This article is going to cover some theories
behind buying and selling on the internet and how best to portray yourself as a
small ‘garage’ business using sites such as Amazon and eBay as shop fronts.
I think the most fascinating thing about
buying and selling on the internet is watching the patterns which emerge from
people’s buying habits, and seeing how different little tricks can change what
people buy.
The first issue everyone has to overcome when
selling stuff on the internet is competition. I would say this is probably the
biggest hurdle. And it is such a big issue because there are so many people
doing the same thing. I am currently reading Alan sugar’s book, where he talks
about going into the Hardware shops as a Salesman and offers his products.
There isn’t the same way of working on the internet as there is in the real
world. There is no human contact or traditional persuasive selling patter which
can be used.
The internet has its own selling system and
it mainly involves the user coming to find you, not the other way around which
is the more difficult bit. What you also have to consider is not only is there
lots and lots of things which people are selling but also lots and lots of
things which people are buying. The range of stuff which you can find is so
much more expansive than any shop you may find, no matter how big or small.
So we are in a situation with so much to
choose from to start selling, limited funds, and so much competition. I know
what you will be thinking now. How do I even start. My top tip here would be to
clear out your loft, or under your bed. Have a good old sort through your junk
and find a few items to sell. Maybe 4 or 5. Advertise them on eBay. I am not
going to tell you how to sell on eBay, that is for other blogs or maybe a later
post, but I will tell you the first items you sell will be the best indicator
of where your selling path may go. You can really get a feel for what people
snap up, what sells and what doesn’t, how the system of eBay works and also how
best to market items.
You will find many extra tools on eBay, most
of them designed to squeeze every last penny out of the profits you make so you
have to be careful with this. Do the maths and make sure you aren’t making a
loss. Work out what is effective and what isn’t. Also by selling a few items
you will build up some reputation on eBay and people will be more inclined to
buy from you.
Let’s all take our parents for example. I
know mine are certainly the ones who won’t buy anything of Amazon unless it is
fulfilled by Amazon and take extreme care on eBay. They may really want that
china teapot somebody bought you for your birthday 6 years ago because it has a
tiger on it, but if you don’t have a very good ‘reputation’ they will stay well
clear. I could make or break most of your sales.
Even the tech savvy look at this when
purchasing. I can’t stress to you the importance of it. And it is built up with
you being reliable and professional from the very start.
Don’t miss part 2 of this article where we
look at moving you little endeavour on from just clearing out the junk under
your bad or in the top of your wardrobe.
Please follow me on twitter: @peachy146
