How to Learn Free eBay Secrets

Are there really any eBay secrets? You've seen the ads, "eBay Secrets Revealed," and then you have to pay $100 to somebody (who has probably never even sold on eBay) to find out what they are. You don't have to buy expensive education materials or pay membership fees to a group to learn the so-called secrets of eBay. You just have to know where to go to find quality information - and it is all free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. There aren't really any secrets about eBay. Most of the knowledge comes from experienced sellers, trial and error, and paying attention to eCommerce trends. The problem with eBay "secrets" is that sellers can sometimes get a big ego and like to brag about their sales, and tell their secrets. You just need to be in the right place at the right time to get this information.

2. Check on the eBay Groups and Forums. It is better to read and watch than to post there. These forums are dominated by long-time sellers and they don't like newbies. But, check in frequently and read what the sellers are talking about. You will find lots of valuable information. Just go to eBay.com, click on the COMMUNITY tab, and click DISCUSSIONS. There are a variety of boards to visit.

3. Read eBay related blogs. Some of the top blogs are AuctionBytes, eBay Strategies, eBay Selling Coach, TameBay, eBay Chatter, Randy Smythe's Blog Utopia, Jenny How, and The Auction Rebel.

4. Look for free eBooks and eBook giveaways. Many have good information but also tease you into buying more eBooks. You can find plenty of free eBooks by Googling "FREE eBay eBooks." Some of them might be junk, but if you learn one new thing, then it is worth your time.

5. Join eBay groups on Facebook, MySpace, StumbleUpon, Yahoo Groups, and other social networking sites. The key is to keep in touch with groups of other sellers and stay informed of the news - including new hot products to sell and eBay rules that may affect your business.

6. Watch the eBay Pulse. The Pulse is a page on eBay that lists the most searched for items in each category. Trends change very quickly on eBay but the pulse will show top searches, which indicate the products that buyers are looking for. Find the pulse at pulse.ebay.com.

7. Listen to eBay Radio. You can listen live (and even call in with questions) or listen to archived shows. You can find the archived shows at http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/eBay-Radio.html.

8. Look on YouTube for eBay related videos. Some sellers will make videos about something they sold. Beware, YouTube videos can just be ads for a "Secrets of eBay" product - so don't get sucked into buying them.

9. Get a free consultation from eBay Seller Outreach. See my eHow article titled, "How to Get a Free Consultation for Your eBay Business." You can get a 20 minute telephone consultation.

10. Check your local library for books about eBay selling. Marcia Collier's "eBay for Dummies" books are excellent. Also look for "The eBay Bible" by Jim Griffith, also known as Griff from eBay Radio. Avoid books that offer a "get rich quick on eBay scheme." These schemes don't work. eBay is a business and it just takes time, patience, and hard work.

11. Watch for free eBay seminars in your community. Sometimes you'll find these at the local library, recreation center, senior citizens center, or churches.

12. Most importantly, ask questions. If you participate in online groups, go to a seminar, or visit a blog, ask questions. Just as your teachers always said, "There is no such thing as a stupid question." Something that is a mystery to you may be second nature to someone just a click away.

Tips & Warnings

• Be proactive in educating yourself about eBay. No one has all the answers. Talk to different people, visit different blogs, and read different books.

Resources

• Learn More About eBay Selling

[tracyh72007]

on 10/14/2008 I totally agree! I was the idiot who spent the $100, guess what NO SECRETS!!!! NO nothing really. Not even a moc listing just a few "sizzle" words and common sense ideas, and pushing all the ebay extras. He never showed how to save money on listing fees or bottom line pricing stratgies. That's where we lose the profit... Over "designer" listings and not adding in the margin for final value fees, listing fees, and don't forget p@yp@l(who is great buy the way) they get a fee for accepting the buyers payment and giving it to you.... Oh and there is shipping supplies too.. Not everyone wants "priority" shipping. Otherwise you have to buy shipping supplies. After all is said and done, you make a $1.00 b/c you didn't consider that before you listed the item.. Sorry to vent lol. Thanks for great FREE advice

[Gourmet2Go]

on 9/9/2008 Thanks for such a great article! 5 stars!!

[kathleensadvice]

on 9/9/2008 Suzanne this was a most informative ehow article. Thanks for putting the links to visit and telling us where to go for free ebay information.
BTW
I just joined eHow so I could leave you a comment. Now I need to think of an article so I can submit my first one.

[kathleensadvice]

on 9/9/2008 Suzanne this was a most informative ehow article. Thanks for putting the links to visit and telling us where to go for free ebay information.
BTW
I joined eHow
Now I need to think of an article to write about

[Moomettesgram]

on 9/8/2008 Great interesting article for tips ~