Expert: Marvinator - 6/2/2004

Question
Hi, i was recently offered a job to start selling inventory on ebay. I know the basics to setting up the pages for selling and all of that, but i was wondering if you could give me a few pointers on how to be successful in this area of selling.  Thank you.

-Josh  

Answer
If this is for a company that you already work for or  you are taking a full time job with a salary you won't have to read this paragraph, but I add it in just in case things are different.  If you're selling for someone else, it's best to layout your relationship on paper. This means a contract.  In the contract you spell out exactly who's paying what part of the listing process (Listing fees, Final Value Fees, Paypal fees, etc), and who gets what percentage of the profits.  What ever your original agreement, you need to lay this out clearly, make a copy for both of you and both sign it. When people sign an official looking document, things become more serious, and YOU look more professional.  

In all my dealings as a "Trader's Assistant" (Ebay's term for someone that sells things on Ebay for a third party) I've laid out in my contract that I take control of the items in question.  Some people find this strange, or the responsibility too great, but I won't put up an auction for something that I later find out has already been sold, torn, or just no longer for sale.  If it's in my possession, then I know what condition it is in and where it is. Furthermore, if a bidder writes and asks an obscure off the wall question, I have the item there to get a quick and accurant answer.  Taking possession (or control) of all items is another point that belongs in your contract.

In all areas of Ebay sales, it's important to know what will sell and what will not.  Selling inventory for someone is a great way to make money UNLESS the inventory is 10 year old out of date clothing that wouldn't sell in a 10¢ rummage sale.  KNOW WHAT WILL sell and convey this to your 'client' in a professional and matter of fact manner.  YOu dont' want your Ebay career to turn into an online yard sale so try to learn about each item you sell before you place it on auction.  After all, you look better when things SELL, not just when you place things on auctions.  If nothing sells, you look like a fool.  Research every item as much as time permits.  

I hope this has helped.