How to Research Items to Sell on EBay

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By Jodi Jill
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (11 Ratings)

To Make Cash, Research!!

EBay is a sellers paradise, unless you are unsure of what to sell. If you are like me (I define myself as cheap and frugal) then you need to grab your phone and rush down to the dollar store to do your research quick and painless.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

cell phone
computer
ebay itch for cash

Step 1

Go to the nearest dollar store or check out the dollar sections at the department stores. Target store has two isles at the store entrance and Walmart has deals riddled through the isle.
Step 2

You are looking for a triple cash turnover. So playing like you are a contestant on the Price Is Right, you are looking for items that could cost two to three bucks more at a specialty store. Items like different shaped ice trays, scotch tape with designs, dog sweaters, fly swatters that play a tune, etc. You get the idea.
Step 3

For every item you think is a possible buy, take a picture with your camera phone. This needs to be a picture that gives the details (how long the tape is, etc) so you can read it when you get back to your computer screen.
Step 4

Keep track of the prices of the products. Since I only shop at the dollar store, I keep my math at a minimum, but if you are a high roller ($2 or $3 spender) make note of what it costs.
Step 5

Back at home, start by booting up the eBay account and looking at your pictures on your email. Word for word, type in what the product is and see if any identical items are listed.
Step 6

Next go to completed listings (bottom left of the page) and see how many of this item sold in the last three weeks. If a MINIMUM of 3 of the items sold, then you have a possible item to sell. Average out what you are going to make with the three sums and if you are making triple cost - it is a great product.
Step 7

Go back to the active auctions and determine your competition. You are looking for an advantage. If your competition is charging excessive postage, but close to the same sum as the three items sold - you have a dead ringer product. If you see a lot of bids on active products - then you have a dead ringer product.
Step 8

Return to the store and purchase those dead ringer products. Start slow on this until you have some solid footing. If you see a huge margin - then by four or five items, if not, then buy one and see how it does.
Step 9

The more items you list, the easier you will have to purchase items. And if you get good enough, you can walk into any dollar store and by items, eBay unseen and still sell out.