| You've probably heard about other people making | | | | Photograph |
| money selling on eBay. There's no reason teens can't | | | | People don't like to buy what they can't see. You may |
| do the same. This article is for teens who want to | | | | persuade a few people to take a chance on books, |
| learn easy ways to make some spending money and | | | | DVDs, or games, but no one is going to buy, for |
| will give you the tools and tell you how to do it. | | | | instance, a dress or a homemade candle unless they |
| Decide What To Sell | | | | can actually see what it looks like. If you don't already |
| There are a few pointers to keep in mind as you | | | | have one, invest in a digital camera and take pictures |
| decide what you're going to sell. First, try to pick a | | | | of the items to add to your listings. |
| product that's reasonably unique, that a million other | | | | Set the Right Price |
| established sellers aren't already selling. The product | | | | The lower the starting price, the more likely people will |
| might be something you make, like dolls, quilts, or | | | | be to bid on your auctions. But be careful--if you're |
| candles. Or it may be a collectible like antique children's | | | | selling something truly valuable, you don't want to let it |
| books, vinyl records, or vintage clothing. You can also | | | | go for $1.50 when it's worth $150. Luckily, eBay has |
| sell things that people use in their every day life, like | | | | what is called a "reserve price" feature. It is not visible |
| games, kitchen appliances, or fishing gear. | | | | to the public, but it allows you to set the absolute |
| Second, pick a product that you're interested in. There | | | | minimum you will accept on bids. Using the reserve |
| may be days when you get tired of your product | | | | price allows you to set the starting bid low, secure in |
| even if you start out loving it. If you start out hating it, | | | | the knowledge that you won't risk losing a valuable |
| your business is not likely to last for long. | | | | item for next to nothing if the bidding doesn't take off |
| Third, you should have a renewable supply of your | | | | like you hope it will. |
| product. As old items sell, you should have a way to | | | | A word to the wise: only use the reserve price feature |
| get new items. For instance, if you're selling vinyl | | | | to protect a truly valuable item. Buyers tend not to like |
| records, you might make it a point to go to every | | | | reserve prices and may steer clear of auctions that |
| neighborhood garage sale you can find and buy up | | | | use them. |
| vinyl records wherever you see them. If you're selling | | | | Accept Payments Online |
| vintage clothing, keep an eye out for sales at the thrift | | | | Gone are the days when people had to mail you a |
| store. And so on. | | | | check or money order. Now most eBay buyers prefer |
| Research | | | | to pay quickly online using PayPal (eBay's partner) or |
| Once you have decided what you're going to sell, | | | | another online payment service. Many buyers will |
| check eBay listings for similar items. Pay attention to | | | | bypass an auction that doesn't accept PayPal. If you're |
| the average starting prices and closing prices as well | | | | underage, you'll probably have to have your parents |
| as to the layouts of the auctions. Which items seem to | | | | help you set up a PayPal account, but it's well worth |
| be getting the most bids? The ones in bold print? The | | | | the aggravation. |
| ones that have a special look? You will want to | | | | EBay is a viable home-based business for teens that |
| incorporate this information into your own listings. For | | | | can help you earn extra spending money with a |
| instance, if most items like yours are selling for $10, you | | | | relatively small investment of time and energy. Use |
| won't want to set a starting price of $20. | | | | these tools to get started on your new career! |