I was part of an eBay Roundtable discussion recently with sixother experts and we all agreed that the number one question mostnew (and even old) eBay sellers ask is:
"Where do I find things to sell on eBay??"
To help answer that question I have compiled 10 ways that anyonecan use to find products to sell on eBay. This is by no means a definitive list and depending on yoursituation, some of the ways may not apply to you. However, if you're a beginner and don't know where to start, thislist should help you get on track.
1. Look Around The House:
We all have items lying around the house that we no longer use orneed. Have you grown or shrunk in size? If so, you have clothesyou can no longer wear and can sell. Did you get a gift forChristmas or your birthday that you will never use? If so, slapit on eBay (just don't let the person who gave you the gift findout). Do your kids have toys they no longer play with? Justlooking around your house and garage should give you plenty ofthings to get your eBay ball rolling.
2. Garage Sales and Flea Markets:
When it comes to eBay, remember this old adage: One man's junk isanother man's treasure. Now this is not to say that you shouldsell junk on eBay. You should only sell products in goodcondition. The point is you can find items in good condition atgarage sales and flea markets that you can pick up cheap andresell for a profit. Remember, nobody wants to buy your oldBeanie Babies that no longer have eyes and noses, but they maybuy "gently used" items if they're in good shape and offered at agood price.
3. Talk To Your Friends and Relatives:
After you've gone through your own in-house inventory, contactyour friends and relatives and tell them you have started an eBaybusiness and will sell their items for a piece of the salesprice. Chances are they have as much excess stuff lying aroundtheir house as you did. Offer to list the items for them and ifthey sell, take half the profits. You will probably have to paythe eBay fees out of your pocket up front, but you can thendeduct the eBay fees from the sales price before slicing up thepie.
4. Consignment Sales:
Consignment sales are a great way to find a wide range ofproducts to sell on eBay. Consignment selling means that youoffer to sell an item that belongs to a company. In exchange foryour trouble you get a percentage of the sales price. You cancharge up to 50% plus fees for smaller items like clothing,lamps, jewelry, etc. and around 15% for larger items like cars,boats, and bulldozers (yes, I said bulldozers).
Contact every business in town and offer to list their excessgoods on eBay for a piece of the action. Most businesses havereturned items, liquidated products, used equipment, etc. thatthey would love to get rid of, but don't have the time to do so.Many will see you as their hero if you can help them get rid ofthis merchandise and you'll make a pretty profit for yourefforts. For business customers you should have them pay the eBayfees on the front end, not you.
5. Thrift Stores:
Thrift stores are an excellent place to look for things to sellonline. Stores maintained by the Salvation Army and non-profit%
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