New to selling on ebay

[heftzwecke123]

I sell plants at markets and want to sell them at ebay too. I know about gov. restrictions.

The aim is to make a living salary, not now but say in a year.

What is better: start with free listings or a shop?

Do I have to get an ABN number right away or later? What is better if both is necessary?

As I sell plants, not all are looking good all year round - that means I need at least a year to get my own photos. Is it legal to

use photos on the net as long as there is no copyright on them?

What about public liability?

[digupatin]

Try free listings first, if you make enough after 12 months consider a store.

eBay doesn't require an ABN, however the ATO will be interested if you are making big money. Ebay will tell them if they ask. Talk to an accountant.

You can use any photo you like as long as there's no copyright issues.

What about public liability? Unsure what you want it for.

[phorum_junkie*]

The first thing you should do is a completed items search for the plants you would be selling. Can you sell at least as cheaply as those who sell the most? You will have to factor in all your costs for cultivation, your chosen packaging, your time to pack them etc and add a percentage for those who will want their money back plus any lost parcels.

When you first start selling you are usually restricted to 10 listings a month so it is pointless paying for a shop that gives 200 included listings until your limit is raised. Just start off using the 40 free listings for a non store account (you will still be restricted to 10)

No you don't need an ABN unless you are dealing with wholesalers who will only sell to registered businesses. Don't make your ebay account a business one either, you cannot change back if your venture goes bottoms up.

You will need to keep records, a simple spreadsheet will do, as any income generated will need to be declared come tax time.

I don't want to rain on your parade but I think it is very unlikely you will be able to make the kind of money you are aiming for on ebay. Far too much established competition.

[heftzwecke123]

Thanks for answering! I sell edible and medicinal herbs. Someone might ingest these herbs and die (simply because they were meant ot die anyway) but I could be held liable - I don't know....

Do you use the Aus Post offer for ebay sellers?

[heftzwecke123]

I did actually some research. Some if not most  of the plants I offer are not available at ebay, others are priced weirdly - there are some sellers with ridiculously high prices and some with very low prices. I think I will aim for a fair price, depending on weather the plant is available or not.

[digupatin]

Regarding selling medicinal herbs that may kill people talk to a lawyer about that one.

You'd need professional legal advice about that.

[harley_babes_hoard]

Gee I would be very careful about having some sort of disclaimer in your listings if your herbs can cause harm to people. And please take your own photos if possible.

[heftzwecke123]

I was reading about the seller limits, 10 items per months. Say 10 items and every plant I sell 5 times, with a profit of $4 each that would be $200 per month. That does not really sound very great!!! I might look at other platforms too.

[davewil1964]

That's $40.

You can only have a total of 10 listings or sales in combination. Each sale knocks one off the allowed listing number.

ie 10 listings, sell 1 you can now only list 9, sell another of the same thing, youi can now only have 8 listings, etc.

[digupatin]

Don't forget to factor in eBay and Paypal who charge fees on every transaction.

You also need to allow in your profit margin for plants that may die or be dead when received as well as INR as you could be liable for refunds to buyers.

If you make a go of it, after 12 or so months, then consider going bigger and better.