21 Year Old eBay Seller Pays Cash for New Car - Hard Work Pays Off at Any Age!

Now here is a great story about how eBay can help you bring in extra money. A resourceful young woman graduated from high school in May of 2012 and wasn't a good fit for the traditional college track. Her mom encouraged her to start her own eBay business. Mom showed daughter the ropes and after about 3 months, the teenager was making $800 - $1,000 a month. She was on her own with the business - she lives at home but pays for everything except rent. Her mom was there to help her with difficult situations within the business as they arose.

The young woman learned eBay quickly - well, she had been around it most of her life. She even started a listing service for other sellers in her area - she recognized that the backlog for everyone was listing, NOT finding inventory. She had a nice side business making up to $500 a month just listing items for other sellers in her area. (Note - this was not consignment - simply the task of picking up the items from the other sellers, photographing and listing the items on their accounts, and returning them a few days later.) Moms in the area loved the service because it allowed them to use their picking skills and shop and make money without having to do the boring chore of listing.

This process went on for almost 3 years. The young woman had a clunker of a car that eventually ended up on the lot at CarMax. She and her mom shared a car for several months to allow the young lady to save up money to pay cash for a new car.

Fast forward to April 2015. The young woman is now 21 and ready to buy her car. She does the research and test drives a few cars. She decides on a 2011 Honda Civic with low mileage and a price of $9,500. She walks into the bank, makes a withdrawal of a bank check for just over $10,000 from her own account, and heads to the car lot to purchase her car.

Now keep in mind this 21 year old doesn't have a college degree, but she doesn't have any student debt (or any debt at all), she has 3 years of experience running her own business and a list of clients, and a car that is paid for in full. How many 21 year olds can say that?

Who is this amazing young woman? My daughter, Melanie. I am so proud of her. You can visit her eBay store here to see that she is the real deal. She works full time now at an oral and facial surgery office, but eBay is always running in the background. Maybe it is in her DNA?

Encourage those young people to get involved in eBay early. Millenials (GenY) have the computer skills to do this business. Many are savvy enough to understand the resale market early because they already buy on eBay. eBay is a great way for young people to learn customer service skills and make some money on the side 24 hours a day.

Related Articles:

eBay Seller Success: $6,000 in 30 Days

eBay Coach Loves Selling Ugly Shoes

Need Help Increasing Sales on eBay?

eBay is a Game Changer for this Mom

eBay changes lives. I see this time and time again with clients I work with - resilient people facing illness, big life changes like a job loss or divorce, or people determined to get out of debt. eBay is the way for many of them. Monica shared her story on my eBay Sellers' Facebook group:

I have realized in the short 4 months of selling on eBay it has given me so many wonderful rewards. It not just the extra income that it brings in every month. So here is my list.

1. eBay is teaching me a new trade.

2. I can take my 3 year old son to work and teach him colors, shapes, words , etc.

3. eBay makes my 57 year old mother feel good and useful when she finds great items and they sell.

4. I know it's not 100% quality time, but I get to be with my son and see the changes of his growth everyday.

5. A home eBay business is a place that gives me a flexible schedule that I can take care of my family needs.

6.  I have a flexible schedule through the day when I'm not feeling well (I have MS and the fatigue is crazy ).

7. I finally having a savings account and have money in it.

8. I prove to myself that I can be a single mom and support my family (going through divorce at the moment).

9. eBay has made me more money smart. I buy almost everything we need used and save the difference.

10.My eBay business a great motivation to keep learning and pushing myself that if we work hard better things will come our way. We shouldn't dwell on the negative . Get up and do something about it.

Thank you for sharing your success story, Monica. People like you are an inspiration to others looking for a way to use eBay to make their lives work!

Related Articles:

 Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Michelle Farmer

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Laura Feyh-Nicoletta

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Nicole Bilbao

eBay Seller Finds Diamond Ring in Dumpster

"Seek and ye shall find" is the mantra of many eBay sellers. We look for things to sell everywhere. Even in the trash.

On the weekly Monday Making Mondays post in my Facebook Group, Joc Mosely posted her sale - a .5 carat diamond engagement ring sold for $261. She found it in a dumpster. Joc says she regularly dumpster dives looking for treasures to sell on eBay. Here is her story:

"I dumpster dive (and proudly) and I went into a thrift store dumpster and found a box of high end beauty products. My boyfriend wanted me to leave it behind but I took it anyways. So later on that night he is on an eBay sellers group and I am going through the box. He tells me to look at a post where it shows a lady found a diamond in a high end coat. At that moment I said 'If I ever find a diamond I'll puke.' Literally a few seconds later I was at the end of the box and found the ring. I said ummmmm Babe, is this REAL? I got it tested and that was that."

 See Joc's listing here.

So don't be too proud to look in the trash for valuables. (Just make sure you have permission and aren't trespassing.) 

Related Articles:

Don't Throw That Trash Away - Sell it on eBay

Recycled Cashmere an Eco-Friendly Idea

Money Making Mondays videos

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Laura Feyh-Nicoletta

Time for another installment of "Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers."I reached out to sellers on my eBay seller Facebook group, which is now approaching 17,000 members, to find sellers who have a proven track record of selling on eBay and maintaining a sustainable eBay business over time.

There are similar characteristics across these profiles that define the qualities of a successful seller.

The criteria I set for participating in this series:

1. Full time eBay seller for at least 3 years. (To show sustainability.)

2. Does not sell on Amazon. (For whatever reason.)

3. Sells inventory purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, consignment sales or any combination of those sources. Does not purchase inventory wholesale, from liquidators, retail stores, from China, or drop ship. Must be a "picker."

4. Is an "at home" seller.

5. Must be willing to share eBay ID. (Keeping it real.)

Today's star picker is Laura Feyh-Nicoletta


When did you start selling on eBay?  


July 1999

Why did you start selling on eBay?

I am an at home mom and wanted to help with the family income. I always loved selling. We started with Pokemon cards and my boys loved to see their toys sell.

What is your store name, and what types of items do you sell? 

Storageunitauction I sell one of everything. I love to thrift and concentrate on areas I know can be winners. Shoes, toys, small appliances, mens graphic t-shirts, cosmetics.

Do you specialize in a certain niche, or are you open to selling anything?  

I am open to selling anything, but research every item with my iPhone while thrifting. After so many years, you learn.

If you specialize in a certain niche, why? 

 I am trying to stay with shoes, plush and small appliances. These tend to be my higher profit items. I am getting tired of the small profit margins. Every time I shop I think “What can I flip on eBay?” I made a killing one year when the Smurfs movie came out and McDonald’s Happy Meal toys were hard to get. I had folks paying $30 or so for 1 Smurf. Parents will get the kiddos what they want. I felt a little guilty buying out the McDonald's deliveries, but business is business.


What is your average monthly profit? 

I am in a downward spiral compared to last year, but my profits range from $2K-5K and that is really on a part- time basis. There has been some upgrading and changes through eBay itself which is out of my control, but I can see they are fixing that. If I put in a 40 hour week, which I am concentrating on now because I am empty nesting, I think I can double that with the inventory I have.


How many hours do you typically work a week on your eBay business? 

As stated above, part-time. It can range from 15-25 hours. Summer is a tough time. My gardening gets away from me sometimes. Vacations don't help either, but 'tis the season.

Many eBay sellers are being shamed into selling on Amazon, as if it is a superior platform. Why have you never sold on Amazon?

I believe in eBay. And the items I sell do not fit on Amazon’s platform. I have been selling so long on eBay, I know nothing else. And not to be lazy, but honest, I really do not want to learn. I tried to look into the how-to’s, but again, I would have very limited stock and it’s not worth it. It also seems like Amazon would be the boss in my business, not me.


4th quarter can be a lucrative time of year for many online sellers. Have you typically seen an increase in sales during 4th quarter in past years?

I sure have. And I love it.

Do you sell anything different for holiday selling season, or just sell more of the same kinds of things you normally sell all year?

I do save my holiday items not yet listed until September/October. These would be direct theme items only, like ornaments and figurines. But if they do not sell, they stay in the store. I have had folks purchase ornaments all year round.


Do you list more items in anticipation of holiday sales? If so, when do you start this process?

I keep things on a steady listing schedule. As stated above, I believe folks think Christmas after Labor Day.

Do you have any hired help for your business? If so, what tasks do they do?

No help. I’m a one mama show.


What is one piece of advice you would give to new sellers who want to transition to eBay full time?

Research before you purchase stock or list anything you find around the house. I have learned not only to check completed listings, but active ones also when you go to list to set your price. Always try to be one step ahead of your competition. Being involved in a couple of forums on Facebook, not too many as that can be overwhelming, is vital. Though Facebook was not available back in the day, the same stands true today. Research. Read. Find an eBay buddy. Use the resources eBay itself has to offer. There are many links through their site that are tutorials.

Anything else unique about you or your eBay business you would like to share?

There is nothing unique as many folks do exactly as I do. Thrift, visit yard sales, scout out my own home. What is unique is how I treat my business. I am a 100% positive feedback Top Rated Seller with Silver status. I attribute that to being on top of my business 24/7 and taking care of my customers on an intimate basis. Every sale counts, no matter what the profit margin. I am OCD, that is for sure. I do get emotional and try to put a lid on it, but my personality does not allow that sometimes. But I will go over and above to make it right. That’s the key to my success, I believe. Treat others as you would like to be treated. If you get a sour grape, do the best you can. If it still falls short for you, put it aside and keep listing. Just keep listing.

If you have a great eBay story to share - send it in. We can all inspire each other.

Read about more eBay pickers:


Michelle Farmer

Antique Chic

Nicole Bilbao

Kathy Bradley

David and Rhonda Conner
 

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Nicole Bilbao

Welcome to another installment of "Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers." eBay is getting a lot of bad press lately about not being a sustainable business, losing traction as a trusted marketplace, or being inferior to Amazon. I reached out to sellers on my eBay seller Facebook group, which is now approaching 16,000 members, to find sellers who have a proven track record of selling on eBay and maintaining a sustainable eBay business over time.

My hope is that we can see similar characteristics across these profiles and define the qualities of a successful seller, then work to achieve those qualities and reach success.

The criteria I set for participating in this series:

1. Full time eBay seller for at least 3 years. (To show sustainability.)

2. Does not sell on Amazon. (Because they were doing so well on eBay, they didn't need to go to another platform.)

3. Sells inventory purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, consignment sales or any combination of those sources. Does not purchase inventory wholesale, from liquidators, retail stores, from China, or drop ship. Must be a "picker."

4. Is an "at home" seller.

5. Must be willing to share eBay ID. (Keeping it real.)

Today's star picker is Nicole Bilbao.

When did you start selling on eBay?

November 2003

Why did you start selling on eBay? 

I began selling a childhood doll collection for "extra" money as a stay at home Mom.

What is your store name, and what types of items do you sell?

Cuteatanyage I sell mostly clothing, current and vintag.

Do you specialize in a certain niche, or are you open to selling anything?

I specialize in clothing, but I love to diversify and find new niches.  I enjoy studying Terapeak and watching the items that my competitors have success with and try them myself.  If it doesn’t work for me, I move on to other things. 

If you specialize in a certain niche, why?

Clothing accounts for the bulk of my sales.  Clothing is easy to find at low prices at thrift stores, it's easy to ship, and more importantly, it is fun!  Within clothing there are smaller "little niches” that I have had success with.  Most of these little niches change and evolve, so what might sell well today, may not sell as well the following year.

Today, I am in the top 10 sellers of modest, blue jean skirts. Many other sellers are also selling these skirts now.  Supply has gone way up, forcing demand down.  As a result, I am developing other new "little niches" within the clothing category.  You have to stay current and keep evolving. How do I do this?  By studying Terapeak and Facebook groups, (such as Stay at Home Moms Selling on eBay), and by taking a few small risks here and there. 
 **(Got the top 10 stat from Terapeak )

How many items do you typically have in your store?

Approximately 350

What is your average monthly profit? 
 (Not sales, but profit. We want to show how much money eBay sellers can actually keep.)

Average monthly profit is enough to pay my monthly mortgage.

How many hours do you typically work a week on your eBay business?

I don't have a set schedule. The best part of about my eBay business is the ability to take off when I need to. In other words, the best part of my schedule is having no set schedule. If I had to arrive at a number I would say 5-6 hours a day.  I work longer hours from September to January.

Many eBay sellers are being shamed into selling on Amazon, as if it is a superior platform. Why have you never sold on Amazon?

I've considered it, I would love for my inventory to take up space in an Amazon warehouse and not take over 2 rooms in my house!  I believe the reason that I've never tried it is that I love the creativity of listing on eBay.  I can look at an item in a thrift store and start thinking about keywords and the person that is out there that would love to find that particular piece.  I truly enjoy the listing process.

4th quarter can be a lucrative time of year for many online sellers. Have you typically seen an increase in sales during 4th quarter in past years?

The 4th quarter accounts for about 26% of my annual business.

Do you sell anything different for holiday selling season, or just sell more of the same kinds of things you normally sell all year?

Yes, I sell a few computer items, electronics and toys during the holiday season. I also sell ugly Christmas sweaters in the fourth quarter.  I started selling them about 2 years ago and now I have built up a little inventory and I sell them all during the year.

 **During the months of April through August 1, I am the #1 seller of Ugly Christmas Sweaters, now I don’t know if this will hold through the 4th quarter, but I’m excited to be #1 in the warmer months. Again, I got this stat from Terapeak

Do you list more items in anticipation of holiday sales? If so, when do you start this process?

Yes, I start in the summer and I try to list as many items as I can, and I always on the look out for items to sell that are Christmas gift oriented.

Do you have any hired help for your business? If so, what tasks do they do?

No, but I am seriously considering it for this fall.  That's my next step.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new sellers who want to transition to eBay full time?

If you are a "stay at home mom selling on eBay" as I am, you can build your business over time. I started selling when my boys were little; I listed while they were napping or after my husband got home from work. Now, my boys are in high school and middle school, and I have more time to devote to selling.  I've built my business slowly and kept up to date on eBay changes. Ebay selling practices change often and many of the items that sell well change from year to year.  Keep selling and keep listing, slow and steady. You can own your own business that provides your family a little extra fun money and build it, over time into a business that can pay your mortgage.

Anything else unique about you or your eBay business you would like to share?

Thrifting never gets old for me, if you feel the same way, your business is fun for you and you rarely feel like you are "working".  10 years later I still feel a thrill when I hear that ca ching on my phone.  I can't believe some would pay me money for an item that I thought was cute in the thrift store.  I don't always have a Pollyanna attitude however.  I hate taking photos!  I know that it is one of the most important parts of listing an item, so I just try to get through it as efficiently as possible.

Thanks for sharing, Nicole!

Read about more eBay pickers:


Michelle Farmer

Antique Chic

Kathy Bradley

David and Rhonda Conner
 

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Antique Chic

Time for another installment of "Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers." eBay is getting a lot of bad press lately about not being a sustainable business, losing traction as a trusted marketplace, or being inferior to Amazon. I reached out to sellers on my eBay seller Facebook group, which is now approaching 16,000 members, to find sellers who have a proven track record of selling on eBay and maintaining a sustainable eBay business over time.

My hope is that we can see similar characteristics across these profiles and define the qualities of a successful seller, then work to achieve those qualities and reach success.

The criteria I set for participating in this series:

1. Full time eBay seller for at least 3 years. (To show sustainability.)

2. Does not sell on Amazon. (Because they were doing so well on eBay, they didn't need to go to another platform.)

3. Sells inventory purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, consignment sales or any combination of those sources. Does not purchase inventory wholesale, from liquidators, retail stores, from China, or drop ship. Must be a "picker."

4. Is an "at home" seller.

5. Must be willing to share eBay ID. (Keeping it real.)

Today's star picker is Renee Franco of Antique Chic.

When did you start selling on eBay?

February, 2011 

Why did you start selling on eBay?

The company I was working for downsized and I was laid off. I did not want to go back to corporate America and I surely didn't want to drive an hour each way to and from work anymore.

What is your store name and what types of items do you sell?

Antique Chic, Inc. I sell antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. 

Do you specialize in a certain niche, or are you open to selling anything? If you specialize, why?

Yes, I specialize in my niche because it is what is interesting to me. The items are fun to find, photograph, and learn about. 

How many items do you typically have in your store? 

1,000 - 1,200 items.

What is your average monthly profit? 
(We are focusing on profit here because that's what you get to keep!) 

$4,500 per month and increasing each year.

How many hours do you typically work a week on your eBay business?
  
I work 9-5 Monday through Friday, and Saturdays I am at estate sales or auctions. So usually 48 hours a week.

Many eBay sellers are being shamed into selling on Amazon, as if it is a superior platform. Why have you never sold on Amazon?

I have never felt like I needed to sell on Amazon. eBay has provided a nice income for me, and my sales are increasing every year, so I continue to focus on 1 selling platform.

4th quarter can be a lucrative time of year for many online sellers. Have you typically seen an increase in sales during 4th quarter in past years? 

Yes I have seen an increase in the 4th quarter every year. My average sales per month during the 4th quarter last year was $15,000 per month. During Q1 through Q3 my average sales are $12,000 per month.

Do you sell anything different for holiday selling season, or just sell more of the same kinds of things you normally sell all year? 

I sell more of the same. Usually, during the late summer I begin to buy more merchandise in preparation for the 4th quarter.

Do you list more items in anticipation of holiday sales? If so, when do you start this process?

Yes, I typically begin to buy and list more items in late summer. August is really my "build-up" reminder month to prepare for more inventory.

Do you have any hired help for your business? 

No, I have never hired anyone. My husband helps me from time to time.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new sellers who want to transition to eBay full time? 

If you were going to transition to full-time, I would suggest finding something you enjoy selling. I truly have a passion for antiques. Because I enjoy what I sell, it does not feel like I am working! I really believe this is what has helped me become successful on eBay.

Anything else unique about you or your eBay business you would like to share? 

We also take antique and collectible consignments. This is a great source of extra income and it is risk free inventory for my store.

Be sure to follow this series here on my blog, and make sure you have subscribed to my newsletter for more great tips for your ecommerce business.

Read about more successful eBay pickers:

Michelle Farmer

Nicole Bilbao

Kathy Bradley

David and Rhonda Conner
 

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - Kathy Bradley

Welcome to another installment of "Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers." eBay is getting a lot of bad press lately about not being a sustainable business, losing traction as a trusted marketplace, or being inferior to Amazon. I reached out to sellers on my eBay seller Facebook group, which is now approaching 16,000 members, to find sellers who have a proven track record of selling on eBay and maintaining a sustainable eBay business over time.

My hope is that we can see similar characteristics across these profiles and define the qualities of a successful seller, then work to achieve those qualities and reach success.

The criteria I set for participating in this series:

1. Full time eBay seller for at least 3 years. (To show sustainability.)

2. Does not sell on Amazon. (Because they were doing so well on eBay, they didn't need to go to another platform.)

3. Sells inventory purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, consignment sales or any combination of those sources. Does not purchase inventory wholesale, from liquidators, retail stores, from China, or drop ship. Must be a "picker."

4. Is an "at home" seller.

5. Must be willing to share eBay ID. (Keeping it real.)

Today's star picker is Kathy Bradley.

When did you start selling on eBay?

February, 2001

Why did you start selling on eBay?

I had 4 Sons all in sports at the time and we needed to supplement our income. Ebay helped us to keep them in the gear they needed to be successful through high school. Now 3 of my sons are in the Navy stationed all over and 2 of them eBay to supplement their income for their families.

What is your store name, and what types of items do you sell?

Panoply’s Closet. I love to sell an array of items but we concentrate on men’s clothing more than anything. "Panoply" means “a complete or impressive collection of things.” So, I am hoping our items are impressive in the way we display them so sales are driven.

Do you specialize in a certain niche, or are you open to selling anything? 

Willing to sell anything but men's clothing is our niche.

If you specialize in a certain niche, why?

We spent many years looking for that one item/s that would sell and is easy to sell, pack and ship. My husband has his own site as well and he inspired me to stick to men’s clothing.

How many items do you typically have in your store?

I am trying to get to 500 but at the moment a little over 100

What is your average monthly profit?
(We are focusing on profit here because that's what you get to keep!) 

Since I am just getting back into it full time my profits are a little over $1500.00 a month. Now that I am making this my full time job I am hoping to double that.

How many hours do you typically work a week on your eBay business?

Like any business job I have to dedicate 40+. But,  I am my own boss so I can take the day off or the morning I have to say I do work more than 40+ a week.

Many eBay sellers are being shamed into selling on Amazon, as if it is a superior platform. Why have you never sold on Amazon?

I am willing to learn but I love eBay since I have been doing it for so long. I know people on eBay and they know me. They are repeat buyers. I lot how eBay works over all.

4th quarter can be a lucrative time of year for many online sellers. Have you typically seen an increase in sales during 4th quarter in past years?

Absolutely. When I had my Brick n Mortar store that was our best time of year. People need Shopping money for the holidays and people need gifts! Win win situation!

Do you sell anything different for holiday selling season, or just sell more of the same kinds of things you normally sell all year? 

I sell about the same but I like to try to sell more new items than used.

Do you list more items in anticipation of holiday sales? If so, when do you start this process?

Yes. I try to start that process in August.

Do you have any hired help for your business? If so, what tasks do they do? 

Not at this moment. But when I had to store I had 4 listers. I will be looking for a part time lister come September.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new sellers who want to transition to eBay full time?

Research… Research… and more research. Learn what sells and what doesn’t. You can end up with a garage full of nothing. Also, spend time getting organized (accounting system, storage of items, packing supplies) try to streamline your processes. Makes for a more productive day when your organized.

Anything else unique about you or your eBay business you would like to share? 

I make up my own business "thank you" cards and put them in with my mailings. I have driven re-peat buyers this way.

Thanks for sharing, Kathy, and how wonderful that 2 of your sons caught the eBay bug! 


Be sure to follow this series here on my blog, and make sure you have subscribed to my newsletter for more ecommerce tips.


More successful eBay pickers:

Michelle Farmer

Antique Chic

Nicole Bilbao

David and Rhonda Conner
 

Profiles of Successful eBay Pickers - David Dean and Rhonda Conner

I'm starting a new series on my blog to showcase eBay sellers who are making it work. eBay is getting a lot of bad press lately about not being a sustainable business, losing traction as a trusted marketplace, or being inferior to Amazon. I reached out to sellers on my eBay seller Facebook group, which is now approaching 16,000 members, to find sellers who have a proven track record of selling on eBay and maintaining a sustainable eBay business over time.

My hope is that we can see similar characteristics across these profiles and define the qualities of a successful seller, then work to achieve those qualities and reach success.

The criteria I set for participating in this series:

1. Full time eBay seller for at least 3 years. (To show sustainability.)

2. Does not sell on Amazon. (Because they were doing so well on eBay, they didn't need to go to another platform.)

3. Sells inventory purchased at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, consignment sales or any combination of those sources. Does not purchase inventory wholesale, from liquidators, retail stores, from China, or drop ship. Must be a "picker."

4. Is an "at home" seller.

5. Must be willing to share eBay ID. (Keeping it real.)

We'll start with David Dean Conner.

When did you start selling on eBay?

May 2010

Why did you start selling on eBay?

I purchased a bunch of Thomas wooden trains for my son for $30 on Craigslist. We had so much that at that time he didn’t need all of it so I gave him half and sold the other half for around $90 making a large profit and having trains for my son. After that I started buying and selling all the trains I could get my hands on.

What is your store name? 

Treasuristicthriftshoppe

Do you specialize in a certain niche, or are you open to selling anything?

We are open to selling anything and are expanding our knowledge everyday. I specialize in  toy trains, vintage electrics/appliances, vintage rollers/curlers and my wife specializes in plush,  and vintage dolls.

If you specialize in a certain niche, why?

The more products and categories you know allows you to stream line your business, less time at the store figuring out what to buy or what you have in your cart, less time researching online for what you have and what it is worth. You can buy more items, list more items and  benefit of slowly building your store as a place to come to find certain items.

How many items do you typically have in your store?

We generally have upwards of 1000 listings with a goal of raising that 10% each following month.

What is your average monthly profit? 
(We are focusing on profit here because that's what you get to keep!)

We average between $2200.00 and $2800.00  per month for a normal month.

How many hours do you typically work a week on your eBay business?

Between the two of us about 30 hours a week on average.

Many eBay sellers are being shamed into selling on Amazon, as if it is a superior platform. Why have you never sold on Amazon?

Actually we have sold on Amazon before, I played the retail arbitrage game for awhile, we currently do not sell on Amazon. That is because Amazon does not currently fit into our business model. I am not anti-Amazon but I am also not a big cheerleader of Amazon either. Any platform that also sells what it merchants are selling is a scary thing. I feel that Amazon sellers are research drones for Amazon and once a new product has been discovered by a Amazon seller it is only a matter of time before Amazon will also be selling the same product usually at a lower price.

4th quarter can be a lucrative time of year for many online sellers. Have you typically seen an increase in sales during 4th quarter in past years?

Yes sales do increase during the 4th quarter but on the flip side returns also increase during 4th quarter and into the first quarter of the next year.

Do you sell anything different for holiday selling season, or just sell more of the same kinds of things you normally sell all year?

We sell more Holiday themed items and toys, plush, electronics all see a sales spike.

Do you list more items in anticipation of holiday sales? If so, when do you start this process?

We try to list as many items as we can regardless of the season. It is true we make a large amount of sales and profits in 4th quarter but we also try to  list just as many items in other months as well.

Do you have any hired help for your business?

No currently we do not have any hired help. I do anticipate that to change in the coming months as we ramp up our expansion. They will do routine tasks, cleaning of items, packing and shipping, inventory, etc.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new sellers who want to transition to eBay full time?

If you want to make a real income that you depend on having a eBay business then treat it like a business, a dedicated workspace, proper equipment and tools, and keep proper records, hold yourself and your business accountable.

Anything else unique about you or your eBay business you would like to share?

We started this on a whim with some trains, and now we have a successful online business and are branching into the offline area. This business has allowed us to stay home and care for our son with Autism and still make a living. It hasn’t always been easy but we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

David and his wife Rhonda are also in the process of opening a brick and mortar store. Find out more about their venture here. 

Be sure to follow this series here on my blog, and make sure you have subscribed to my newsletter  as I have a special 4th quarter related offer coming out this week.

More successful pickers:

Michelle Farmer

Antique Chic

Nicole Bilbao

Kathy Bradley