How to Sell Your Stuff on Ebay - Part 1

This is the beginning of my long-awaited series on selling your stuff on eBay! Selling my used goods on the internet has always been second nature to me, but many people my age are puzzled and intimidated at the idea of eBay for purchasing or selling. Though many of their hesitations range from security to complexity, eBay's security and oversight is evolving constantly. eBay has strict policies that governs its sales (I've had my auction pulled for the tiniest accidental inflictions! - More later) and bidding process. Though it is known for its world-wide auctions, new selling tools such as "Buy It Now" have been added. I sometimes use it as a realistic price-check on goods and others may use it to promote their business, brand or message. eBay earns its revenues by charging fees for listing an item (starts at 35 cents) and after the item sells (based on % of final auction price).

Before I go more into more specifics, let's establish your primary reasons for selling an item on eBay. You are like me, looking to sell an item that you do not use anymore - this can be a second hand item or a unwanted gift. Now, the very first step is one that is often overlooked - the picture. The value of an item is greatly improved by its goodappearance. Companies know this, so they hire models to display their products. Blurry, dark photos with a messy bed in the background will not do!!!

My tips to producing great auction pictures:
1) Clean and shiny items. We're humans - we like shiny things. Take the time to wipe down and shine whatever it is that you are selling.
2) A neutral and clean background. This conveys professionalism and intelligence. It shows buyers that you are committed to selling an item responsibly.
3) Include all peripheral items. This can be any extra items that will come with the item, such as boxes, cords, etc. In this example below, I have taken a clean picture of the digital camera that I wish to sell. Note the background and peripheral items.4) Take special attention to any flaws. Below, my iPod nano has light scratches on its back, so I took close-up pictures of it. It adds a personal element and shows that I am a forthcoming/honest seller.5) Wear it! If you are selling used clothes, wear it or put it on a manequin. The same goes for handbags, shoes, etc. People want to see how this item relates to the body.Finally, load your pictures from your camera onto your hard drive. eBay lets you post your first picture, free of charge. Each additional picture costs 15 cents. If you are selling a small and cheap item, one picture shall suffice. Since I will be selling electronics, I will be displaying several pictures on my auction page.

In my next segment, I'll start you on signing up for an account and how to begin gathering data for your auction.

Urban Outfitters Madness - HOT Sale

I'm a big fan of Urban Outfitters unique and trendy housewares. Back in the day, I rummaged through sale piles for cheap chairs, photo albums and $5 candle holders. There hadn't been any great sales in recent years, so I was giddy to hear from my neighbor Sandy that they were having a huge sale in the stores. I ran there on Friday and scored $30 suede boots, $10 satin skimmers, a $10 10-piece photo frame set and a $5 purse/jewelry box. There are tons of clothing, shoes and housewares left!

*Update: I went to UO (again) and scored the left boots for $17 (I asked for a 15% discount after I found a small pen mark), a cute cardigan for $10, and a jewelry hanger/holder for $5. I feel like God - this is the sale of all sales (I don't usually say that...).I can see that they are putting out new sale inventory every day. Also, my cardigan rang up for $10 even though it was marked as $20. Maybe the clothes are cheaper than I thought they were? Anyway, I plan to go back this week! ***Note: These hot deals are only in the stores (I have seen my same boots for 2-3 times more online!).

Weekend Update - Macy's, Coach, Etc.

I managed to venture out to a Macy's this weekend, despite throwing out my back. I have been extremely unenthusiastic about shopping lately - the deals are simply not there. The reason is that companies can and will withold inventory (put things back in storage for a better year) or reduce production upon grim forecasts. And we all know how grim they were. Still, reducing or witholding inventory can be dangerous if you're cash-deficient (Ahem companies!).

Macy's was offering 75% off clearance (with an additional 15% off if you use your Macy's card). Coats were drastically reduced (and it looked a bit picked through too). Keep in mind, Macy's is having it's One Day Sale on Saturday (with a preview day on Friday)...and my mom said it will be good. You can also purchase an item that you like right now from Macy's and price adjust it on Friday or Saturday.

My parents were also able to venture out to Tanger Mall Outlet and do some reporting for me. They observed low amount of people at almost all stores, except Coach, which was having an additional 50% off + 10% off deal.

Best deals I am seeing right now is in travel. Hotels can't reduce the number of rooms they have and cities can't lose any tourism revenue. Right now is a good time to pull together some cash and plan a crazy vacation because there won't be a crisis like this in a long long time!

Save Time & Money: Ditch your TV & Cable Plan

I have lived without a TV for 3.5 years. I see massive chin-dropping when I tell people this. When my roommate moved out, she took her TV with her. Seeing as how I live on a 5th floor walk-up, I decided not to get one. It's been one of the most productive and money-saving decisions I have ever made.

People ask, "How can you possibly live without TV?" Simple! Hulu, ABC, NBC, CBS, WB11 have made it extremely easy to catch the programs you want, when you want them. (Okay, life was a big harder pre-Hulu.) With 30-second commercials, TV time is cut down. What I like the most about watching TV online is that fit TV around my schedule. No more remembering which show comes on when. (Not to mention, Hulu has little online-only webisodes of The Office!) And if screen size is an issue, buy a bigger monitor - they are dirt cheap these days.

Most importantly, it gives you a chance to turn around and realize what you could accomplish. I'm working full-time as a litigations consultant, taking an econometrics class at Fordham University, constantly brainstorming ideas for this blog...oh and ferociously planning/dreaming about my next travel destinations (and finding the most awesome deals of course!)

As a note: Dealnews.com had a great article about why liquidations sales are ripoffs and nothing more than a gimmick to get customers into a store. Something I didn't know! A good thing to keep in mind..."Liquidation sales aren't synonymous with discounts."

10 Days of Bare Escentuals FREE from Sephora!

Sorry everyone for being MIA as of late. I've been down with some super bug that really just bulldozed me over. Besides, deals have just been downright bad. I think that all firms anticipate horrible sales and thus, reduce inventory in hopes of reselling things next year.

For all Beauty Insiders, Sephora is giving away a 10 day supply of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 with a bonus baby kabuki brush! Beauty Insider is a free customer loyalty program with Sephora. Dollars spent at Sephora are tracked as points and every 100 points earns you a deluxe sample. The cool part is, they email you sneaky little giveaways like this!

Free 2-park 7-day Unlimited Ticket to Universal Studios

Universal Orlando is giving away free 2-park 7-day Unlimited tickets for the first 100,000 people that register through this link. Good luck!