Help.....I want to sell on ebay!

I have been asked many times, how I got started on ebay and if I could help people get started. I have helped three people, two with cosmetics and one with something else...and they are all powersellers now. I am not saying that it has anything to do with me other than I have learned some lessons the hard way and have been able to share those lessons and help others avoid the pit falls and hopefully become successful. The rest is up to you. It is not rocket science, but it can be a lucrative business venture and even better than that it can be a lot of fun.

Getting started

1. First you need to select what it is that you want to sell. I would highly recommend selling something you love or something you know quite a bit about. Both is better. This guide is geared towards selling cosmetics, however this rule applies regardless of what you are selling. If you love it, it is easier to sell.!
2. Where do I get the products? There are plenty of wholesale sellers on ebay. You can start there and then do research. It is as easy as that. Be sure and check the feedback of the seller though, because some sellers either put junk in the lots, overcharge for shipping or you don't exactly get what you think you are going to get. I have learned that the hard way. When I started on ebay, I got 100% of my items for resale on ebay. Now that I have been doing it for awhile it is about 5%. You can research on the internet, join wholesale forums and before you know it you will have plenty of good sources.
3. Keywords to use when searching the internet for wholesalers, (wholesale cosmetics, liquidation, surplus,
4. Before you make a large wholesale purchase do two things; do some research on ebay or Andale to see what the item is selling for (dont forget when figuring your cost per item, include the price you are paying for shipping); and then check out the competition. How many others are selling the item - and for what cost?
5. Don't purchase or sell used cosmetics. This is extremely unsanitary and can cause you more grief than it is worth.

Now that you have something to list

1. Your picture quality is critical. No one wants to purchase an item that they cant see. Invest in a decent camera and learn to shoot, crop and resize your pictures. I recommend 300 x 300 pixels or 400 x 400 pixels. Any larger is hard for some users to load. Try to keep the size consistent, it will lend itself to a more professional look.
2. Invest in gallery. Except for items where a picture won't help. For example, I don't use gallery for mascara - because a picture wont make a difference.
3. Despite all of the controversy surrounding the fee hikes for the stores, I do recommend a store. I have definitely had to revisit my store philosophy and clean some things out so I dont start losing money - but I still think a store is a good idea. I do not recommend putting low, low dollar items in the store.
4. Mix the store listings with plenty of auctions for items you KNOW will get you some traffic. Pretty soon people will start saving you as a favorite and signing up for your newsletters and then just checking out your store periodically. Caution, it does take a while so try not to get discouraged.
5. Try to develop a "look" for your listings and don't worry about what other people think - make it yours. When I made the finals for the Best in Stores contest many ebayers were extremely critical of my look on the discussion boards. Ok, it stung a little - but the fact is, I like it and I know I need to be happy with it to believe in what I am doing, so don't let others get you down.
6. Make the listings consistent with your look.
7. Charge reasonable shipping rates. It is a big deal to buyers, I know it is for me when I am buying on ebay.
8. Post your shipping policy.
9. Work with customers when there is an issue.
10. Have fun & Make money!!!

Any questions?

It is quite possible that you have other questions I did not address, feel free to email me and ask the question I am more than happy to help get you started. There is enough business for all of us...if you look around lots and lots of cosmetic sellers are power sellers. There is room for more!

Was this guide helpful? Please let me know. If it was not helpful I would like to know that as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and let me know if I can be of any assistance!