An avid fan of eBay, I often wondered about the opportunity that eBay stores offer. For those who are new to eBay, a store is just like what it sounds. Rather than post random items on the site for sale, one opens a "store" and posts all the items there. They are still auctioned like any other item, but the store offers a constant place for the sale of items and a potential source of constant income. In order to fully understand if this option for extra income is for you, look at the points of operating an eBay store.
When Am I Ready for a Store?
When does one move from being an eBay seller to being an eBay store owner? Most stores began as websites or small businesses that needed more exposure. Website sales are great for small businesses which cannot afford the rental of a concrete storefront. They also allow the option of working from home. However, websites are at the mercy of the search engines and self-promotion which can be either hit and miss or costly.
What Type of Profit Can I Make?
No matter how much fun it might be, selling is all about the bottom line. In order to maintain a store, one must keep an inventory which means up front costs for items that may or may not sell. Evaluate the items for sale and watch the market. By keeping a keen eye, you will be able to accurately price your items and promote them in the best possible way. Like any place or web host, there are fees involved in an eBay store. The flat fee of $14.95 per month is charged regardless of sales. From there, each item which is listed is charged $.02 rather than the typical auction listing cost which ranges from $.20 upwards. The items remain listed for thirty days or until sale. When an item sells, it is subject to eBay's Final Value Fee just as any other item on the website.
Vic Yosco of Schleich Collectibles Figurines on eBay estimates earning a 33% profit on each of his items. Selling Schleich collectible animal figurines, Yosco needed more exposure for his website www.tjsequineappraisers.com and eBay stores offered just that. "An eBay store has the advantage of buyers being able to see all of your items together in one location," Yosco says.
So, Should I Go for It?
Yosco's advice for new store owners is to be patient. "It takes time to set everything up and for buyers to find you. Some weeks are great selling weeks and other weeks you may not sell anything."
If done correctly, an owner can build a profitable store. This occurs over time when customers become repeat customers. From there, they refer others to a store, and eventually the customer base builds. In the meantime, store owners are investing money in the store even during the low selling periods.
Yosco adds, "It is definitely worth it, and I think it's a good way to earn some extra money."
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines as well as online newsletters. She teaches writing in the public school as well as at the collegiate level. Contact her at Englishteach@rcn.com or visit her website at http://users.rcn.com/wesavedamutt/Writer
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