eBay Tip #31 – Dedicated Thermal Label Printer – A Must Have

Rollo Thermal Label Printer

I don’t know why I waited so long, but I finally took the plunge! I bought a dedicated USB thermal label printer!

No Ink Needed


Thermal printers are really cool because they use no ink! Instead, the printer prints digitally on thermal paper by heating selected areas of the paper as it passes over the thermal print head.

Actually, I have previously owned a Dymo thermal printer made just for printing small 1″ x 3″ mailing labels. I used this when I sold on Amazon as an FBA seller (fulfilled by Amazon). In order to send my products to their warehouses, each item had to have the bar code covered over with a new code label. I loved the ease of use. It just printed a specific size label, over and over. It was a work horse! I loved that little printer!

I didn’t come by newest purchase without cause. My main printer, a Brother Color Laser printer (MFC-9130CW) needed a new fuser, which I’ve replaced in the past, so I ordered the part on eBay. It came, I installed and it still was not working properly. I re-installed the old one, no help either. I had a lot of shipping to do today, so yesterday I did a little research and decided to buy a dedicated thermal label printer, just for my shipping labels.

My 1st Choice


How did I decide on the Rollo Thermal Printer? Here are my top three reasons:

  • It works with a Mac
  • The Price was right ($169 on Amazon)
  • I saw some reviews to convince me

Speedy and Compatible


In addition, it works with all my various platforms of selling online:

  • eBay
  • Poshmark
  • Amazon

AND my shipping platforms:

  • eBay.com
  • Stamps.com
  • Endicia
  • Ship Station
  • Pirate Ship

Prints in a Matter of Seconds


  • It uses 4″ x 6″ connected stacked thermal labels, which feed into Rollo printer
  • For best results I use: Preview app and Chrome browsers
  • Label tears right off after printing
  • Peal off back of label and attach to your package!

Here is a video on installing the Mac Driver! So easy!

Recap


eBay Tip #31

Tools can be an important part of your selling online life! Purchasing this dedicated thermal label printer is exactly what I needed for my biz!

Look no further than the Rollo Thermal Label Printer.

  • The Price is right!
  • Easy to use with a Mac!
  • Prints in Seconds!

eBay Tip #30 Make a List and Check it Twice

I find that if you write down your daily goals or make a TO DO List, things will have a better chance of getting done.

This simple action is very important as you begin ramping up in the world of online selling, including eBay!

It serves multiple purposes.

Making a List……..


  • Gives your day a plan
  • Keeps you focused and on track
  • Is a great way to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day, by reviewing your “checked off boxes”
  • Allows you to prioritize your tasks into urgent, important and non-urgent

You can also break your daily tasks into time segments like: 15 minute slots, 30 minute slots, 1 hour or longer and then make your list!

Begin the Day


  • Checking and answering email
  • Printing packing slips for orders that need to go out
  • Finding all the items that were ordered
  • Get them packed, weighed and measured.
  • Print mail labels
  • Load up my bin for my daily mail pick-up, which happens later in the afternoon.

Listing and Photos


I look through my various piles and boxes to see which items I want to list on eBay and other sites: Amazon, Facebook, Craig’s List, Next Door or Poshmark.

Sometimes my mood dictates listing larger items on the local sites, other times I might focus on records, or clothing or memorabilia. Whatever it may be, write it down.

Don’t Get Stuck in Analysis Paralysis


Researching items is a fun task, but it’s important not to get to involved or spend too long with it. That can be real time suck!

  • Go to the eBay Search Bar
  • Type in the item you want to sell
  • Click on Advanced to the right of the Search Bar
  • You can choose to see what similar items to yours have sold and their prices
  • The number may vary, so pick a mid range number and set your selling price

 

What Else Will You Do Today?


After shipping your orders, listing your new items, you may still have time for other related eBay activities like:

  • Sourcing more items
  • Sharing your items on Social Media
  • Ordering new shipping supplies
  • Doing some basic bookkeeping
  • or Fill in the blank _____________________

Check Off Your Activities


  • Can you list 3, 5, 10 or more items per day? Per week? Per month?
  • As you grow your sales, there will be more for you to plan for! Your time is valuable!
  • Perhaps, you will fit in a walk or lunch with an old friend or some grocery shopping.

One of the best parts about selling on eBay is the flexibility you have.

Recap


eBay Tip #30

  • Make a list of daily tasks
  • Get into your daily routine in an organized way
  • Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis
  • Check off what you have accomplished
  • And always keep it fun!

 

eBay Tip #29 Learn eBay from a Pro

If you want to learn how to do something the right way, it’s best to learn from a PRO!

What is an eBay Pro?


Definition: eBay – A Online Buying and Selling Marketplace

Definition: Professional….(Pro is an abbreviated form of the word)

If you are a visual learner, watching someone teach you a skill can really help the instructions sink in!

In my online course: The ABC’s of Selling Online Using eBay, I teach you exactly how to sell on eBay, step by step.

And after seeing and hearing the lessons one by one, you can re-watch any of the segments over again if necessary!

Why Reinvent the Wheel?


 

I have been selling on eBay since the very early days of the platform, 1998. There have been so many changes to improve the buying and selling experience. I learned the hard way, mostly trial and error. If you take my course, I will cover things like the Mindset of Selling, What Tools You’ll Need to Begin Selling, Info on Shipping and Pricing and so much more.

Take it Slowly


No need to rush. As you get comfortable with each concept, I will show what sells, and how to create your very own first listing!

It’s doesn’t have to be difficult, but for people without a tech background, I explain it simply! It is even possible to list on eBay using your phone or tablet and avoid the computer all together!

I have years of teaching experience as a tennis professional. I taught ALL level players and in ALL age ranges. I love teaching tennis AND eBay!

List, Sell and Ship


By the time you get though the whole course, you will be READY and ABLE to list, sell and ship on eBay.

  • You may not even have an eBay account, so I will teach you how to create one.
  • You may not have PayPal and I’ll teach you how to collect money from your buyers!
  • You may not have any boxes, I will teach you how to obtain and even get them for FREE!

Get Rid of Your Stuff and Make Some Money


I will teach you how to turn your “trash into cash” as they say! It’s the ultimate form of recycling and reusing by selling on eBay.

It will empower you to sell all on your own, after taking my online course. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

Short on Time?


  • That’s okay. You only need to commit to an hour a day at first. You can start with one listing and then to two and so on!
  • Make personal goals depending on your schedule. I teach you how to use your time wisely when listing and researching.
  • It doesn’t have to be an all day process. Short and sweet is my plan for you!

Learn from a REAL Pro


I sell every single day on eBay! I’m not kidding. I am a real person who loves to teach others about the fun eBay can bring you! In addition, you can make extra money too!

I can’t wait to hear about your success!

Recap


Tip #29

  • Goal: Learn to Sell on eBay from a Pro!
  • Task: Take Anne Z’s Online Course THE ABC’S OF SELLING ONLINE USING EBAY!
  • Task: Get rid of unwanted clutter, make some extra money!

eBay Tip #28 – Tips to Get Your Listings Moving

EBay sent me a message today! I am going to review it’s contents below.

 

1) Review Active Listings


  • Perhaps re-write a title or description to better describe your item.
  • Maybe it might be time to take the listing down and donate!
  • Perhaps adding some new photos can help the listing overall!

2) Study the Competition


  • Review pricing of similar items and adjust given this information
  • Is you pricing higher than others?
  • Can you make it more competitive? eBay buyers love to get deals!

3) Be Sure Your Listing Category is Correct


  • I apparently have to correct a number of my listings, according to their message. I will click on the link and make adjustments as needed.
  • Click on the edit button to see options available.

 

4) Provide Item Specifics


  • Each category has drop down choices that will help items show up in “search” for eBay buyers.
  • The more info, the better chance they will find you!

Here is an example from a current listing of mine: Lakers NBA Jacket.

Promote Your Listings


  • There are some cool tools that allow you to Promote your listings and they will appear higher in the search for similar items. This does cost whatever percentage is applied to your items. This option is totally your choice, but I use it all the time!
  • I also like to put items on SALE frequently. Some of my older listings have more aggressive sales than the new listings. When you use this option, you will earn less, but move it sooner! At least that is the goal. I use sales all the time!

 

Touch It or Think About It


There is another way to get new sales that is commonly reported by fellow sellers.

If you want something to sell that has not sold after a long time being listed, then go over to where it’s located and TOUCH IT!

Seriously, that has worked for me! Of course, your results may vary! Worth a try! The goal is to make sales, so whatever it takes is what I say!

Recap


Tip #28

  • Goal: Make sales on slow moving listings
  • Task: Review listings
  • Task: Study the Competition
  • Task: Be sure you listing Category is correct
  • Task: Provide Items Specifics
  • Task: Promote Your Listings

eBay Tip #27 The Five Best Things About eBay

Here is my Top 5 List of Best Things About eBay


1) I can sell just about anything!

  • Do you have old record albums?
  • Clothing you’ve never worn?
  • Star Wars toys?
  • Autographed photos?
  • You name it, you can sell it on eBay! Not everything will garner top dollar and there may be a glut of Life Magazines, but if you have the desire, you can list and possibly sell your items on eBay!

 

2) I can make money on my own!

  • No need for a job interview to sell on eBay!
  • No need for a resume to sell on eBay!
  • You don’t have to have top grades or be the fastest athlete or any other superlative, just list a few items that people want and you will make some money!
  • You are your own boss!

 

 

3) I can sell from home, or anywhere with a WiFi connection

  • I can sell using my iPhone (or other mobile device)
  • I set my own hours: early morning or late at night or anytime in between – eBay doesn’t shut down!
  • I can even list while buying the items at a garage sale!
  • I can sell in my pajamas!

 

4) Recycle and Reuse and Renew!

  • I love finding a new home for my old stuff
  • If something sells that is known to be broken, others can repair or use for parts or make art from it!
  • Things have many uses, not just for the original purpose
  • I call it moving things around the universe!

5) It’s Fun to Buy and Sell on eBay

  • Who says making money has to be boring? Selling on eBay is fun!
  • I can sell to people ALL around the world and not just in my local community!
  • I can BUY from anywhere in the world too!
  • I love finding treasures all from my phone or home computer without having to travel anywhere!

Recap


Tip #27

  • Goal: What are the 5 Best Things About eBay?
  • Task: Have Fun!
  • Task: Recycle, Reuse, Renew
  • Task: Buy or Sell from home or anywhere
  • Task: Work and Make money on my own!
  • Task: Sell just about anything!

eBay Tip #26 – 2020 Postal Rates Go Up

On January 26, 2020, the Unites States Postal Service (USPS) put new rates into effect! They say there a two certainties in life: Death and Taxes. I would add Annual Increase of Postal Rates!

New 2020 USPS Rates


• First Class Mail – https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm

• Media Mail – https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm

• Priority Mail – https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm

• Priority Mail Express – https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm

 

Here is some info broken down by type of mail.

First Class Letters


A stamp costs 55¢. Hard to believe, but true. Good thing we have “Forever Stamps” that work whatever the rate is. Buying stamps in bulk can help save some money but always being current with the rate when used. Time is saved too, since you won’t have to stand in line at the post office buying 1¢ stamps or other small denominations when increases happen!

Are you aware these differences when sending a good old-fashioned letter?

  • Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.55.
  • Square, oversize, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $0.70.

Postcards


Do you ever send a postcard when you go on a trip anymore? I guess most of us just send a convenient text with photos to our friends and family instead, these days.

  • Standard-sized postcard, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.35.
  • Oversize postcards need letter stamps, which start at $0.55.

Here is how to send a letter or postcard the right way!

If you have kids, here’s how to form a letter writing club, so they can learn. Sending and receiving mail can be fun!

What is Media Mail?


Here’s some important information sending media mail correctly.

Here’s a list of what you can send:

  • Books (at least 8 pages)
  • 16-millimeter or narrower width films
  • Printed music and test materials
  • Video and sound recordings
  • Playscripts and manuscripts
  • Printed educational reference charts
  • Medical loose-leaf pages and binders
  • Computer-readable media

NOTE: Video games, computer drives, and digital drives do not qualify for Media Mail prices.

Magazines like People or Life and others that have advertisements in them are NOT allowed to be shipped by Media Mail!

How to Send a Package


There are five basic steps to sending a package according to the USPS.

  1. Pack Your Box
  2. Address Your Package
  3. Choose a Mail Service
  4. Calculate and Apply Postage
  5. Ship Your Package

Restrictions


Did you know you are not allowed to ship certain items?

Here is a list that includes:

  • Air Bags
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Gasoline
  • Marijuana (medical or otherwise)

Priority Mail


  • Fast delivery time: 1-3 Business Days
  • Free Package Pickup service at your home or office
  • Includes USPS Tracking and up to $50 of insurance with most shipments (restrictions apply)
  • Flat Rate, regional, and prepaid pricing (retail only) available

Calculate Your Price Here! It all depends on zip codes, size of package and weight! Bookmark this link for future use!

Faster Yet – Priority Express


  • Fastest delivery times: overnight to 2 days
  • Overnight scheduled delivery by 10:30 am, and Sunday and holiday delivery available in many major markets for an additional fee
  • Free Package Pickup service at your home or office
  • Includes USPS Tracking® and up to $100 of insurance with most shipments
  • Price includes proof of delivery signature record (if requested at time of purchase)

Less Expensive Ways to Ship


If you walk into a post office in person, you will pay a higher rate than if you print postage and shipping labels from home, using eBay’s shipping service or other services like Stamps.com, Endicia.com, Ship Station (I’m a big fan) and Pirate Ship (FREE to create an account!) Shipping online is the way to go, either with USPS.com or one of the services above!

Recap


Tip #26

  • Goal: Know the New 2020, USPS rates
  • Task: Click on the links on this post to see what’s new!
  • Task: Print your shipping online to save money!

 

 

 

eBay Tip #25 Don’t Rely Solely on eBay

Warning: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

That saying has been used for all sorts of situations, but it applies big time for eBay sellers! It is important to use multiple selling channels to diversify and find new buyers, not just eBay buyers.

Multiple Marketplaces

Some of the channels I use include to sell besides eBay, in order of my personal success top to bottom, along with some pros and cons. Your results may vary. Watch for future review posts of each of these sites. Below find some pros and cons vs eBay.

  • Amazon
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • NextDoor
  • Craig’s List
  • Poshmark
  • MaxSold
  • Garage Sales
  • 5 Miles
  • Offer Up

Other sites you may like, but I have not used:

  • Etsy
  • Mercari
  • Depop

Amazon vs eBay

Pros

  • Amazon fees are roughly the same as eBay depending on if you have a high or low priced item. You will keep more or your earnings, if it is a higher priced, from my experience.
  • Amazon takes their percentage of the sale upfront, you don’t owe anything after the sales (unless shipping charges exceed your sales)
  • “Everybody” knows Amazon!
  • Amazon has a huge catalog of offerings for buyers.
  • Amazon may be easier and possibly quicker to list than on eBay (yes, they have a free mobile app!)
  • Amazon pays YOU every other week for your sales.

Cons

  • Lots of competition in amount of inventory and pricing, for common items: books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
  • You still have to ship items sold, just like on eBay, if you are Merchant Fulfilled Seller.
  • Sales tax is collected from many states, so you have to brush up on latest rules. (Though that is now happening on eBay too! It’s a changing world for online sellers currently!)

Facebook Marketplace vs eBay

Pros

  • Lots and lots of local people are now shopping on Facebook Marketplace. Growing quickly!
  • No fees
  • Easy to list
  • In Person pick-up arrangements

Cons

  • Can have flaky communication between you and potential buyers
  • Have to arrange meeting pick-up time (should be in public space), which takes up part of your day.

NextDoor vs eBay

Pros

  • Local feel
  • No fees – Cash sale
  • In person pick-up

Cons

  • Lots of flaking by folks asking and then not responding once you reply.

Craig’s List vs eBay

Pros

  • Many items to choose from
  • Many buyers – CL is popular
  • When the sale works, it’s great!

Cons

  • Scam messages galore
  • Lots of flakes
  • May take a while to sell stuff
  • Need to renew listing every 7 days

Poshmark vs eBay

Pros

  • Great for clothing and fashion
  • Once sale is made, you just print out shipping label
  • Don’t have to wait for payments like on eBay

Cons

  • Need to add followers to grow
  • Need to share items to grow
  • You must regularly drop your prices to stay competitive

MaxSold vs eBay

Pros

  • Maxsold is a growing online auction site for folks in North America
  • Every auction begins at $1.
  • Local pick up only.
  • Auctions run up to 10 days and pick up is 2 days after.
  • Lots of things sell!

Cons

  • Many items may only sell for the $ starting bid.
  • Buyers need to be local to pick up
  • May not be available in your area yet.
  • 30% percentage goes to Maxsold overall, but it you don’t reach a minimum amount it can cost you.

Garage Sales vs eBay

Pros

  • Cash sales
  • Fun to meet buyers/neighbors in person
  • Lots of people love to go to garage sales

Cons

  • Low prices are what buyers are looking for
  • Not everything sells, need to offer remaining stuff for free or take to donate
  • Set up, break-down tables takes time
  • Takes time to put up signs around town

5Miles and Offer Up vs eBay

5Miles and Offer Up are mobile device apps that are intended for local sales. Offer up adds a shipping offering to those who want to get more exposure than just locally. They are not major players in my online selling at this time.

I have had limited luck in selling on these apps, so for now I will not review further. Watch for more on them in the future!

While eBay is a great website to sell your collectibles and unwanted items for profit, it is not the only game in town. It is best to branch out and try other marketplaces. You will reach all sorts of new customers and make new sales. And remember “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket!” when selling online.

Recap

Tip #25

  • Goal: To branch out and not limit your online selling to one marketplace like eBay
  • Task: Try some of the other selling platforms
  • Task: Beware of the scams connected with some of the local pick-up sites
  • Task: Always meet your potential buyer in a well traveled public spot like grocery store parking lot
  • Task: Mix it up and you will keep your inventory fresh to a new buying crowd
  • Task: Try to put large items up on local marketplaces to avoid having to ship them!

eBay Tip #24 Shameless eBay Plug

My Shameless eBay Plug


I have been selling on eBay since July 1998! That’s a long time! I have been working on improving as a seller over the years and I am so close to a personal eBay Feedback goal, that I just have to share on my eBay Tips Page!

I am 100 positive feedbacks away from 10,000! Yippee!

This shameless plug is to show that you can do it too! Each sale can earn you an additional feedback point. Each purchase you make can also earn another positive point. One, after the other, adding to your total and one day you could be close a new level yourself.

Here is a breakdown of the eBay Feedback scores!

Now I recognize there are many other sellers achieving great success on eBay, but what is important for me to re-iterate is that I am just a regular person, selling regular stuff. I don’t have a warehouse, nor a large staff. At most, I’ve had a college student or two helping with listing or a friend occasionally help me with shipping. But for the most part, it’s been just me!

All on my own!


And I am very proud of my consistency, and that I stick to it! I have taken vacations and put my eBay store on hold. I’ve been able to make my own schedule, so that I could help my elderly father, in his last years. I raised a son and was able to go on his field trips in school, all because I sold on eBay.

There is something to be said about working for yourself. EBay is a platform perfect for a person who wants to make there own schedule. You can list every day, or once a month. Whatever your situation, you can make it work for you!

A Pat on the Back


As you sell on eBay, the feedback system is there to protect and inform fellow eBayers about each other. As you connect and sell and grow your feedback, others will see your reputation on eBay! It is there to show potential buyers that you want to do your best! In return, your growing score is a nice pat on the back!

As I share my personal goal, I am even more steadfast in being the best eBayer I can be! I want happy customers and I like “moving stuff around the universe”. If you need a boost in getting started, why not take my online course? I have it hosted on a few different platforms for you to choose from. I would love you to join me on eBay!

And I am focused on the next few months as I get closer to reaching 10,000 Yellow Shooting Star feedback! I will be posting when that day happens since it’s been a long time in coming.

When you do sell, please share your successes with me! I’d love to hear about them!

Recap


Tip #24

  • Goal: Celebrate your successes – like a feedback goal!
  • Task: Sell one item, then the next and so on!
  • Task: Make your own schedule to fit your style of selling
  • Task: Share your success with others! You can do it!

eBay Tip #23 – Free eBay Branded Supplies

Free eBay Branded Supplies


Free eBay branded supplies

One awesome perk for eBay Store sellers is getting FREE eBay branded supplies every quarter. They look very professional and can add a positive appeal to your buyer’s eBay experience when receiving their eBay packages from you!

Open an eBay Store


There are five levels of eBay Stores. Here is a screen shot from eBay’s website of the costs for each level.

eBay store seller

I am currently an eBay store seller with the premium subscription. I get a nice savings with a yearly renewal.

As a benefit of my premium subscription, I can order up to $50, per quarter, in free eBay branded supplies. Here is where you find the drop down menu to locate the coupon to order the supplies. Marketing ==>> Seller Discounts

Free eBay branded supplies

Once you select Subscriber Discounts, you will see your coupon for that quarter for your eBay Shipping Supplies.

eBay branded supplies

Start Shopping for Supplies


Click the button “Start Shopping” and that will take you to the eBay branded supplies. They do cost something to a regular eBay buyer, but when you put your coupon code (as an eBay store seller) into the check- out, you will see your savings! Here are some current product options available.

eBay branded supplies

eBay store seller

The items include: eBay branded boxes, tape, envelopes, tissue paper, thank you cards, stickers and more. The color choices and sizes change a bit from quarter to quarter.

My favorite thing to order is the tape. I go through a ton of it and will not run out any time soon. This month I’m getting some brown strapping tape with the eBay logo.

I also ordered some boxes. I need to re-stock my inventory in the size 8″ x 6″ x 4″, which is perfect for smaller items when shipping my eBay orders/sales.

After clicking on “Add to my cart”, I will check out and then pay for my FREE eBay branded supplies, using my coupon and PayPal.

 

Your Order is Being Shipped


Within an hour of my order, which was totally free except for $3.95 sales tax, I received an email that showed my items had been shipped! They should arrive early next week.

They have already left me positive feedback for my order! I will leave feedback for them, once I receive my order!

More Benefits


Besides getting the free eBay branded supplies every quarter, eBay store sellers have increased amounts of free listings per month and the ability to put your items on vacation hold in an instant.

It’s something to look at if you are considering wanting to open and eBay store. I love my free eBay branded supplies!

Recap


Tip #23

  • Goal: Get free eBay branded supplies
  • Task: Open eBay store
  • Task: Order free supplies every quarter
  • Task: Use the supplies to “up your game” and look more professional when shipping to your buyers!

ebay Tip #22 – Share Your eBay Listings on Social Media

Share Your eBay Listings on Social Media

Increase and Drive Traffic


Social media is here to stay! Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram……the list goes on and on! Why not take advantage of getting your eBay listings in front of more people and “SHARE” on social? It can drive traffic to your listings for free!

It’s easy to do!

On each eBay listing, you will see these icons at the top right of the screen: email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

If you click them, one by one you can share the listing immediately with your followers on that social media account. As an example I am using a current listing that I have on eBay (item number: 383028424778)

RICK RUSH Serigraph MAGIC JOHNSON & MICHAEL JORDAN #245/275 Shooting Stars BBall

eMail Widget


Post on Facebook


Tweet on Twitter


Pin on Pinterest


Don’t Over-Do It!


While it’s not a good idea to just click and share, share, share to bombard your audience. Try using your social accounts to help your followers with info, tips and other points of interest.

Perhaps you have an interesting find while thrifting or garage saling. Or you have a favorite eBay story about an eBay home run or score. People love to hear from you, but try to pace yourself regarding sending links to your listings all the time.

Other items to add: a funny meme, inspirational quotes, a delicious recipe. This is one way to contribute to your community and friends in a positive way rather than only selling! It’s a two-way street and one can reciprocate for a better social connection!

Recap


Tip #22

  • Goal: Share Your Listings on Social Media to Increase Traffic and Viewers
  • Task: Share with eMail
  • Task: Share with Facebook
  • Task: Share with Twitter
  • Task: Share with Pinterest
  • Task: Try to space out your shares, not bombard your audience.
  • Task: Comment and connect back with your followers
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