SELLING ON EBAY: Getting Started And Finding Your Niche

How To Get Started As An Ebay Seller

Learning to sell on eBay isn't just a get rich scheme. It requires hard work and dedication to create an eBay business. Yet comparatively speaking, you probably won't be working as hard as you would in your full time job. That doesn't mean you should quit your job immediately, because your eBay business is going to need a bit of time before it can support you and cover your living expenses.

But if you're looking to make a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars extra per month, it can definitely be done with eBay. One of the advantages to eBay as opposed to working for someone else is that the more you put into eBay, the more you'll get back in return. Now, learning to sell on eBay can be done in various ways. You could buy a book or a course. Or you learn it yourself. While everyone is different, I think the fastest way to sell on eBay is to find a mentor... someone who can show you step-by-step what to do. That's how I got started.

SELLING ON EBAY: Getting Started And Finding Your Niche 

Picking The Right Product To Sell On Ebay

One of the first things you'll learn when you're getting started on eBay is to make sure that you choose the right products to sell. Your eBay business is based on your products, and you should eventually figure out which products sell the best. However, if you're just getting started and making your first listings, you should just look around the house for items to sell. By getting rid of the clutter around your house, you can gain experience and build your customer service ratings.

How do you research what is selling on eBay? First search eBay for the exact kind of product you have in mind. Are there a lot of people buying this type of product? Are there many auctions up with no bids on any of them? Is the product in high demand? By asking yourself these questions, you'll have a better idea of what you should sell. You'll also be a few steps closer to knowing how to sell on eBay properly.

Next, when you've found a product that you would like to sell, make sure that you stand out from the crowd. Say you have the same product as 5 other sellers. What would make a buyer purchase from you versus the competition? Often on eBay people are looking for the best price. If you can price lower than your competition, you'll have an edge. Keep in mind when you price your products that you don't forget about your costs and eBay fees. If you can consistently sell with good profit margins, you'll be in business.

Ebay Niche Research

SELLING ON EBAY: Getting Started And Finding Your Niche

Finding A Profitable Ebay Niche
When I was getting started on eBay not that long ago, I didn't know what to sell. How did I choose what types of products to sell? Let me explain. I'm a gadget geek. I usually know what's going to come out before it's released. I keep tabs on Apple and know when they are going to update their iPhones. This isn't work for me because I like to do this.

It's an easy step to go from my gadget hobby to finding gadgets to sell on eBay. In fact, some of the first items I sold on eBay were electronics related. I sold a Playstation 2, an old Gameboy, and some computer games. After running out of gadgets to sell, I found an electronics wholesaler and started selling webcams and other computer accessories. Today, we still sell the same types of items.

How does this story help you? Ask yourself... what do you like? Selling what you like will make your research and product buying a whole lot easier. Remember that whatever product category you choose to sell in, you'll be spending a lot of time working and figuring out what to sell. If you sell the types of products that you're already interested in, then the "work" of talking to suppliers and researching will be easier. (An added bonus is that if you sell what you like, you can always have one for yourself.)

Let's say you're just getting started on eBay and you have an idea. Let's say that it doesn't work out the way you hoped. The great thing about eBay is that nothing is set in stone. If you have an idea (or no idea at all) that's ok. The main thing is to get started. You can always change direction later, but you have to start moving first. Choose an eBay category that you think you can sell in.

Imagine you're flying an airplane. Airplanes often take off on runways in the opposite direction of where they want to go because of weather or a variety of reasons. Yet once the plane is up in the air, the pilot can make the course adjustments. The same applies for you starting your business. If your plane stays on the runway driving in circles, you won't get too far. Take off by selling whatever you can. Then once you've learned how to fly a bit, then you can decide where you want to go.


The most important thing you can do as a beginner is to just get going. If you choose to travel in too many directions at once, you'll never get anywhere. Sell stuff around your house. Then once you've run out of stuff to sell, think about what you'd like to sell. Just choose something (maybe based on your hobbies) so you have a direction to move in.

While it might take a few months before you get the hang of selling on eBay, you can do it. With a mentor and a plan, you can shorten that learning time significantly. Before you know it, you'll be making money on eBay. You too will be another eBay success story.