Having sold things for a numerous amount of people, I would like to take the time to share some brief tips on how to be successful with your consignment sales.

First thing first...do your research!  Before you even attempt to help someone else sell something, you should already know what works.  When's the best day to list an item?  What time should you list it?  Different people have different answers to that, but you should at least know what works for YOU.  It also helps to know what you feel comfortable selling, because that is what you'll know the most about with minimal reasearch needed.  With that said however, don't be afraid to explore new things.  Just take small steps instead of one giant leap! 

No matter what you are selling, it is always helpful to know how it's doing and how it's been doing.  Check similar active listings as well as completed listings.  It also doesn't hurt to sign up for Marketplace Research (for a monthly fee).  That way you know what you're up against and if you should even bother trying to sell a particular item.

If you're qualified, sign up to become a Registered Trading Assistant through eBay.  When you do that, create a profile through the TA page.  That puts your name and contact information out there in front of the world to see.  People can locate you by your location and by what you can offer to help them sell.  You can't beat free advertising!

Once you're ready to start, GET IT IN WRITING!  It is always helpful to draw up a brief agreement explaining what you expect from each other.  Helpful things to include in your agreement are your fees, what you offer for your fees, and what is expected of both parties involved.  It also helps to include somewhere that whatever you are agreeing to sell must without a doubt be owned by the person that is giving it to you to sell.  I have found that to be very helpful for thwarting the scammer trying to sell stolen goods!  The agreement doesn't have to be fancy and filled with legal terms either.

Be sure to thoroughly inspect the items that you are going to sell on consignment in front of the other person.  If there are any damages, note it somewhere and make sure the other person signs off to it so there's no room to hold you liable for any pre-existing damage.  After all, whatever you are going to sell is going to be in your possession and not in the possession of the other party (at least that's the suggested way to go)!

Lastly, if a person is not very familiar with eBay, explain to them how things work.  Let them know that the eBay value of their item will more than likely differ from the value that they have in mind.  Let them know not to panic if they don't see any bids right off the batch, since most eBay buyers wait until the last minute to place a bid.  Tell them that their item may not sell, and that's normal due to no fault of either of you.  And tell them that you're the professional and you know what you're doing, even if they disagree with you starting out the bidding at a low price. 

Communication is key.  So by being open and upfront from the start...you're saving a load of headaches in the end.