Discover How to Find Items Online to Flip on eBay

Most eBay sellers love the thrill of the hunt in thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales. But what if something is preventing you from sourcing inventory as often as you like? Maybe it is an illness, a loved one you care for, a 9-5 job, poor sourcing choices in your area, or life is just busy? 

Now you can discover how to find the low hanging fruit on eBay - millions of low cost items (even 99 cent items) that go unsold every month that YOU can sell for high profit.

In this 75 minute course, I reveal how to:

1. Find items on eBay priced low that you can easily flip for much higher profit.

2. Target Mega Sellers who sell thousands of department store items for 99 cents every day. Buy their stuff cheap and resell much higher!

3. Use local Facebook groups to source inventory (neat tricks I've learned).

4. Find misspelled auctions without bids - they don't come up in searches.

You also receive a bonus section where I reveal my process for discovering discontinued consumer goods to resell. A process I've been using since 2009. 

The course comes with:

75 minutes of video explaining exactly how to find items to flip

56 page eBook

Resource list with over 100 brands of items to look for to flip and use in the misspelling tool

My guarantee for success - if you have questions or need help, just shoot me an email or Facebook message and I will personally help you by phone or email. 

Get started virtual picking today!

eBay Coaching Program - Grow Your Business and Achieve Success

Are you ready to take your eBay business to the next level? You know you can do better but you just aren't sure how to get there. There are three ways successful business owners have built their business - dedication, support from colleagues, and business coaching.

I actually have a business coach and she helps me in a variety of ways. I can help you with these aspects of your business, too!

1.  Enhanced focus. Overwhelm is a common feeling when you are juggling so many different tasks. We will focus on the the big picture and I will point out the specific areas that need attention immediately.

2. Accountability.  This is huge for business owners. I will hold you accountable for the things you must to to move forward. Maybe it is listing that huge pile of stuff you bought six months ago. Or maybe you want to be pushed out of your comfort zone to learn new things like international shipping, how to source online, or how to hire help. I'll give you homework that must be completed by a deadline we agree on so that you can achieve your goals.

3. Goal setting.  As a business owner, you must have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish. For most eBay sellers, the goal is netting a certain amount of money each month. We will develop a plan with your goals in mind, and develop strategies overcome the obstacles that are getting in your way. There is a solution for everything, we just have to figure out what it is and what works for you and your family.

 4. Productive brainstorming. It can be difficult to see all of the different ways to tackle a problem by yourself. By putting our heads together, we can come up with creative ideas to overcome what's holding you back.

5. Experience. I have seen the good, bad, and the ugly since I started coaching in 2009. By working with so many different types of sellers and and business owners from all walks of life, I have gained wisdom that can be applied to help your business, too.

6. Improved profitability: My clients' businesses have grown. (See testimonials here.)  Clients report their sales have increased, and more importantly their profits have increased. They have learned to work smarter, leverage their knowledge, and have created sustainable businesses that they love working on every day.

I've developed a coaching program to help you achieve the success you desire based on your business model, lifestyle, schedule, and working with products you love. 


My coaching program includes:

• Store critique in writing so you can work through necessary changes 
• A plan to scale your business to reach a specific profit number 
• Instruction on how to research and make better buying decisions 
• 4 / 30 minute phone calls (1 per week) 
• 2 / 5 minute "check in" calls per week to keep you on track 
• Homework to hold you accountable 
• 50% off all information products on my website   

The cost is $350 per month for this hands on, one-on-one program that has proven results. Space is limited, as I can only take on a limited number of clients to ensure that each client receives dedicated time and attention. Sign up here and let's take your eBay business to the next level!

There are 1.8 Billion Millenials Around the Globe - Are You Marketing to Them?

Millenials are the largest generation in history and they are about to move into their prime spending years. Smart marketers look at what and how millenials buy consumer goods. The purchasing power of millenials is $170 billion per year, and we need to know what the heck they are buying so we can sell it to them! If you are not in touch with what millenials are buying, you are leaving money on the table.

I've had a secret weapon and millenial informant for the last few years - and now you can benefit from her knowledge, too. I am excited to announce that my daughter, Melanie Wells, is now offering eBay tutoring and consulting services to help other sellers grow their eBay businesses. Not only can she help you get in touch with the millenial consumer, but she can help you learn to be a better eBay seller.

Many of you have been following my daughter's eBay journey on my blog and my Facebook Group. Melanie started selling in 2012, at the age of 18. She has worked hard building her store - she has sold over 2,000 items in her eBay career, while working other full and part time jobs.

Training closely beside me every day for the last  3 1/2 years, eBay is a way of life for Melanie. If there was a Bachelor's Degree in eBay, she would have one. Melanie was industrious enough to work her eBay business and save enough money to pay cash for a car earlier this year. (Read her story here.) She has been a mentor and leader in the eBay community by helping other sellers and participating regularly in the Money Making Mondays threads on my Facebook Group. Here are some of her posts about her sales:

She is a smart cookie. As a 21 year old, she is in touch with what Gen Y / Millenials are up to and has taught me how to cash in on that market. She pays attention to what is posted on social media, what her friends are into, and what is new on the scene. She has helped me make a lot of money by mentioning brands that sell well, decorating trends, crafts, or repurposing ideas that I was clueless about. She also knows how to use technology and social media for sourcing inventory, such as her recent score on a Facebook Group that she flipped on eBay.

Melanie has also helped several local sellers with their eBay business by teaching them what to buy for resale, teaching them how to list, hhelping them learn how to ship, and serving in a listing and shipping assistant role. She was a big help to our dear friend Catherine - who will live in infamy for the funniest eBay fail ever, but also has an amazing boutique in her basement.

How can Melanie help you? She offers the following services:

Feel free to contact Melanie with any questions about her services. She is a delight to work with and you won't be disappointed!

Book your appointment here!

What is Alpaca and Why Should eBay Sellers Care?

Time for an eBay vocabulary lesson! If you are not familiar with alpaca, it is time to add this to your vocabulary and your inventory. An alpaca belongs to the animal family Camelidae as a cousin to camels and llamas (and the lesser known vicuna and guanaco). Alpacas are native to South America. They grow long, soft, silky fleece which is made into wool. 

Alpaca wool is different than sheep's wool because it is warmer, not prickly like sheep's wool, and doesn't contain lanolin which makes it hypoallergenic. (Lanolin is a fatty substance and is extracted and used in ointments and moisturizing products.)  Alpaca is also water repellent and is hard to catch on fire - making is a safer textile than many other fabrics. 

Alpaca products are a major export of Peru - but don't be surprised if you sell a lot of it to Peruvian buyers. Products made from alpaca include sweaters, socks, gloves, ponchos, and blankets. And here is why you should learn about alpaca - it has a good resale value on eBay and sells well year round. Let's take a look at what the research shows:

eBay shows over 3,300 completed sold items in Clothing and Accessories in preowned condition.

eBay shows over 2.300 completed sold alpaca sweaters.

eBay shows over 2,700 completed sold listings for alpaca in the craft category (look for alpaca yarn at estate sales, thrift stores, and garage sales).

Alpaca isn't as plentiful as cashmere or regular wool, but keep your eyes open for it. Here is one of my best sales for an alpaca item - an Eileen Fisher cardigan that sold for $99 in August.

Happy hunting!

Related Articles:

Brand to Sell on eBay - Flying Tomato

Anthropologie Brand to Sell on eBay - Leifsdottir

Need Help Increasing eBay Sales?

eBay Sellers - Check TJ Maxx for Final Clearance Deals

Katie was kind enough to share her amazing finds on my Facebook Group last week. She said,

"Final clearance time at TJ Maxx, I just got a bag full of Under Armour bikinis, Lucky shoes, Tory Burch belt, Calvin Klein dresses, and more for $1 each, as well as a new summer wardrobe for myself and my son next year. I don't know if all of the TJ Maxx stores do it at the same time but this is the end of it at my local store. Sure beats secondhand Goodwill prices!"

There was quite a bit of discussion on the thread (134 comments) where sellers were sharing what stores had this kind of final clearance in their area. Katie added,

"I was told every TJ Maxx has its 3 days twice a year, the end of the summer season and end of winter. Last winter was the first time I hit it, and I'm still selling those things. They don't advertise other than their normal clearance ads, whatever's left on Monday will be donated to charity."

Here is Katie's receipt:

Another seller, Sherry, posted her receipt after rushing out to her TJ Maxx and finding a nice haul:

So a couple of things to emphasize here:

1. You will never go wrong helping someone. Sharing this kind of info on these groups helps a lot of people. Knowledge is power - so the more we share, the more we empower other people. (Join my Facebook Group here.)

2. Inventory is all around you - it is really about paying attention. The more you expand your sources of  inventory, the more opportunities you will find, and the more successful you will be.

Related Articles:

6 Tips for Shopping for eBay Inventory at Goodwill Outlets

Working a Full Time Job While Selling on eBay

Make Money Selling Fragrance Samples on eBay

CPAP Machines Not Allowed on eBay

You can sell pretty much anything on eBay, but there are some medical and personal items that are not allowed. CPAP machines, used for sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, are not allowed on eBay. There was a discussion recently on my eBay Seller Facebook Group regarding this issue. Jessica asked,

"My dad is questioning how he can sell his CPAP machine. We think it's against the rules on eBay because we see mostly parts listed. How do people get rid of these machines?"

We are so fortunate to have so many knowledgeable people in the group to advise on these kinds of issues. Aleeda, a former coaching client of mine and a respiratory therapist had a great answer:

"A CPAP requires a prescription to be sold. That is a law by the FDA - federal offense. (There is a sticker on the bottom of it that states Rx required). Sorry, but this is a personal pet peeve of mine as I am a respiratory therapist and have seen many people hurt by CPAPs they have bought off the internet, garage sales, etc. If your dad no longer needs it, then he may think about donating it to a local sleep lab. Some of them take CPAPs in for people who do not have insurance. There are also some muscular dystrophy organizations, hospices, pain clinics, etc. that may take it."

Kathy added, "You can contact companiesand they will buy them from you if the usage on them is low. I did just that with 2 that I got at a yard sale. Got over $100. Sorry, can't remember the name of the company, but maybe someone on here will know. They buy and refurbish them."

There are all kinds of medical and personal care items that are allowed on eBay and estate sales are a good place to find these items - many new in the package. For example, these items don't require a prescription and sell on eBay regularly:

Diabetic test strips (must be in sealed box and not expired)

Adult diapers

Braces and supports

Hearing assistance

Caregiver products

Read the complete list of eBay prohibited and restricted items here. Be an educated seller and keep your account happy and healthy!

Related Articles:

Find an eBay Seller Near You to Sell Your Stuff

Make Money Selling Samples and Trial Sizes on eBay

eBay Seller Success Story - $6,000 in 30 Days

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!

eBay Seller Success Story $6,000 in Sales in 30 Days

 Mandy posted her numbers on my Facebook Group over the weekend with this message:

"Hit one of my goals of hitting $6k in 30 days on Ebay. Took 2.5 years to get here. Now my next goal is to get to $7.5K. This is just from mostly clothing sales. I'm at stay at home mom with 2 babies under 2. I am super focused with nap times and in the evenings. So nice to being able to be home with the babies and still have a good living! Thank you to everyone in this group, as this is where I started and was inspired."

Mandy and her husband Corey have really come a long way. They were coaching clients of mine a couple of years ago and were just getting started with their ecommerce journey along with a new baby on the way. With hard work and discipline, anything is possible. It takes some planning to work at home with two babies so I really commend Mandy for making it all work.

Here are Mandy's stats for the last 30 days:

1,202 items in inventory
280 items sold
$300-$600 average spent on inventory each month
Lists 99% of her items on Buy It Now 30 days or GTC

Mandy offers free shipping on most listings because "There is a filter for the customer to see only listings with free shipping. I dont want to be filtered out." She does not offer free shipping on larger items.

You can visit Mandy and Corey's store on eBay here to see the types of items they sell.  Looking through their feedback (they are Top Rated Sellers) you can see most items are priced under $30. This just goes to show that money can be made using the resources around you with consistency and dedication. Slow and steady really does win the race.

Congratulations for your amazing success, Mandy, and keep up the great work!

Are you ready to build an eBay business like this? Mandy (and many others like her) are proof it can be done.  Let me help you make money on eBay by:

Showing you how to get started. Learn all about selling on eBay with my eBay Basics Course. 

Showing you how to  diversify your product line. Thrift stores are packed with clothing and shoes you can buy cheap and sell for 3-5 times the thrift store price on eBay. Grow your knowledge base with these downloadable courses:

The Profitable World of Selling Preowned Women's Clothing Level 1

The Profitable World of Selling Preowned Women's Clothing Level 2

The Art of Selling Preowned Women's Shoes

Improving what you are already doing. I'll pinpoint exactly what you need to change to improve SEO (search engine optimization), customer service, and shine brighter than the herd of other eBay sellers. Sign up for a store critique here.  

See what these other sellers are saying and let me help you boost your sales today! eBay can be a full time gig, what are you waiting for?


Related Articles:

eBay Success Story - Karen Wilson

eBay Success Story - From Homeless to $250k

From Librarian to Top Rated Seller

How to Respond to eBay Buyers Who Criticize Your Pricing

Recently there was a discussion on my eBay Seller Facebook Group regarding how to respond to buyers who criticize prices. Savvy sellers do their research and know what the eBay market will bear. Have any of these scenarios happened to you?

1. A buyer sends you a story about how they "need" the item and explain all  the reasons they do not have the money to pay your asking price.

2. Your item is listed with a defect or for parts, and the customer makes a comment like, "Since it is in such bad condition, I'll give you X - you won't get your asking price."

3. Customer writes a long drawn-out narrative of everything that has gone wrong in their life and why you should come down on your price.

4. Customer compares the price of your vintage or discontinued item to a retail price. "I can get this at Costco for $10, why are you charging $30? (Obviously, they can't get it at Costco or they wouldn't be on eBay looking for it.)

The best course of action is to hold your tongue and reply in a professional way. Here are some great responses from sellers:

Lisa said, "Thank you for your interest. My price is firm but does include free shipping if that helps." Don't get drawn into rationalizing/explaining.

Amy said, "Accept, counter or decline, then move on. I have best offer on all my items. When I get an offer I glance at the offer and any message they may include and click the button and move on. There's no need for snarky replies, drawn out explanations, etc. It's a negotiation technique that some buyers use - it either works for them or doesn't. Sellers insulting them, trying to make them feel bad or just being plain out rude isn't going to stop them from making the same offers elsewhere. Just accept, counter or decline."


Sharon said, "I am sorry, I am not accepting offers on this product at this time."

These are all great answers. Bottom line, don't take it personally if someone doesn't like your price. You don't have to explain your pricing or rationalize about why an item is priced a certain way. This is business. Keep it professional.  Do your research, know the value of your item, and stick to your price. The right buyer will come along and be happy to pay your asking price.

Related Articles

How to Avoid Long Hold Times When Calling eBay

6 Free Ways to Learn What Sells on eBay

 83% of eBay Sellers Surveyed Do This - Do You?

All About Loveys

 

If you aren't familiar with a "lovey," you might want to start looking for these. A lovey is a small, very soft blanket with a sweet little plush stuffed animal attached to it. Think security blanket. Loveys have been a hot item on eBay for many years and can sell for very high prices because some are limited editions or not made anymore. When a toddler loses his lovey, or it is just too used and gross for mom to stand it anymore, parents go looking for a replacement on eBay. Here are some completed listings for used loveys- check out the sold prices!

Fisher Price vintage loveys will sell for the highest price.

Not vintage, but really, $125 for a blankie?

Wishpets is another great brand to look for.

And of course,everyone recognizes the Gerber Brand.

A tip on finding used loveys at thrift stores- look in the toy section, linens, baby section, and those baskets and bins of stuff above the children's clothing racks. Sellers have reported finding these at thrift stores for less than $1. Also check at children's consignment stores and sales. Look for new loveys at stores like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, and Babies R Us.

See all completed sold listings for used loveys on eBay here. They are listed under both the baby category and the toy category.

Related Articles:

Podcast - Top baby items to sell on eBay

Be careful selling onesies on eBay