OT-ebay

[Honeystar120608]

I have sold on and off on ebay or some time now. Years. But I always seem to have trouble with actually making money. I honestly dont mind putting in the time. I have it down by now. I can do it quickly and have the templates. My items are used, and sometimes I can get enough for an item. But with the fees through paypal and through ebay... it drives me bonkers. I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions? Is it volume? More I have the better? If so, shoudl I go with an ebay store or not? I get so confused with this part of ebay.
Also, the items I would be posting up, I would buy for around $2 an item. So if I sell it for $4...Im about breaking even. kwim? Im just wondering how to do more than break even. Not looking to get rich, just make a small profit.

I would LOVE to make money for our family's spending money. I have 2 preschoolers, and I really dont think taking in other people's kids is the answer. There has to be other ways to be with my kids all the time and make money.

[sean-1966]

Lately I've noticed a lot of people charging high shipping rates. I am sure that's where they are making their money. That being said if I notice the shipping is too high I don't bid. You might find the same problem and get less bids. I guess it's a catch 22.

[mom2faith]

On the budget board here in the DIS they have been talking about this for a while. It seems many people are just not making money at it anymore. I only sell on EBay if it is a high ticket item now. They $2 items are not worth my time. I closed down my EBay store (as many others have) and I sell on Kijiji more and more often.

I have no tips, other than it is a sign of the times. EBay/Paypal got greedy and they are ruining a good thing. Their feedback changes, fee changes and shipping and payment changes (mostly for the US) have gotten ridiculous.

Good luck to you!!

[redrosesix]

I think the people who are good at it factor in the packaging and paypal fees. Then for shipping they had a handling cost. You're right -- the paypal fees make it almost not worth it if you're selling lower priced items and haven't added them to your starting price.

[SandraC]

Shipping and HANDLING costs need to accurately reflect your HANDLING fees. I factor in all service fees, gas, time and labour as HANDLING fees. Shipping fee is postage and packaging costs. Sandra

[TheZue]

I've just started putting a couple things up again and I noticed the shipping fees actually have gone up at the post office. You have to factor that in or you can lose a lot of money. They sure have added a lot of fees too, I'm not sure I'm going to keep it up after my batch of things to sell is gone.

[SandraC]

Do you have a service that you can do at home and email....I have offered tarot card readings on ebay and email the reports to buyers. I don't make as much money for the service as I would in person, but I'm in the comfort of my own home and can do a really long reading and write in up and email it. I make $50 for one in-person reading and ebay readings are about $20-$30 thru paypal. I'm really good too! Blessings, Sandra

[Honeystar120608]

Do you have a service that you can do at home and email....I have offered tarot card readings on ebay and email the reports to buyers. I don't make as much money for the service as I would in person, but I'm in the comfort of my own home and can do a really long reading and write in up and email it. I make $50 for one in-person reading and ebay readings are about $20-$30 thru paypal. I'm really good too! Blessings, Sandra

I wouldnt have the first clue where to start with this, but am very curious. What would I have to do initially? I love going to get my fortune read, I've always wondered about tarot cards and how they actually worked!