eBay Sellers - This is Why You Want to Sell on Consignment

If you aren't offering consignment sales, you are leaving money on the table. I received this email from a friend last week:

"Hi Suzanne,

I have a Chanel bag just like this. It has the authenticity card and flannel slip case. I don't have the box. What do you think about selling this on eBay? $975 is right price."

Ummmm, ok!!! My dear friend Nancy lives on Long Island, NY, and has repeatedly tried to find an eBay seller in her area to sell her designer items. (I even helped her look.) She worked in the fashion industry in New York City for many years and has a stockpile of gorgeous valuable items she doesn't use and is ready to sell. Some items are David Yurman jewelry, collectible fashion Barbie dolls new in the boxes, vintage handbags, and high end clothing and shoes. Unfortunately, she was not able to find an eBay seller to help her.

I actually connected her with a seller in her county but the person never followed up - what a shame! This would be a goldmine for someone in that area and I am really perplexed at why more people don't do eBay consignment when there are lots of people like Nancy out there looking for someone to sell their items online.

We have decided that Nancy can ship the items to me and I will sell them for her, since she cannot find anyone willing in her area. The point I want to make here is that the more people who know that you sell on eBay, the more opportunities you will have to have for blessings like this fall out of the sky and land in your lap. I've also had people contact me to sell their Lladro collection, storage units full of estate sale items, and wedding rings (pending divorce) because they know I have the knowledge and skills to sell on eBay. And this isn't because I have a blog and YouTube channel, this is because I get the word out that I am an eBay seller.

When you sell on eBay, you are your own boss. You make up the rules. You can say no to things that don't work for you, and yes to things that will. If you are nervous about selling on consignment, here are 2 FREE documents that will help you feel more comfortable with the process:

Consignment Selling Tips

Standard Consignment Selling Agreement
(Please note, this was not written by an attorney.)

And finally, if you aren't listed in my eBay Seller's Consignment Directory, for heaven's sake get on it! The world is full of people like Nancy with nice stuff to sell and they are looking for your experience and expertise.

Sign up for my eBay Seller's Consignment Directory now!

Related Articles:

Grow Your eBay Business with Consignment

Consignment Done Right - Seller Offers 140,000 Items on Consignment

Consignment Selling Can Really Pay Off

eBay Consignment Done Right - Seller Offers 140,000 Consigned Items for Sale

If you are thinking about adding consignment to your eBay business model, you must take a look at Linda's Stuff - the largest consignment seller on eBay. Linda's Stuff was founded by Linda Lightman who started her consignment business in 2000 after seeing the power of eBay when selling her son's video games. Then she moved on to selling her own clothes. After a while, friends noticed Linda's success and began asking her to sell their items on eBay. Many of you reading this are in the exact same situation - you know how to navigate and sell on eBay, your friends know you have this skill, and you and want to grow without investing money in additional income.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Linda about her business to show the amazing power of eBay as well as the opportunities available to anyone who wants to tap into the eBay marketplace. I addressed some common questions asked by both new and seasoned eBay sellers on my Facebook group and privately through consulting and email.

Enjoy the following interview and take note of how a real pro does it!

Q: There are currently 140,000 items listed in Linda's Stuff eBay Store. Is this about the usual amount that is listed all the time?
Linda's Stuff:  Yes, this is the usual amount we list on Linda’s Stuff.

Q: There is a mix of auctions and fixed price items. What is the strategy for determining what format an item will be listed?
Linda's Stuff: All items on Linda’s Stuff starts on an auction/ bidding.  When items do not sell, it is then moved to a ‘Buy it Now.’

Q: Linda's Stuff offers a 14 day return policy. How many returns do you usually receive a month?
Linda’s Stuff: Our return rate is about 10% in a month.

Q: Based on feedback numbers, it appears that Linda's Stuff sells about 18,000 items a month. Is this an accurate estimate?
Linda’s Stuff: We sell about 25K-30K a month, (although we wish everyone would leave feedback- buyers sometimes do not).

Q: On the listings I researched, Linda's Stuff does not use eBay's Global Shipping program. Why not?
Linda's Stuff: We thoughtfully made the decision  to not use eBay’s Global Shipping program, as we are happy with our current shipping model.

Q: Your company employs over 100 people. What different kinds of tasks do your employees do?
Linda's Stuff: With over 110 employees, the roles in our business vary from Marketing to Listers to Photographers, Customer Service and so on.  Each person contributes to the organization and management of Linda’s Stuff.

Q: Do you hire employees with eBay selling experience?
Linda's Stuff: eBay experience is not a requirement, as we provide training to all our employees.

Q: Linda's Stuff has been in business for 15 years. What is one piece of advice you can give the smaller "at home" seller to improve their eBay business?
 Linda's Stuff: It’s important to do your research when listing items and market them in a way that entices your audience.  Customer service is also important, as if a person has a good experience with you, you build brand loyalty, trust and retention.

Make sure you check out Linda's Stuff on eBay and study how she does it.

Start getting your piece of the eBay consignment pie - sign up to be listed in my eBay Seller's Consignment Directory now. Don't let potential clients get away because they don't know about you!

Related Articles:

Find an eBay Seller to Sell  Your Stuff

Pros and Cons of Selling Consignment on eBay

Make Money Selling Women's Clothing on eBay

Find an eBay Seller Near You to Sell Your Stuff

The average American household has $7,000 worth of items lying around in junk drawers, in closets, basements, garages, and attics that can be sold on eBay for cash.  That's the average - maybe you have more. Plenty of people know their unwanted or unused items can be sold on eBay for cash, but don't have the time to sell those items or the desire to learn how.

Maybe you are downsizing and have decades of stuff you know is worth money but are overwhelmed at the thought of having a garage sale. Perhaps you are handling a loved one's estate and have an entire household of items to rehome.  Or possibly you like the art of picking items for resale but don't like listing and shipping and want to hire those tasks out. If any of these situations sounds like you, then you need to connect with an eBay Consignment Seller.

There is probably a consignment seller geographically near you who can sell your items on eBay.  eBay Consignment Sellers are independent sellers who can sell your items for a commission. We aren't employed or trained by eBay, but we have lots of experience selling items on the world's largest marketplace and many of us sell as our full-time job. We can help you turn your items into cash because this is what we do every day - rehome unwanted items.

Below is a list of eBay Consignment Sellers who want to hear from you. If you have items to sell, just reach out and contact a seller on the list below in your area and start a conversation. You can find out what types of items they will sell for clients, what their commission rate is, and how the eBay selling process works. You have nothing to lose and may find someone who can help you turn your trash into cash.

On the flip side, if you are an eBay seller who would like to be added to this list or are interested in learning how to grow your eBay business by selling on consignment, click here to read more.

Alabama
Jennifer Combs
Pell City, AL
(205)617-4245
Kenncomb@aol.com
14 Santa Rosa Ridge


California
Margarita Martinez
Chula Vista, CA
Margmtz@gmail.com
SDThrifter

Shayleen Gulick
El Cajon, CA
(619)368-1252
razberryberet30@gmail.com
Razberry Beret Second Hand Store

Liz Taylor
Los Angeles, CA
Liztaylor2006@gmail.com
Liz's Clothing Boutique Medley

Anne Zarraonandia
Mini Valley, CA
(415)342-7814
atozpiratebooty@gmail.com
A to Z Pirate Booty

Tammy and Roger Casey
Valencia, CA
(661)664-2982
tootkc@sbcglobal.het
Toots Timeless Treasures


Colorado
Taffy Wagner
Denver, CO
taffy@taffywagner.com
MomTwo

Karen Zumbrun
Louisville, CO
(720)544-1604
karenz111@gmail.com
Art and Other Things

Florida
Melanie Gramling
Holiday, FL
(727)207-2566
a2zgoodsfl@gmail.com
A2ZgoodsFl


Anne Bokneberg
Lakeland, FL
AnnieExchange@yahoo.com
AnnieExchange

Georgia
Julie Lovaj
Jefferson, GA
jlovaj@gmail.com
Lily Grace Boutique

Jamie Nielsen
Savannah, GA
 (912)293-6730
Nilesenlady@gmail.com
HappyPlaceBoutique


Vicki Steppe
Gray, GA
(478)986-4469
idpsvbs@gmail.com
WaySide Collectibles

Suzanne Wells
Alpharetta, GA
(404)922-1079
atlantagolfshop@hotmail.com
Atlanta Golf Shop

Illinois
Lucy's Garage, Inc.
Glenview, IL
(224)-676-1935
lucysgaragestore@gmail.com
Lucy's Garage Sale Store

Jenny Shannon
Moline, IL
(309)644-1395
koala@koalaandkween.com
Koala and Kween

Indiana
Amy Deer
Indianapolis, IN
(317)578-1817
amy.powers@att.net
WeAreLobsters


Kansas
Bev Belman
Lenexa, KS
beverlybelman@gmail.com
Life's Luxuries KC

Maryland
Joana Bonicker
Baltimore, MD
(410)292-1090
yiannab@yahoo.com
Yiannab

Regina Dumba
Silver Spring, MD
(240)421-7055
runakoltd314@gmail.com
Runako 0314

Michigan
Pamela Poyhonen
Marquette, Michigan
pspjas@att.net
A2Z Valley Superior Treasures

Mississippi
Pam Swisher
D'lberville, MS
(228)-331-4282
magnoliatrail@aol.com 
Southern Vintage Antiques

Montana
Alison Chapman
Missoula, MT
(406)317-2025
TobyandAlison@gmail.com
Flowers Luxury

New Jersey
Nancy Serraino-Arluna
Denville, NJ
(973)462-0962
dartmom77@yahoo.com
For the Love of Yoshi

Elizabeth Springsteen
Belleville, NJ
(201)851-1662
madsnawn@yahoo.com
Nawnie's Nook
 

New Mexico
Emily Claire
Rio Rancho, NM
motherofmanyblessings@gmail.com
Mommy's Shop

New York
John Bucci
Carmel Consign-Mart
21 Old Route 6 (Comcast Building) Suite B
Carmel, NY 10512
(914)649-7996 
SomersSold4u@comcast.net 

Jessica Palange
Suffern, NY
Jess.pruz@gmail.com
Chick Duck 8

Jeanette Berry
Tonawanda, NY
(716)983-5846
JnetsJunque@yahoo.com
JnetsJunque


North Carolina
Lydia Fisher
Asheville, NC
Southeastsellers@aol.com
(828)551-5300
The Southeast Sellers

Ohio
Amanda Utzinger
Columbus, OH
(740)360-9929
Pec_amanda@yahoo.com
Gracious Giggles Shop

Tammi Kennedy
New Franklin Ohio
(330)612-2154
Kennedy's Amenities

Oregon
Sherree Colindres
Sisters, OR
NewCreationUSA@gmail.com
New Creation USA

Pennsylvania
Linda Yuengel
Fleetwood, PA
ebay@ptd.net
Selling and Sold 
 
Elizabeth Springsteen
Saylorsburg, PA
madsnawn@yahoo.com
(201)851-1662
Nawnie's Nook
 
South Carolina
Diana Sroufe
Bluffton, SC
(843)368-7399
dianasroufe@msn.com
Low Country Loot

Tennessee
Diana Head
Serving Nashville, Chapmansboro, Clarksville, Springfield, and Ashland City
(615)307-9342 
phephehead@charter.net
D J's in the House

Texas
Seth and Kristi Adamson
Dallas, TX
(972)977-5415
klasta678@gmail.com
Whiterock Collectibles

Magdalena Peterson
Fort Worth, TX
(817)849-4311
magrare@hotmail.com
2010 Magrare

Mandy Nation
Pflugerville, TX
mandy@mancorproducts.com
Mancor Products 

Michelle Kocurek
Rockwall, TX
starrockwall@yahoo.com
Rockwall Antique Emporium

Vermont / New Hampshire
Katie Duguay
Vermont / New Hampshire
(802)291-0854
thecleanercloset@yahoo.com
The Cleaner Closet

Washington
Gretchen Frankenstein
Seattle, WA
(206)948-7091
gretchen.frankenstein@gmail.com
Let Us Use It Again

Cheryl Smith
Everett, WA
(206)354-5137
ebaytradingassistants@gmail.com
Grammiesattic94







 

Grow Your eBay Consignment Business - Sign Up for Consignment Sellers' Directory

Consignment is an effective way to grow your eBay business and increase your profit without having to spend money buying more inventory or paying helpers. The benefits of consignment include:

1. Get exposure to products you may not otherwise find on your own. Consider this free education! You will learn valuable information you can apply to your own business in the future by dealing with other people's merchandise.

2. Reduce risk of low DSRs and defects because of increased number of transactions. Once a seller has fallen below Top Rated Seller or standard performance level, the only way to recover is by having a larger percentage of satisfactory transactions. Consignment merchandise helps sellers "water down" defects and low DSRs.

3. Build feedback faster. The more feedback you have, the more established you will appear, and the more consignment clients you will attract.

4. Make money without spending money. You don't have to buy the inventory or hire help. Your investment is time.

5. Create a steady stream of inventory coming to you. Once you build a consignment clientele, customers will return to use your services. Your clients will like the way you help them make money!

6. Create a supply of inventory where there is little or none. If you live in an area that does not have great merchandise in thrift stores, where thrift store prices are too high, or where winter weather prevents yard sales, consignment is a convenient way to source inventory and continue making money.

7. Sell inventory in better condition than traditional sources. Sometimes the inventory in the major thrift store chains has been man-handled so much that it is beat up and not in great condition. Consignment items may come to you directly from  someone's home where it is in pristine condition.

eBay used to have a Trading Assistant program that connected eBay consignment sellers with potential clients. That program was discontinued in 2013. There are millions of people out there with items to sell, who don't have the time or inclination to learn to sell on eBay, who are looking for sellers to sell their items. Also, many sellers in my Facebook Group have indicated they have huge stockpiles of inventory and would love to find a local person to sell those items for them.

I personally receive emails frequently from people looking for a way to connect with eBay sellers to sell their merchandise. Seeing a need to connect sellers with those who need their services, I am creating a directory of eBay Consignment Sellers. Here is how it will work:

1. The directory will be free for clients to access. 

2. The directory will be posted here on my blog so that those seeking a consignment seller can find it quickly and easily when using internet search engines.

3. The directory will be organized by city and state. And it is ok if there are multiple sellers in the same city. Each seller will more than likely have their own pricing structure, want to work with different types of products, and be in different locations. Don't worry about fellow sellers in the same area - there are plenty of clients to go around.

4. Seller's name, email address, and link to eBay store (so prospective clients can check you out) will be listed in the directory. Phone number will be optional. Once the client contacts a seller, all of the particulars about pricing, fees, etc. can be worked out between seller and client. (So yes, your name will be on the list and will be found by Google - but so will your eBay store name - and that is good for business!)

5. I will aggressively market this list on my social media channels, my blog, article sites, and in my newsletter. My reach on the internet:

     YouTube - 12,000 subscribers, 22,000 monthly views

     Twitter - 11,000 followers

     Facebook Group - 20,000 members (Sellers who may need your help!)

     National eBay Examiner - 30,000 monthly views

     eBay Coach Blog - 30,000 monthly views

     Newsletter - 7,000+ subscribers

6. eBay sellers included in the directory will receive a copy of my Standard Consignment Agreement and a consignment tutorial with information about how to get started with consignment, how to promote your consignment business, and  a recommended commission schedule. I'm helping you get organized and giving you a road map before you even start taking on clients.

7. Cost for sellers to be listed in the directory is $50 per year. For less than the price of one Starbuck's coffee a month, you can get exposure to thousands of potential clients 24 hours a day. Clients can contact you directly about selling their items on eBay for a commission. You can be added to the directory at any time and there is no long term commitment and no pressure to renew.

8. New to consignment? No problem. Sellers who sign up for the directory will also receive free email support to answer your consignment questions for as long as you are listed in the directory. I am here for you whenever you have a question, need help, or want advice.

So let's work together to grow your eBay consignment business. Just click the button below to sign up to be listed in the directory and let's connect with all those clients with great stuff to sell on eBay. Don't leave any more money on the table - sign up today!

Follow Up to My eBay Experiment - Working Smarter

I wanted to do a follow up to my September post about increasing average sale price, because some of you have been asking. (Read that post here.)

2015 is my 12th year selling on eBay and I still continue to refine the business every day. I set a goal for myself to increase average selling price to $40 by the end of 2014. I didn't make it, but here is my progress.

October was exactly the same as September and August - $29 per item. I saw a huge jump to $57 per item in November, but I can't take credit for hard work there. I sold these Auburn vs. Alabama tickets for $1,588.99:

Where did I get them? My dad is an Alabama alum and at the age of 77 still gets season tickets every year. He no longer goes to the games so I sell the tickets locally and on eBay for him. By the way, event tickets are a great way to pick up some consignment commission using your eBay skills. Tickets are the only item I put on auction, they are a guaranteed sale, super easy to list and ship, and are never a returned. So this big sale skewed my numbers for November.

December was actually kind of slow and my average sale price was back down to $35 an item. I offer free shipping on items that can be shipped first class or fit in a padded flat rate mailer so that is included in some sales in the average sale price calculation.

So, I did not meet my goal of $40 per item average sale price, but my number of sold items is increasing alongside the average price per item. I sold 71 items in December which was 10 more items than in November, and 19 more than in October. Slow progress is still progress.

No, I am not a huge seller, in fact, I am a pretty small seller. eBay is one of many income streams I have built over the last 12 years. See my eBay store here.

But, I am a real seller, I sell items every day, and I am in the trenches right there with you and have been since 2003. I have built several other businesses over the years but eBay is still my favorite and something I am passionate about. I strive to be an efficient seller by doing the following:

1. Carefully choosing products to sell. I always consider profit margin and the amount of time involved in cleaning, photographing, listing, and shipping an item before buying it for resale. It is never a matter if something will sell on eBay, but how much time will be involved in dealing with the item and how much profit I will end up with. Pick your battles.

2. Listing what I have already purchased before buying more. Unlisted items cannot sell. Period. When I was interviewed for a reality show about eBay sellers a couple of years ago, the producers told me my workspace and storage area was "not exciting enough for TV." I told them that the reality is that not all sellers have thousands of items in their homes and that this business can be done with very little stock and in an efficient manner.I was not their gal because my inventory was not impressive enough - which is ok - eBay does exactly what I need it to do for my unique business.

3. Keeping things manageable. I have never had more than 500 items in my eBay store because I can generate the kind of income I want from eBay with fewer than 500 items and the time investment that works for me. There is nothing wrong with having hundreds or thousands of items, but I tend to feel overwhelmed with that many items to manage. At one point I had 12 people working for me (listing, shipping, shopping, running errands, teaching) and my life became about managing other people and paperwork. I prefer to do my eBay business in a very hands-on way so I can do what I am passionate about and what inspires me every day. The push on the internet these days is "grow your business - scale your business!" That wasn't for me. I would rather keep things manageable and have my sanity and a life. I would rather run my business than have it run me.

4. Constantly refining the business. Learn something new about eBay every day, whether is it what to sell, how to keep better records, how to save time, or new ways to use your eBay expertise to make money. Selling on eBay is a skill that is marketable in our culture in many different ways whether through consulting, consignment, teaching classes, or writing articles.Figure out how to use your eBay knowledge in different ways to create more streams of income. Want to know more? I am here for you!

Related Articles:

Join My Consignment Seller's Directory

eBay Sellers - If  You Have It, List It

Are You Wasting Time Micromanaging Your eBay Store?