Selling on eBay

Goldiegirl

Hi, I've been lurking on this forum for a while, and have found it very interesting, so I've decided to register and take an active part.

I was made redundant about three years ago, but was very fortunate in that I was able to take early retirement as part of my redundancy package, so I have a pension and I found another part time job.

As I suddenly had more spare time, I decided to declutter my house, and turned to eBay to sell a few items.

All I can say is, I wish I'd found eBay years ago, as I really enjoy the whole process.

Three years down the line, I'm getting nicely clutter free and I've helped a couple of family members sell some of their unwanted things.

So now I need more things to sell.

What I am thinking is, when the boot fair season starts up again next year, is to buy things at boot fairs with a view to selling on eBay.

Now, I know that I'll need to register as a business. I'm happy that I can keep proper records as I've had a lifetime in the finance industry, and I've also done a book keeping course in the last few years.

Over the last few years I've got an idea of the types of things that sell readily, and I'm intending to look for things that I like and know. I think 'keep to what you know' is a good start.

I don't expect to make a fortune, but I wonder if it's possible to make a reasonable profit selling in the way I propose.

If anybody has any thoughts or advice I'd be very interested and grateful.

soolin

Good luck with your venture. It is also worth looking out for things in charity shops and even high street shops.

I started off like that and even now I can't buy anything at all without weighing up whether I could make a profit with it on ebay.

TRace

I've resold a few things I've bought on eBay itself which I either didn't like or which didn't fit and made a good profit on what I paid the first time.

If you know what will sell for how much then you can certainly turn a small proffit reselling on there so I'm sure you could do better from boot sales and such.

As to whether it will pay for your time, for ebay and paypal to have a cut plus the post office fees I don't know, but if you are enjoying it then thats a good start.

RFW

Goldiegirl wrote: »

What I am thinking is, when the boot fair season starts up again next year, is to buy things at boot fairs with a view to selling on eBay.

Now, I know that I'll need to register as a business. I'm happy that I can keep proper records as I've had a lifetime in the finance industry, and I've also done a book keeping course in the last few years.

Over the last few years I've got an idea of the types of things that sell readily, and I'm intending to look for things that I like and know. I think 'keep to what you know' is a good start.

I don't expect to make a fortune, but I wonder if it's possible to make a reasonable profit selling in the way I propose.

If anybody has any thoughts or advice I'd be very interested and grateful.

You're on the right path to be doing ok from it. I doubt I'd need to tell you but be cautious when buying, if you see something and immediately think you can get £10 for it, consider the postage and Ebay/Paypal charges and then see what it's worth to buy it for. If you keep thinking that items are too expensive don't just buy because you need something to sell.

Also check out local auctions and see if any of those are selling similar items now. There are still a few auctions that don't list online and occasional bargains can be had. Again it's a matter of patience on many things.

Knowing about what you're selling is always a good start, informed listings will usually get better prices than two or three word titles with little or no description.

Crowqueen

Also - probably not necessary as you are quite an experienced user - but don't forget consumer law when you start trading.

The OFT Distance Selling Hub and Sale of Goods Act (SOGA) Hub are invaluable resources. So many sellers make it up as they go along, so stay informed - particularly as there is a major change in the law coming up sometime in 2013.

Goldiegirl

Thanks for all the suggestions, and the treating customers fairly links were very helpful.

Soolin, I know what you mean about weighing up how much I could get for things on eBay. I've started considering that whenever I buy things, when I look at things in my house, and even when I'm in other peoples houses!

Just got to get Christmas over with, them I'm going to be haunting the charity shops, sales, and in the spring I'll be hitting the boot fairs.

Crowqueen

Best of luck, Goldie .

2Sheds

I used sell stuff that isn't worth selling on ebay at boots sales and sometimes see it listed on ebay the same evening.


Nowdays everyone is on their phones checking if it's worth buying to sell !