The 'What do I sell?' question is the bane of beginning eBayers once they've gone through their homes and sold extra things around the home. Interestingly, once sellers become more proficient at selling and get several auctions behind them (say, 100 or so), locating items to sell becomes less of a problem. Once friends and family learn of your eBay success, they will find lots of things for you to sell!

Garage Sales and Yard Sales

   I can assure you there will be those who disagree with what I'm about to tell you. That's fine! That's the great thing about eBay as there is a lot of opportunities for all.

   Yet, I have found an almost sure-fire profit generator from garage and yard sales: video games.

   Retail video games are hot right now which means they cost a bundle and smart buyers turn to eBay to get more games for less money (perhaps making their weekly allowance go further for those in the younger buying categories). If you see any games for the Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, or Nintendo, grab them. At yard sales they often sell for a buck or two and you'll likely quadruple that (or more) on eBay.
 
   You'll make a profit on just about any DVD movie that's in good condition you can buy for $2 or less. VHS movies are more difficult profit. Some VHS movies that are out of print bring lots on eBay but many VHS videos will get no bids. Stick to DVDs in good condition to help ensure you'll resell the movie and make it worth your while. I like reselling smaller items such as books, video games, and DVDs because they are so easy to mail and with USPS Media Rate you keep your buyer's shipping costs low leaving them with more money to bid up your item.
 
   I find better deals at yard sales in small towns than large towns. I suppose it's less competition with other buyers. The drawback is that smaller towns have fewer sales and I must drive more to find them.

   As a syndicated newspaper columnist about eBay, as well as a trainer on using Direct Marketing techniques to boost sales, I run into lots of beginning eBayers who are having difficulty finding things to sell. They should know that it's often as easy as looking for movies and video games. The added advantage of these items is that they are simple to mail making their early eBay selling experience even better.