By Jessica Roop
I have to admit, sometimes I get teased by friends or family for what I buy on eBay. There is very little I purchase that I don't at least attempt to buy on eBay first. Why not? There are thousands (if not millions) of eBay listings at any given time -- that's a pretty amazing resource for everything under the sun. For everything you buy on eBay, there's probably at least one other thing you haven't thought of. To start you off, here's a list of ten things you (probably) never thought to buy on eBay:
1. Postage Stamps: Yes, it is possible to get a discount on postage stamps! A lot of times companies or individuals will purchase a mass quantity of stamps for a mailing and end up not using them all. The USPS doesn't buy back stamps, so a good alternative is to sell on eBay. Expect to pay between 80% and 90% of face value, with the bigger discount coming from a larger purchase quantity.
2. Timeshares: Real estate is big on eBay, especially timeshares! As long as you are careful in reading all of the fine print and purchasing from a reputable seller, you can come away with a great vacation at a fantastic value. You can easily pick and choose from a wide variety of locations, amenities, and prices.
3. Over-the-counter medication: Need to replenish your supply of Advil, Visine, Airborne, or Mylanta? I buy nearly all of my over-the-counter medication on eBay. It's almost always drastically cheaper, and you can also search for generic or store brands. I save hundreds of dollars a year doing this.
4. Makeup: There are certain shades and certain brands of makeup I know I will always use. It's easy to search for these on eBay and buy them in bulk or at a discount. It's also a great way to find discontinued colors that you love and can't live without! I set up a search for my favorite discontinued items and save it so I am emailed whenever an auction matching my criteria comes up. I've been able to keep using a certain shade of lipstick despite the fact that it was discontinued years ago.
5. eBay Business Supplies: I see so many people who sell on eBay using padded envelopes or other supplies from the USPS -- not the free Priority or Express mail supplies, but the expensive supplies sold in post offices. If you know you're going to sell more than just a few items, buy your supplies on eBay! Great discounts are to be had on bubble mailers, bubble sheets, labels, and more.
6. Spices: Yes, kitchen spices! I eat oatmeal nearly every morning and use a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice for flavor. I was spending at least $3 every time I purchased a tiny container of it at the store. I found a supplier on eBay and was able to get over ten times the amount for only twice the price!
7. Gift Cards: If you frequently shop at a certain store, it pays (literally) to check out the gift certificates category on eBay. People resell gift cards they aren't interested in using, and you can often get a good discount. Some of the more popular stores sell for nearly 100% of face value, but others sell for 70% to 90% of face value. If you're going to spend the money at the store anyway, why not buy a gift card and save a few bucks? I like to look at it as free money!
8. Food: The food category on eBay is huge. You can buy your favorite overseas candy, soda flavors you can't find locally, fresh baked cookies just like mom made them, protein bars, elegant desserts, and much more. A word of warning though... looking for food on eBay can make you hungry!
9. Massage Appointments: These can usually be found in the gift certificates category. A lot of spas and massage therapy locations will sell gift certificates for massages at discounted rates to gain new customers. As long as you are careful to check that the location is legit, you can find a great deal. I was able to purchase a fantastic one-hour massage for only $35.
10. Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines make money selling ads, and they can charge more for their ads if they have more subscribers. Because of that, they will let go of a lot of subscriptions to brokers for very low prices. A lot of these brokers sell on eBay. Imagine buying a year's subscription to your favorite magazine for only $3! They usually take four to eight weeks to kick in, but it's well worth the wait.
Hopefully these ideas have given you a starting point for the wide variety of ways you can save money on a daily basis by purchasing through eBay. Happy bidding!
Jessica Roop is self-proclaimed "coupon addict" who runs http://www.ShareYourReceipts.com , a site dedicated to sharing the latest in coupon savings and deals to show you how to save money. Share your deals with us and be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to your favorite retailer! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Roop
Tuesday
10 Top Tips For Buying & Selling On Ebay !
By David Jackson
Almost everyone now knows what Ebay is. For those that don't, it's an online auction website that is massively popular… and still growing. It's great for people looking to pick up a bargain as well as selling things you don't need. It's also great for merchants. Ebay gives you the potential customers and the traffic. All you have to do is create an advertisement and sell your item. Ebay charges you a nominal amount to list your item and then takes a cut if it sells. If it doesn't sell then you can relist it again.
Here are 10 top tips you should follow when buying/selling on ebay. These are my own tips speaking from experience as a powerseller: -
1. Before buying anything expensive, check the merchants feedback. Check that they haven't built up a feedback rating on sand by selling cheap items. Fraud is not common, but it does happen. Do some detective work before committing to buy.
2. Pay by Paypal when purchasing items. If you don't receive your item or you have problems with the seller, you can contact paypal and launch a complaint/investigation.
3. If you have a bad experience on ebay, before jumping in and leaving negative feedback, contact your seller. Communication is everything and small misunderstandings can blow out of proportion.
4. Before listing an item for sale, check to see if the price you are trying to sell it for is realistic. Ebay market is competitive so if you try and sell the really obvious, be prepared to be in competition with merchants that have massive buying power to negotiate deals.
5. If you have an item that isn't selling, ask yourself why. Don't keep relisting it. Check your picture, check your description, check the category it's in and check the price you are trying to sell it for is achievable.
6. When dispatching an item to a buyer that has paid by Paypal, check to see if the address is 'confirmed' or 'unconfirmed'. If it's unconfirmed then you aren't protected by Paypal if anything goes wrong. You could end up being faced with a reverse transaction on your hands!
7. Make sure the picture of the item you are selling does it justice. Always take a picture!
8. If you sell regularly, invite your customers to sign up for your newsletter. Let them know about new products you have for sale
9. Always inform your buyers when you have dispatched their item.
10. If you haven't sent the item after a few days you will start getting emails asking where their item is they have paid for. Don't get into this situation - dispatch things quickly. If you can't do that, then let your customer know when they can expect delivery or they will start to worry.
Article by David Jackson of http://www.ebay-information.com (The Ebay Information Resource For Trading With Confidence) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Jackson
Almost everyone now knows what Ebay is. For those that don't, it's an online auction website that is massively popular… and still growing. It's great for people looking to pick up a bargain as well as selling things you don't need. It's also great for merchants. Ebay gives you the potential customers and the traffic. All you have to do is create an advertisement and sell your item. Ebay charges you a nominal amount to list your item and then takes a cut if it sells. If it doesn't sell then you can relist it again.
Here are 10 top tips you should follow when buying/selling on ebay. These are my own tips speaking from experience as a powerseller: -
1. Before buying anything expensive, check the merchants feedback. Check that they haven't built up a feedback rating on sand by selling cheap items. Fraud is not common, but it does happen. Do some detective work before committing to buy.
2. Pay by Paypal when purchasing items. If you don't receive your item or you have problems with the seller, you can contact paypal and launch a complaint/investigation.
3. If you have a bad experience on ebay, before jumping in and leaving negative feedback, contact your seller. Communication is everything and small misunderstandings can blow out of proportion.
4. Before listing an item for sale, check to see if the price you are trying to sell it for is realistic. Ebay market is competitive so if you try and sell the really obvious, be prepared to be in competition with merchants that have massive buying power to negotiate deals.
5. If you have an item that isn't selling, ask yourself why. Don't keep relisting it. Check your picture, check your description, check the category it's in and check the price you are trying to sell it for is achievable.
6. When dispatching an item to a buyer that has paid by Paypal, check to see if the address is 'confirmed' or 'unconfirmed'. If it's unconfirmed then you aren't protected by Paypal if anything goes wrong. You could end up being faced with a reverse transaction on your hands!
7. Make sure the picture of the item you are selling does it justice. Always take a picture!
8. If you sell regularly, invite your customers to sign up for your newsletter. Let them know about new products you have for sale
9. Always inform your buyers when you have dispatched their item.
10. If you haven't sent the item after a few days you will start getting emails asking where their item is they have paid for. Don't get into this situation - dispatch things quickly. If you can't do that, then let your customer know when they can expect delivery or they will start to worry.
Article by David Jackson of http://www.ebay-information.com (The Ebay Information Resource For Trading With Confidence) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Jackson
Monday
3 Million Items and Counting, Bidville Becomes Big Business
(NewsUSA) - Since their introduction, online auction sites have been making e-history as some of the most popular destinations on the Internet. From designer-label clothing to grandma's jewelry to cars and even houses, anything and everything imaginable can be auctioned off online.
People who place items for sale on auction sites are attracted to the prospect of building a business from home with no morning traffic jams and little required capital to start. And bidders are drawn to the unique shopping opportunities and the potential to purchase hard-to-find items from all over the world.
Increasingly, buyers and sellers are discovering the unique benefits of using emerging sites rather than the giants of the industry, such as eBay. Bidville.com is one such site that has been quietly gaining momentum in the wake of eBay's ongoing fee increases.
Bidville started in 1999 primarily as a sports card auction site, but began expanding its merchandise base in late 2003 to take advantage of burgeoning market opportunities. Throughout 2004, its membership base increased to nearly 1 million members and the number of items listed daily reached 3 million. In addition, the site now has more than 600 "storefronts" that sell anything from collectibles to electronics at a fixed price.
Bidville markets itself as "the alternative auction site" because it does not charge listing fees. Rather, sellers pay what's called "final success fees" after their items sell. These fees, at no more than 5 percent of the selling price, are lower than what other sites charge.
So what is the key to Bidville's success? The company is striving to expand its growing community of loyal members and makes it a policy to give them personalized attention. While most auction sites answer questions with an automated reply, Bidville has live customer service representatives who respond to all queries within 24 hours.
In its extensive community section, there is ample opportunity for member interaction via the Member to Member Help Desk, the Bidville Cafe, where members can share stories and make friends, and the Sellers Forum, where members can discuss successful selling tips and offer suggestions for site improvements. A special charity section allows nonprofit organizations to use Bidville to raise money for good causes.
For more information on how to bid, buy or sell on Bidville, visit www.bidville.com.
Saturday
Dramatically Increase Your Sales In 24 Hours
Donny Lowy
Every eBay, retail, flea market, and wholesale seller is looking for ways to dramatically increase their sales. Sellers are constantly looking for ways to supercharge their sales. The following sales tips can give you a substantial increase in sales within 24 hours.
Sales Boosting Tip #1
Advertise a loss leader. A loss leader is an item which you are selling at a price that is so low, that you are actually losing money on it. The benefit of having a loss leader is that it will attract plenty of attention from customers. When customers come to buy your loss leader you will have an opportunity to sell them some of your other items.
Sales Boosting Tip #2
Tie in a promotion with a popular fad. Let’s say that there is an exciting movie playing at the theaters. You can sell, or give away, merchandise related to the movie. This type of a promotion works great because it benefits from the high popularity of the movie. In addition to a movie tie in, you can apply this strategy to a popular religious, political, national, or local event. How about a bakery selling a special cake in honor of a national holiday?
Sales Boosting Tip #3
Increase your prices. Sounds strange doesn’t it? You would think that by raising your prices you would turn away business. But in reality, by raising your prices you are telling your customers that your products are high quality and they deserve the higher price.
An interesting spin on this ideas is to have one extremely expensive item for sale. Advertise that your store sells the most expensive cake in the world. Think of how many people will come in to your store out of curiosity to see the cake. Once inside, they can buy your regularly priced merchandise.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.wholesaleblacktshirts.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
He also manages http://www.wholesalehatsandcaps.com and http://www.wholesaleproductsfromchina.com
Donny can be reached at 718-389-5502
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donny_Lowy
Every eBay, retail, flea market, and wholesale seller is looking for ways to dramatically increase their sales. Sellers are constantly looking for ways to supercharge their sales. The following sales tips can give you a substantial increase in sales within 24 hours.
Sales Boosting Tip #1
Advertise a loss leader. A loss leader is an item which you are selling at a price that is so low, that you are actually losing money on it. The benefit of having a loss leader is that it will attract plenty of attention from customers. When customers come to buy your loss leader you will have an opportunity to sell them some of your other items.
Sales Boosting Tip #2
Tie in a promotion with a popular fad. Let’s say that there is an exciting movie playing at the theaters. You can sell, or give away, merchandise related to the movie. This type of a promotion works great because it benefits from the high popularity of the movie. In addition to a movie tie in, you can apply this strategy to a popular religious, political, national, or local event. How about a bakery selling a special cake in honor of a national holiday?
Sales Boosting Tip #3
Increase your prices. Sounds strange doesn’t it? You would think that by raising your prices you would turn away business. But in reality, by raising your prices you are telling your customers that your products are high quality and they deserve the higher price.
An interesting spin on this ideas is to have one extremely expensive item for sale. Advertise that your store sells the most expensive cake in the world. Think of how many people will come in to your store out of curiosity to see the cake. Once inside, they can buy your regularly priced merchandise.
Donny Lowy runs http://www.wholesaleblacktshirts.com an online wholesale and closeout business that supplies eBay sellers, retailers, and flea market vendors.
He also manages http://www.wholesalehatsandcaps.com and http://www.wholesaleproductsfromchina.com
Donny can be reached at 718-389-5502
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donny_Lowy
Friday
Ebay – A Great Way To Create Your Own Business
By Nell Taliercio
If you have been looking for a way to make some money from home, you have probably come across the idea of selling things on eBay. You can start an eBay business to make a little extra money to finance the family vacation, or you can turn it into a full-time business that pays all your bills, and more. Getting started with making money on eBay is pretty simple.
To start with you will need to create an eBay account as well as a Paypal account to make and more importantly receive payments.
Ebay uses a feedback rating system that allows buyers and sellers to indicate and comment on how the transaction went. One of your first tasks of your new eBay business should be to get your first few ratings in. Since the rating applies to both buyers and sellers, you can start by purchasing small everyday items that you would have bought anyway through eBay to get your rating up.
Make sure you pay promptly and when you are ready to start selling make sure your customer service is excellent and your products are what your buyer is expecting from the description or better. You should have a great feedback score in no time, which will go a long way when it come to earning the trust of potential buyers.
The first few items that you put up for sale can simply be things you have laying around the house. Dig through your closet, your bookshelves and that stack of old CDs and DVDs that’s collecting dust. Before you know it you will have a great stack of things to get your eBay business off the ground without spending any money. From here you can start visiting yard sales, or look through the sales racks of stores such as GAP.
Your next step will be to do a little research on eBay to get a feel for how you should set up the auction and how much you can expect each item to fetch. EBay will let you look at recent completed auctions. Take advantage of this great free learning tool. Click on the advanced search link and check the box that says “Completed Listings Only”. You can then enter the search term, what category to look for, what country the item should be listed in etc.
Hit search and you will see all the completed auctions of this item in the last few weeks. Pay attention to which auctions made the most. When where they listed, for how long. What title did they use, what description, what picture. Can you see anything else that distinguishes this auction from the ones that did not do so well? Study the listings and you will quickly pick up on things you can do to make the most of your auctions.
Now it’s time to get your feet wet with your first few auctions. Just jump in there. EBay’s step by step listing system makes it easy and fast. Repeat what’s working for you and continue to keep an eye out for those completed auctions that did well. You’ll be off to a great start.
For more ebay tips, suggestions, advice, articles and resources head over to http://www.mommysplace.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nell_Taliercio
If you have been looking for a way to make some money from home, you have probably come across the idea of selling things on eBay. You can start an eBay business to make a little extra money to finance the family vacation, or you can turn it into a full-time business that pays all your bills, and more. Getting started with making money on eBay is pretty simple.
To start with you will need to create an eBay account as well as a Paypal account to make and more importantly receive payments.
Ebay uses a feedback rating system that allows buyers and sellers to indicate and comment on how the transaction went. One of your first tasks of your new eBay business should be to get your first few ratings in. Since the rating applies to both buyers and sellers, you can start by purchasing small everyday items that you would have bought anyway through eBay to get your rating up.
Make sure you pay promptly and when you are ready to start selling make sure your customer service is excellent and your products are what your buyer is expecting from the description or better. You should have a great feedback score in no time, which will go a long way when it come to earning the trust of potential buyers.
The first few items that you put up for sale can simply be things you have laying around the house. Dig through your closet, your bookshelves and that stack of old CDs and DVDs that’s collecting dust. Before you know it you will have a great stack of things to get your eBay business off the ground without spending any money. From here you can start visiting yard sales, or look through the sales racks of stores such as GAP.
Your next step will be to do a little research on eBay to get a feel for how you should set up the auction and how much you can expect each item to fetch. EBay will let you look at recent completed auctions. Take advantage of this great free learning tool. Click on the advanced search link and check the box that says “Completed Listings Only”. You can then enter the search term, what category to look for, what country the item should be listed in etc.
Hit search and you will see all the completed auctions of this item in the last few weeks. Pay attention to which auctions made the most. When where they listed, for how long. What title did they use, what description, what picture. Can you see anything else that distinguishes this auction from the ones that did not do so well? Study the listings and you will quickly pick up on things you can do to make the most of your auctions.
Now it’s time to get your feet wet with your first few auctions. Just jump in there. EBay’s step by step listing system makes it easy and fast. Repeat what’s working for you and continue to keep an eye out for those completed auctions that did well. You’ll be off to a great start.
For more ebay tips, suggestions, advice, articles and resources head over to http://www.mommysplace.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nell_Taliercio
Thursday
Ebay And Paypal
By David Riewe
E-Bay and Paypal are two giant firms which are involved in sales transactions of customers. E-Bay is an online portal in which buyers could auction and bid items for sale. On the other hand, Paypal is the most popular online payment system used through credit cards. The teaming up of both firms is inevitable because E-Bay provides the goods to be purchased while PayPal provides the resources to be used.
E-Bay has indeed grown as the number one destination of online shopping through auctions. E-Bay offers a variety of choices when it comes to books, food, gadget, technology stuff, and many others. The variety and diversity of E-Bay makes it the most visited site whenever buyers are thinking of something to purchase. It is also a favorite destination for online shoppers who want to have a quality bargain of the items they want to buy. On the other hand, Paypal is the most reliable online payment system utilized whenever holding transactions. The firm claims that they have 16 million users worldwide. Despite of such successes for both firms, there are still many criticisms regarding the nature of both businesses.
E-Bay is often criticized as a portal that is not pro-buyers instead, it some people consider it as pro-sellers. Some buyers accuse E-Bay as not being true to their business and does not really live up to their word. On the other hand, Paypal does not really receive a lot of complaints but when it does, no one seems to mind. This is because their customer service department does not do their job well. No one really assists the customers and when they reply, it seems like the customer waited for 20 years before an action was done.
Due to the partnership of these two companies, many speculated that E-Bay would acquire Paypal. Many people were not in agreement to this deal because they believe that once E-Bay had acquired Paypal, the rotten service of the firm would eventually be more than worst. Aside from that, competition would also diminish in the market. Despite the said speculations, both firms deny that a joint venture or acquisition between the two companies would happen. Both firms insist that they would continue each other’s operations separately and not as a joint company. Both firms also expressed that their partnership between each other is solid but not to the point of collaborating with each other.
About The AuthorDavid Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his eBay Blog to Discover 101 Ebay Auction Tips in this FREE ebook http://www.push-button-online-income.com/ebayblog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Riewe
E-Bay and Paypal are two giant firms which are involved in sales transactions of customers. E-Bay is an online portal in which buyers could auction and bid items for sale. On the other hand, Paypal is the most popular online payment system used through credit cards. The teaming up of both firms is inevitable because E-Bay provides the goods to be purchased while PayPal provides the resources to be used.
E-Bay has indeed grown as the number one destination of online shopping through auctions. E-Bay offers a variety of choices when it comes to books, food, gadget, technology stuff, and many others. The variety and diversity of E-Bay makes it the most visited site whenever buyers are thinking of something to purchase. It is also a favorite destination for online shoppers who want to have a quality bargain of the items they want to buy. On the other hand, Paypal is the most reliable online payment system utilized whenever holding transactions. The firm claims that they have 16 million users worldwide. Despite of such successes for both firms, there are still many criticisms regarding the nature of both businesses.
E-Bay is often criticized as a portal that is not pro-buyers instead, it some people consider it as pro-sellers. Some buyers accuse E-Bay as not being true to their business and does not really live up to their word. On the other hand, Paypal does not really receive a lot of complaints but when it does, no one seems to mind. This is because their customer service department does not do their job well. No one really assists the customers and when they reply, it seems like the customer waited for 20 years before an action was done.
Due to the partnership of these two companies, many speculated that E-Bay would acquire Paypal. Many people were not in agreement to this deal because they believe that once E-Bay had acquired Paypal, the rotten service of the firm would eventually be more than worst. Aside from that, competition would also diminish in the market. Despite the said speculations, both firms deny that a joint venture or acquisition between the two companies would happen. Both firms insist that they would continue each other’s operations separately and not as a joint company. Both firms also expressed that their partnership between each other is solid but not to the point of collaborating with each other.
About The AuthorDavid Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his eBay Blog to Discover 101 Ebay Auction Tips in this FREE ebook http://www.push-button-online-income.com/ebayblog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Riewe
Things You Need To Know As A Online Auction Buyer
Michael Russell
Before you start bidding, become familiar with the auction site where you want to bid. There are many auction sites and none of them are the same. Auction sites have different rules and to avoid problems, become familiar with the each site’s rules. It can save you from headaches, frustration, and problems later. Make sure you get informed; it's worth the time and effort.
Find out what kind of protection you have as a buyer. Each site is different and many sites offer guarantees and protection.. If you are not sure of your protection and rights as a buyer, then send an email and ask.
You should always know what it is that you are bidding on. Look at the pictures, read the descriptions carefully. If you still don't understand and are still unsure about what is being offered. Then it may be better to look at another item. If the item has no picture listed, it's better to keep looking and find something else. Always read the fine print, look for words such as off-brand, close out, discontinued, refurbished. Sometimes this information is not even on the auction site. It will sometimes first appear on the sellers online store. If you don't take time to READ, you may order, or bid, on something that you really didn't want to buy in the first place. That's why you need to be sure you know what is being auctioned and not just "pretty sure" you know. All sales are final. When the auction is over, it's too late to start asking questions.
Find out what you can about the seller. Know the person that you are dealing with. Get at least an email address , telephone number, address and full name. Call the number to see if it is correct especially if the item you want to bid on is more than $20. If the web auction offers a rating service, you can always check their history,. If the seller has a good rating, your chances are much better that they can be trusted. Look at other items they are selling. If the seller has an online shop, take a look around at the shop. How long have they been a member of the auction site? How many items have they sold? How good is their feedback?
Here are a couple more short tips: Does the item have a guarantee? Who pays for shipping? Would you get your money back, or only credit to buy something else for them? Do they use known payment companies? Also find out how soon you will receive your purchase.
One thing you need to remember is, "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” Don't believe every thing you find on the internet, much of it is as crooked as a dog’s back leg. Take time to get informed and you'll be glad you did. Better to be safe than sorry. There are lots of great deals to be found on internet auctions but you should always remember that you have never personally met the seller you are dealing with. Learn to ask questions and stay informed . It will help make your auction bidding an exciting experience.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Online Auctions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Before you start bidding, become familiar with the auction site where you want to bid. There are many auction sites and none of them are the same. Auction sites have different rules and to avoid problems, become familiar with the each site’s rules. It can save you from headaches, frustration, and problems later. Make sure you get informed; it's worth the time and effort.
Find out what kind of protection you have as a buyer. Each site is different and many sites offer guarantees and protection.. If you are not sure of your protection and rights as a buyer, then send an email and ask.
You should always know what it is that you are bidding on. Look at the pictures, read the descriptions carefully. If you still don't understand and are still unsure about what is being offered. Then it may be better to look at another item. If the item has no picture listed, it's better to keep looking and find something else. Always read the fine print, look for words such as off-brand, close out, discontinued, refurbished. Sometimes this information is not even on the auction site. It will sometimes first appear on the sellers online store. If you don't take time to READ, you may order, or bid, on something that you really didn't want to buy in the first place. That's why you need to be sure you know what is being auctioned and not just "pretty sure" you know. All sales are final. When the auction is over, it's too late to start asking questions.
Find out what you can about the seller. Know the person that you are dealing with. Get at least an email address , telephone number, address and full name. Call the number to see if it is correct especially if the item you want to bid on is more than $20. If the web auction offers a rating service, you can always check their history,. If the seller has a good rating, your chances are much better that they can be trusted. Look at other items they are selling. If the seller has an online shop, take a look around at the shop. How long have they been a member of the auction site? How many items have they sold? How good is their feedback?
Here are a couple more short tips: Does the item have a guarantee? Who pays for shipping? Would you get your money back, or only credit to buy something else for them? Do they use known payment companies? Also find out how soon you will receive your purchase.
One thing you need to remember is, "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” Don't believe every thing you find on the internet, much of it is as crooked as a dog’s back leg. Take time to get informed and you'll be glad you did. Better to be safe than sorry. There are lots of great deals to be found on internet auctions but you should always remember that you have never personally met the seller you are dealing with. Learn to ask questions and stay informed . It will help make your auction bidding an exciting experience.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Online Auctions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Tips And Help For Online Auction Sellers
Michael Russell
Many sellers are unaware that an online auction is the same as a normal bushiness. Just like a normal business, there are laws that must be followed. That means that if you don't keep the laws, you could be liable for fines and other legal actions. The federal law says that you must only advertise your services and items honestly and accurately. You are not allowed to make bids on your own items to drive the price up. You are not allowed to make or give false testimonies about yourself at the auction website to make yourself look better. These are just a few of the federal laws, but you should get the idea. An online auction is a business and not a game. If you treat your online auctions like a business, they will treat you well too. The laws are there to protect you and me, and they are meant to be taken seriously. If you aren't ready to do that, then you'd be better off making money some other way.
Here are some tips to that can help you avoid legal problems. Let your customers know if you offer service after they buy. Explain your return policy and make it clear who pays for shipping if an item must be returned. Always include one or more photos. List some FAQ's-- it will help sales and save extra emails being sent to you. Always make clear if the item is new, used, refurbished, or "as is". • Offer a guarantee-- it helps build trust in you and people buy from people they trust. Settle the issue of who pays for shipping and if you ship internationally.
Answer all questions about your items as quickly as possible. Make sure that at the end of every auction you print out the information about the buyer, item, time, date, price and file it. Keep extra records out side of your computer and on paper. Save all the copies of the emails that you receive from your buyers and auction site. They could be a big help in the future.
Make sure that you contact each buyer as soon as the auction is over. Confirm everything again such as the total cost, shipping address, and where they need to make their payment. Don't forget to thank them for their purchase and remember that this is also a good time to invite them to visit your website if you have one! It's much easier to sell something to an existing customer than to find a new one. Treat them well and they will come back again with open wallets!
Run your online auction like a business and watch it grow. The web is full of people who make big time money with online auctions. You can be one of them, but lay a good foundation, be honest and latter you'll be glad you did. You are where you are today because of all the decisions you made in the past. Make good decisions today and you'll have a better business tomorrow. Make sense?
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Online Auctions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Many sellers are unaware that an online auction is the same as a normal bushiness. Just like a normal business, there are laws that must be followed. That means that if you don't keep the laws, you could be liable for fines and other legal actions. The federal law says that you must only advertise your services and items honestly and accurately. You are not allowed to make bids on your own items to drive the price up. You are not allowed to make or give false testimonies about yourself at the auction website to make yourself look better. These are just a few of the federal laws, but you should get the idea. An online auction is a business and not a game. If you treat your online auctions like a business, they will treat you well too. The laws are there to protect you and me, and they are meant to be taken seriously. If you aren't ready to do that, then you'd be better off making money some other way.
Here are some tips to that can help you avoid legal problems. Let your customers know if you offer service after they buy. Explain your return policy and make it clear who pays for shipping if an item must be returned. Always include one or more photos. List some FAQ's-- it will help sales and save extra emails being sent to you. Always make clear if the item is new, used, refurbished, or "as is". • Offer a guarantee-- it helps build trust in you and people buy from people they trust. Settle the issue of who pays for shipping and if you ship internationally.
Answer all questions about your items as quickly as possible. Make sure that at the end of every auction you print out the information about the buyer, item, time, date, price and file it. Keep extra records out side of your computer and on paper. Save all the copies of the emails that you receive from your buyers and auction site. They could be a big help in the future.
Make sure that you contact each buyer as soon as the auction is over. Confirm everything again such as the total cost, shipping address, and where they need to make their payment. Don't forget to thank them for their purchase and remember that this is also a good time to invite them to visit your website if you have one! It's much easier to sell something to an existing customer than to find a new one. Treat them well and they will come back again with open wallets!
Run your online auction like a business and watch it grow. The web is full of people who make big time money with online auctions. You can be one of them, but lay a good foundation, be honest and latter you'll be glad you did. You are where you are today because of all the decisions you made in the past. Make good decisions today and you'll have a better business tomorrow. Make sense?
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Online Auctions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
The Elusive eBay Product Niche
Simon Slade
There’s nothing more disappointing than doing the research, getting the product, and then finding that no one wants to buy it. It can also be quite a shock.
It’s not unusual to research the item, see it listed in eBay’s hot list, hear everyone talking about it…and still no one buys.
This is one of the most disheartening experiences known to eBay sellers!
So what’s going wrong here? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
First of all, it’s quite likely the niche will already be filled. Electronics are popular – but there are so many suppliers already selling iPods that you will have to come up with a unique point of difference before you can expect to get into the market successfully.
On that note – don’t forget that an eBay business is similar to any other in terms of preparation. You’ve still got to have a point of difference, carry out market research, and define your target audience. If you want to get really serious, write a business plan too. I guarantee that the mere act of putting your business down on paper will give you a much clearer idea of where you are going and what you need to do to get there.
Secondly, experimentation is essential! Always test a product idea with a sample lot first. Never, ever buy in bulk with the assumption that you’ll be able to sell it all – you might have a nasty surprise.
Instead, buy in small quantities and test 2 or 3 different products at a time. Try different pricing points and adding value. For example, rather than selling Frisbees individually, you could try making up a ‘Family Sports Pack’ with a Frisbee, tennis balls, hula hoop, and a jump rope. This is a great way of increasing value and attracting people looking for a good deal.
The most difficult thing of all is not giving up when your first couple of ideas fail. What top eBay sellers don’t often admit to is that they failed a few times before they succeeded. If you ask, almost everyone will tell you about their disastrous first few attempts before they got it right. This is where making a plan can help: if you map out four product ideas at the outset, then you are less likely to give up when the first one doesn’t work out.
Finally, timing can be everything. A product that isn’t selling well now might suddenly become more popular in a couple of months time. For example, a couple of years ago the only people who counted knitting as a hobby had gray hair and wrinkles. But, after a few models were photographed knitting backstage, suddenly everyone’s hunting for specialty wool and knitting patterns.
If I hadn’t noticed a couple of articles in fashion magazines on the increasing popularity of this hobby, then I’d still think of it as a craft appealing only to pensioners. It’s amazing what niche opportunities you can stumble across if you go looking. And once you find them, do something about it! It’s quite possible that knitting will be passé in 12 months time.
Finding a great product on eBay is all about three words: Niche, Persistence, and Experimentation.
Have a look at this inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine to learn what products some people have made work! http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,327229,00.html
Good luck!
Simon Slade
About the Author:
SaleHoo is one of the fastest growing wholesale websites on the internet. It contactins a database of wholesale suppliers and manufacturers offering thousands of products to consumers at prices considerably less than retail. Located at http://www.salehoo.com, visitors are allowed to sign up for unlimited and lifetime access to the completely searchable database of wholesale products. Deeply discounted brand name items may be purchased directly from the source for the customer's personal use or for resale purposes. Items may be sold at online auctions, flea markets and retail stores. The database is regularly updated, ensuring that the latest retail products are always available for purchase.
Click here for more details http://www.salehoo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Slade
There’s nothing more disappointing than doing the research, getting the product, and then finding that no one wants to buy it. It can also be quite a shock.
It’s not unusual to research the item, see it listed in eBay’s hot list, hear everyone talking about it…and still no one buys.
This is one of the most disheartening experiences known to eBay sellers!
So what’s going wrong here? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
First of all, it’s quite likely the niche will already be filled. Electronics are popular – but there are so many suppliers already selling iPods that you will have to come up with a unique point of difference before you can expect to get into the market successfully.
On that note – don’t forget that an eBay business is similar to any other in terms of preparation. You’ve still got to have a point of difference, carry out market research, and define your target audience. If you want to get really serious, write a business plan too. I guarantee that the mere act of putting your business down on paper will give you a much clearer idea of where you are going and what you need to do to get there.
Secondly, experimentation is essential! Always test a product idea with a sample lot first. Never, ever buy in bulk with the assumption that you’ll be able to sell it all – you might have a nasty surprise.
Instead, buy in small quantities and test 2 or 3 different products at a time. Try different pricing points and adding value. For example, rather than selling Frisbees individually, you could try making up a ‘Family Sports Pack’ with a Frisbee, tennis balls, hula hoop, and a jump rope. This is a great way of increasing value and attracting people looking for a good deal.
The most difficult thing of all is not giving up when your first couple of ideas fail. What top eBay sellers don’t often admit to is that they failed a few times before they succeeded. If you ask, almost everyone will tell you about their disastrous first few attempts before they got it right. This is where making a plan can help: if you map out four product ideas at the outset, then you are less likely to give up when the first one doesn’t work out.
Finally, timing can be everything. A product that isn’t selling well now might suddenly become more popular in a couple of months time. For example, a couple of years ago the only people who counted knitting as a hobby had gray hair and wrinkles. But, after a few models were photographed knitting backstage, suddenly everyone’s hunting for specialty wool and knitting patterns.
If I hadn’t noticed a couple of articles in fashion magazines on the increasing popularity of this hobby, then I’d still think of it as a craft appealing only to pensioners. It’s amazing what niche opportunities you can stumble across if you go looking. And once you find them, do something about it! It’s quite possible that knitting will be passé in 12 months time.
Finding a great product on eBay is all about three words: Niche, Persistence, and Experimentation.
Have a look at this inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine to learn what products some people have made work! http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,327229,00.html
Good luck!
Simon Slade
About the Author:
SaleHoo is one of the fastest growing wholesale websites on the internet. It contactins a database of wholesale suppliers and manufacturers offering thousands of products to consumers at prices considerably less than retail. Located at http://www.salehoo.com, visitors are allowed to sign up for unlimited and lifetime access to the completely searchable database of wholesale products. Deeply discounted brand name items may be purchased directly from the source for the customer's personal use or for resale purposes. Items may be sold at online auctions, flea markets and retail stores. The database is regularly updated, ensuring that the latest retail products are always available for purchase.
Click here for more details http://www.salehoo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Slade
Monday
Online Auctions and Industry Niches
By Lance Winslow
If you have an industry portal website then it might make sense to consider having online auctions as part of your website. Many folks may have not considered this on their portal site but if you have good traffic then it does makes sense.
For instance in one of our industries we have a Franchising Website and a Pressure Washing Industry Website. Both of those have significant traffic and adding an online auction for the industry could boost traffic and perhaps raise additional revenues as well.
Consider if you will the amount of used equipment that is out and about in many industries and consider all the buyers out there interested in purchasing such equipment. Bringing the buyers and sellers together makes sense and a small fee could be charged for doing so; perhaps a percentage of the sale.
Think how many industry portal websites are out there and how poor it is to try to find something you are looking to buy on eBay? If everything on your portal website is indeed industry specific and all your traffic is too then online auctions for your industry niche is something you can and probably should add; both to make revenue and increase traffic and repeat visitors.
Online auctions are not expensive to set up and there are many convenient and easy to use programs, which can help you do make online auctions a reality on your website. Please consider this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
If you have an industry portal website then it might make sense to consider having online auctions as part of your website. Many folks may have not considered this on their portal site but if you have good traffic then it does makes sense.
For instance in one of our industries we have a Franchising Website and a Pressure Washing Industry Website. Both of those have significant traffic and adding an online auction for the industry could boost traffic and perhaps raise additional revenues as well.
Consider if you will the amount of used equipment that is out and about in many industries and consider all the buyers out there interested in purchasing such equipment. Bringing the buyers and sellers together makes sense and a small fee could be charged for doing so; perhaps a percentage of the sale.
Think how many industry portal websites are out there and how poor it is to try to find something you are looking to buy on eBay? If everything on your portal website is indeed industry specific and all your traffic is too then online auctions for your industry niche is something you can and probably should add; both to make revenue and increase traffic and repeat visitors.
Online auctions are not expensive to set up and there are many convenient and easy to use programs, which can help you do make online auctions a reality on your website. Please consider this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
Saturday
Ebay
By Kent Sayre
But that’s just the beginning. Perhaps the most interesting—and bewildering—aspects of eBay are the wacky things bought and sold. Some of the bizarre items include a single corn flake that made one man a dollar richer, a woman who received a cool $10,000 after offering to tattoo an advertisement onto her forehead (the “Golden Palace” template on her forehead makes her easy to spot in public), a trash can filled with garbage (it was bought by a school teacher; her students wrote essays about the contents of it), a grilled cheese sandwich that was said to resemble the virgin Mary (selling for $28,000).
The one thing that helped these sellers sell their items was in the presentation. A 16 oz. porterhouse on a bed of rice pilaf sounds appetizing—but not if it’s presented on top of a garbage can lid. The same rule applies to eBay auctioneers: the better they present their product with appropriate wording and phrasing, the more alluring and tempting it is for buyers.
And if people can sell their garbage on eBay (literally), imagine what you can sell!
With the assistance of the electronic manual, you’ll learn everything you need to start selling—and keep selling—on eBay. You’ll learn how to write the perfect ad copy that will get your selling items noticed, how to prove your selling items are everything you say they are, why instilling a sense of urgency in your buyers equals big profits, how to keep your potential buyers’ eyes glued to your ad copy, how to perk their curiosity, how to sell out of multiple items you may want to sell, the importance of setting a deadline (and why you shouldn’t bend once you set it), how to gain credibility in the eBay World and much, much more!
http://www.infostormpublishing.com/ebooks/?bk=26
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Sayre
But that’s just the beginning. Perhaps the most interesting—and bewildering—aspects of eBay are the wacky things bought and sold. Some of the bizarre items include a single corn flake that made one man a dollar richer, a woman who received a cool $10,000 after offering to tattoo an advertisement onto her forehead (the “Golden Palace” template on her forehead makes her easy to spot in public), a trash can filled with garbage (it was bought by a school teacher; her students wrote essays about the contents of it), a grilled cheese sandwich that was said to resemble the virgin Mary (selling for $28,000).
The one thing that helped these sellers sell their items was in the presentation. A 16 oz. porterhouse on a bed of rice pilaf sounds appetizing—but not if it’s presented on top of a garbage can lid. The same rule applies to eBay auctioneers: the better they present their product with appropriate wording and phrasing, the more alluring and tempting it is for buyers.
And if people can sell their garbage on eBay (literally), imagine what you can sell!
With the assistance of the electronic manual, you’ll learn everything you need to start selling—and keep selling—on eBay. You’ll learn how to write the perfect ad copy that will get your selling items noticed, how to prove your selling items are everything you say they are, why instilling a sense of urgency in your buyers equals big profits, how to keep your potential buyers’ eyes glued to your ad copy, how to perk their curiosity, how to sell out of multiple items you may want to sell, the importance of setting a deadline (and why you shouldn’t bend once you set it), how to gain credibility in the eBay World and much, much more!
http://www.infostormpublishing.com/ebooks/?bk=26
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Sayre
Thursday
Online Antique Auctions
By Eric Morris
According to strict definitions, antiques are objects that have collectible value and that are more than 100 years old. There are a number of auction sites that sell antiques online. Some sites specialize in items from a particular historical period, while others offer a wider range of antiques. While some online auction houses have stellar reputations, a specialist may better serve a new buyer with specific interests. A major advantage of online auctions is that prices for a particular antique tend to be lower than they might be in an antique store or show. However, not being able to see and assess an antique for signs of authenticity can be a drawback.
How can one determine authenticity? It is important to research online auction sites and to find one that enjoys a good reputation. Experienced buyers share certain tips, such as asking for close-up photographs of the base of an object. Even if carefully maintained, most antique objects show some wear and tear at the base. However, in the case of ceramics and glassware, chips can reduce the value of the antique.
To assess if a fair price is being asked, compare the price to that quoted by online auction guides for similar antiques that have recently been auctioned. These guides are usually helpful tools to estimate the value of an antique for both buyers and sellers. Sites should also offer a full refund if you end up with a reproduction instead of the real thing. Some sites only offer refunds for a limited period, but this should give you enough time to have the item appraised. As an alternative, paying a little extra to have an antique appraised before purchasing it online is well worth the cost and the knowledge that what you are buying is genuine.
Online Auctions provides detailed information on Online Auctions, Online Antique Auctions, Online Auto Auctions, Online Auction Sites and more. Online Auctions is affiliated with Auction Services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris
According to strict definitions, antiques are objects that have collectible value and that are more than 100 years old. There are a number of auction sites that sell antiques online. Some sites specialize in items from a particular historical period, while others offer a wider range of antiques. While some online auction houses have stellar reputations, a specialist may better serve a new buyer with specific interests. A major advantage of online auctions is that prices for a particular antique tend to be lower than they might be in an antique store or show. However, not being able to see and assess an antique for signs of authenticity can be a drawback.
How can one determine authenticity? It is important to research online auction sites and to find one that enjoys a good reputation. Experienced buyers share certain tips, such as asking for close-up photographs of the base of an object. Even if carefully maintained, most antique objects show some wear and tear at the base. However, in the case of ceramics and glassware, chips can reduce the value of the antique.
To assess if a fair price is being asked, compare the price to that quoted by online auction guides for similar antiques that have recently been auctioned. These guides are usually helpful tools to estimate the value of an antique for both buyers and sellers. Sites should also offer a full refund if you end up with a reproduction instead of the real thing. Some sites only offer refunds for a limited period, but this should give you enough time to have the item appraised. As an alternative, paying a little extra to have an antique appraised before purchasing it online is well worth the cost and the knowledge that what you are buying is genuine.
Online Auctions provides detailed information on Online Auctions, Online Antique Auctions, Online Auto Auctions, Online Auction Sites and more. Online Auctions is affiliated with Auction Services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris
How to Use eBay for Front End Sales and Make the Biggest Profits Later
By Avril Harper
Once you have a buyer on eBay it's vital that you keep that person's name and address and look for additional items to offer them later. Research shows that around one in five buyers ultimately become regular buyers. This happens in mail order, on the Internet, by direct mail, and on eBay.
This means if you don't follow up on past buyers you're effectively losing out on 20 per cent more profits at every marketing opportunity.
Imagine you sell an eBook on eBay, about making money in the property business, for example, and you sell one hundred copies each month. Over the year that's 1200 customers. Of that number 240 are potentially regular buyers of similar or even unrelated products.
Now let’s say you've been selling the book for three months, you have 300 customers, of whom you expect 60 to become regular buyers - IF you offer them something to purchase that is! If you don't offer them something else later, you've just lost one of the greatest resources any business can have - back end selling potential. Repeat Back End Selling Potential.
So, let's say you continue selling that initial book on eBay and let's assume you make $10 profit per sale. That's $1000 a month, $12,000 a year.
Let's see how the figures stack up if you locate a second book about the property business which this time makes you $50 pure profit per sale.
This means from those 60 second time buyers gained over three months you'll make $3000 extra, $12,000 over the year, making cumulative annual profits now of $24,000.
Imagine now that you double sales of your eBay lead book (called 'lead' because it leads to additional sales later - back end selling). Or you could add another lead product to eBay, for the property book or for something different. Either way, all things being equal, that is first time customer numbers stay much the same, profit potential remains constant for each front end and back end book combo, then each new book, with back end seller, adds another $24,000 to your bank account.
Four new front end combinations makes just short of $100,000 a year; forty new lead book and back up package all but hits the ONE MILLION DOLLARS a year mark.
This is the simple step-by-step formula for turning virtually anything you sell on eBay into a fabulous back end earnings source.
This is how to make your first million:
Promote a book on eBay, it can be virtually any subject, any format of book, the most important thing is that it lends itself to back end selling, meaning the subject must be something people want to know more about and to learn more they'll purchase similar subject books later. Niche market titles are especially good for back end selling. So people who buy books about fishing will buy more books about fishing, dog lovers similar, UFO enthusiasts, craftworkers, and so on.
This is what you do next:
1) Keep names of buyers and enquirers to sell to later.
2) Obtain another book that might interest buyers of the first product. Get it from the public domain, or create one from other people's articles (ask permission from them, few will refuse), obtain it from out of print booksellers, etc.
3) Write a sales letter for the second book or send the first chapter free with a link in the back of the chapter for people to purchase the full version. Some email programs let you include your PayPal button for payment in the body of an email containing the sales letter or sample chapter.
That's it, mission accomplished, more money going into your bank account.
More Back End Selling Tips
Here is another great way to adapt this lead generating for front and back end selling process through a string of books, of different genre, different types. This can be accomplished by selling books online, offline, as free sample chapter downloads, and so on.
This is what you do:
1) Ask first time buyers to join your mailing list for future sample chapters of books chosen to interest them.
2) Compartmentalise names and addresses in your email programme, according to type of books people previously bought or obtained as free downloads, etc.
3) Look for new books to interest niche book buyers or general interest books to suit most people. Send sample chapters as appropriate in emails to your past buyers: niche and special interest books to specific buyer categories, general interest titles to all past buyers.
3) Add a payment button inside the email to attract early impulse buys for your full length version. This saves losing potential buyers who delay visiting an alternative sales page for the full length book and change their minds or lose the location of your sales page. The next best way to accomplish a fairly certain sale is to send the sample chapter as a pdf attachment to your email, making sure links for sales page or payment button in the pdf file are active and working properly. Alternatively add a printable order form at the end of the sample chapter giving both online and offline ordering options.
4) Send the complete book to buyers as an email attachment or as a direct link between payment and download page.
Avril Harper is a triple eBay PowerSeller and editor of eBay Confidential and webmaster of http://www.publishingcircles.com/ She has produced a free guide - 103 POWERSELLER TIPS - which you can download with other freely distributable reports and ebooks at http://www.toppco.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Avril_Harper
Once you have a buyer on eBay it's vital that you keep that person's name and address and look for additional items to offer them later. Research shows that around one in five buyers ultimately become regular buyers. This happens in mail order, on the Internet, by direct mail, and on eBay.
This means if you don't follow up on past buyers you're effectively losing out on 20 per cent more profits at every marketing opportunity.
Imagine you sell an eBook on eBay, about making money in the property business, for example, and you sell one hundred copies each month. Over the year that's 1200 customers. Of that number 240 are potentially regular buyers of similar or even unrelated products.
Now let’s say you've been selling the book for three months, you have 300 customers, of whom you expect 60 to become regular buyers - IF you offer them something to purchase that is! If you don't offer them something else later, you've just lost one of the greatest resources any business can have - back end selling potential. Repeat Back End Selling Potential.
So, let's say you continue selling that initial book on eBay and let's assume you make $10 profit per sale. That's $1000 a month, $12,000 a year.
Let's see how the figures stack up if you locate a second book about the property business which this time makes you $50 pure profit per sale.
This means from those 60 second time buyers gained over three months you'll make $3000 extra, $12,000 over the year, making cumulative annual profits now of $24,000.
Imagine now that you double sales of your eBay lead book (called 'lead' because it leads to additional sales later - back end selling). Or you could add another lead product to eBay, for the property book or for something different. Either way, all things being equal, that is first time customer numbers stay much the same, profit potential remains constant for each front end and back end book combo, then each new book, with back end seller, adds another $24,000 to your bank account.
Four new front end combinations makes just short of $100,000 a year; forty new lead book and back up package all but hits the ONE MILLION DOLLARS a year mark.
This is the simple step-by-step formula for turning virtually anything you sell on eBay into a fabulous back end earnings source.
This is how to make your first million:
Promote a book on eBay, it can be virtually any subject, any format of book, the most important thing is that it lends itself to back end selling, meaning the subject must be something people want to know more about and to learn more they'll purchase similar subject books later. Niche market titles are especially good for back end selling. So people who buy books about fishing will buy more books about fishing, dog lovers similar, UFO enthusiasts, craftworkers, and so on.
This is what you do next:
1) Keep names of buyers and enquirers to sell to later.
2) Obtain another book that might interest buyers of the first product. Get it from the public domain, or create one from other people's articles (ask permission from them, few will refuse), obtain it from out of print booksellers, etc.
3) Write a sales letter for the second book or send the first chapter free with a link in the back of the chapter for people to purchase the full version. Some email programs let you include your PayPal button for payment in the body of an email containing the sales letter or sample chapter.
That's it, mission accomplished, more money going into your bank account.
More Back End Selling Tips
Here is another great way to adapt this lead generating for front and back end selling process through a string of books, of different genre, different types. This can be accomplished by selling books online, offline, as free sample chapter downloads, and so on.
This is what you do:
1) Ask first time buyers to join your mailing list for future sample chapters of books chosen to interest them.
2) Compartmentalise names and addresses in your email programme, according to type of books people previously bought or obtained as free downloads, etc.
3) Look for new books to interest niche book buyers or general interest books to suit most people. Send sample chapters as appropriate in emails to your past buyers: niche and special interest books to specific buyer categories, general interest titles to all past buyers.
3) Add a payment button inside the email to attract early impulse buys for your full length version. This saves losing potential buyers who delay visiting an alternative sales page for the full length book and change their minds or lose the location of your sales page. The next best way to accomplish a fairly certain sale is to send the sample chapter as a pdf attachment to your email, making sure links for sales page or payment button in the pdf file are active and working properly. Alternatively add a printable order form at the end of the sample chapter giving both online and offline ordering options.
4) Send the complete book to buyers as an email attachment or as a direct link between payment and download page.
Avril Harper is a triple eBay PowerSeller and editor of eBay Confidential and webmaster of http://www.publishingcircles.com/ She has produced a free guide - 103 POWERSELLER TIPS - which you can download with other freely distributable reports and ebooks at http://www.toppco.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Avril_Harper
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