Sunday, August 12, 2007

Ebay Musings

I have been trying to think of something to sell on Ebay that would earn enough to pay my mortgage which is $800. The trip to the thrift store got me thinking about selling clothes. If I bought the best thrift store clothes, like a leather vest or an item with the tag still attached on their $1 sale day, I wonder how much they would sell for on Ebay.

Let's see, I would have to buy 800 items if each one sold for $2. I don't think I could find 800 high quality items a month. So, if I added $1 for handling in to the shipping price, each item would return a $2 profit. I would only have to buy 400 items. Still too many.

How about $5 profit per item. I think that is the most I could hope for otherwise it wouldn't be a bargain and it wouldn't sell. I would still need to buy 160 items per month. That might still be too difficult, 25-30 quality items per month is more realistic.

It is an interesting idea though. Perhaps this could be just one of many re-sale sources: thrift stores, clearance sales, outlets, garage sales. I am going to be on the look out for the next dollar sale.

2 comments:

Mom2fur said...

With holiday season coming up (faster than you think!) keep your eyes open for nice Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas things to sell on eBay. Keep a big eye open for anything 'vintage,' or from 30 or more years ago. People love things that remind them of their childhoods. Another holiday thing to watch out for is unopened craft kits. Sometimes, people buy them with the best intentions, then end up selling them at garage sales after all.
You might not raise enough for a month's mortgage, but maybe you'll get some extra grocery money.

Daizy said...

I am totally guilty of buying ebay stuff from my childhood. Thanks for the other tips. I will definitely be on the look-out.