Using eBay To Meet Your Goals

When we think of eBay auctions, we usually think of them as a way to convert items into cash. That's probably the simplest goal of an eBay auction, but there are other goals.

Why Sell On eBay?

I run auctions for low priced items in order to build newsletter lists. My goal isn't to profit from the eBay auction, but more to tap into the huge amount of web traffic eBay receives.

One of my collector friends sells items out of his collection on eBay as he upgrades. He is using eBay to quickly get rid of his duplicates. While money is a factor, the ease and speed of listing something on eBay rather than taking it to an antique show is his main reason. His goal is to save time and energy.

Now and then I run auctions on eBay as teaching examples. If you're a long time subscriber, you might remember me listing a $20 bill on eBay for only 99 cents. That's another reason for selling on eBay.

A popular reason people start selling on eBay is because it is an easy way to start an online business. The skills you learn running auctions build the stage for your first online ventures. The goal here is to learn while making money.

One of the most common reasons for selling on eBay is to start an antiques business. Since eBay started it is much easier to run a profitable home based antique and collectibles business.

One of the best reasons is eBay allows me to do what I want to do without having to work for others.

No matter what your eBay goal is, it is within your reach. You'll need to learn to Find Products To Sell On eBay, and also learn how to manage your time and business, but once you figure it all out, it will work for you.

I was already good at buying toy trains so my eBay goal was to convert my inventory to cash so I had money to buy more trains. I didn't start looking for eBay products, because I'd perfected buying trains decades earlier. I started with the need to learn about eBay, and the need to learn how to make the best use of my time.

Do you see how knowing your goal opens your eyes to where you need improvement?

PS. One Fast way to improve your eBay skills is with my Auction Revolution Package.

Many of the articles and free reports here on IWantCollectibles were originally sent to readers of my Antiques and eBay Newsletter. Not all articles make it onto the website, and readers also get notices of free reports and special offers.

• Finding Products To Sell On eBay
  How to find products to sell on eBay is the most common question I get from my readers. This page has links to all the articles and reports I've written about finding eBay products.
• How To Be An Antique Dealer
  The best way to start an antiques or collectibles business. Part 1 of a five part series on being an antiques dealer.
• Understanding eBay Changes 2011
  This page covers eBay changes and has links to all articles on IWantCollectibles about working within the changes. Sign up for my free newsletter for articles covering new changes as they are announced.
• Tips for Starting an eBay Consignment Business
  Selling on consignment is the perfect way to start on eBay. This article is an introduction to consignment selling, and explains what you'll need to be successful. First in a series on eBay Consignment.
• Shopping For eBay Products At Garage Sales
  Thirteen tips for garage sale shopping. Part one of a two part series on garage and yard sales.
• Finding New Products for eBay
  If you want to sell new products you need to concentrate on items others are not selling. You need to find sources other sellers are unaware of. That is not hard to do. Here's a list of articles to get you started on the right path.
• eBay Auction Category, Title And Keyword Advice
  A series of articles about getting your items found on eBay. Covers category selection, eBay keyword rules, and researching keywords. Finally you'll learn how to write an informative, keyword rich title.