The eBay Business Handbook, 2nd edition

Jacket text for The eBay Business Handbook, 2nd edition

Beat the recession with an eBay business

Anyone can buy and sell on eBay, that's one of the great things about it and one of the reasons it has become such a success and a regular part of so many people's lives. But how many people actually make serious money from eBay? How many people can actually generate significant revenue or give up the day job and run an eBay business full time? Robert Pugh has done just that and in this fully updated and revised edition of his eBay Business Handbook he reveals the secrets of his success. It includes details on sales, marketing and business processes and gives you the information you need to use eBay to its full potential, to maximise returns and develop a robust online business.

This book has been written for anyone who has ever considered the idea of owning their own business and being their own boss. Whether you want to supplement an existing income, or you want a complete change in life, this book is for you, giving you the confidence and knowledge you need to make that step. Written in plain English, this guide does not require a grasp of complex computer or business jargon; all that is required is a desire to succeed and an open mind.

Unlike other eBay guides, this handbook is based on the personal experiences of an established Powerseller. Everything from the practical concerns of international sales to the purchase of packing materials is covered here. With a fresh, common sense approach to selling, the book includes many hints, tips, and personal recommendations that can be applied to all of your eBay activities, making this book essential reading for both experienced and non-experienced eBayers alike.

Perhaps one of the most valuable sections is the one dedicated to finding stock to sell. Where traders obtain their stock is a closely guarded secret and often finding where to buy can be quite daunting. This guide will tell you where to look, how to buy from different sources and, the most interesting of all, how to use eBay as a source of goods.

Discover how the author went from zero to 9,000+ feedbacks (and growing) in just two years. From the very first LP record to the family car he has sold items into almost every corner of the globe, taken every form of payment known to man, and personally packed a huge variety of items. Anybody can do this, just follow the steps in this guide, dedicate the time, and soon you too could be living the eBay dream.

Chapter headings for The eBay Business Handbook, 2nd edition

About the author
Preface
Introduction

1 - A day in the life of an eBay trader
A typical day in the life of eBay trader

2 - Starting out
Overview
What exactly is eBay?
First steps
What to sell
When to sell
Research the market
Establish your selling account
Decide on your target market
Establish your trading terms and conditions
Payment options

3 - Preparing for the first auction
Overview
Check the competition
Prepare your item
Packaging materials
Post
Photographs

4 - Creating the first auction
Overview
Stage 1: Auction type and categories
Stage 2: Title and description
Stage 3: Details - price, time, pictures
Stage 4: Payment and postage
Stage 5: Review your listing

5 - During the auction
Overview
Revise your item
Cancelling your bid
End a listing early
Selling directly
Reply to email
First auction completed

6 - After the auction
Overview
Second chance offer
Receiving payment
Packaging
Dispatch
Relist your unsold item
Claiming back fees

7 - Refining your auction format
Overview
Standard method
Your own HTML

8 - Fraud on eBay
Overview
Types of fraud
What eBay will and won't do concerning fraud
What to do if you have been defrauded

9 - Developing your online business
Overview
Building on your brand
Securing more stock
Affiliate sales
Power Seller status
Trading worldwide

10 - Managing the paperwork
Overview
Business plan
Legal concerns
Ta ation
Self-employment
Conclusion
Appendices

About Robert Pugh

After 24 years working for the same company, and many years within the corporate sales division, Bob Pugh realised it was time for a change. He began selling on eBay in January 2003, initially by clearing his house of unwanted items, with very little knowledge of computers and no experience of selling via the internet. The first few months proved to be a steep learning curve. But he soon became an established eBay Power Seller and has sold 18,000 items. Now, aged 43, he has retired from full time work and uses eBay to generate an income as and when it is required. Editor of the popular website and blog, www.ebaybulletin.co.uk

More about Robert Pugh