My brother sells on eBay and Amazon on and off and has a website with his own merchant account. However, he was experiencing too many damage claims due to damage his items sustained while in en route to the customer. My brother as his customer is not a patient person. He was easily fed-up and decided to target only the local market in Southern California, while only offering a few listings on eBay and Amazon. He was looking to have total control of inventory (eliminating Drop Ship) and most importantly eliminating the Carrier. This allowed him absolute control from listing to opening the item in the customers presence.

Now, because he is only using a portion of his savings, he sells directly from home. In fact, has has no bedroom, its become his warehouse. He is saving enough money to eventually open his own location and hire help. He list only what he has in-hand. And if needed he will drive to the manufacturers the same day to re-stock. Living in Los Angeles is to his benefit being that many manufacturers are in City of Industry.

The secret to his success:
He lists every morning on Craigslist (no software used-Craigslit will drop you like a Hot Potato)
Does not direct traffic to his site. He wants the customer to contact him directly and will let his charming personality take over. Seriously, not one customer can get off the phone without him closing a deal. All sales are cash, he calculates a small profit includes tax and will offer Free Delivery within reasonable distance. Once he arrives for the delivery if a customer ask for inside delivery or assembly he will ask that they offer him a tip of their choice. Usually, the tip is enough to cover a full tank.

Now, my brother has several things going for him. He knows the furniture industry, has a cargo van and the strength of football player and the charm that any sales person would love to have. Because the market is fickle; he has not quit his day job as a stock boy at a local toy store. He is the best employee they have had, dedicated during his hours of work, but will not accept a full-time position there. All because he has a vision of where he is headed and a plan on how to get there.

His day job allows him to pay for his rent and gas but his Craigslist business allows him to cover all other expenses while allowing him to save and have extra pocket money. Not bad for a guy in his twenties.

Remember it all starts with an idea. It may come frustrations, necessity or simply from the ether. Take that idea and create a plan. Soon you will have developed your own Secret to Success…….

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Amazon

When I list on Amazon, I search under my specific category under Best Sellers. Without fail (as long as you are offering the best price) I will generate instant sales……You’ve heard of Google on steroids, well, following this simple tip will be Amazon on steroids for you.

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eBay and Amazon are such huge Brands that you would think the changes Google made would not impact them but I find that it did. At least it was clearly evident with eBay and eCrater. The traffic and sales now generated in eBay represents only 15% of my sales each month. The change could had impacted my overall sales a great deal. Surprisingly, the difference in sales was made-up through the leads generated by Bonanzle. Bonanzle was one of the first sites to announce its full compliance with Google’s changes. For what I have seen its working and doing well for me. Help yourself and Drive traffic to your estore and other marketplaces placing Free ads.

Are you offering your items through Bonanzle?  Have you experienced a decline in traffic from any of the sites since Google made changes?

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As of December 31, 2008 Amazon will no longer offer BillMeLater as a payment method. All sales and orders processed with BillMeLater prior to 12/21/08 will continue to be processed.

It does not surprise me that Amazon will terminate their relationship with BillMeLater. If you recall back in October I informed you of eBay purchasing BillMeLater. With eBay as the new owner, they would have access to information Amazon would not want their noses in.

I have mixed emotions of Amazon not offering BillMeLater. When Amazon initially offered BillMeLater, I ran campaigns promoting the service. My sales nearly doubled that week alone. Buyers calling asking for details about BillMeLater. eBay has too much and Monopoly is what comes to mind.

This is a big year for eCommerce as well. You will find Google Checkout becoming more popular and eCrater stronger and more popular. This is a great time to sell or start selling online. You have options and many of them. Some requiring a small investment and other absolutely Free.

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