I'm considering trading on the web in the next year.My business advisor is pushing me towards becoming an ebay trader but really want to make my mark via my own site.Am I in danger of cutting my nose off to spite my face or could my gut be right?Any full-time ebay traders out there willing to share both good and bad experinces,I'd be gratful for your knowledge!!!
If you aim to go nowhere that's where you'll end up!
E-Bay is with out doubt the "Dogs B*****ks" when it comes to auction sites no other site as come near E-Bays successs in this market place, and yes you can make big money BUT it's a lot of work first you must have a cheap source of product line, just trying to sell your junk on E-Bay won't make money then you must write an enticing pitch to attract potential buyers an honest and complete description is essential to gether with digital photo's, i've also developed some spread sheet software that tracks sales and costs ect to generate management accounts for tax purposes, i would say without doubt "GO FOR IT" it's the future electronic trading in all markets will become the NORM Oh and if you decide to become an E-Bayer you must play the anthem ever hour on the hour http://tinafolsomphotography.com/ebay_song.html
Press the play button on the small photo's Good Luck
I hear what you're saying but do you really believe someone starting out now could really ok trading?Before christmas, ebay admitted to fraud happening on the site,which is sure to put buyers off not only using the site but also using 'newbies' like I would be.The song is funny though!
If you aim to go nowhere that's where you'll end up!
Well check the E-Bay statistics, it's still growing remember this is a world market where and how else could you get this kind of world exposure, i re- iterate it's not easy it as to worked at and you have to be professional, and yes fraud is always a concern but hey you can get ripped off electronicly in all sorts of ways, credit card fraud as been rife for years and like any business venture you need to be alert and attend to risk management, but i assure you done right with the correct products purchased at the right price you can and will make money and a goodly contribution of potential profit comes from the postage that is charged, so far i have no regrets
A good friend of mine has given up work to make a living on Ebay, he earns about £1500 a month from buying in bulk and then listing items individually.
eBay has a ready market of millions of users. How are you going to drive that kind of traffic to your own site?
eBay has an excellent purchasing process and integrated payments system. Will the purchasing process on your own site be as slick, professional and secure as eBay's?
eBay has a trust reputation. Will your site have a similar reputation?
These are all questions I'd be asking if I were you. Having your own Web site, building a brand and doing your own marketing is all very romantic, but for sheer practicality I'd suggest you at least start off selling on eBay and then gradually move sideways onto your own site.
Where else can you sell to a world wide market for the price of the listing fee. Compared to running a shop overheads are minute. Yes there are risks and a few bandits out there but if you have a market stall or shop there are shoplifters and other undesirables, counterfeit bank notes, bouncing cheques. With EBay you release th goods when the money has been received. i would start in a small way to get experience and build up to earning a living. I only sell my junk and buy at the momment but have no problem with EBay. I have heard of people making a living by selling auction house bought items. It is time consuming though listing packing and posting.
