I Need Your Comments
Posted on by Brigitte in Uncategorized
Hi friends,
I need your help and participation. I really want to know what YOU want to know. It could be about Thrift Stores, about eBay, selling on eBay, organizing, pricing, whatever.
It’s really easy. Leave me a “specific” comment letting me know what has you stuck. It can even be about internet marketing in general. Please be as specific as possible. (Any obvious generic comments that are seeking a gift only may not be approved.)
Your comments will help me focus on what you all really want to know and what will be helpful in my future teaching sessions. I can’t help ya if I don’t know right?
There is nothing special about the thrift stores I go to or about how I sell on eBay. So what is it that is holding you back? I’m genuinely curious! Oh yeah, I’ll respond to your questions too! Don’t be shy now.
Thanks! I can’t wait to hear from you guys.
Brigitte
Nicole Osepian
11. Jan, 2012
Hi,
I really enjoy your blog and read it dilligently every month. I have learned a lot about what to look for in the thrift stores. I recently bought some magazines and am currently going to try selling single pages as I had never thought of that before your last blog. great idea. I happened to come across some botanical pages so am going to begin with those on ebay. I also have learned about eames era items and realized i was passing up a lot of things that would sell well on ebay so it has expanded my horizons when i am thrifting or garage saling. I prefer garage sales as our thrift stores prices in alaska have gotten outrageous. the profit margin has shrunk with the rise of thrift store prices. I do have one thrift store though whose prices are better so i make point of going in there as often as possible. I spent time in oregon last winter too and was surprised at their high thrift store prices but i was able to find items anyway. your blog has helped me to expand what i look for and what i try to sell. I like your enthusiasm and enjoy seeing what you are selling as well. i haven’t had as much luck selling clothing. I am not sure if its becuase i don’t find as many name brands up here or if I don’t know some of the higher end couture lines but am working on learning more about clothing. i find a lot of higher name brand outdoor gear items that i make a good profit with so that helps me make a bit more money. I would love to be able to make a lot more money to support my kids but i do have issues with keeping things organized and moving. I am working on that. If you have any advice on organization of items that would be awesome. I may move to oregon and so storage will really be a problem for a while but was thinking of buying a little trailer to gut and put in shelving and racks for storage. I enjoy your words of wisdom though so keep up the good work and thanks for all your hints and ideas and for taking the time to help the rest of us sell better. i do appreciate it. happy new year. Nicole Osepian, anchorage, alaska -
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
HI Nicole! I love love love eames era collectibles. You can score big time if you know what you’re looking for. Good for you on that.
Sounds like you are really doing well.
Storage can be in the places we never think of. Inside suitcases, shoe boxes, ottomans, tote bags. Think outside the box!
Jim
11. Jan, 2012
One thing I can think of now that holds me back is doing the typing up of the descriptions. I am a hunt & peck typer and it takes me 45 min to an hour to make up one auction. So I procrastinate doing them, I have a garage full of stuff I need to list but they just sit there, you would think they would list them selves. LOL LOL LOL
Jim
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hello Jim, one hour to list? No No No !!! Stop! That is wasted time. (Obviously you know this.)
You need the facts about your item in your listing (size, color, condition, type, etc) and the fluff can be minimal but that’s really it. Photos, your policies, etc. Your listing should have all the info you put in every listing (see above) already in it. Use “sell similar” on eBay or a template in a program like Auctiva, etc.
If someone wants your item, they’ll buy it. A super long description may actually turn them off and make them “go back.”
Steve Bough
11. Jan, 2012
My toughest decision as far as selling on ebay is deciding when to start and end auction listings. I used to believe that Sunday evening at 9-10PM EST was the best. Now, with so many snipe programs available, I’m not sure that is true. Still, when I end some through the week and don’t get the last minute/seconds bids I wonder if it was the smart thing to do. I don’t even know if there is a “real” answer to this!
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hello Steve, I used to obsess over this. Before I had Hammertap (free trial here) I listed everything to end on Sunday evenings between 6-8 Pacific time. Just like you said. And I still do sometimes. It’s true there is high traffic on eBay at those times because people are winding down from the week and getting ready for work. Relaxing on the computer or laptop. BUT – people shop 24/7 on eBay so we are missing out on the other times.
Again, lesser of two evils is to list it and be done. Who cares what time. (well, not in the middle of the night I wouldn’t say.) If this is getting in the way of listing than there is no point. Just list it and move on to the next.
That being said, I use Hammertap or Terapeak and love it. I usually do that for collectibles where a bidding war might happen. Then I want all eyes on my item. I’ve found that some things sell better in the AM than PM. I’ve also found tons of people are online around lunch time (pacific) probably because they are at work on their lunch hour.
So either use a program if you really want to know. Otherwise, list it and forget it. If someone wants it, they’ll bid before the end day anyway. (Auction anyway, fixed price doesn’t matter)
Serena
11. Jan, 2012
Hi, Brigitte
Thanks for asking for our input. I guess I’d like to know how you organize your day/week so that you get your eBay stuff done. Some time management and organizational tips would be helpful.
Thanks!
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hi Serena!
Well we all have different styles, different schedules, different work areas,etc. But for me, I tackle one task per day. I just had to do it this way as I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect and list list list! So now, I set my things from thrift stores in an area that is for that purpose only. No listed items are there. No groceries, no shipping supplies, etc. Only items “to get ready.” Then I remove stickers, goo, clean up,etc. Next day is photos and then I upload them too. Next day is either (1) listing sheets for myself or (2) I list directly from the box of stuff. Yes 3 days may go by before you list but that’s better than not listing at all. AND…..I spread out my listings so something is up daily. It’s the lesser of two evils for me.
If by chance any of those days I’m motivated to keep going (which happens often) then I proceed but no pressure.
Deb
11. Jan, 2012
How do you make listing quick without getting too picky with photos, wording, etc.? I’d rather do more listings per hour than one “perfect” listing. It’s easy to work and rework an auction to death. What’s a “normal” listing speed that I can work toward as a goal? How do you make the most of your listings? etc.
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hi Deb, I used to spend too much time trying to have a perfect listing also. A “so so” listing is better than no listing as you need to list to make a sale! I have all the wording that goes in every listing already included in a template. (return policy, about me, terms, etc.) If you list straight from eBay then use “sell similar” and only change the item info and pictures. If you use Auctiva or other type of program you can put all this info in template once and use over and over.
Also, don’t worry too much about fluff. Just write the facts of the item in a nice format. Don’t worry about being perfect. But you do want clear photos and at least 4 in my opinion. More for clothing.
Dawn Stephenson
11. Jan, 2012
I really need to know how to find genuine supply sources in the UK.
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hello Dawn, well not being from UK I’m not sure I can help. However I have to think that you guys must have something to the equivalent of our thrift / charity shops? Do you have yard sales, garage sales in UK ? Where do people donate items? Where to people get rid of their items? We have flea markets, estate sales, yards sales, etc. Do you have those kinds of things there? That’s where you want to go.
Kristi at Spend Less and Save More
11. Jan, 2012
I was recently advised to create a name for my pictures that I use in auctions so that it will get picked up on google image searches and generate more traffic. Do you do this with your eBay listings and if so, do you notice that it drives more traffic to your listings?
Kristi at Spend Less and Save More´s last [type] ..eBay Sellers: USPS Price increase goes into Effect January 22nd
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hello Kristi, yes I sure do and yes I get good traffic from Google.
As a matter of fact I’m writing a guide on SEO for eBay Listings and this is included in that guide. Stay tuned for it.
Susan
18. Jan, 2012
Are y’all talking about in the info in the pic to say it is your picture or in the name you save the pic as?
Brigitte
20. Jan, 2012
Hello again, can you clarify your question?
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
I also received this in an email.
“Hi Bridgette,
I read through your website and Im considering starting this endeavor as an internet business to supplement my income in these hard times.
Do you have a section for most common errors people makes when starting out?
What is the best one or two accounts to open/ Ebay?
I have a paypal account is that all I will need for payments?
What else can I do to encourage customers to use me since I dont have 3000 people who have bought from me?
Do you have suggestions as to shipment regarding packaging to reduce ship backs and encourage additional orders?:
Brigitte
11. Jan, 2012
Hello Paul,
Well first off, congratulations on wanting to start out making money on eBay. You can make a lot of money if you know what you’re doing.
This answer could be quite long so I’ll summarize and then encourage you to watch some tutorials on eBay or you tube for specifics.
I would start with only one eBay account. Some have two. One for selling and one for buying which is not a bad idea. But if you are going to sell and you are new, you may want to start buying some things (even $1 items) to start getting some feedback started and show people you are active on eBay.
Mistakes people make a lot is not paying attention to keywords in their title. The title of the listing should be keywords people use to search for your item.
For example, say I have a Vintage Blue Sequin Skirt for sale. A bad title would be;
Beautiful Blue Skirt Sparkly Wonderful Lovely
A good title is;
Vintage Blue Skirt Sequins Ruffles Long Size Small
In other words, forget about “fluff” words unless you have room I suppose.
Also, sell what is in demand. If you sell something that isn’t really hot (ie, Beanie Babies) then you are going to get discouraged. You can read my book or use Hammertap or Terapeak or search completed listings on eBay to see what is selling.
As for shipping. You get judged by buyers for shipping also. You need to (1) ship on time. I always shipping within 3 days, usually sooner. (2) Be professional. Leave a thank you note, a business card, etc. (3) Use clean supplies. Recycling is OK but if it looks bad, dirty, etc. toss it and use packing paper, etc.
There are also videos online and forums that can be more specific on these topics.
Good luck to you and feel free to come back with more questions for us.
Michelle
12. Jan, 2012
I have a question about opening an ebay store – My mom has found some great deals on dishes and has multiple sets sitting around the house. She doesn’t want to list them for fear they won’t sell quick enough (she wants to use her free listings for other items she founds sell well). I mentioned opening a store, but she doesn’t want to pay the monthly fee plus the listing fees if she doesn’t know how quickly/how much she will sell in a month. I’ve told her to just jump in and have faith. She has some really great items – and I would list them/open a store if I were her – Any advice on how to encourage her to open a store?
Thanks!
Brigitte
12. Jan, 2012
Hello Michelle,
I looooove having an eBay store. There are many advantages to having one. eBay gives so many tools with one that really make it worthwhile. You can have a newsletter and send emails to people that sign up. I have almost 100 people on my list so I can contact them (which is priceless) and make some sales that way. One of the best things about having a store is you can put things on sale. Right now I’m having a 50% off sale and I’ve been loads of money in the last few days. People love sales. I only do that once in awhile but you can do that as often as you’d like. You can get a store for as low as 19.95 a month which is worth it.
Auctions should really be for things that are collectibles where people will bid for the item. Otherwise, fixed price are a better fit.
Most of my sales come from people making offers. People love to make offers. If you accept it then you instantly make a sale. You need to list at fixed price for that. Insertion fees are less when you have a store.
To be serious on eBay and an eBay business, I think a store is a must.
Anyone else agree?
LindaG
12. Jan, 2012
Hi Bridgette, long time no post…
This year has been the worst ever. I got so involved with selling for the Thrift Store I didn’t get my own things listed. But that is over, the store closed and we are moving to Montana, in three months.
Now I am faced with the dilemma of what to keep (and pay moving costs) and what to sell cheep, or yard sale!
The good news is I will be starting fresh, with TONS of storage space.
Any recommendations on how to organize my new digs (two rooms, 30′ X40′ shed, and an office!) would be greatly appreciated.
(BTY are you still interested in Hawaiian shifts? I have more than I can possibly get listed in time.)
Brigitte
14. Jan, 2012
Hello Linda, well good for you!
Be honest with yourself with what you’ve got to sell. If you have some items that are less than great condition (other than rare items), maybe you should donate those back and start with a fresh batch.
I would group your items with like kind so you can list them faster as the categories and shipping etc, will most likely not vary much. Also group like kind together when storing so that you know you can go straight to that area when you are looking for something. I may not know exactly where a certain coffee mug but I know which shelf in my room so it saves time (and frustration!)
Have all your shipping supplies within reach. Big big deal! Tape, scissors, flyers, baggies, boxes, envelopes. Every single thing should be within reach.
Also, use wall space as much as possible. We forget about wall space. You can hang hooks , shelving, the list goes on.
I’m not selling Hawaiian Shirts unless vintage and on the rare side but thanks for the offer.
I hope these tips help.
johnshockey138@gmail.com
13. Jan, 2012
Hi Brigitte, thanks for asking. I am stuck at getting started. I know it will work, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I have to conserve my energy due to my serious heart problems, it seems like everyday struggles take over. Any ideas on motivation?
Thanks,
John
Brigitte
14. Jan, 2012
Hello John. Do you mean you don’t know what is wrong with you literally? Or you can’t get motivated.
Ask yourself why, honestly! Is your workspace cluttered and unappealing? Do you have other problems in your life that are hindering everything else? Are you organized? Explore what the answers might be and then let’s take it from there.
Annette
13. Jan, 2012
Hi Bridgette,
I have sold on ebay and craigslist. Craigslist is really slow now as in no replies. The problem with ebay is that I can not figure out the shipping costs. How do you do that? Lets say I have the item in a box and it will sell without knowing where the buyer will be how do you figure out the cost of shipping. I don’t necessarily want to send priority mail as it costs a lot.
Brigitte
14. Jan, 2012
Hello Annette, in this case you need to choose “calculated” shipping instead of flat. The listing will automatically calcluate the shipping for the buyer based on their zip code. eBay knows the zip code from their profile. Make sure to put the weight AND the size of the box. You’ll find after awhile you’ll get an idea of how much something costs and can switch to flat if you are comfortable with that.
Susan
18. Jan, 2012
HI! Been awhile since I have seen one of your writings. I am in Calif for three weeks and am lost as to where are all the great thrift stores that everyone saids are in this state. I am in Concord and just dont see them. I have another week and half left…any suggestions! Susan
Brigitte
20. Jan, 2012
HI Susan, all you gotta do is go to my partner’s website at http://www.thethriftshopper.com and enter the city or zip code for listings.
alisa
21. Jan, 2012
Hi Bridgette,
I really enjoyed your helpful tips in your ebook. I discovered a few more things I should be looking for when I am out “thrift shopping”.
I am having trouble coming up with a starting price. Do you have any tips on this?
Thanks
Brigitte
22. Jan, 2012
Hello Alisa and thank you.
For pricing you need to know how much profit it is you want to make or else you will start to feel like you are working for nothing. You need to take into consideration how much you paid for an item, how much the fees will be from eBay and paypal and if you are offering free shipping or not. For example, if you paid $4.00 for something and it sells for $10, that is $6.00 profit but there will be fees out of that,etc. Are you happy with that profit? You can also utilize a program like Hammertap to research prices. I wrote a guide about how to price auctions for this very reason as well as it does seem to stump people. You can find that here if you are interested.
Annette
23. Jan, 2012
Hi Bridgette,
I have an item to sell which potentially will sell for alot (hopeful) and I have been waiting for the Jaeger LeCoultre Marina Lucite clock to start selling again. When you start a bidding process at such a low price (they did at 19.00) how do you protect yourself, I couldn’t find the spot where you can put in a reserve. The item is selling from the same area where I live. I really need that money! I don’t want to sell to foreign country and have to fill out customs or do I have to do that?
Brigitte
24. Jan, 2012
Hello Annette, you either have to start the auction at the minimum you want for it so that you do not get less than what you want. Or, put it at fixed price with “make offer.” Say you want $100 for something. You can put it at “buy it now” for $150 and take offers accepting whatever you want. Or start the auction at $100, etc.
Good luck.