topic Re: Start ebay business in Selling

Start ebay business

dan88harrington — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 08:32:31 GMT

I am new to these fourms and I have been a member on ebay for about 7 years now where I have been selling household things I dont use anymore, I want to start an ebay business but dont know how to do this.

Is there anyone out there who can give me some advice on how I can go about starting my own ebay business?

I am open to any advice about selling products on ebay.

What are the best items to buy in bulk and sell on ebay? Can I earn money from selling other peoples products on ebay with out making a mess of it all and going backwards.

I look forward to hearing from you soon

Cheers

Dan

Re: Start ebay business

*tippy*toes* — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 08:37:39 GMT

You need to find what sells for you. Chop and change around with a few ideas until you find something that works. No-one here is going to tell you what to buy because they don't want you as competition.

I'd suggest NOT registering your account as a business account initially because you can't change it back. You lose a few perks by changing to business, like the 3 free relists. I also wouldn't apply for an ABN until you're established and earning enough whereby you have to pay GST. Keep it simple.

Is this going to be just a part time thing? I wouldn't rely on eBay as your only source of income as it's so volatile. Some weeks you might sell a lot, then nothing for the next month.

Others will have some other suggestions. Take them all on board because there is a wealth of information on here.

Re: Start ebay business

collect247 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 08:52:18 GMT

GST threshold is $75000 pa so unless you are going to earn this amount then you can't charge GST.

Every business big or small needs to have an ABN

Re: Start ebay business

jellybirddesigns — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 09:10:33 GMT

The first couple of years I was on Ebay I started with selling stuff around the house, then I moved on to garage sales and Op Shops. I'd go around and buy up stuff that looked very underpriced and then list it. I got some fabulous prices out of stuff that I bought for virtually next to nothing. You have to develop an eye for unique/rare/collectible things though.

The other thing you can do is use any skills you have to craft items for sale.

Very few people will be able to sell in the bulk quantities that are needed to replace a full-time job. Many of us make very good "hobby" money out of it, rather than a "living".

Opening a store is a good way to go. Get a subscription for $19.00 a month, which gives you 200 listings and then try selling them at BIN prices and set them as "Good until Cancelled".

I'd be reluctant to sell other people's stuff - you'll be expected to take great photos, write brilliant descriptions and then you'll be the one taking the fall if the buyer doesn't like it. And you'll be lucky to get 20% of the price as the owner will want the lions share. (and who will pay the FVF's and PP fees?). Personally I would steer clear of that.

Re: Start ebay business

*tippy*toes* — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 09:34:52 GMT

@collect247 wrote:
GST threshold is $75000 pa so unless you are going to earn this amount then you can't charge GST.
Every business big or small needs to have an ABN

For the purposes of the ATO, I am not a hobby seller, I am a business seller. I buy stuff and then resell it for a profit, therefore I am a business seller. I don't have an ABN and don't plan to get one any time soon, because for my "business", I don't need one.

Re: Start ebay business

lyndal1838 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 10:09:50 GMT

The only time you might need an ABN while you are only a small seller is if you are buying from wholesalers who will only deal with ABN holders.

And make sure you do not register for GST until it is absolutely necessary....and that is only when you are earning $75000 in a rolling 12 month period

Re: Start ebay business

clarry100 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 10:26:51 GMT

Dan,

The ABN and GST issues aside I would tread very cautiously when selling used products on ebay these days.

You have to be so very meticulous about showing/describing all the flaws, defects and usage marks on the item.

With the recent ebay policy changes you will be so very open to Item Not As Described (INAD) claims if there is anything ever so slightly wrong with the item that your listing does not show or make mention of.

The seller (you) is almost certainly going to lose any such INAD claims by buyers. Essentially they (buyer) gets to keep your item and get their money back at your expense. Not only are you losing the item but it has also cost you to send it to them. The buyer is never required to provide any proof to back up their INAD claim either.

Be very careful in this area is what I'm saying.

Re: Start ebay business

*tippy*toes* — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 10:27:45 GMT

I'd love to earn enough where I needed to register for GST!!! Highly unlikely that will ever happen though. I don't earn anywhere near that with my regular job, let along on ebay!

Re: Start ebay business

lyndal1838 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 10:39:42 GMT

Spare a thought for me....I have been doing a BAS and paying GST since the whole system started. Because we are providing "Services" we don't get to claim many credits either. I would say I pay the ATO roughly 9.5% of our income before even thinking about personal income tax.

Re: Start ebay business

chameleon54 — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 11:43:54 GMT

It is probably easier to build a business around niche products and collectables rather than trying to compete with other sellers in the generic products market. You have had some success with the banknotes and coins you have sold and this is the type of thing that can work on ebay. It would appear you have some specialist knowledge and intrest in the field, so this could be something worth looking at.

There is still good money to be made off of ebay, but it is getting increasingly difficult all of the time. Wether this is a general economy thing or specifically related to ebay has been discussed at length on other threads.

Running a serious business on ebay is no different to any other small business. If you want to make serious money you will probably have to work fairly hard, putting in consistent hours and regular work habits. If you just want to have some fun and earn a few extra dollars you probably dont have to treat it this seriously, but you may not make regular consistent money either.

Re: Start ebay business

aceantman — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 12:21:16 GMT

yes a a hobby seller, some months i can sell about 1000 -2000 every 3 month. went to a market day and sold about $600 less cost of table and money towards transport as i don't drive. remember you selling expenses are arount 17% ebay fees, ebay fees on postage paypal,. this month i have only sold $8.50

also if you import items limit is $1000 AUS not $1000 US as I have been caught with thes and eas charged $10% GST and 15% customs Duty as well as postage.

Take it easy as normal sellers should be able to list 40 free items a month. also check the forums for additional free listings.

enjoy your ebay experience, a good idea to have a rule book to follow.and graph your sales etc.

Anthony

Re: Start ebay business

*tippy*toes* — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 12:25:36 GMT

I didn't think to look at the OP's (sold) listings. You're right, I think the coins and bank notes would definitely be a good place to start, especially the pre decimal stuff. There's very few sellers that can get those kinds of prices so would certainly get him noticed. I've picked up quite a few bargain coins and notes over the years, which I could easily have resold for 4 or 5 times what I paid for them. I didn't buy them to resell though......not yet anyway! If the OP is in the right place at the right time, he could get some great bargains to resell too.

I didn't know what to sell when I started selling. Initially, like a lot of people, I was just selling stuff around the house. I decided selling was fun, so started buying to resell. I didn't know what to sell, so picked several things, listed them and watched what happened. Some of the things are still relisting now, others turned out to be hot items. So, of course I mostly concentrate on the hot items now. I probably went through 6 or 7 things before I found my niche.

Re: Start ebay business

davewil1964 — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 12:04:41 GMT

Books, while not spectacular, seem to provide a steady return.

I price mine around third cheapest Australian seller, and that works for me. With the occasional gem to warm the cockles.