Has anyone had experience with selling items on ebay?

Question

Hey there, with the holidays just around the corner finances are very tight, been a rough year. I thought of going out and getting a part-time job, but I have two kids that need help with homework, dinner made, etc. etc. So I was thinking of doing crafts such as jewelry, rugs, needlepoint pillow cases, towels, etc. I was thinking of selling things on ebay and was wondering if anyone has ever tried this and what your experience was. Please let me know. Thank you.

Answer 1

It's fine for when you are just starting out. Make sure you buy a couple of things first so you can learn the process from the customer's point of view.

But it will only sell if you meet the following criteria:

1. It has to be your own design, no patterns or kits

2. It has to be something that's hard to do and can't be found cheaper at Big Lots

3. It has to be useful.
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Answer 2

A good product can always sell, however, ebay might not be the best alternative. People go on ebay looking for a bargain, so already what you sell will be purchased at cheap rates. Additionally, look at the other costs associated such as shipping, ebay fees, paypal fees, materials, etc. While it is still possible to make money, my initial reaction would be to say all things considered, it would be difficult to make it on ebay. Consider other practical things, possibly which you are already involved in. For example, you help your kids with their homework, could you be a tutor? I'm sure you have great skills, think of how to maximize them and get some extra cash for the holidays. Finally, remember no matter what your kids think, they can live perfectly well without a w-ii, guitar hero, i-pod or the newest jeans.

Answer 3

You'll probably spend more than you sell. Ebay is almost completely useless these days. There are so many scammers selling things that the only people buying there are crooks, and because all the customers are crooks, the honest sellers have largely quit using ebay. Even ebay itself is losing money these days.

For the most part, crafts such as you mention are not particularly profitable. The materials are too expensive, and the finished product sells for too little.

There are a few exceptions. Pottery is one of them. Part of it is that clay is, ahem, "dirt cheap", and part of it is that the finished product is often utilitarian, and so there's a lot more appeal to the product than would exist for, say, a needlepoint pillow case that can't actually be *used* as a pillow case.

I know of a crafter who was a good enough artist that he won a lot of juried shows. Last I knew, he was doing a "spin art" booth at craft shows, in which he managed to get a buck or so from kids for a piece of cardboard and a little bit of paint, because he could make a lot more than painting fine arts or crafting everything under the sun. He didn't want to drop out of the crafts world entirely, because he *was* making good money by publishing a calendar of crafts shows.

If it's impossible for people to do a craft on their own - glass blowing, for instance, requires a lot of expensive equipment - there is a potential for profit, but clay is cheaper than glass, and unless you are crafting coffee mugs and vases out of the glass, the potter's output is easier to sell.

I know of a few people who have their own websites where they offer a line of clothing, etc., and they offer a few items for sale on ebay in order to make people aware of their product line. They make up a dress in order to take photos, then sell the original on ebay, and sell made-to-order on their own website. But they figure it's advertising, so if they don't break even on ebay, they're OK with that.

You might consider *baking* as your part-time job. Who wouldn't want hot buttermilk biscuits, fresh from the oven, for breakfast, or hot bread for supper? The average block has 15 houses. That means the 4-block area that's within a block of your home has 60 families, and if you go *two* blocks from your home, you have 16-blocks, which is 240 families.

You can build a *nice* business furnishing either bread, or biscuits, or maybe pies, to your neighbors. You're not strictly legal, not having a commercial kitchen to do your baking in, but if you have no signs up, and if you deliver to your neighbors, instead of them coming to your house, you could argue that you're not really a commercial baker, you're just doing a little baking for your friends. And if someone complains, you're most likely just going to be told to shut down until you arrange for a commercial kitchen to bake in. (As admiral Grace Hopper always said, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.)

Answer 4

I have found that selling items on ebay is very easy. To create you user account you just answer some questions are guided through the whole process.
Actually selling items is easy too. For a first time seller I would stay on the safe side and limit the sale to within the United States.
My experiences buying and selling both domestic and internationally have gone smoothly.

Answer 5

If you're doing crafts/jewelry, etc., in my opinion, it's all about the pictures and the "homey" feel to your crafts. For example, if you make your own jewelry, a picture of one of your bracelets next to 1000 other bracelets on Ebay needs to stand out and appear "special" and "different" to the end-user on Ebay. Good luck on your endeavor, get a Paypal Account, and check my website below if you want more info on what i have done on Ebay. http://www.dropshipping-products.com

Answer 6

Hi - I have been earning my living selling on eBay since 2003 and have sold over 13,000 items. I started a free forum that now has over 300 sellers as members - you should come post your question there. Many of them make crafts and homemade items to sell on eBay - and they are successful.

The fourm is here:
http://ebaycoach.freeforums.org/

You can get some good FREE advice there!

Regards-

Suzanne Wells
The eBay Coach

Answer 7

You can do that but you might run into a snag because you are responsible for collecting sales tax for your state and filing as a small business. On the other hand you might want to check with a local crafts store and see if you can display your work there. That way all orders for you will be private and you don't have to pay the taxes.

Answer 8

Where some peole live live, there is alot of history, and from what I have learned from local store owners is that there is always a market for homemade goods- such as your pillowcases...more and more people are scrambling to buy items like these because they say it reminds them of grandma, and when she made them.There will always be a need for pillowcases period, and people do get tired of the bland storebought stuff that has no character... go ahead and try Ebay- Don't be afraid, but also try other avenues too.Contact local merchants and tell them what you are making, as they may know of someone who is looking for those items, or may be willing to sell on consignment..If Ebay does not work, then try another avenue, but DO NOT GIVE UP!!Have you thought about making quilts??People here scramble to buy quilts of all types, and there are people who will buy from you and turn around and sell it to someone else.I have made pillowcases before, and people have bought them.Just don't make twenty of the same thing.And check with store owners if they want some, and what style, and maybe make a deal.Diversification is the key...one market area may be slow, but another maybe hot.Flea markets can be a big chance for you too.Word of mouth can be another.But if you do pillowcases, check around to buy the cheapest, but NOT the cheapest made!!I found that even if I bought a pair for $5.99 (ormore) my profit was very low, but online you can buy lots for around $1 each- but then you have shipping to you.The initial output of money for starting can be hefty, but start small in case you decide not to pursue it.Keep it simple at first-don't go out and spend hundreds on supplies and then turn around and later say to heck with it, and be stuck with all those supplies.But if that is what you trul;y want more than anything-GO FOR IT!!It may sound frustrating to you, but I have been dabbling alittle here and there for a couple of years now, and I have had mixed results!!You won't get rich quick, but if you love what you do, that helps.I have sold a few things on ebay, but it is finnicky at times, and one thing that may be hot one week may not sell at all the next-keep your quality high, and people will notice.Victorian designs are timeless I have found, and people have gone nuts over it.Maybe you could make up kits for the people to make the items??Design your own designs and sell them??Those are other possibilities.... just like embroidery, some do the work and make $, others digitize the designs and make $, but they may make alot more $$.Give several areas a try, and talk, talk, talk to the store owners...To give you an idea what I am talking about, people up north come south to buy hand made items, because up north they cannot find much of it (many take vacations and grab the items up before going back home!), and when they do find it, word gets around real fast!And they will come back ear after year, loyally too.Take a chance in life- besides, if they do not sell, you can always give them as gifts to family and friends which they will treasure as heirlooms.My grandmother did back 30 years ago, and I still have the items she gave me!!Gifts from the heart- besides, just think of the $ you will save making them on your own, and they will be totally unique.Then you will have more $ to spend on your family, and save in the long run.Before starting on ebay, read up on all of the scammer buyers, problems, beforehand, so you know what not to do,and what to avoid..Better yet-Take your items to one of those shops who sell the item for you, and see what they say, and do with the item, because they are out to sell for the HIGHEST, as they will get more $... have them show you how they do it once or twice, and then do it yourself after that.A friend of mine did it just that way, and boy, did she get a quick lesson on how to hit just the right way!!Watch, and learn from the pros, but be patient.Good luck to you and anyone else out there who is venturing out to sell!One more thing before I go-baby items are one of the biggest markets, then bridal a very close second... and is BIG money.Why not sell kits for those planning for their special day, or that wonderful addition who is soon to come into this world??

Answer 9

well, I made a bag, put it up for a couple of weeks and it still didnt sell, but maybe your stuff will be prettier or whatever..you have to believe it wont sell, soo your not disapointed it diddnt sell, cause there are alot of stuff on there...but...theres allways that chance it will sell..
good luck!!!

Answer 10

I have. Make sure you describe everything exactly, make sure you ship it with Delivery confirmation, use Paypal, its quick and easy, lay out a clear return policy, take good pictures.