When I tell someone I have a little eBay business, I get all sorts of questions. The most common one is “Can you really make money doing that?” Well, I’m here to say “Yes, you can - but chances are it won’t be a success overnight.”

Two words come to mind when I think of my eBay business - Patience and Perseverance. Let’s look at the definitions of these two words:

Patience - The act or quality of waiting long for justice or expected good without discontent.

Perseverance - Persistence in any thing undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business or enterprise begun

When I first started selling on eBay, it was stuff from around the house - like many people. It was fun - gave me extra money, and the thrill of the auction - come on - you know sitting there in front of the computer hitting the refresh button over and over again - watching the bidders bid! LOL

But then last year we found ourselves in need of more than just “fun money,” and a business was born. I began reading everything I could get my hands on, message boards, books, anything that came from someone who was doing “well” on eBay. I went back to school, so-to-speak - I “persevered.”

Most any business, done right, takes time, and lots of patience. Sometimes we lack that patience. We live in an “instant gratification” world - fast food, the microwave, even the internet where we can get information at the touch of a button. I wanted that “instant success” on eBay, but I knew it wasn’t going to happen like that - and anyone who tells you different is taking you for “a long walk off a short pier.”

So with my constant reading and researching, I started looking for what I could sell. It was a lot of trial and error (and still is to some extent). However each month I saw my sales increase - slowly yes - but they increased. Not only did they increase, but my individual item prices started increasing because I started selling smarter. I began looking for items that might sell for more money instead of just pennies.

I have only been selling part time. Had I more time to work, I know I could do even better. Yes, there will be some months where sales are higher than others, but I think if you keep plugging along - persevering - and have a little patience - you can see your eBay business increase. Continue your “education” daily - always researching finished auctions, reading about your product or how you can expand what you sell, talk with those who sell well. You can have a successful eBay business - but it does take some effort!

Happy Selling!

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