by Carol Miller

Created on: March 11, 2009

Yes, you really can make money on Ebay!

Don't cringe, I know almost everyone who has been on the net for any length of time has heard the good, bad, and ugly about selling on Ebay. Ebay "gurus" will tell you how to make big bucks, but not until you give them money first. The marketplace is swamped with moneymaking ideas, most of which entail making money off of you!

Ebay has been suffering through a lot of changes lately, but is still the number one internet marketplace for niche sellers. Want to find that obscure 19th century chamber pot? Your grandmothers long lost bustle? A grilled cheese sandwich with an image of the Virgin Mary? Find it on Ebay. No other marketplace has the sheer variety of merchandise.

Niche selling is my favorite sport. I haven't made a million dollars, but I make the grocery money and have a great time doing it. I spend one day a week searching out nic-nacs at yard sales, auctions and flea markets. I call this work, but it feels like fun to me. If you don't like it, this is not your niche. If I just wanted to make money I'd get a real job. Then I post my treasures on Ebay. If they sell, money flows in and I ship the items off to the lucky purchasers. I've sold thousands of items and the percentage of scamming or disappearing buyers is extremely low.

Some niches are definitely more profitable than others. Certain categories are also more prone to scams, competition, and finicky buyers. Never try to sell your laptop there! Some generous businessman from Nigeria will be happy to take it off your hands. Also many name brand items like Gucci and Prada are not allowed on Ebay due to Vero agreements.

Drop shipping is another marginal choice. Lots of websites will promise to give you "wholesale" prices. Unfortunately they are giving those great prices to everybody, including your competitors and potential customers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is also the risk that your dropshipper will disappear after you've already made a sale. Your customer doesn't want to hear 'it's not my fault'. You will be held responsible and your reputation will be ruined.

So what, you ask, am I supposed to sell? Selling is like writing, go with what you know. Love old cars? You probably know the best place to locate that hard-to-find bumper for a '57 Chevy. It's amazing who might spend big bucks on something you thought was junk.

Here is one last choice in todays market. Many companies are going under. It may seem ruthless to take advantage of the failure of others, but hey, it's business. If the store down the stree is closing, there may be some real bargains lurking right under your nose. If they are selling their inventory at 75% off retail, you may be able to turn it around on Ebay for a tidy profit. Be sure to research items first. 75% off is no bargain if the stuff was overpriced to start with. Always see what's selling (that's SELLING, not just listed) before investing any hard-earned money on inventory. Thousands of Beanie baby dealers have learned that the hard way.

Sell what you know, know what you sell, and enjoy the ride. Making money can be fun and profitable.

Learn more about this author, Carol Miller.
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