Got something to sell? Join the millions who use the Internet.
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eBay terminology
Auction - traditional sale format
Fixed-price (Buy it now) - buy items at fixed price
eBay store - Sellers pay month fee to get separate 'rental space'
Reserve price - lowest price a seller will accept for an item
Escrow - Service that holds payment until buyer receives item from seller |
eBay, which started on Labor Day in 1995, has quickly grown to be one of the most popular Internet auction sites. Over 100 million registered users on eBay buy and sell a variety of items, eveything from furniture to automobiles, to computers to concert tickets.
The 4th 100 best things I've sold on eBay : home run, my story continues
by Lynn A. Dralle.
Palm Desert, Calif. : All Aboard, Inc., 2009.
The eagerly anticipated fourth volume in the "100 Best Things I've Sold on eBay" series is here! Four bases make a home run and four books makes a series. You'll be hooked by Lynn's engaging stories of her most interesting eBay transactions. While many marvel at the prices people will pay for the strangest things on eBay, Lynn understands that for many it is because of an emotional connection with the object up for auction. It is that connection that makes for the entertaining, touching and inspiring stories of the author's eBay adventures. Lynn Dralle is the granddaughter of Cheryl Leaf, an antiques dealer for over 50 years and a larger-than-life personality. Over the years, Lynn came to depend on her grandmother's knowledge of antiques, business insights, wisdom, strength of character and humor. Lynn has woven memories of the time spent with her grandmother into her stories.
Bringing home the Birkin : my life in hot pursuit of the world's most coveted handbag
Michael Tonello.
New York : Harper, 2009.
For more than twenty years, the Herm #232;s Birkin bag has been the iconic symbol of fashion, luxury, and wealth. With a fabled waiting list of more than two years to purchase one, the average fashionista has a better chance of climbing Mount Everest in Prada pumps than of possessing this coveted carryall. Unless, of course, she happens to know Michael Tonello. . . .
EBay business all-in-one for dummies
by Marsha Collier.
Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley, c2009.
- "9 books in 1"--cover.
- Includes index.
Build an eBay business : quicksteps
John Cronan, Carole Matthews.
New York : McGraw-Hill, c2009.
Your quick, full-color guide to eBay In this easy-to-use guide, color screenshots and brief instructions show you how to set up and run a profitable eBay business in no time. You will learn how to develop a business plan, build inventory, create great listings, manage successful sales, handle customer service, set up an eBay store, use eBay Specialty Sites, and become an eBay Trading Assistant.
eBay rescue profit maker
Kevin W. Boyd.
New York : Alpha Books, c2009.
eBay Rescue Profit Maker provides the tools and methods you need to shake up your eBay business and make it profitable. This book will radically change your way of thinking about product selection and provide a guaranteed roadmap to eBay success.
eBay requires that sellers register by creating an account before they can put items up for bid. Sellers are also charged a fee for every auction.
Once an item is sold to the highest bidder, the buyer and seller communicate through email to determine payment and shipping options.
Credit card, debit card, personal check and money order are some of the most common payment options. Many members prefer to use Paypal, an online payment service that is easy to access and prevents financial fraud.
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eBay's CEO
Meg Whitman became eBay's CEO in 1998. That year she took eBay 'public' selling 6.5 million shares to the public. She was the first female Internet billiionaire. |
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Tips for Beginner Sellers
- When listing an item, choose keywords carefully, selecting words that buyers will be most likely to search for
- Place items in appropriate categories; research to see which categories have the most activity for the items you are selling
- Provide clear images of your products
- Give detailed item descriptions for the products, anticipating any questions that buyers might have
- Clearly state the return policy, including who is responsible for shipping costs if an item is returned
- Stage auctions for 7 days, ending on a weekend between 6:00-8:00 PM Pacific Time
- Test the waters with your products using the regular eBay service; if you are successful you might consider opening an eBay store to reach more users.
With these tips in mind, eBay can be a safe, efficient and fun way to do business!
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
