Does Ebay really pay off??

[sophie81]

I want to post some clothing and other items to sell on Ebay and have read alot of posts about it on this site. I want to know any profitable or non-profitable experiences???

 

[disneyfamilyof5]

In my experiences, I have found that posting "lots" for sale on eBay is more profitable than selling things separately. I have had profitable sales on my children's clothes sold in lots. My (adult) clothes only sell best if they are name-brand clothes. Hope this helps.

 

[tlbwriter]

Certain brands/items will sell well individually, and others are better in lots. The best thing to do is to look at auctions for the items you'll be selling.

 

[sophie81]

Thanks

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I think it is profitable. I made over 250. last week and 998. last month on kids clothes, books, and toys. Research is key though and will tell you whether to lot or sell alone. Take advantage of the ebay discussion boards too since they can be VERY helpful (I just sold a girls leotard for over 30. that I never would have listed if someone hadn't said they sell LOL).

 

[sophie81]

Do most buy and resale or sell just what they have in attic,storage,etc...

 

[C.Ann]

It can go either way.. Sometimes good sales, sometimes not so good..

Some folks buy for resale, some sell what they have around the house..

Personally I would start with whatever you have in the house - good way to thin out your "stuff"..

 

[kfeuer]

Do most buy and resale or sell just what they have in attic,storage,etc...

People do both, but I'd never recommend buying to resell to a newbie. Start out with some things you have laying around the house and get a feel for it. Ebaying can be quite time-consuming, and while I do it on occasion I have to force myself to do it (I like the money, but hate the time spent listing, packing, etc.). Get your feet wet before you dive in over your head.

 

[tlbwriter]

I usually resell things I already own. My success at buying for resale has been pretty spotty. Having an internet-enabled cell phone has made me more successful - before I buy something, I can look it up and see if it's selling!

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I agree, you should start out just clearing out stuff you already have, then progress into buying to resell once you get a feel for the market. That way you have money to spend on buying to resell LOL. I also spend time after the girls go to bed at night browsing ebay (highest first) completed listings in the categories I am interested in, and the discussion boards to get an idea of what sells and what to keep an eye out for.

 

[dizagain]

hi! I'm very new to ebay and I've sold several things over the past few weeks and bought much more!! I started out buying things to get a "5" feedback score before I sold. I am selling my girls clothing - mostly Gap, Old Navy, and Lmt 2. My problem is still shipping cost....I've eaten at least a little on every item's shipping except for two. I can't seem to get it right at all...I am enjoying the experience and the little bit of cash is nice. I do plan to continue. It does concern me that in three weeks I have paid for something and the seller disappeared, had a no-pay winner, and now possibly have a second no-pay bidder. It's not all rosy, but I'm learning my way around! Have fun!

 

[kilee]

I sell almost all clothing. I actually have a storage unit full to sell. I am a reseller. I shop rummage sales, garage sales, and thrift store sales for deals. I LOVE bag sales at rummage sales.

I usually have 40-50 items listed at all times. I sell an average of 75% the first time they are listed. After 2 listings it goes back in a bin to either be regrouped, or sometimes it goes back to donation.

I keep track of everything I make and all my costs. I don't usually sell in lots of more than 2-3 items. I found that grouping a skirt or pair of pants w/ 2 tops is usually more profitable. People seem to like to buy outfits. I found you can sell almost any brand- but you have to be ready to accept $.99 for some items and that might mean in the end you only make $.25 depending on how much you "pad" shipping. Which is a whole other topic.

It does take a lot of time though to make any serious money of clothing. Unless you have high end brand new w/ tags items. If you have the time though, it can start to add up fast.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

A couple of years ago I sold a 32 year old car with over 250K miles that was not in running condition for over $3,000.