I have been an eBay  Trading Assistant for the last couple of years. Being Trading Assistant has help my business grow. That's not to say I didn't have a few bumps in the road. I know there are more experience Trading Assistants here so this guide is from own my personal experience.

The first thing you want to do is have a business plan. Know what services you want to offer such as the items you want to sell and how much to charge. Create a consignment agreement keep it simple with your terms such as what items you will sell, your commissions and other perferences. I verbally inform the client about the eBay  selling policies. Have your client sign and date the agreement. Having your client sign this agreement not only relays your terms but gives you permission to sell their merhandise. I also attached a list of eBay listing fees and Paypal fees this gives your client listing options.

I found it is better to have your client set the prefered starting listing price with your help. One of the hardest thing you may have to do is getting the client to understand that sentimental value means nothing to the buyer it's what the market will bare. Be honest with your client don't make promises you can't keep.  Being a Trading Assistant you'll not only have to keep your client happy you have to keep your buyer happy, remember you're the seller not the client. Know what you're selling you should do your research  maybe check eBay pulse see whats selling and the going price. Ask your client questions such as the history of the item . Inspect the merchandise carfully and have it available ready to ship when it sells. Chasing it down could cause shipping delays and a unhappy buyer and maybe bad feedback.

Keep your client informed let them know how they are doing, send them an email give them a call. If the item doesn't sell offer to re-list it at a later date offer a discount if it sells the second time around of the listing. A happy client will tell their friends and neighbors and before you know you have a full time business on your hands but don't bite off more than you can chew know your limits.

Lastly you will need keep good records for each client. I only write checks once a month and  I use an excell spreadsheet to keep track of each clients listings and sales. Each time I pay my client I give them a copy of their spreadsheet. It's helpful to create a template with your formula's to use each month.

I am so glad I decided to become a Trading Assistant I was able to purchase my own inventory and open my eBay store. It's a good way to start a business with very little startup money. Keep in mind it may not be for everyone so research this idea first before you make a commitment. Best of luck to you and Happy Selling.