Expert: Marvinator - 9/26/2004

Question
Hi, Marvin;

I would like to sell on ebay, but I haven't a clue as to what is a good item(s)to sell? And where do I find wholesellers? Most of the people online that say they provide a list of wholesellers are only trying to turn a buck and the list is not of wholesellers, but of retailers selling items just  marked down a few dollars. Frustrating to say the least. Can you help me out?

Thanks

Answer
As a recognized expert on the Ebay system and internet selling, I get this question over and over again.  People come to me looking for a clue to the one item that will make them rich on Ebay.  The problem is that there is no cut and dried answer.  What sells well for one may be a total disaster for another.  In addition, consider this: If there is one item that sells well, and could make someone rich, do you really expect to be handed this information on a silver platter?  Of course not - but that doesn't mean that you can't find something with which to do well on Ebay.  

The one thing I can tell new sellers is that you have to sell what you know.  If you know a bit about depression glass, then I'd say that's your area to start.  If, however, you don't know the difference between Mayfair and Cabbage Rose, then you're going to have trouble with those items. Everyone knows a bit about something.  You need to assess your own abilities and your own knowledge areas to find those items with which you will do best.

By way of explanation, let me tell you a couple of stories.  A lady I know does her merchandise buying on Ebay.  That's right, on ebay. She peruses the categories where she knows the items in question and looks for those auctions where someone has listed an item and has no clue what they have.  She's found collector plates that she has resold for 5 times what she paid. She's found clothing that she retakes a picture, lays out a better auction and makes more money.  She never leaves her chair, and finds things to sell. Is she successful? Most of the time. Could anyone do it? Probably not.  I point out that she only buys those items which she is familiar with, and which she knows will do better if properly advertised.  

This is the one thing that many new sellers (and buyers) fail to grasp when starting on Ebay.  Ebay is a venue.  YOU are responsible for making your auction sell and sell well.   It is much like the local classified ads.  Which ad would you consider first:  "Plate, dog and woman $10.00" or "Collectible Gianni Designed 10" Plate.  1940's era with Woman in Art Deco clothing walking her full sized Poodle.  Plate is in excellent shape and ....."  you get the idea.   HOW you sell is as important as WHAT you sell.

As for finding items, the best place to look is your own area.  Check out the wholesalers, lot end buyers, and outlet stores for good buys.  Keep in mind that Ebay is a buyer's market.  Once you find an item, take the time to research it's viability on Ebay.  You can search Ebay the past 30 days worth of auctions to see if the item has already been up for auction, as well as if it sold, how much it sold for, how much it started at, how many bidders it got and how many other identical items were also up for auction which didn't sell.  Research can be your best friend in finding your niche.

I know many people who spend their time during the spring and summer going to yard sales and garage sales.  Many Ebay sellers beleive in them wholeheartedly.  Again, the problem here is that you need to know what you're looking at, and what will sell on ebay.  As a case in point:  I went to a garage sale with friends and found a 'glow in the dark Disney toy' on it's card.  I paid 10¢ for it.  To the average eye, it was just a toy, and in fact I recieved a lot of ribbing for buying it.  But I know a bit about that toy company, it's trademarks and toys as well as a bit about retail marketing to know that I had something special.  The item sold for $78. I note again that it was my knowledge of these items that made me see what was there.

There are millions of items on eBay at any given moment.  The probability that any item you are selling is already offered on ebay is quite high. The challenge is to make your item MORE appealing than the others, offer it cheaper, describe it better, etc.  This is how a good seller makes their mark.  

I can't stress enough that the new seller should do their homework.  Researching how much an item will go for will prevent you from ending up with a living room full of  cookie jars for which you paid $9.95 but won't sell for more than 8.95.  Taking the time to find the right supplier will keep you from ending up with an item that is only one of several hundred already being offered on Ebay - and for less than yours!.  Take the time to seek out good sellers and ask them for tips and hints in the selling process. Ask specific questions. You don't want to waste the seller's time (or yours).  Instead of “What can you tell me?” pinpoint an area you feel you need help with: “What is the best time to sell?”  “How can I be assured of a buyer's feedback?” “What can I do to achieve a better looking auction?” and questions like this can bring you more DIRECT and exacting responses.  Asking questions is as much of an art as getting started.  I can't begin to tell you the horror stories I've heard from people who deal with new sellers who have NOT done the preparation needed and have no idea how to pack a breakable item for shipping, don't have good customer service, take 30-45 days to ship an item, and a hundred other areas of selling that people refuse to ask of an experienced seller.  

I hope this helps you.   As you begin your selling, feel free to return with more questions!