Thinking about purchasing wholesale lots of cosmetics on eBay?  Great idea. But remember a few important suggestions:   

1.  Add on the shipping charges to the "Cost Per Item" that is seen in most wholesale auctions.  The REAL price per item is deceiving at first glance (because the real price per item is the cost of the item plus shipping).  You may be fooled into thinking the cost per item is a lot less than what it really is.  Unfortunately, some Sellers do not include this "Cost Per Item" feature at all in their auctions and will leave you even to count how many items are actually included. "Cost Per Item" is a great tool - just use it wisely.

2.  Be weary of those wholesale auctions that tell you what you brands you "may receive".  I am speaking from experience when I say that you will be receiving more brands that are worth little or nothing than brands that have much worth.

3.  Some Sellers may overcharge in shipping rates.  Make yourself familiar with rates and methods of transportation.  If you are paying what you feel is extra money than norm to ship, make sure that it's at least a faster delivery method than the other options available.

4.  If you are not buying from a PowerSeller that has proven their trust in the eBay community, make sure that the Seller has sold wholesale lots to other Buyers and that the Buyers have given good feedback in return for these wholesale lots.  Otherwise, you really do not know what you are going to get.  I once purchased 200 Revlon from a new seller that looked as though it was dropped from a 5 story building. Not to mention, most were even used!  Thank goodness I was able to get this Seller to give me my money back (this seller is still selling on eBay).

5.  Keep in mind that investing in a higher quality brand will sell for a higher profit and may be sold easier individually. I have found that most lower valued items sell better grouped with other lower valued items.  I have also found customers locate me because I have that certain color of a more expensive item that they can't find anywhere.  They will end up buying 15 of the same item from me!  Thus, a very large profit.  This is where I feel it was worth the extra money that I decided to invest in the more expensive products.  You get what you pay for. I prefer stocking both high and lower priced items to fit the budget of all buyers. 

6. Make sure that whatever you purchase is insured for delivery to you. Whether the insurance be included in the shipping charges or if you must pay extra.

7.  Ask questions to the Seller.  Wholesale lots can be costly.  Ease your mind by knowing exactly what you are getting for your buck.  Some listings may purposely keep you in the dark.

8.  If you can, research specific items that are included in the lot before buying.  See what they are going for before you buy them in eBay Stores AND auctions. And, make sure they are actually selling. Some Sellers create lots of items that are not selling for them just to get rid of them. 

9. Try opening a store.  There may be a "Try it for 30 days free" deal to open a new store. It's easy to keep track of your inventory that way and you save on listing the items. You have nothing to lose.  

10. Purchase wholesale lots from a Seller who sells the same lot contents individually, as well.  If the lot items represent the Seller, more times than not they will be quality items.

11. Know your cosmetics. Go to the store and look at brands, prices, and selection.  See how much each are selling in the store and compare it to the price sold on eBay.  Know your end profit before you purchase.

12. Once you locate a seller with quality products, add them to your favorites and check back frequently. Once you locate a seller with beautiful items, packed well, and shipped fast - you will know what you will be receiving at each sale and you will develop mutual trust.

I hope that these suggestions will be helpful to you!