Boutique Bargains & Beyond {Blog}
The Latest News On What's Selling on eBay & Amazon | Recent eBay & Amazon News and Updates
Christmas is this weekend, already! Anyone else feel like it came a bit faster this year. I am almost ready, just need to finish wrapping presents. I’m going to enjoy the weekend with my family and then start setting my goals for the new year.
I hope everyone had a successful and profitable Christmas season on eBay. Any particularly successful sales? Would love to hear about them, leave a comment below.
I have an email that I want to share with you. This email was from Phil Dwyer of Lifestyle Investors. I was a guest on their podcast a while back and had a great time! The question Phil asked has inspired me to share.
His Email
Hi Jenn,
Jake and I just returned from a conference in Atlanta and met a couple of eBay sellers, both into antiques. These guys both expressed a little frustration with eBay in general and are looking to branch out into other online auction sites. What is your take on that?
Anyway, thought about you so I figured I’d drop you a line and say hello. I hope business is good, take care!
Sincerely,
Phil Dwyer
My Response
Hey!
I think the more streams of income, the better. Without eBay I wouldn’t have been able to branch out into other areas. I would have never acquired Boutique Bargains, or be where I am today without eBay. Some people like Craigslist, or blogging for example. (Did you know eBay owns half of Craigslist?).
It’s totally normal to start out with eBay and “graduate” into something more. Some people are die hard, devoted eBay fans and are perfectly content with sticking to eBay. Why? Because eBay provides so much for them automatically that you don’t get with your own web-site. Let’s face it – a web-site is WORK! Some people can do it, some can’t – or just don’t want to.
A few of my readers started out with eBay and now own there own Clothing Boutiques. 
It’s a proud day when I can say “I knew them when”.
I hope you guys are doing well!
Jenn
This really made me stop and think about where I started, and whether I would have gotten where I am today without eBay. I would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you started on eBay and have grown in your success.
Get the complete story of how I started and grew my business here.
I know, hard to believe this statement is coming from me, as much of an eBay addict as I can be. Let’s face it though – not everything sells. I’m not here to discourage you, but tell you the truth. I have met so many new eBay sellers that have wasted lots of time, energy, and most important – MONEY!
In today’s economy every purchase you make has to be a smart one. That also goes for buying inventory for your eBay store.
Try to keep an open mind.
Buying to sell can be an addiction, and you may find yourself with blinders on. Some things are just going to be hit and miss, due to the fact that trends come and go. To be successful you have to stay on top of the game and strike when demand is hot. The ‘CUTE’ factor doesn’t and won’t always apply when you are working to make a profit!
Do lots of research!
Don’t just expect to start an eBay store and/or begin an auction listing without doing your research on the product’s selling history, both past and present. One main point I am always trying to get across to my readers – is be aware of what you consistently sell each and every season. For example, I specialize in selling boutique clothing – which I love – my passion is to find the best possible deal to make me the most money. I know what sells well for me, and those items are always in my store. What sells well for me, may not sell well for you and vise verse. It is most important to do your research and figure out what works well for YOU!
Be patient.
It isn’t as easy as just opening an eBay store and having customers flock in the same day. It will take time and work to establish your brand.
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