Friday, January 8, 2010

eBay


I’m ready to jump on the eBay train! ...I think. Got my two books from the library, and thought about a potential first item to sell – now I just need to figure out how to do it.

In my previous post, Plan and Dreams, I mentioned that my friend Debbie and I were wannabe entrepreneurs back in the late 80s and early 90s. We never got anything off the ground, but what fun we had - brainstorming, researching, experimenting, and dreaming!

Life has changed immeasurably since then, but I still feel a pinch of excitement when thinking about a possible business venture, or even when someone else is doing something brave and new. It’s using ones creativity and independence. That’s why I like writing and reading the blogs, and the comments, too. It’s like having an unlimited connection to the world.

My eBay goal is simple. I want to sell some of the stuff in my house.

We’ve been blessed with a lot of stuff, but everything has its season, and after the season is over, it should go…not to the back of a closet, not to the attic, not to the basement, not in a cabinet, not in the trunk of a car, not to the garage, and not collecting dust within my view. It should go out the door – off the property.

If you’ve read my past posts, Collector or Packrat? and/or Decluttering #1 (because there will be a #2), you know that “stuff” is a recurring theme with me. So…in addition to giving things to charity, and trashing, eBay is coming on board.

What I hope to accomplish is to get my three daughters involved in all aspects of the process - taking photos, uploading, watching the bidding, packaging, mailing, etc. They will be more willing to get rid of their stuff (I hope), but more important, they will get some business experience; another exploration to help them figure out what they want to do as self-sufficient adults, living in their “own” homes.

So, I’ll be getting on the computer soon, figuring out PayPal, and whatever else I need to make the first dry run.

Wish me luck!

Are you an eBay buyer or seller? Give me all the advice you can! :)

25 comments:

Menopausal New Mom said...

Hi Anita, this is exciting. I have an eBay store myself where I sell vintage silk scarves and vintage jewelry. I also have a higher-end jewelry store on Ruby Lane with vintage genuine jewelry. Do you think I have my hands full Lol??

It's so easy and having the girls participate is such a great idea, anytime you can come up with an activity that includes them and teaches them at the same time as being fun, jump on. I think you guys will have a ball.

BTW, if you have an old Fiesta Dinnerware, I collect.... just say'n

Anonymous said...

You can do it! You can do it!

Anita said...

DEB - Hello! Yes, you do have your hands full, but like I said in the post, I think it is so exciting. Give me some of your energy!
I'm glad to hear you say its easy.
I'll keep my eyes open for the Fiesta Dinnerware. I'll look at some online to bring it back to my memory. You never know... I might just know where some is. :)

Anita said...

Thanks Marla!

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Great idea,good luck!

Unknown said...

I was avidly selling collectibles, cds and other things on ebay a few years ago and did pretty well. There are tons of things to know and some of it you will learn as you go along.

I would love to help you in any way I can.

I also had my daughters involved too. They had purses and cds and t-shirts that they no longer wanted and once they took the pictures and I placed them on ebay for them, then they were in charge of the bidding and keeping track of the process.

I suggest getting ebay Turbo lister (free software) for all of your listings. It really helps to allow you to schedule when each item posts.

Email me with any questions you have.

Tabor said...

Interesting. I do wish you good luck and if you are successful maybe my 'stuff' can go on ebay.

Hilary said...

I am more of an eBay shopper than seller, though I have tried my hand at selling. I hear what you're saying about stuff. I found that with eBay, my impatience got in the way and I was stunned when people didn't want my quality items! When it's time for stuff to go, I have it boxed and ready for Goodwill or the consignment store -- it's like, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out!" Good luck with your new venture.

Annie Z said...

Good luck!!

Nakamuras on Saipan said...

Cool..! Good Luck! My uncle and cousin in Germany make rather good money selling on eBay....I wish you luck!!

Buckeroomama said...

I haven't been able to figure out eBay yet either... Good luck!

Karen said...

I'm excited to see how you do with this! I'm a collector/purger of stuff as well, but have never tried e-bay -- well, except to accumulate stuff;)

It's exciting to pursue an old dream. Have fun!

Becky Thompson said...

I've awarded you the "Happy 101" award. You can read about it and pick it up here: http://beckysgraceandglory.blogspot.com/

gayle said...

Oh I do wish you luck!! Please keep us all posted on how you do!! Also, have you ever heard of Craig's List...if you want you can sell things that way. I have several collector items I want to sell but so far no lucky convining my husband!! Can't wait to hear all about your Ebay experience!!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I wish you loads of luck, Anita! It's just like anything else, many hands make lighter work.

Another thing you may consider is, if you have vintage stuff, offering it up for sale on your blog. I've seen people do it before.

Anonymous said...

Good luck Anita! I think it's a fabulous way to declutter and make some money at the same time!

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Good luck. May you make your fortune!

Robin said...

Wow good for you..Ive been selling since 2007 ..its great..if you need any advice id be glad to help..Ive made over thousands of dollars on it..my hub uses it too...Good luck..let me know your username when you make one..BTW this is my new site..my old one got so messed up I had to start from scratch..!

Abby said...

Good luck to you Anita! I've heard that many a small business starts at ebay.

I've done my share of internet decluttering, but have only limited myself to craigslist at this point, but I definitely see ebay in my near future. And yes, it's a good way to get the kids involved in the money-making projects.

I'll enjoy watching your every ebay move!

Connie K said...

You can so do it and when you do ! please let me know how to do it LOl !!

Iva Messy said...

good luck!! you will do amazing!!

HeartsMakeFamilies said...

I love the ebay train. Got most of my Christmas done that way. Welcome to the train. You'll have a blast. Thanks for all the comments you have left on my blog. I'm still trying to catch up.

Anita said...

HI EVERYONE, Great hearing all of your opinions, questions, advice, and well wishes on my interest in eBay!
I will be sure to follow up with another post.

CHOCOLATE, HEARTS, & ROBIN - Thanks for offering help. I may just take you up on it. Really. :) Very kind of you of offer.

FOLLOWERS AND READERS, KEEP COMMENTING.

Alicia said...

i love ebay!! i'm strictly a buyer though.. halloween costumes for the boys, baby stuff, Christmas gifts, etc. You can find EVERYTHING on ebay!! very convenient. pls send me the link to your store once you're up and running (if you're not already). i'd love to support! *back to reading... trying to catch up*

Anita said...

ALICIA - eBay is on the back burner but hoped to be resurrected this summer. :)

Got my fingers crossed. :)