Fantastic Finds Friday

We want to hear all about your Fantastic Finds! This features isn't about your exciting sales. It's about your exciting finds! There are so many places to find inventory: your closet, your garage, a yard sale, thrift stores, a consignment item you're selling for someone else. What did you find this week that you are excited about? It can be something you're excited to get listed OR something you're excited to keep! You can even post to your listing, if you'd like. Free advertising!

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Well I must say that I'm pretty proud of myself right now. Not because I found anything great to share with you, but because I'm updating this blog from my iPhone. If you know me than this is a big deal! :)

I have a big shopping trip planned in 1 weeks. I will be heading down to VA and am already mapping out some hot spots. I hope to find lots of great things to share here with you!

In the mean time...happy eBaying!

Lesley
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Yay for road trips, Lesley! I've got one planned for next week too. I'm almost caught up on all my unlisted items. Surely I'll get them done in the next week before leaving.

I just found a bunch of my regular run-of-the-mill stuff this week. A few turntables, several pairs of shoes, another Alf.  I guess I'm most excited about the Alf, because he's always good for a quick 30 bucks or so. But I'm also pretty excited about my suede mary jane Keens. I don't know that I have ever found any Keens myself. All the ones I've sold have been ones my sister-in-law found for me. And these are cute!

Jessica
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What about you?  If you found something this week that you are excited about please share your enthusiasm here!!

Fantastic Finds Friday!

We want to hear all about your Fantastic Finds! This features isn't about your exciting sales. It's about your exciting finds! There are so many places to find inventory: your closet, your garage, a yard sale, thrift stores, a consignment item you're selling for someone else. What did you find this week that you are excited about? It can be something you're excited to get listed OR something you're excited to keep! You can even post to your listing, if you'd like. Free advertising!

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Yesterday was my thrifting day and more importantly than finding a bunch of great stuff, it was nice to take the morning off with my hubby and just shop together.  I know...awwww....

I found a very nice Lands End goose down vest for myself.  I've been wanting one for awhile and with the cooler weather coming it's just what I needed.  For resale, I found a Disney Store "Beauty and the Beast Costume".  These are always popular and I need to get it listed right away since Halloween is fast approaching.  I paid $5.50 and I think I can get about $25.  I also found a new with tag Coldwater Creek down vest.  The tag reads $59.99 and I paid $8.50.  I think I can get about $30 for this one.  It's reversible too!  Happy eBaying!! :))

Lesley
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I had some super-awesome finds this week!! Remember this yard sale? Well, they had their half-off sale last weekend. You better believe I was there the instant the clock chimed 9:00!  Fortunately, I was able to leave all but my oldest daughter at home with my husband, so I could really focus.

Jansport and Hello Kitty bags

Gymboree, Columbia, Hello Kitty, Calvin Klein, Disney

Columbia, Speedo, Izod, North Face (pants, shorts, swim trunks, rash guards)

Izod, Columbia, Timberland, Cabela's, North Face (adult coats, vests, and fleece pullovers)

Rothschild, Hello Kitty, NFL, Rash Guards

I bought 107 pieces. All are new with tags and are names like:

• Rothschild
• Gymboree
• NFL (children's team jerseys, medical scrub pants, swimming trunks)
• Hello Kitty
• Converse
• Jansport
• Speedo
• Columbia
• Izod
• Disney
• North Face
• Life Is Good
• Michael Kors
• Nike Dri Fit
• Timberland
• Cabela's
• Dollie & Me (matching girl and doll dress)
• Calvin Klein

I spent more in that 2 hours than I spend in a weekend road trip! It was exhilarating, but scary at the same time. That was a big fat check! But, everything that I bought was roughly 10% of the retail prices! So I'm listing everything at 75% of retail. I'll have to play around with that, but I think that's where I'll leave it for now. If it's not selling by the end of October, I'll add a best offer onto them and accept as low as 50% of retail. That will still net me an awesome profit!

Jessica
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What about you?  If you found something this week that you are excited about please share your enthusiasm here!!

Bring your eBay listing to life with video!

 For months, I’ve been holding onto several items that I wanted to list.  These items are unique because they are interactive toys and I felt the best way to describe it on eBay was to showcase what it actually does with video and audio. 

I have a great camera that not only takes pictures, but easily switches to video format too.  So once I was done taking the pictures, I took a quick video.  Then I uploaded that video to my Photobucket account.

It’s very easy to add your video to your listing, here’s what you can do too:

First, take the video of your product in action.

Next, upload the video to a site such as Photobucket or You Tube and then copy the HTML code.

Finally, paste the HTML code into the eBay description body labeled
 HTML as shown below.   **Make sure that you can see the video within the listing. If the link takes your customer off eBay to Youtube, it is a listing violation.

Voila, you now have a way to showcase your product on eBay and show your potential customers how it works!  That was fun.... :-))
Here's my finished product!
If you want to learn more great tips and interact with fellow eBayer's who share your same desire for success, join us on our eBay Underground Group and come make some new friends!

The Customer Service WOW Factor.....Do you have it?

One of my favorite places to shop (besides eBay of course) is Zappos.  Not because it has the best stuff, or the best prices, but because I feel safe. Zappos is renowned for their customer service; they have worked hard to create a wow factor for their shoppers so that they keep coming back for more.

One strategy they use is with their return policy.  They have free shipping both ways. Now I know you’re thinking, “How can I compete with that”?  The trick for small business owners is not to copy another business, but to carve out your own niche using a similar strategy specific to your business.

For instance, you could simply have a no hassle return policy. That means not debating or giving them a hard time. You can also make sure that it’s easy breezy for your customer to return the item. Many customers prefer to purchase from those that do accept returns, myself included. The thought process for me isn't that I intend to return the item, but it does give me a safety net as a consumer.

You could upgrade shipping, include a freebie or give them a discount for a future purchase. The possibilities are endless as to how you can create a wow experience for your buyer.

You can also respond quickly to all emails. When a seller responds quickly, the buyer automatically knows you are on it. You are engaged! The quicker you respond to those emails, the perception from your customer could be that you are more likely to ship it fast too!

The old saying, “treat others as you want to be treated” applies to great customer service. When your customer comes to you with a problem, be the solution. Never ever make your customer carry this burden. My job as the seller is to create a 5 star experience for which I strive. You can go above and beyond in a situation such as my friend Jessica. She once had a package go missing, well actually the contents of the package. She called the post office, located the contents and made sure that they were delivered to her customer. If the customer was a bit peeved before, by the time they got their order and saw just how hard she worked to deliver, they couldn’t help but be impressed. Go above and beyond!

Look at the individual customer and personalize. Whenever I respond to a customer, I always use their name in correspondence and I sign my own name. I want to create a friendly and personable exchange!
There is a way, even with small online businesses, that you can create a Zappos like experience and impress your customers and keep them coming back for more!

 

Buying new products; listing year round!

Last fall when I came home with about 30 pairs of white maternity jeans and pants, all new and purchased from a chain store, my husband gave me a look.  I of course, ignored the look because after all, I think I know what I can sell!

What he was thinking was legitimate though.  The summer was coming to an end and people were looking for fall clothes, not summer. 

My thinking was:

1. Maternity clothes are difficult to come by for expectant moms.
2. The price was right.
3. It’s summer somewhere!

It doesn't necessarily matter what season the item is.  What does matter is demand for that item. I have no regrets about my mass purchase.  In fact, I went back and bought more when I started selling them right away, both domestically and internationally.  I was also able to use multi-variation listing and save myself on fees.

This past January I did just the same thing.  I went again and purchased about 6 down coats and sold them within a month.  The price was a little steeper, but I still made a nice profit.  More importantly on this purchase, I was confidant that I would sell quickly because the market was not saturated with this product.

I sell mostly children’s clothes, but is it any wonder why my top performing category is maternity?  I took advantage of the timing of a sale(s) and demand for items and it has paid off.

Deciding whether or not to make a big purchase for resale demands a few questions. 

Can I sell these; what does the market say?

How long will it take to sell?

What is my target market?

What is my price point and mark up?

Am I willing to sit on this inventory?

Answers to those questions take research and requires that you follow trends.  Personally, I don’t purchase items that I don’t think will sell in a reasonable amount of time.  I don’t want to have too much money hanging out there in inventory; I need items to move quickly.

I know many of my fellow eBay sellers generally shop at thrift stores.  But if the timing and opportunity is right, you can do very well making new purchases!

If you want to learn more about sourcing products to resell online; join our discussion group eBay Underground on Facebook!

Hot Toys of the Summer 2011 (Part 2 of 2)

Last week I shared Part 1 of my "Look-out For" list.  These are toys that I'm hoping to come across at yard sales and thrift shops this summer.  If you know of a hot toy to look out for, please feel free to share by leaving a comment below.

1.  Fisher Price Flutterbye Dreams Bird Crib Soother

I'll start with something that I recently picked up at a thrift shop for $2.  This is discontinued and hard to find.  I listed on Amazon and sold within a week or so for $39.99 (used).  Terapeak is showing only (1) sold in the last 3 months for $19.07.  As a rule of thumb, I look at ALL crib toys as I've always had luck selling unique or like new crib toys! 

2.  Fisher Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym

This is discontinued and hard to find (except at all those yard sales!)  Terapeak is showing these at an average of $42.80 retail price with a 60% sell through rate.  There are other play mats that can be just as popular, take a look at all play gyms.

3.  Fisher Price Wonderpets Talking Flyboat

This is discontinued and hard to find.  The Flyboat should include the (3) figures as shown.  But, if you only come across the figures, I would snatch those up.  Terapeak is showing an average sale price of $28.72 with a whopping 79% sell though rate.  These are also listed on Amazon starting at $59 and up.

4.  Wiggles Singing 15" Dolls 

This is a rare set, but even the individual dolls can be a hot commodity.  Terapeak is showing these with an average sale price of $52.21 with a 69% sell through rate.  Check out some of these listed individually on Amazon here! 

5.  Fisher Price Peek a Block Incrediblock 

This toy is still available but very popular on eBay.  The Incrediblock comes with (8) original blocks.  Terapeak is showing these with an average sale price of $27.63 with a 48% sell through rate.  I sold the Incrediblock a few months back with some extra blocks for $49.99 on eBay.  Even lots of Peek-a-Blocks can be popular. 

6.  Leap Frog Pretend & Learn Shopping Cart

This is discontinued and hard to find.  Terapeak shows these with an average sale price of $25.97 with a 47% sell through rate.  The shopping cart comes with (10) food pieces all numbered.  Even these pieces are valuable on eBay.  There are currently (6) listed on Amazon starting at $54 and up.

7.  Playskool Kick Start Activity Gym

These are becoming increasingly rare, but you can still find them!  Terapeak is showing an average price of $38 with an over 90% sell through rate.  Enough said! :)

8.  Playskool Kick Start Air-Tivity Gym 

This is a "sister" toy to the above gym mentioned and is discontinued and hard to find.  Terapeak is showing these with an average sale price of $27 with a sell through rate of  100%.

9.  Fisher Price Kick & Whirl Gym

This is discontinued and hard to find.  It should come with 5 balls and hanging toys as shown.  Terapeak is showing (1) sold out of (3) for $45.99.  There are currently only (2) listed on eBay with the seller having sold (2) for $38.99 using multi-variation listing.

10.  Baby Einstein DVD Collection

If you can get your hands on this set it would be sweet.  Terapeak is showing an average price of $46.15 with a 85% sell through rate. 

If you want to stay in the know of hot products to sell online join our Facebook discussion group on eBay Underground!

Look for a printable version of this list coming soon!

Falling in Love on Ebay

"An immature love says I love you because I need you, but a mature love says I need you because I love you."
- Unknown 

Are you curious yet?  Did you open this up to see what in the world did falling in love have to do with Ebay?  Perhaps the article is about online relationships that began as sellers conversing on the boards….      Screech!!!

No.  What I am talking about today is methods to get your customer to open up your listing.  This is about knowing when to leave a little mystery in a title and how to show your customer the value of your item. Today we will talk about:

Scraps

No not the kind of scraps where you nudge your significant other and say, “Babe Puleeease take out the scraps!”   

I’m talking fabric scraps.

I was talking with someone the other day about fabrics.  Have you ever checked on Ebay at the sheer number of fabric listings?  The competition is fierce!  Some people have an edge when they have vintage fabric, and some when they have a designer fabric or large quantities.  What do you do when you have a generic fabric (but cute) and it is a remnant?

Most listings have the yardage in the title.  If your amount of fabric is small, try NOT putting the yardage in the title.  The idea of this is to have your customer FALL IN LOVE with the beauty of the design first.  

·         Use descriptive nouns in your title that identifies the components of the fabric. 

·         In the listing  identify the fabric size not by yards but by actual inch dimensions.  If the items has been cut on previously, measure usable area in square or rectangular sections.  Why? Because if you item is a remnant, you are taking the emphasis off of $ per yard.  You are now having the crafter think in terms of “how many items can I make out of this fabric”

·         When taking your pictures of the fabric offered, make note of the dimensions.  This gives your crafter an idea about “scale”.  This is especially important if your fabric has objects.  I’ve had crafters ask, “How many strawberries can I get to a square foot of fabric?”  (this customer was making handkerchiefs)

·         To illustrate, here is a remnant that I recently sold    http://tinyurl.com/4e2asfr     You will see that this fabric isn’t anything special, however I was able to give the piece “perceived value”.

·         Put “Cutter” into your title on remnants.  This is a frequent term used in searches for the crafters looking for unique fabric to cut up for various purposes.  Remember you are trying to be found… and you are trying to get READ!

Falling in Love” with your listing means, clear pictures in good light.

It means folding your fabric so the full effect of the design is show cased and it also means that you do not give your customer a reason NOT to open the listing.   If the yardage is small, give them time to salivate over the design, color and texture so they will need to open to find out how much is available!  

Make them need it BECAUSE they love it!

Are you an Ebay seller?  We would like to invite you to join our Ebay Underground group on Facebook.  This is the one group where you will not be asked to purchase information!  What you will find is a large group of sellers, eager to share their expertise to insure the success of ALL of its members!

What do you love to shop for?

Every woman finds herself drawn to something when she’s out shopping, whether it’s shoes, bags or jewelry. My weakness is jackets. I find myself now searching them out at the thrift stores. A few weeks ago I found this Pea in the Pod maternity jacket; for the record I am NOT pregnant, however it fit me like a glove! I'm still not sure how I feel about that, but anyway...I paid $7 for this jacket and figured I would get to wear it a little before selling it. It sold before I had a chance to wear it in public. I did however contract myself to model it for this photo which I’m sure helped seal the deal to my buyer!



Last week I found three more jackets. Sure I could have picked up more, but I’m quite picky about what I put my money into and you should be too. Seek out those unique “diamond” items, not the dime-a-dozen stuff.

I especially loved this yellow Pendleton 100% virgin wool blazer that I think someone would just love for Easter. I also found this tailored Banana Republic “made in Italy” blazer, which I have been borrowing quite a bit lately! In a nutshell I’m seeking out classic yet stylish must have pieces because that’s how I like to shop. Shopping for eBay inventory is a lot more fun when you actually like what you are purchasing.

Seeking out quality rather than quantity is just as important. It’s easy to get caught up in getting tons of things listed, but I have learned to work a little smarter. One quality piece that will yield $60, is much better than six $10 items.

Leave a comment below of what your “Go To” item is while out shopping and join us in our discussion group on Facebook.

Happy eBaying!
Lesley

Popular Children's Labels to Sell on eBay!

Recently we had a question from one of our Facebook Group members about what children’s labels are popular for resale on eBay. I just so happen to sell children’s clothing. I’ve been selling kids clothes for over 15 years now and haven’t waned in my love for it.

So I decided to compile a list of both store and top designer brands that you can sell on eBay and hopefully garner a nice profit. You can pick up children’s clothing and shoes at thrift stores, consignment shops and yard sales. You can search Craigslist and Freecycle or let friends and relatives know that you are interested in purchasing items for resale. You can also purchase at new stores when they have end of year clearance sales.

I compiled this list based on items I have sold or items I see other eBayers selling. This is important to note because some of these labels I have never seen (in person). You and I will not necessarily have access to the same brands. Your area and stores are different from mine and therefore the inventory you source will not look the same. It’s very easy for me to get Gap and Ralph Lauren and occasionally Hanna Andersson and Lilly Pulitzer. It’s more difficult for me to find Mini Boden or Oilily. So you will have to find things on this list that will work for your area and go from there.

What you should know when buying and selling used clothing:

1. Items sell better in sets or small lots of the same label.
2. It’s difficult to spot stains while outside at a yard sale. Natural lighting can hide the flaws, so be extra careful to look over garments.
3. I personally stay away from black and navy. It fades and stains; trust me on this.
4. Check buttons, zippers and snaps to make sure they work.
5. Check seams for rips.
6. Make sure the butt and knees don’t show excessive wear (or any wear).
7. List items year round no matter what season it is and offer International shipping.
8. Freshly launder these items and store in a clean and odor free area.
9. Good shoes are always popular; just make sure you clean them up. Wide shoes especially are hard to find.
10. And last but not least, take great photos for your listings. Don’t throw these gems on your carpet and call it a day. Treat your finds like the special items they are and your buyers will likely pay you handsomely for that!

Some items that I especially love to seek out are special occasion dresses, wool dress coats, down coats, GK Elite leotards and shoes.



Click here to print this list in its entirety as your resource when shopping.

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Happy hunting!

Lesley