“Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new dance step – it is an old business procedure.”

– Fran Lebowitz

Have you been feeling the squeeze of the economy, & inflation?  Are you tired of living off of ramen noodles and tap water?  It’s time to turn that dusty old junk drawer into a cash cow!  Flipping items that you own or find on eBay is a great way to create a supplemental source of income that can help you live a little easier.  Here is my guide on how just about anyone can turn old items, and junk into another stream of income!

Find Your Niche

First things first, you need to find your niche.  What do you love?  What are you passionate about?  What is something that you know alot about or something that you truly want to learn more about?  The key to success in flipping is to find something you’re knowledgeable about and that has a market demand.  It could be anything from rare comic books to vintage collectibles, as long as there’s a market for it, there will be money to be made.  

Source Your Products

Next, you need to source your products.  Rummage through your attic or basement, hit up your local thrift store, garage sales, or even dumpster dive (I won’t judge).  The key here is to find products that you can sell for a profit.  Make sure to do your research before buying anything.  Check out the prices of similar items on eBay to ensure you’re not overpaying and can turn a profit.

Create A Killer Listing

Now that you have your products, it’s time to create a killer listing.  A great listing should have clear photos and a detailed description of the item.  Be sure to use keywords that people might search for when looking for that item.  You also want to be as descriptive as you can about the item and its condition.  Honesty is the best policy, so be upfront about any flaws or damage the item may have, and clearly explain or showcase that in your photos and description.

Price Your Item Right

Pricing is also key when it comes to flipping on eBay.  Do your research and check out the prices of similar items that have sold recently.  You don’t want to price your item too high, but you also don’t want to sell it for too little and lose money.  As one would do in real estate, you have to look for recent “comps” to see what could be the going rate for your item.  Always be mindful of the condition of sold items however.  There are times in which your item may be in worse condition than one that has previously sold, so inherently it will sell for less.  On the flip side, your condition may in fact be better than a previously sold item, so yours may actually sell for much more!  Finding that sweet spot is key.

Ship Your Item Securely

Once your item sells, it’s time to ship it securely!  Shipping is a crucial step in this process so you want to be extremely mindful of how you package your item.  Personally, I always prefer to over pack than not, as shipping carriers can sometimes be quite rough and careless with your package.  Bubble wrap and sturdy boxes are your friends here.  Make sure to include a note thanking the buyer for their purchase and encouraging them to leave feedback. 

Offer Excellent Customer Service

As with any business, great customer service is the key to repeat business.  Make sure to respond to customer inquiries promptly and address any concerns they may have.  Also, it is always great to field best offers for your items, and even offer combined shipping to help reduce the costs for your clients.

So, what are you waiting for?  Dig through that junk drawer and start flipping!  With a little bit of effort, you can create a successful eBay flipping business that can help you achieve your financial goals!

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