09 Nov eBay Hustle(r)

I can’t tell you how much I adore eBay. Yes, the online auction and shopping site has been around for over a decade, but I just started using it last year. Of course you can find designer threads, shoes, cosmetics and more but instead of spending your cash, how about making some?

In the few months t I’ve been using eBay, I’ve only purchased one item, but I’ve made about $500. I can’t make this hustle a full time job (though there are Power Sellers on the site who rake in tons of cash), the extra cash has helped pay some utility bills. Here’s how I did it:

Raid Your Closet
Everyone has an item or two or 1o that’s no longer in their wardrobe rotation but still takes up space in the closet. Maybe it’s that sweater you wore once or the shoes you were never able to break in. Your “trash” can turn into a few bucks in your PayPal account. And the items you sell don’t always have to be designer, though I’m sure your DVF wrap dress will sell better than a frock from Forever 21.

Shop to Sell
If I’m out thrifting at Housing Works or Goodwill and find a high end item that’s not in my size, I usually purchase it anyway and flip it on eBay. The first time I did this was with a pair of Chanel shoes. They really weren’t my style, but I knew someone want them. I purchased them for about $1 (they were a part of a $20 Housing Works haul) and I auctioned them off for $50. Score! I’m about to sell a pair of Paper Denim & Cloth jeans that just won’t cooperate with my hips. They originally retailed for $152, I wonder how much I’ll be able to snag for them.

Beauty is Skin Deep
I was surprised to discover how well cosmetics (unopened, of course) sell. I think I’ve made more money selling stuff from Ojon, Carol’s Daughter and Shu Uemura than from clothing. No matter what toll the recession may be taking, ladies will always love pampering themselves with makeup, scrubs and anything that promises to stop the aging process.

Quick tips to land a sale:

• Be as descriptive as possible about the product you’re selling
• Offer free shipping
• Take great, flattering photos of the item
• If the item is expensive, include the original retail price

Last week eBay launched an online magazine, The Inside Source. Check out the video below on how to start selling your goods!