Category: Ebay

eBay is an online marketplace that emphasizes it you are looking for it, it’s on eBay! Sellers offer all sorts of unusual and every day items at fixed prices and auctions as well. There are deals to be had on eBay! There is a feedback system in place to see what others have to say about sellers which is helpful. Many sellers offer FREE shipping.

You Need These Cordless Scissors! The Pink Ones!

Buy Cordless Scissors – The Pink Ones

If you are like me, there are times when I need to ship something flat!

The package will need a piece of cardboard or two to keep it from bending during shipping.

I have cut a lot of cardboard, and the standard scissors “JUST DON’T CUT IT”! Pun Intended!

Once I found these cordless scissors, it made my day! Literally! No more pain! Quick and easy!

Watch the video below to see how they work!

Click here to find them on Amazon.

No more pain from regular scissors. I recommend buying the Pink Power Cordless Scissors. You won’t be sorry!

It cuts many things besides cardboard. Paper, material and so much more!

Make your eBay shipping life easier! See a list of benefits below.

10 Benefits

  1. Increased efficiency and productivity in cutting materials such as cardboard and bubble wrap.
  2. Reduced risk of repetitive strain injuries compared to manual scissors.
  3. Easy to use, with cordless options available for greater mobility.
  4. Precision cutting for more accurate sizing of materials.
  5. Improved safety features, such as automatic shut-off and blade guards.
  6. Longer battery life and faster charging times for cordless models.
  7. Customizable blade speed for greater control over cutting.
  8. Reduced noise pollution compared to manual scissors.
  9. Versatility in cutting a variety of materials, including fabric and leather.
  10. Minimized waste by cutting materials to the exact size needed, reducing excess and potential damage during shipping.

 

 

Shipping Tools

Shipping has to be the most confusing activity for most online sellers!

Yet, shipping can become easier and less expensive when using many of the options listed below:

As sellers, we need all the help that we can get in the way of shipping tools regarding costs, speed of delivery, box size and types of service.

If you are interested in info on other seller tools, head over to this page: Seller Tools.

Here is a list of my favorite shipping tools. I will be reviewing them, so be sure to come back and check this page often for more information.

Shipping Services

  • Amazon Seller Shipping
  • eBay Seller Shipping
  • FedEx
  • Pirate Ship – A Free and cost effective way to ship using USPS
  • Ship Station
  • UPS

Shipping Scale

In order to use many of these services, you will need a shipping scale. Here is one that I recommend!

 

Thermal Printer

You will also want a printer for labels that you print from your home computer or mobile device. No need to drive to the Post Office or shipping store anymore!

The best part is NO INK, NO TONER needed!

Rollo Thermal Printer

My favorite printer is a thermal 4″x6″ printer.  Click here to purchase from Amazon!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Managed Payments on eBay

There is a big change coming to eBay selling this year of 2020. It’s called Managed Payments and it’s sort of like eBay’s version of “PayPal”. eBay used to own PayPal and split some time back. Now eBay is taking over it’s own money collection process. It will be rolling out to most sellers over the next few months, and I have just received an invitation from eBay to enroll.

 

eBay Managed Payments

 

What’s It All About, Alfie?

Here is eBay’s promo video on how it works!

I have two eBay accounts and have been asked by eBay to sign-up for Managed Payments before July 15, 2020 on my smaller account, so it will allow me to see how it all works and report back here once it’s all in place.

I will notate each step along the way, for you to see for yourself!

Let’s Get This Party Started!

 

After clicking the Get Started Button located on my eBay page, Get Started

here is what one sees:

eBay is Managing Payments

eBay says that it will give buyers more choices, along with streamlined payouts and simplified fees.

What's Changing

Here’s what one needs to register:

What You'll Need

 

You can download the Registration Checklist for MP – Click this link here.

Time to Register

Register Now

  • Next you will be asked some questions about your eBay selling account and update your account details.
  • Account Info
  • Link Bank Account you want your sales earning to go into.

TIP: Use a separate checking account from your personal for business and tax reasons. Less confusing!

  • Link Bank Account
  • Then Review info and Confirm.
  • Here is the email I received upon registration completion:

Registration Completion

Almost ready to begin. eBay will let me know when everything is up and running.

On the List

 

3 Advantages Over PayPal

The three advantages of Managed Payments according to eBay:

  • No transfers needed.

No transfers needed

  • More ways for buyers to pay.More ways for buyers to pay
  • Simpler fees.

Simpler fees

 

Recap

It was simple to register. I will await account activation information from eBay and report back in a new post as I begin to use.

If you have questions, drop them in the comments below and I will try and answer as best I can.

Managing business during the outbreak of COVID-19

Here is a message from eBay:

March 12, 2020

 

seller_news_team

Verified Blogger

Verified Blogger

03-12-2020 08:34:59 AM

A health crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak presents unexpected and unprecedented challenges for businesses, both small and large. We’re monitoring the situation closely and, along with the safety of our employees, our top priority is our sellers.

 

In an effort to protect our employees throughout this event, people from some offices globally have been working remotely from home where appropriate or required by government agencies. That said, normal work continues— seller tools are still available, and employees are working every day in service to our community.

 

In supporting our sellers, we will stay in close contact with our service carriers and will extend seller protections should services become interrupted.  In the meantime, here are some ways you can take care of your health and business right now:

 

Stay safe. Stay informed.

The health and safety of you and your community is most important. Stay up to date and informed on ways to protect your health and others at official sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and your local health department.

 

Partner with your customers.

As always, let your buyers know if there may be delays getting your items out the door. Use social media to let your regular shoppers and followers know, and turn on vacation mode to alert potential buyers if you can’t get your shipments out the door on time.

 

We will monitor the situation with shipping service providers and, as always, if there are interruptions in service, we will protect you.

 

Stay connected with us and the eBay community.

Your fellow eBay sellers are more than just a resource for improving and growing your business. They’re also a link to the world around you, and your online connections are now becoming even more important.

 

With over 8 million members, the eBay Community offers real-time advice across thousands of discussion threads, forums, groups, and regular Community Chat hours. We’ll be staying connected with you through the boards and listening to your feedback.

 

We are providing our sellers who host in-person Community Events with resources to run these events online. If you are a member of a Community Group and are not comfortable joining an upcoming Community Event in person, ask the host to consider holding a virtual event.

 

You can also connect with fellow sellers through social media. Follow eBay for Business on Facebook, and seek out other online groups passionate about selling.

 

Direct brick-and-mortar customers online.

Physical stores may see a decline in traffic during the outbreak, so if you have a brick-and-mortar store, let customers know that they can always shop your inventory on eBay.

__

Again, the health of you and those in your community is most important. Stay safe and, as always, thank you for selling on eBay.

 

Jordan Sweetnam

SVP and General Manager, North America

 

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!

 

 

 

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