they are more often than not in California.. some are in New York, and there are one or 2 in Florida... and I think the Florida voices are outliers from the why in all of this.

            The WHY... As an eBay shopper I AVOID buying from sellers in California, and New York... 9 times out of 10 delivery times are long and OR the product comes from overseas. So there is this stigma if you will when buying product from these locations.

            So what do you do to resolve this? you break from the norm and make the images that you use and the ability to local pick up to re-assure the customer that the item is #1 being shipped from the States, and #2 the item is in Stock in the States.

            White backgrounds are proven time and again day after day year after year to boost selling - Amazon REQUIRES the use of white backgrounds... any and every major commerce site uses white backgrounds - and we are talking companies such as say Walmart that has spent probably millions of dollars on testing JUST THAT - the use of white backgrounds.

            From the point of outside looking in The Gap ( as in the store The Gap ) is probably the most visible in their efforts to test... and I see this being tested on the regular... and in the end, it always reverts to white backgrounds.

            There is absolutely NO REASON to not use white backgrounds - UNLESS you find yourself living in California or New York, and you are trying to compensate for the geographic perceptions of buyers.

            #2

            Take a moment and watch this video:

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZANgqmIU4

            Start in at the about 2:50 mark... as I say time and again... Photos and Titles - the exact same principles apply to YouTube, the exact same principles apply to selling say an e-book, Selling products on Facebook - it applies EVERYWHERE.

            I will say t again... learning these skills is easiest on the eBay platform. Primarily because you are listing item after item and the repetition of refining the skill is just built in Vs trying to sell an e-Book and you get what you think will work and your done... though you might not be, but these 2 variables are last on the list of things to change for most.

            Hope that Helps!
            We're just now getting 'dialed-in' to the whole "How eBay works?" and for the love of God... Much of their marketing practices elude me!!!

            We are using white (or removing the background) on all items with the exception being clear, or white items that are hard to define with the white backgrounds.

            Chris just did a video suggesting the higher the ad rate (sponsored promotions) the more eBay will "jump up & down" with a sign to put your items in front of more people.

            What I've noticed is our "organic" traffic is 80% of our current viewers...

            However, we have 157 active listings to wit; nearly 35% have ZERO VIEWS???

            I see no difference whether we bump the ad fee to 10%... And yet some of these items are Designer, Name Brand, or popular keywords and still... No Traffic???

            The "SHIFT" or as I call it "The Flow" has gotten more ergonomic, fluidous, and we are seeing an 8 day run with 1-2 sales per day.

            As Gordon mentioned; because we are selling lower priced items (*ave sale being $25) we are fetching $10 - $12 profit per item sold - but we are totally dependent on MORE SALES to increase inventory which has been slower than I'd prefer.

            I mean, we could easily source MORE ITEMS that WILL SELL... To date, the majority of our 50 sales have all generated from 10 viewers or less... Aside from Nike's and Jordan's which generally sell between 100 - 300 views.

            So I'm essence, we moved about 25% of our inventory in the past 30 days and we are hitting a wall trying not to "come out of pocket" to source and list more items.

            The irony is... when I look at Tech and Sports store... We are literally selling the same items at or around the same pricing , except he charges for shipping - we are staying the Free Shipping route.

            Lastly, I know everyone encouraged me to start a new thread - and while I am thinking "long term" the growth rate and ability to scale this beast up faster... Is still too slow.

            If sales permit, I'd be listing 10-20items daily - whereas our weekly payouts are growing, we're still limited to How much we can spend sourcing items - so our inventory is growing slower than the ideal rate I anticipated!

            We've only had 6 payouts to date, and we have cleaned up the some of the extra costs - which is about 36% sellers cost - whereas last month it was 46%...

            The only 'negatives' we've suffered is I double-printed a label (so penalty for not have label scanned) and (2) late deliveries - which was my fault... both on Saturdays whereas the USPS closes at Noon... And I missed the cut-off.

            So our delivery is at 93% falling short of Top Rated (if we can get 100 sales completed) we should be able to repair that damage...

            Everything else we're batting 1000% - so we building some positive momentum - inventory is growing, sales are increasing, and aside the wonderment of KNOWING WHY some items have ZERO VIEWS - makes me question; if we pay eBay rent ($30 per month Basic Store) would we buy any more favor from eBay.

            God knows we are competing with some huge sellers and learning from them as well...

            I think I'm past the point of retreat - now, I am too invested to quit!!!

            Lastly, I cannot photo, list, or describe items as fast as Chris... I spend 6-8 hours some days (like 3-4 days per week) just sourcing, taking photos, taking note of item features and materials - then uploading (and editing photos) writing titles, specs, and descriptions... 10 items runs me a (min) of 2-3 hours if I straight hustle and have no interactions!!!

            Another thing that I have to disagree with is Chris suggests ONLY USING MONEY EARNED as have you (Savidge4) and I cannot see how one could scale "IF" they are unwilling to invest, test, and tweak items...

            To date, I still see no significant pattern to the "sponsored ads" driving more traffic (* as you mentioned above) as I believe our Titles, Specs, Photos, and extra work detailing our "descriptions" section are slamming 80% of our "sponsored ads" and our ORGANIC traffic is RULING regardless if we bump the ad spend!

            I do feel we may need to drive more organic traffic soon to really grow... such as doing videos on YouTube, and utilizing social media which I have not been doing!!!

            Playing in "existing traffic" and "existing platforms" is definitely a skill set... One I am determined to master... Cause I love it when that register jingle pops-off and we got to do is thank the buyer, leave positive feedback, lick, stick and ship it...

            To date interaction with potential buyers has been nearly zero... Our listings cover nearly ANY QUESTIONS they may have...

            I love that part as much as seeing an 8 day run with at least (1) sale per day!!!

            It's a healthy new addiction, I just wish we could feed it more... I suspect by the time we have 500 items in-store we'll be GOLD!

            AND... THANKS, although it's taking a wee-bit longer to scale-up... I like the routine!!!
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            • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
              Originally Posted by art72 View Post


              The only 'negatives' we've suffered is I double-printed a label (so penalty for not have label scanned) and (2) late deliveries - which was my fault... both on Saturdays whereas the USPS closes at Noon... And I missed the cut-off.

              So our delivery is at 93% falling short of Top Rated (if we can get 100 sales completed) we should be able to repair that damage...
              First off it sounds like you're getting the hang of it, congratulations. When you get an order when do you print out your label? It may be a difference since you have a store. With selling regularly on eBay ( No Store ). If you do the shipping label from home. They give you a few days to ship the item. Just a suggestion put in your listing "Due to my work schedule or possible weather delays" Your item might take an extra day to be dropped off at the post office. That helps cover missing the weekend cut-off. Also, reach out and contact the seller if you miss the drop-off on Saturday. Most buyers understand about your post office closing at 12 pm.

              Added - Just a quick note, I got this from a Seller today after ordering a part yesterday.


              "New message from: autoparts_premium (141,980RED_SHOOTING_STAR Star)
              Dear xxxxxx,

              Thanks for your order.

              Your item has already been shipped out via USPS, tracking number is XXXXXXXx, please kindly trace at your end.

              Here is the tracking website: www.usps.com

              Best regards,

              Customer Service from autoparts_premium "
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              • Profile picture of the author art72
                Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

                First off it sounds like you're getting the hang of it, congratulations. When you get an order when do you print out your label? It may be a difference since you have a store. With selling regularly on eBay ( No Store ). If you do the shipping label from home. They give you a few days to ship the item. Just a suggestion put in your listing "Due to my work schedule or possible weather delays" Your item might take an extra day to be dropped off at the post office. That helps cover missing the weekend cut-off. Also, reach out and contact the seller if you miss the drop-off on Saturday. Most buyers understand about your post office closing at 12 pm.

                Added - Just a quick note, I got this from a Seller today after ordering a part yesterday.


                "New message from: autoparts_premium (141,980RED_SHOOTING_STAR Star)
                Dear xxxxxx,

                Thanks for your order.

                Your item has already been shipped out via USPS, tracking number is XXXXXXXx, please kindly trace at your end.

                Here is the tracking website: www.usps.com

                Best regards,

                Customer Service from autoparts_premium "
                Yeah it's definitely getting smoother... for sure!

                I generally send out messages upon payment received, leave positive feedback, and the (2) late deliveries I did notify the costumer, with sincere apologies for the delays - I blamed it "mislabeled inventory" not that it makes us look any better...

                But, we have ZERO negative feedback - just the minor eBay evaluation hick-ups.

                I like this platform, there's just an elusive factor as to WHY some name brand items are getting "no traffic" organic or by sponsored ads... That accounts for 33% of our current inventory having ZERO VIEWS...

                Clearly, it is most likely the fact; so many people offering the same or similar items, at least that would be my best guess.

                I will start a thread ONCE we have a better grip on the numbers... I sincerely think once we break through the 1st 90 Days (another month) we should have our process(es) and a good read to produce for others... My notes are growing
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              We're just now getting 'dialed-in' to the whole "How eBay works?" and for the love of God... Much of their marketing practices elude me!!!
              eBay is a platform, like say Google and Bing. Google and Bing do not work the same as eBay and Etsy and Amazon do not work the same. eBay bar none is the easiest to get a grip of what is going on vs the others.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              Chris just did a video suggesting the higher the ad rate (sponsored promotions) the more eBay will "jump up & down" with a sign to put your items in front of more people.
              Chris is being just silly. "Promoted Listings" I believe gives an overall boost - a percentage if you will. So like with Google SEO there are the numbers of PA and DA. This is going to loosely translate to Item Authority and Store Authority - or the best I can figure. But, being REAL CLEAR here...

              I have watched this 3 ways to Sunday. Keep in mind, I have a number of active stores... I can list duplicate items at no promotion, and with promotion at different percentages. As much as I want to say there is an amount of boost from promotion.. I cant say there is NO clearly identifyable boost. Meaning in testing ( and have tested this literally hundreds of times ) a non promoted listing can and will show up in the item listings before a promoted one.

              That being said... With a promoted listing you are getting a double listing in the item listings page AND you get rotated in the other items slot on competing sellers item page. The rotation is in no way related to the amount that you have promoted for be it 2% or 40%.

              The absolute bottom line here is you are clicking on "Promoted" to get the duplicate, and to get on the rotator - and you just need to set the sucker to 2% and call it a day until the day I post here to do otherwise. Your guessing... Chris is more than likely guessing / theorizing and ME... the decision is backed by testing - I have data to say 2% is optimal.

              And lets jump on that for a second... our rational minds are thinking COST = Value... and in say the world of Google, or Amazon and even Etsy, the VALUE is higher placement. BUT, that is NOT how eBay works ( different platform ) The VALUE on eBay, again is a duplicate serps listing and the inclusion in the rotator on competing items pages.

              Do a quick look for your self... goto Etsy and type "Cutting Board" and the first 4 listings are? ADS... type ANYTHING in google and the top listings are ADS.... and sure as brown stuff on the bottom of your shoe eBay is "Testing and if you type "Cutting Boards" the top 4 are "Sponsored" - and that is generally not always the case - BUT now going and looking at my test subjects I happen to have some tests running and the most expensive "Promoted" listing ( 30% ) across 12 items, in ALL CASES is not listed in the top 4 - The ones with 2% are tho.

              Just know that the advice I am giving here is the best possible advice backed by data. Just set it and forget it - one less thing to concern yourself with.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              However, we have 157 active listings to wit; nearly 35% have ZERO VIEWS???
              Items with Zero views sucks - I get it, but that is not the whole picture... what are the Impressions? in this case that is what you need to be looking at.... High impressions and no views - its flat out 1 of the 3 Primary variable. Picture, Title, Price - no ands ifs or buts.

              I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest it may be clothing items... I am going to bet the lead image is cutesy cutsy close up of a graphic or label and not the whole item. What ever the items are that are not getting views... go on google and search and then click "Shopping" and look at the images being presented - does your image look like those images? If not... then it needs to.

              Dont reinvent the wheel here... do what BRANDS are doing. Selling shoes.. go look at Nike and Addidas and look at the image sequence they use... replicate that. Look at The Gap with Clothes - the item being sold - be it with live models is still front and center. Look at mens jeans as an example... each color variant is sold as a separate item - image matches whats being sold.. you an see the item that you are buying.

              Originally Posted by art72 View Post

              The irony is... when I look at Tech and Sports store... We are literally selling the same items at or around the same pricing , except he charges for shipping - we are staying the Free Shipping route.
              Need to watch yourself here... if you see items like this... you need to get right in and look at "Sold Listings" and see if you are under priced, or they are over priced. UNDER PRICED is as much as a sale block as being expensive - probably more so - remember this is eBay and "to good to be true" is a variable
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              • Profile picture of the author art72
                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                eBay is a platform, like say Google and Bing. Google and Bing do not work the same as eBay and Etsy and Amazon do not work the same. eBay bar none is the easiest to get a grip of what is going on vs the others.



                Chris is being just silly. "Promoted Listings" I believe gives an overall boost - a percentage if you will. So like with Google SEO there are the numbers of PA and DA. This is going to loosely translate to Item Authority and Store Authority - or the best I can figure. But, being REAL CLEAR here...

                I have watched this 3 ways to Sunday. Keep in mind, I have a number of active stores... I can list duplicate items at no promotion, and with promotion at different percentages. As much as I want to say there is an amount of boost from promotion.. I cant say there is NO clearly identifyable boost. Meaning in testing ( and have tested this literally hundreds of times ) a non promoted listing can and will show up in the item listings before a promoted one.

                That being said... With a promoted listing you are getting a double listing in the item listings page AND you get rotated in the other items slot on competing sellers item page. The rotation is in no way related to the amount that you have promoted for be it 2% or 40%.

                The absolute bottom line here is you are clicking on "Promoted" to get the duplicate, and to get on the rotator - and you just need to set the sucker to 2% and call it a day until the day I post here to do otherwise. Your guessing... Chris is more than likely guessing / theorizing and ME... the decision is backed by testing - I have data to say 2% is optimal.

                And lets jump on that for a second... our rational minds are thinking COST = Value... and in say the world of Google, or Amazon and even Etsy, the VALUE is higher placement. BUT, that is NOT how eBay works ( different platform ) The VALUE on eBay, again is a duplicate serps listing and the inclusion in the rotator on competing items pages.

                Do a quick look for your self... goto Etsy and type "Cutting Board" and the first 4 listings are? ADS... type ANYTHING in google and the top listings are ADS.... and sure as brown stuff on the bottom of your shoe eBay is "Testing and if you type "Cutting Boards" the top 4 are "Sponsored" - and that is generally not always the case - BUT now going and looking at my test subjects I happen to have some tests running and the most expensive "Promoted" listing ( 30% ) across 12 items, in ALL CASES is not listed in the top 4 - The ones with 2% are tho.

                Just know that the advice I am giving here is the best possible advice backed by data. Just set it and forget it - one less thing to concern yourself with.



                Items with Zero views sucks - I get it, but that is not the whole picture... what are the Impressions? in this case that is what you need to be looking at.... High impressions and no views - its flat out 1 of the 3 Primary variable. Picture, Title, Price - no ands ifs or buts.

                I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest it may be clothing items... I am going to bet the lead image is cutesy cutsy close up of a graphic or label and not the whole item. What ever the items are that are not getting views... go on google and search and then click "Shopping" and look at the images being presented - does your image look like those images? If not... then it needs to.

                Dont reinvent the wheel here... do what BRANDS are doing. Selling shoes.. go look at Nike and Addidas and look at the image sequence they use... replicate that. Look at The Gap with Clothes - the item being sold - be it with live models is still front and center. Look at mens jeans as an example... each color variant is sold as a separate item - image matches whats being sold.. you an see the item that you are buying.



                Need to watch yourself here... if you see items like this... you need to get right in and look at "Sold Listings" and see if you are under priced, or they are over priced. UNDER PRICED is as much as a sale block as being expensive - probably more so - remember this is eBay and "to good to be true" is a variable
                We are definitely grateful for your knowledge and experience, as it can be difficult determining what works NOW... and I know you are actively running multiple stores, so I do appreciate all that you've shared.

                We've seen a slight up-tick in sales, nothing major yet, but we are 11 days straight with at least 1-3 sales daily... that feels good considering the time we're investing.

                The eBay algorithm seems to be favoring our listings, as I mention - at least 80% of our listings far outweighs the 'sponsored ads' and we've only sold a few items through the paid ads to date.

                I just wasn't sure (*lack of experience) whether Chris's theory was relevant as he proclaimed bumping your ads puts you in front of more traffic, and Thank-you for clarifying there's really NO DIFFERENCE - other than paying out more money if the item sells through a sponsored promo.

                I'm constantly tweaking the earlier posted ads, and I do think researching SOLD items is a blessing and a curse, as many of the sold items were auctioned and the pricing is all over the place, many times the item sold for less than what it would be worth to ship it from what I've observed. Granted, we are strictly selling as "Buy IT Now" and not running any auctions.

                The point being, when we factor our pricing... I am setting the initial asking price 10% - 20% higher than the actual sale price we NEED to hit (based upon average sold items data) in order for us to hit our margins.

                That 'sales philosophy' gives us the ability to message watchers/viewers with a discounted price(s) and accounts for roughly 20% - 25% of our current sales to date.

                So, it seems people like it when a $25 item has a 'ticking clock offer' with say:

                ***SAVE $5.00 OFF TODAY!*** - FREE Shipping - Hurry, Offer Expires in 48 Hours! - that technique has triggered at least 10 sales just doing that quick message.

                However, I'd almost rather not have to 'play games' and just set and forget it, which is is where our experience needs to grow. I'm learning what people will buy these items for and at times, I wonder; if we are too high or too low... in finding that sweet spot is going to take some more sales.

                I am hoping to hit Top Rated Seller status in the next *2-4 weeks as sales are still too low to qualify, everything else we're golden... it's growing!

                Lastly, we didn't intend on building a clothing store, not really... but as it transpires we can obtain and store clothes easier than household items at the moment - so, we are trying to find other niches to focus on as well. As you mentioned, clothing is so abundantly offered - that may be the main factor in WHY some items are still sitting with ZERO views.

                Everything is becoming more fluid and the confidence is building momentum now...

                So maybe I should start that thread as things are starting to click and I am seeing more potential than we currently have in results. [There's definitely something there]... and I am determined to build this into 6 figures as soon as humanely possible!

                Thanks, we appreciate your insights, and we'll be lowering those 5%, 7%, and 10% paid listings back down to 2% - because I cannot see ANY difference - I tried it... just to see if it would get more items sold quicker, and it really doesn't appear to change the results at all.
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                • Profile picture of the author savidge4
                  Originally Posted by art72 View Post

                  I just wasn't sure (*lack of experience) whether Chris's theory was relevant as he proclaimed bumping your ads puts you in front of more traffic, and Thank-you for clarifying there's really NO DIFFERENCE - other than paying out more money if the item sells through a sponsored promo.
                  Its not that there is "No Difference", because there actually is. We sell 3% maybe 5% of goods overall from a promoted listing... BUT of those promoted listing sales 90% are coming from a competing items product page - we are stealing sales, AND we are only paying for those sales we have "Stolen" I really dont see it as an "expense" as much as I see it as a gift horse.

                  Originally Posted by art72 View Post

                  I'm constantly tweaking the earlier posted ads, and I do think researching SOLD items is a blessing and a curse, as many of the sold items were auctioned and the pricing is all over the place, many times the item sold for less than what it would be worth to ship it from what I've observed. Granted, we are strictly selling as "Buy IT Now" and not running any auctions.
                  So lets make this easy... just ignore the auction prices - there are ALWAYS people that want the item right now..they dont want to wait 4 days for an auction to end. I suspect, a fair amount of auction buyers are actually resellers - i know Erin does this - she watches high end products that are close to ending and selling for next to nothing and will buy them to resell - a time suck of a proposition but it does work.

                  Originally Posted by art72 View Post

                  However, I'd almost rather not have to 'play games' and just set and forget it, which is is where our experience needs to grow. I'm learning what people will buy these items for and at times, I wonder; if we are too high or too low... in finding that sweet spot is going to take some more sales.
                  I see so many reseller videos where they are doing this - we generally dont - its to time consuming... list it for the price that the item is selling for ( aka market speaking ) and done. no over pricing, and then waiting for views and then dropping the price - a time suck if I have ever heard one... and when you have 1000 items in your store... what 2 hours a day? wow uuh no... list it, next

                  Originally Posted by art72 View Post

                  Lastly, we didn't intend on building a clothing store, not really... but as it transpires we can obtain and store clothes easier than household items at the moment - so, we are trying to find other niches to focus on as well. As you mentioned, clothing is so abundantly offered - that may be the main factor in WHY some items are still sitting with ZERO views.
                  Juicers sell... little bullet mixers sell... Danbury Mint perpetual calendar figures sell... M&M anything sells (stay away from the larger dispenser type things )... Lego anything sells... funko pops ~ if you get them at the right price sells... Disney mugs sell... Marvel sells

                  Clothing is time consuming, as I am sure you know - I would sell shoes long before I sold clothes ~ and the caveat being getting a $100 piece for like $5.00 - look at the original thread and I believe there are some dress shirts we found that sold for $40 each and cost us $5 each.

                  Something i am noticing right now is people have absolutely jacked shipping cost - to retarded levels. I was looking something up the other day that we can fit in a flat rate bubble mailer and people were charging $20 shipping... thats $12 extra dollars for us.

                  After watching you a bit... i think shipping is the variable that is make it or break it, and I am trying to figure out a way to better communicate on that specifically. what box and what service and what packaging to use when - I have been doing this so long its just second nature.

                  I dont want you to think I was snapping at you... I was just getting the point across ( well failing to get the point across ) about worry less about what you cant control..and worry more about the variables you can control... focus on the primary 3 ( Image, Title, Price ) and the rest is easy.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          My opinion on Art starting his own thread... you want to start when things are clicking... BUT a reader already has that with my thread ( not intended to sound egotistical ) what YOU bring to the table is the struggle to get things clicking - THE MOST IMPORTANT part of the story in my opinion.

          Me magically getting things to work is years and years and years of experience selling goods online - is inspiring but based apon your experience... maybe not so much real world reality.

          YOUR experience - Good, Bad, or Indifferent is where the value is - thats where the learning comes from - you teach what you most need to learn
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        • Profile picture of the author DABK
          Regarding photos with nice white background: they have apps now that remove backgrounds and replace with white... photoroom studio being one of them.


          Photos done with photoroom look good, if there is enough light... Costs like $70/year. You can probably find cheaper ones that are just as good.
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          • Profile picture of the author savidge4
            Originally Posted by DABK View Post

            Regarding photos with nice white background: they have apps now that remove backgrounds and replace with white... photoroom studio being one of them.


            Photos done with photoroom look good, if there is enough light... Costs like $70/year. You can probably find cheaper ones that are just as good.
            Ive never really looked at it...we use white backgrounds when shooting images. But, eBay has a white background tool built into the photo process of listing
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          • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
            Originally Posted by DABK View Post

            Photos done with photoroom look good, if there is enough light... Costs like $70/year. You can probably find cheaper ones that are just as good.
            As mentioned, eBay now provides this tool at the point of listing. Also there's a free tool at: https://www.remove.bg/ which has improved quite a bit since it was first launched.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          I just recommended this link AGAIN to a new forum member. If someone truly needs money, this is one way that works!
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          Sometimes I just want someone to hug me and say...
          "It's going to be OK - here's a horse and two million dollars."
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    ^^^"There's gold in them thar hills"^^^ LOL...

    Right after reading your refined title, description, and bullet list, I did some research on the exact items being offered (for a considerably higher price tag) by a veteran seller (like 24 years on eBay) named; DishFun... and was blown away by their store layout, description, and clearly there are themes. templates, and 3rd party tools available such as AUCTIVA - as he was using to frame his descriptions and display items professionally! - I was impressed by their flow, 60,000+ items sold! (*WHOA!)

    I most definitely underestimated what I learned about SEO in Google as I did study on-page SEO, keywords, titles, and that of defining benefits and features... and for some odd reason, I really didn't apply much of that knowledge while listing our items on eBay!

    I was thinking Chris lists items in 'X' minutes, I was all worried about time, proficiency, and getting the inventory count up, doesn't do much good if nobody finds our offerings!

    In fact, I had just told the wife, I felt like I wasn't utilizing the html feature in the description box to the fullest potential. (*And I was not!)

    Naturally, I am not going to race off and buy themes and templates just yet, but there is definitely a need for revision on MOST of our listings after seeing your HAVILAND example and seeing how a seasoned store owner displays, lists, and utilizes the advantages of understanding the Cassini search. I will make that a HUGE priority from here on.

    I think once I have a template (or a few) based on your examples and other seasoned sellers, and create a few custom templates, it will get smoother and I won't be so 'edgy' when (researching) and listing items.

    China, vintage, antiques are always something that I personally never collected, but we learned from storage auctions, Miller Books, and other collectors that preserve the history and artwork of those prior, and I have always had a passion for 'aged' artwork!

    I really don't believe our 'pricing' was the issue. It's definitely the photos and titles - and I've tried to be as thorough with the 'item specifics' tool to put as many 'known' specs about each item.

    We have an appointment at 2pm that's going to eat most of the day. I plan to revise those headlines, and get new photos up a.s.a.p.

    My only grievance to date with eBay is, we currently have (2) items marked as SOLD - we received the details on the buyer (who hasn't paid yet) and I KNOW THEY ARE FAKE BUYERS!

    These accounts always started the day of my listing, have zero history, and to date - only one has tried to scam us with a "call me to discuss details" - which I reported and they were thrown off eBay for scheming! - and, we are still waiting (*the 4 days) to relist the item!

    BUT, I listed a brand new pair of NIKE Vapor Edge Shark football cleats last night, and not even 30 minutes later, they are 'marked SOLD" - another FAKE buyer tying up that item for 4 days! - and, I cannot do diddly about it! (*they haven't tried to contact me, but I know their account is a fake). Anything I do (*such as cancel the sale, negatively effects our account, I didn't know that until a few days ago!)

    I know once we upgrade to 'basic' (*I do not believe we do not need a 'premium' store to 'unlock' the feature) - we can adjust settings to "Immediate Payment Required" and hopefully STOP these scammers from targeting our account - I guess they are hoping we are stupid and ship or take the sale off platform, which I know better! (*That's the whole reason we're on a platform, so not to have to deal with bs!)

    I screwed up and "cancelled a sale" after 3 days of non-payment... (*again, fake buyer, bogus account) - just to relist the item, and come to find out - that effects our account NEGATIVELY for 12 months - ***I didn't know that when I cancelled the sale!!!

    So, I can only hope - once we upgrade to a store subscription (soon), that may stall (or even stop) that nonsense!

    I'm going to wait out the (4) days this time as I find no other means to 'relist' the items marked SOLD without incurring a negative on our end! (*That sucks!) - but no big deal, it's only (2) items right now that are stuck in a holding pattern due to these idiots trying to scheme new sellers!

    My main focus is at least (5) items daily - (*while developing better titles, descriptions, and photos and practices) and I should have a few templates laid out in the description by this week's end to just know what matters and fill in the blanks!!!

    I'll admit, finding the height, width, weights, and the finer details... I was skipping past some valid info, and I will likely NEVER try to hold a tape measure & a phone trying to get an accurate pic of an item height (just need to put measurements in the description) - as I felt like a cripple trying to get the 'exact' measurements in the pic with my phone in one hand - tape measure in the other... no, no, no!

    There's definitely a value to learning the 'seasoned sellers' photos, titles, and use of the description, as that is HUGE and should boost our CTR and in-turn generate more sales conversions. I am truly amazed I missed that much detail... trying to be a list ninja like Chris (*fast, faster, fastest) didn't help, I skipped some key principles in how Cassini search works, now I know better!!! Thank-you!

    Again, you're example above (*seeing it) not just reading it helps shape the framework for every listing we do (and the items I need to revise) from this point forward... and, I do agree even when I get my IM game on again and start promoting my writings and designs (websites, etc) in the future - everything I am learning does apply across ALL sales platforms, business, and selling more goods and services.

    Thanks!

    And... I am already 'itching to start documenting' - taking notes for now, and I may even change the name of the store - not sure yet, I can be more creative than Ripe n Juicy - as a community member laughed as we are being targeted as new sellers - and he was like; "newbie's are ripe for the plucking" to these schemers trying to get people off platform.

    Oh, and taking full (360) pics makes sense, just in case an issue arises later, I need to putting photo's on an external 1TB hard-drive, filing my phone and google images account up fast now...

    Obviously, selling is the primary focus - maybe sourcing and research as well, and I think once we settle in, this will be an awesome way to build skillsets (like patience, lol) that'll we'll need in other platforms to succeed!

    I think I getting addicted... to seeing the store inventory numbers grow, even though I padded the pricing with about a 20% cushion, if we need to drop pricing and we'll still do 3X (or better!)

    The hunting part - I like a lot. Turning $5 into $25 is definitely doable!

    "De re metallica" - the scientific process, is in theory a form of extracting resources (*alchemy - turning existing resources into the equivalence of gold itself!) - I love that blueprint!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Right after reading your refined title, description, and bullet list, I did some research on the exact items being offered (for a considerably higher price tag) by a veteran seller (like 24 years on eBay) named; DishFun... and was blown away by their store layout, description, and clearly there are themes. templates, and 3rd party tools available such as AUCTIVA - as he was using to frame his descriptions and display items professionally! - I was impressed by their flow, 60,000+ items sold! (*WHOA!)
      So I am a programmer... Its my thing... I have developed themes / templates etc. Aesthetically ideal stuff... actual conversion... not so good.. BUT, there I might say there is a time and a place for it.

      AUCTIVA - this would be a great solution IF your store is niched down. It shows other items in your store, but this only works when the person looking at a specific listing would be interested the other items in your store. Anything other than this... and it is a waste of time and money.

      The alternative to this as I mention in the thread is "Promoted Listings" and setting each item to 1%. Yes, it gives you an added listing in the main listings - but I could care less about that part...it ALSO gives you a listing on your exact competitors product page, selling the exact same thing - better photo and better title, and you might "borrow" the conversion. I attribute a whole lot of our success to this little trick. 20% of our sales come from "Promoted Listings" and I can without a blink of the eye say we are literally stealing other peoples sales with this.

      And again I am a programmer... we employ image tracking on our listings - really to complicated to talk about here, but we have a pixel on each of our listings that allows us to track the incoming traffic source ( the page they are coming from ) and then the outgoing source ( the page they are going to from ours. So as above when i say 20% and we are stealing ( above ) that is specifically tracked data - I KNOW.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I most definitely underestimated what I learned about SEO in Google as I did study on-page SEO, keywords, titles, and that of defining benefits and features... and for some odd reason, I really didn't apply much of that knowledge while listing our items on eBay!
      Anything and everything we do on the internet revolves around basic SEO principles and then adding CRO ( Conversion Rate Optimization ) practices on top of that is just a win win win on our end ( as sellers ) Now that I have told you look at this and do that, and here are some examples... Go look at any piece of clothing, or shoes and see how many titles have the size listed... Its just silly actually... If I am searching for a pair of shoes I want size 9 mens X shoes - DUH I cant even call it laziness - its just most people dont know any better - makes our jobs that much easier

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I was thinking Chris lists items in 'X' minutes, I was all worried about time, proficiency, and getting the inventory count up, doesn't do much good if nobody finds our offerings!
      A prolific seller... but his descriptions sucked - his sales were leveraged with the youtube channel. Like many many many of the channels that we have listed here - Shed Picks and Cincinatti Picker at one time had a facebook group, and they were absolutely clueless about the SEO stuff - like probably 99% of eBay sellers - just dont understand that part at all.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Naturally, I am not going to race off and buy themes and templates just yet, but there is definitely a need for revision on MOST of our listings after seeing your HAVILAND example and seeing how a seasoned store owner displays, lists, and utilizes the advantages of understanding the Cassini search. I will make that a HUGE priority from here on.

      I think once I have a template (or a few) based on your examples and other seasoned sellers, and create a few custom templates, it will get smoother and I won't be so 'edgy' when (researching) and listing items.
      We dont use themes... a list of reasons... but the primary reason is how they appear on Mobile - and our conversions tanked when using them.. and we tried dozens of concepts and they just didnt work. Pick a brand any brand and THEY all use them - Following the eBay rules on such things... I cant replicate the Nike Store theme as an example - they are doing things with code that Me joe small guy reseller cant do - making html calls outside of eBay for page elements - Simply not allowed for the littleguy

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      My only grievance to date with eBay is, we currently have (2) items marked as SOLD - we received the details on the buyer (who hasn't paid yet) and I KNOW THEY ARE FAKE BUYERS!

      These accounts always started the day of my listing, have zero history, and to date - only one has tried to scam us with a "call me to discuss details" - which I reported and they were thrown off eBay for scheming! - and, we are still waiting (*the 4 days) to relist the item!
      A pet peeve of mine... of the million possibilities you are choosing this one ( fake buyers ). And you are saying this based on the disgruntled groups you are interacting with... Those groups are GREAT at learning what NOT to do... Buyers are NOT out to cheat you - just get that out of your head... Its not their fault your itemis sitting for 4 days.

      #1 Set your "best offer" prices with a decline and accept amount ( or completely remove them ) and the whole offer hold thing disappears - offer accepted and they bought the item.

      #2 If you go in and revise a listing and scroll down to "Shipping details" and then "Payment policy " and click on "Edit" you can select that "Buy Now" requires immediate payment.

      I am going to guess that one or both of these are your hang up - the whole fake buyer thing is YOUR fault - whoa is me, accountability - and I will more than bet that not a single user in those groups you are reading mentioned either of those - they are to busy thinking the world is out to get them, and it is anything BUT their own fault

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      I screwed up and "cancelled a sale" after 3 days of non-payment... (*again, fake buyer, bogus account) - just to relist the item, and come to find out - that effects our account NEGATIVELY for 12 months - ***I didn't know that when I cancelled the sale!!!
      Before you act... when in doubt call eBay. You can only cancel an order if eBay does it for you, OR if the buyer has sent a message requesting as such - you CANT just do anything within the eBay system - there has to be a request made OR eBay can do it for you.

      Having said that... anything and everything should be done within the eBay system - you can only be penalized by NOT ACTING - returns refunds unpaid buyers... they DO NOT reflect on you negatively unless YOU dont do something - pay the refund or try and cancel or what have you.

      And again... when in doubt - or just second guessing CALL eBay!!
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Again, brilliant advice!

    I'm not sure that as a "free user" we have the the ability to edit the "Buy Now" and create the "Immediate Payment Required" option - I'm not at my computer - so, I'll definitely look into that later.

    [Update:] apparently, by accepting offers or a minimum offer it cancels out the 'immediate payment required" option on the BUY NOW button. - I had many of our offers accepting offers, which is how the weirdness began with buyers contacting me and wanting to take sales off platform. They tend to offer what I am already asking, so you can tell they are as I called them (fake buyers)... but, I'd rather focus on more CTR... right now I'm we're at 1.1% which sucks!

    As you stated, other disgruntled users may have deterred my understanding, as it was mentioned you have to be a "paid user" (basic store or premium store) to "unlock" certain features.

    Which leads to the "promotions" - I was willing to go 2.5% to "sponsor items" and I WILL DEFINITELY be a "paid user" soon enough just to have that advantage!!! (*And, since you mentioned it...I'll start with 1% not 2.5% like I was going to!)

    We didn't get much done online yesterday.... first day we didn't source or list items.

    Now that you've pointed out my flaws in the photos, listings, and descriptions - it seems more crucial to FIX our 40 listings - before sourcing and listing more. (*though I desire to be doing both!!!)

    Lastly, I have to give the mighty wife (hunter of treasures) some HUGE credit here...

    She bought a bag of loose cosmetic jewelry at a local spot the day before for $5.

    I presumed it was a bag of crap! (*costume jewelry and loose trinkets)

    I was WRONG!!!

    She wanted to buy all 3 mystery bags... I argued it was a waste of money.

    She pulled out a 10k tennis bracelet with 54 diamonds (*chips) had it tested the next day at a pawn shop (*in the same parking lot she bought the mystery bag) and she got $100 loan on just that ONE ITEM!

    IDK if it was luck? or What to think of it?

    So now we are using that $100 to go source more items, lol. And... in theory, she has done less work and already got 20X on ONE ITEM. LOL.

    She has (3) other items from that score a set of gold/diamond earrings, a small 10k gold bracelet, and a nice silver .925 piece.

    Normally, we wouldn't pawn such a find, but that tells me - it was worth at least $200 which is 40X her $5 spend.

    No jealously or anything, I'm just blown away 'they' (*thrift store) missed real jewelry in that grab bag... Or I don't think they'd have sold it to her for $5!

    I have to make up for yesterday's missed listings (my listings quota of 5 per day minimum!!!) - not happy about that.

    Now it seems more logical to fix existing listings than to freak out over buying more stuff... and I am still trying to figure out how to get power in our small storage unit - there is an outlet just above our unit (I'll need a ladder to reach it) but I cannot plug in until after 6pm... I'm sure they'll complain "if" they see me powering up a few LED's...

    So I am already looking to move to a different facility next month. As I mentioned (*cigarette smoke was the primary reason) but we have ZERO space in this "cubicle" we currently reside.

    Plus, add cat and dog hair (*if you've ever seen a husky molt - it's crazy the amount of fur they lose!) - our adopted daughter; Sonny was dropped off by someone who asked us to babysit her for 2 weeks... That was 2 years ago! (*Now she's family!) - but not good for our products, clothing, and items.

    I imagine "if" given the option to keep listing more items daily and slowly fix pics and existing listings... Or... fix existing listings then add more, I'm guessing the latter( ?)

    Even though we are going to look for LEDS and White Foam Board (*and maybe hit our new honey hole to check new inventory)...

    Later tonight, I plan to start revising all those "Vintage" items and other listings.

    If I am not mistaken every time we relist a listing, it counts a new listing... I had more listings used - then we had inventory last month, so I don't want to revise too many times. (*I need new photos, then revise - is how my mind is wired right now!)
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Which leads to the "promotions" - I was willing to go 2.5% to "sponsor items" and I WILL DEFINITELY be a "paid user" soon enough just to have that advantage!!! (*And, since you mentioned it...I'll start with 1% not 2.5% like I was going to!)
      I have been testing this for years now...in regards to the main product listing page, AND the Similar Items bar in product pages I can say without question that regardless of what percentage you have set, there is no advantage / disadvantage. Meaning the MORE you pay DOES NOT directly correlate to you will get better placement. - Makes absolutely no sense - but that is how it works..

      It appears to be on like a rotator of some kind... some sometimes you are on the top, other times in the middle. If you are looking through the search results page you will often see a listing and the Promotion listing stacked one after the other

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      She wanted to buy all 3 mystery bags... I argued it was a waste of money.

      She pulled out a 10k tennis bracelet with 54 diamonds (*chips) had it tested the next day at a pawn shop (*in the same parking lot she bought the mystery bag) and she got $100 loan on just that ONE ITEM!

      IDK if it was luck? or What to think of it?

      So now we are using that $100 to go source more items, lol. And... in theory, she has done less work and already got 20X on ONE ITEM. LOL.
      I believe my Goodwill have a gold tester that measure 14k and up... so 10k would meter as not gold.

      real jewelry I will often times take to the gold store or pawn ship ( depending on what it is ) and get the instant cash vs trying to sell online.

      I do the same with sporting goods - we have a play it again sports store that buys bats and gloves and catchers masks etc and its just easier to walk in there with a box of items and be done with it - especially if it was in a group of items you bought and the cost is next to nothing. I would consider this smart business.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Well, the past few days were brutal, but we're starting to get the ole' engines fired back up.

    All that 'dead time' I spent consuming audiobooks, being socially reclusive for an entire year, is finally starting to fade and we're getting things moving again. I feel arthritic, lol.

    Admittedly, I just now 'revised' - every listing and added a bunch more!

    I can almost 'see' the difference in 'views' already just today having revised 30+ listings and put 6 new ones up! (*That took me almost 8 hours and some discipline to just get it done!) and I lowered some prices to see what happens this week. Wife thinks it's fixing to kick off.

    Any way, it was a little depressing that I hadn't utilized the knowledge (*shared here) when I initially listed those first 40 or so items. Now, it's becoming fluid! - Now, I know what needs to be included in the item titles, descriptions, features, benefits, etc... and I can see the how the 'algo' works a little better now.

    Pictures could still be better, in time, those will get locked in, and I did go get some Dollar Tree LED's and build a box from white boards made a difference, it's no high grade operation, but the pics are looking better!

    I am almost shocked by what we are finding... Had to pull myself out of another store we found the other day, there was so many items that could be flipped for 3X (or more) - I had to leave, so not to abuse our set budget! (*Disciplinary action, felt like a punishment, not having more money to buy it all, lol)

    I picked up a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Tops for $10 at thrift, the prices are all over the place. There are people pulling $165 - $450 off the same shoes we just bought. It is Mind-Blowing! *We haven't listed them yet, we need "Magic Eraser' and a little bit of cleaning on the soles first! (But, I'm thinking between $195 - $250 easy!) looking at what they've been selling for on eBay! (love the app, man!)

    Plus, I still need to figure out "How to get them authenticated" - I know they're real, but I believe you can sell them, ship them to eBay, they authenticate them, and then they send them to the buyer? (*or am I wrong there?)

    Those Nike's are on hold for a minute.

    But, yeah... I'm digging this, as I'm finding all kinds of cool stuff and I have a weird passion for hunting vintage, collectibles, antiques, and such... feels like we're preserving history!

    For example:

    Picked up (3) W.M. Rogers Silver-plated Serving Platters w/ Serving Cups - BUT, (1) is stamped from early 1820's - 1840's - (eagle and the star 171) and that just tickles my ribs finding stuff that old! (*especially for $3 each, lol)

    Trying get some other work lined up this week and attempting to 'tame the beast' so to speak, as I want to hunt more stuff DAILY! (*I can see this being HUGE despite the slow start!)

    And, I also need to start documenting the journey soon... wife is getting more involved, researching more, and learning not to BUY without doing the research first.

    But, I definitely appreciate all you have shared here...

    Just looking at the low-ballers who have no description, 1-3 pics, and already I can see beyond a lot of the competition as there will be few lazy posts on my items from this point forward.

    Thanks, for the insights, I sense sales will start kicking in this week, still haven't upgraded to a 'basic' store yet, when I do, I plan to boost everything with the 'sponsored promotions at 1%' that alone might kick things off... so, I'm not sweating the $28 per month. Just waiting one more week trying to get more inventory up, and get faster at research, pics, and listings.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Just a head's up, as we are still building inventory (*slowly) - it baffles me that this guy does more sales than we've done, and we are trying to go the extra mile, I think a lot of these YouTuber's have created a following that likes watching other people shop - and when they land that $100 value item for under $10 at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift; they'll happily pay CommonWealth, The Crazy Lamp Lady and others $28.00 for an item shipped to their door - before they will pilfer through those bargain basement bins... as am I, LOL.

    On a positive note, our inventory is growing way faster than our sales... so the 'journey' might be off-putting to many, as the rewards, benefits, and profits are currently inventory (assets) more over than instant gratification, which is why I didn't start the other thread yet. Plus, if "we" do experience the predicted "depression" that may or may not transpire economically, I am not too confident, I know how to sustain ONE, let alone advocate what others might consider doing in the event such a travesty continues in that direction.

    Now, that's sounds negative, as even Earl Nightingale stated clearly; "we make our own economy" and the Chinese philosophy is that Chaos breeds > Danger & Opportunity... so, not to be negative, there are some hurdles still littering the path we're on (*or at least the one I am on, LOL)

    We're willing to do the work, even cleaning sneakers, as we just did, and still I feel they could've been cleaner - but the 'learning is priceless'... it should get better once we can buy bulk, at the moment we're far from that reality.

    I like watching this guy find stuff, but his attitude is not the best - even with other resellers and the people he is landing deals from, he's a strange bird... I like his set up though!
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Just a head's up, as we are still building inventory (*slowly) - it baffles me that this guy does more sales than we've done, and we are trying to go the extra mile, I think a lot of these YouTuber's have created a following that likes watching other people shop - and when they land that $100 value item for under $10 at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift; they'll happily pay CommonWealth, The Crazy Lamp Lady and others $28.00 for an item shipped to their door - before they will pilfer through those bargain basement bins... as am I, LOL.
      We are on a marketing forum... and in this case YouTube is just that "Marketing" How many times in this video alone does he say a viewers name that left a message as they have bought something.... When we watch eBayers on YouTube, they all kinda do the same thing...a percentage of sales ( in some cases a good majority ) is derived from YouTube viewers... take that away, and some of these people would be starving.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      On a positive note, our inventory is growing way faster than our sales... so the 'journey' might be off-putting to many, as the rewards, benefits, and profits are currently inventory (assets) more over than instant gratification, which is why I didn't start the other thread yet. Plus, if "we" do experience the predicted "depression" that may or may not transpire economically, I am not too confident, I know how to sustain ONE, let alone advocate what others might consider doing in the event such a travesty continues in that direction.
      Here is my hot take on this... eBay sellers that are selling items for less than retail.. say a "used" pair of shoes will become the goto point of sale during a recession, its simple economics... people will still want to Floss in front of their friends, and not have the abiity to pay full price.

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Now, that's sounds negative, as even Earl Nightingale stated clearly; "we make our own economy" and the Chinese philosophy is that Chaos breeds > Danger & Opportunity... so, not to be negative, there are some hurdles still littering the path we're on (*or at least the one I am on, LOL)
      Those "hurdles" are self imposed - your reality is what you will it to be... Positive thought creates positive action. Huge recession and the pool business is still booming now isnt it? Pools will slow down L O N G before eBay sales will be effected

      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      We're willing to do the work, even cleaning sneakers, as we just did, and still I feel they could've been cleaner - but the 'learning is priceless'... it should get better once we can buy bulk, at the moment we're far from that reality.
      Grass is always greener right? and it might be,,, going towards bulk removes the grind or the Safari as we call it for product... But we have to consider order of scale here... out of the box you would not have the ability to procure and sell millions right? You have to start at the bottom and introduce scale as your experience warrants it Tortoise and the Hare right? be the Tortoise.

      I say this to pretty much all of my teams on at least a weekly basis "Out of the millions of possibilities, why have you chosen that one?" ( when they are pumping an amount of negativity ) Sales are down because of... I cant do this because of... etc etc. in each and every case it is an outward projection... to deflect responsibility. Take the responsibility on the chin right? Raise your hand.. ITS MY FAULT... now what do I need to do to correct this? Problems are solutions waiting to happen - of the millions of possibilities... and with out some amount of correction you are where? in the same place with the same problem. Problem - Solution
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  • Profile picture of the author harmzzz
    Hi everyone, I am new to this online SEO and ways to make money online type of thing. I know this may sound like a dumb question but was wondering if this message about which was posted 3 years prior about the Ebay method by Savage still works? I just cannot figure out where to start because theres a lot of good information on this forum. Anyways, thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by harmzzz View Post

      Hi everyone, I am new to this online SEO and ways to make money online type of thing. I know this may sound like a dumb question but was wondering if this message about which was posted 3 years prior about the Ebay method by Savage still works? I just cannot figure out where to start because theres a lot of good information on this forum. Anyways, thanks
      Very valid...if you read the last page or so of this thread you can see the back and forth with Art as he is working through this and making it work.
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