How to Make Money on eBay Selling Gently Used Men's Blazers

Men's blazers and sportcoats are a wardrobe staple.Most men have at least one, but usually many more. Blazers and sportcoats can be worn to work, as casual attire, or for a night out. Learn how to make money on eBay selling gently used blazers and sport coats found at thrift stores, garage sales, and consignment stores.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• thrift stores
• eBay account
• internet connection
• digital camera

1. The first part of this process is to find a source for your inventory. Look at local thrift stores, garage sales, consignment stores, and your own closet. You can easily find blazers and sportcoats for $5 or less at thrift stores. Many sell for over $50 on eBay.

2. Learn about fabrics. Cashmere, camel hair, and 100% wool fabrics bring the highest profits. Look over the items carefully to make sure there are no holes, stains, flaws. Turn the jacket inside out to inspect the lining and the pockets. Make sure all the buttons are present on the front and on the cuffs.

3. Pay attention to the sizes. Size 48 (chest) and up are the best sellers. Look for long and extra long. Big and tall sizes are very profitable on eBay because they are hard to find new in stores.

4. Stick with solid colors, or dark tweeds. Think "classic professional" look. Solid black, camel, and navy are the best sellers. Subtle tweeds in earthtones or dark grays also do very well.

5. Learn about designer brands. Search eBay completed listings for blazers and sportcoats that have already sold and look for brand names. The top sellers are Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Hickey Freeman, Burberry, Hart Schaffner & Marx, Jos A Bank, and Joseph Abboud, to name a few.

6. Purchase a half-mannequin to display the item on when taking the photo. Half-mannequins are hollow and can be hung over a door for picture taking. Using a mannequin creates a nice, neat, professional presentation. Half-mannequins can be purchased on eBay for around $20.

7. Show several views of the blazer on your eBay listing. Show close ups of the buttons, sleeves, and lining. You want to give your buyer as much visual information as possible so that he will be comfortable purchasing your item.

Tips & Warnings

• eBay is about trial and error. Educate yourself by researching completed listings and watch what other sellers do. Not every sale will result in a huge profit, but you must experiement to find out what works for you.

Resources

• Learn More About eBay Selling

[TinaCoyle]

on 9/28/2008 I found several nice jackets using your suggestions on my first trip out to the thrift stores -- thanks so much for the tips!

[bookmom]

on 6/4/2008 I haven't tried men's wear yet, but what a good idea! Thanks so much for the suggestion.