Take accurate measurements for clothing you list on eBay. Do NOT make assumptions. Remember, all brands size differently. Trust me, I’d be thrilled if I could walk into a store and automatically know what size to purchase, but it’s always a gamble.

If a prospective buyer asks a question that you cannot answer (e.g. I wear a size 8, do you think a medium will fit me), respond to them by giving approximate measurements for the garment or directing them to the manufacture’s sizing guide.

I made a trip to the outlets seeking eBay merchandise this past weekend. Upon entering the accessory area of the Neiman Marcus Last Call outlet, I saw these amazing nova check crinkle style Burberry scarves. The sign also read “Burberry”. They were absolutely gorgeous and selling for a clearance price of $25! I couldn’t believe my eyes! The Burberry outlet doesn’t even sell plain scarves for that cheap so this was a complete score! I bought all six of them knowing the return would be huge.

The cashier even commented on how great of a bargain the Burberry scarves were and that they would make the nicest gifts! Long story short, I couldn’t wait to get home and research them on eBay. Quickly, I discovered these types of scarves were selling for no less than $150 each! I took one out of the package to snap a photo and my heart sank. The label sewed inside the scarf did not say Burberry. I cannot remember the designer’s name, but it was not recognizable. I was disgusted and threw it back inside the package. The very next day, I returned them!

The customer service manager who returned the merchandise asked me why I was returning and I said “Well, the sign said Burberry yet when I arrived home and opened one, I realized the label is not Burberry.” His response was, “they look just like Burberry but you’d never find them that cheap”. I had to scratch my head, why would the store promote them as one brand when they indeed knew they were not?

Anyway, the eBay lesson today is know your merchandise before listing. Do not assume anything. These scarves were total knock-offs which disgust me. Do not misrepresent merchandise, if you are in doubt about authenticity then do not take any chances!

It is against eBay’s policies to list knock-off items (I guess these scarves would have been considered true knock-offs if the labels had been removed and they were listed as an actual Burberry item). I still feel that Neiman Marcus broke a rule by their false advertisement. That should not be allowed! They tricked me!

The actual eBay policy is called “Replicas, counterfeit items, and unauthorized copies policy”. In a nutshell, it reads, “For a safer buying and selling experience on eBay, we don’t allow listings for counterfeit items, fakes, replicas, or unauthorized copies.”

Don’t over-complicate the eBay listing process. Make sure to conduct research before posting your item for sale. Rest assured, 9 times out of 10, the item you are listing is currently on eBay or has been sold there. Search active listings as well as completed listings. See what the average selling price is and then determine your starting bid or Buy It Now price. Read what other sellers have to say about the item in their description. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE and steal their description but definitely use it as a guide.

Make sure your title has the appropriate key words and that everything is spelled correctly. Buyers search for specific words or phrases and this is how they will find your listing. Also, make sure your item is listed in the appropriate category. Complete the “Item Specifics” section since this adds more information to help buyers find your item in search results. Buyers can use popular item specifics to refine their search and locate your item faster. eBay helps by populating some of the “Item Specifics” details based on your title.

Describe your item for potential buyers. Try to eliminate any questions they may have by being specific and accurate in your listing. Keep in mind, a well written eBay description takes time, so do not expect to rush through it. My philosophy is, over-communicate the details and give accurate measurements to eliminate potential questions.

Once you have an auction listed, you can use it as your guide. Just select “Sell a similar item” and then tweak the auction to fit your next item.

Good luck!

Recently, my family took a trip up north to visit loved ones and so my husband (aka The Other 46) could attend the Drink Local Wine conference in beautiful Loudoun County, Virginia. If you know me personally or follow my blog, you already know my obsession with buying merchandise and reselling on eBay. What you probably do not know is how HUGE my eBay stash really is. The stash is not junk either, it’s really nice merchandise from designer shops that I have scored for unbelievably low prices. The problem is, I need to make time to sit down and just list it all for sale (not easy to do with a toddler).

My husband and I are really bad about shopping for ourselves. If we are out and about, our main focus is finding clothing for eBay. So, here we were packing our bags and both of us were like…we need clothing! What did we do? We went to my Rubbermaid containers filled with designer duds and found a few pieces for each of us. We were both hesitant about certain items, I remember my husband saying “I cannot take that, it’s a Ralph Lauren Purple Label shirt and you’ll make $100 from it”. My response was “I paid $10 for it, you cannot find a higher quality shirt for $10!”. Still, he wouldn’t take it.

Let’s see, he finally selected a Ralph Lauren RRL t-shirt that I paid $5 for and a Ralph Lauren RLX polo for $7 (I typically sell those pieces for no less than $60 each).

My selection was a beautiful Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Polo Match Polo Shirt. The polo retails for $125 (I paid $20). A percentage of sales from all Pink Pony products supports programs for screening, early diagnosis, treatment and research and brings patient navigation to medically underserved communities. From the moment I purchased this shirt, I wanted to keep it! My MIL is a breast cancer survivor (praise God) and another loved one is currently battling breast cancer. She just had a partial mastectomy and is about to start chemotherapy.

Even though I could have banked from listing this particular Pink Pony on eBay, my heart told me to show support! What a great decision! I wear my pink pony with pride for everyone who has been impacted by breast cancer. I pray everyday that a cure is found. Ladies, early detection is key and there are controllable risk factors. Click here for more information.

When packing eBay merchandise, don’t just throw it into a box. Make sure to wrap it neatly and securely with tissue paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or other soft options. You want to give your buyer a good impression, let them know you cared down to the very last detail.

Also, make sure the box, envelope and packing supplies you use do not smell funky. For example, if you keep your boxes stored inside a garage they may inherit a gasoline aroma. Or, if you find a box that seems like the perfect size but it is sitting by the dumpster, please just leave it there. Don’t take a chance with dirty or smelly boxes, it just isn’t worth the risk of ruining the merchandise you pack inside. Remember, Priority Mail offers free boxes so take advantage of it!

I have received merchandise that was just shoved into a box with dirty newspaper clippings all around it. Not a good impression, especially when it was an antique collectible that I spent a great deal of money on! I have also received merchandise that blew my mind with how they were packaged and presented. One seller actually included a handmade card with inspirational quotes written in calligraphy. I knew that seller cared all the way to the very end of the transaction!

Keep in mind, packaging and presentation have an impact on feedback that is left for you. While packing merchandise may seem like a minor thing, it really does play a big part in the buyer’s experience.

The question I constantly hear from people interested in selling on eBay is, how do I determine shipping costs? Well, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has made this much easier with their Priority Mail flat rate boxes which totally eliminate the guess work! You can set-up your account online, order free boxes and have them shipped directly to your home! How convenient is that? Now, keep in mind flat rate boxes may not be the most economical route for your buyers (in most cases) but it eliminates stress for you as a seller. Plus, they can be used for domestic and international shipping!

Also, you can arrange for a carrier to pick up packages from your home! I have never used this method since my post office is only a few blocks away and I enjoy the walk, but it is available.

The USPS also has kiosks in some post offices which makes domestic shipping a breeze (no waiting in long lines)! The kiosks are open 24/7 and walk you step-by-step through the shipping process. You can also purchase insurance and delivery confirmation from the kiosk!

Now, once you start getting familiar with shipping items, you can always offer your buyers a more economical shipping method (first class mail) which really isn’t that slow. I recommend purchasing a variety of padded envelopes and using those (I purchase mine in bulk from Amazon.com which saves a fortune)!

Do you have any shipping tips? If so, please share!

Contest is closed! Congratulations to John on winning this great eBay resource!

For my regular readers, you know I am obsessed with eBay. You have witnessed hundreds of tweets, facebook updates and blog posts about eBay and how to make money using the online auction house. I have read many books about eBay, but only one can I endorse whole heartedly. The book I am referring to is “Titanium eBay: A Tactical Guide to Becoming a Millionaire“.

If you are interested in maximizing your profits on eBay and reaching the highest level of success regardless of experience level, then this book is for you! It is a valuable resource that is a must have for anyone serious about selling on eBay. In over 60 chapters, your questions will be answered! The book covers everything from organization, product selection and pricing, advanced listings and selling strategies, auction management, and brand building.

I am excited to announce the author, Skip McGrath, has agreed to autograph a copy for one lucky reader!

For a chance to win, sign up for Skip’s free monthly newsletter and leave a comment on this blog post answering “What do you want to learn from Skip about selling on eBay”. Also, his website contains a wealth of information so I highly encourage you to bookmark it and visit often!

Contest closes on  March 30, 2010. Once you complete the above steps, do the following and make sure to leave a separate comment entry for each extra item. This will allow you additional chances to win.

• Join The Unemployed Mom’s Facebook Fan Page. If you’re already a fan, thank you very much! Just list your name below and indicate that you are.
• Follow @Unemployed_Mom on twitter and retweet this contest (you can use the convenient green retweet button)
• Post this contest to your facebook status.
• Subscribe to The Unemployed Mom’s RSS feed and let me know you have. Already a subscriber, thank you (just state that you are in the comment section).
• Have a blog? Follow The Unemployed Mom and let me know you are a follower.
• Have a blog? Link The Unemployed Mom to your blogroll and let me know you did so we can exchange links!

Winners will be selected using Random.org. Please make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you. If I do not receive an email response from the winner within 3 days, another winner will be selected.

Good luck!

My newest tv obsession is the show “American Pickers” on the History channel. Two guys rummage through junk piles, abandoned barns, and neglected garages and buildings for hidden treasures. They make deals with the junk owners and then resell the merchandise for a profit. It is so comical to watch these guys get excited over the items they find.

Anyway, the reason for my blog is because I started thinking about the concept “picker” and determined that I am indeed an eBay picker. According to History.com, “pickers need a fabulous eye, especially when evaluating potential purchases”. Over the years, I have developed an eye for the merchandise I select and sell on eBay. At one time, I used to walk into Coach or Burberry and just purchase an item because it was on sale and seemed like a good deal. Granted, I would typically make $20 – $50 per item after auction fees, but now I make sure if I purchase an item it is going to bring in a substantial profit margin and be worth my time and energy. Now, I wait for coupons and I conduct research via eBay completed listings to determine which items will bring in the most profit prior to purchasing.

I recently hit it big at the Polo Ralph Lauren outlets. Just this weekend, I found black label merchandise for under $10 per item! Some of the merchandise is still being sold on the Ralph Lauren website for over $300 per item! Also, I purchased Double RRL nuggets. Since there are only a handful of Double RRL stores in the world, I feel fortune to have found rare merchandise. Each item is hand crafted and unique! I am going to name my price in my newly created eBay store and let the money roll in! It is exciting being a picker!

I haven’t posted for a few days, was recuperating from all my time in the kitchen. YES, I canceled our reservation and cooked Thanksgiving dinner for my family! The food turned out wonderful and I am beyond thrilled with my decision to cook. I only cheated when it came to the pie and rolls, but next time they will be from scratch too.

Also, I have been spending all my spare time posting merchandise on eBay and gearing up for Cyber Monday (which was yesterday). My efforts paid off, I have had a successful run on eBay! Anyway, I wanted to pass along some eBay holiday shopping tips which may save you some headaches and money!

• Feedback is key! Do not bid on an item if the seller does not have a high percentage of positive feedback. See what others are saying about the merchandise they receive and about the seller’s tactics.
• Best offers. Do not be afraid you will insult the seller by putting in a low offer. In many instances, a seller will email you a counteroffer and then you can either accept, re-negotiate the terms or decline the offer.
• Offer a lower price than the starting bid or “buy it now” price. Again, don’t be afraid to send the seller a message and work out a lower price that fits your budget (even if that is only requesting for free shipping). You’d be surprised how many sellers are willing to work with you just to make a profit!
• Work out details up front! If you want to purchase something but need it shipped to an alternate address, make sure you clarify this before bidding. Some sellers generate their shipping labels from PayPal and use the confirmed address that is on the invoice. Also, remind the seller by putting special instructions in the “notes” section when you check out.
• See other items! If you are interested in purchasing an item from a seller, see what else they are offering. In many cases, you can strike up a good deal for purchasing multiple auctions! Again, email the seller before bidding and work out shipping discounts.
• Consider a second chance offer. Many sellers have multiple items and will send you a “second chance offer” via eBay if you were outbid on an auction. This is a great way to snag an item quickly and without paying the winning amount.
• Do not assume anything! Ask questions before bidding.
• Read the auction details. Make sure you know the shipping time frame as well as the accepted payment methods before bidding.
• Leave feedback. Feedback is critical for sellers so make sure you leave honest feedback about your transaction. Also, make sure you receive feedback from the seller so you can build up your eBay credibility.

Happy eBaying! There are bargains out there and terrific sellers to work with, like me!

We have all received emails about how to make thousands of dollars on the Internet. Let’s face it, we’d all be rich if these scams were true. As a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM), I have researched legitimate at-home income potentials and here is my list of 5 ways to bring in extra income via the Internet:

1. eBay: If you have unwanted clutter lying around your home, why not post it on eBay to make some extra cash? This avenue can bring in some serious money depending on the items you list. In addition to used merchandise, you can also shop for bargains then re-list on eBay to make a profit. Click here for tips on how to make money on eBay.
2. Craigslist: If you have items you’d like to get rid of such as furniture, electronics, items left over from a yard sale, etc. then give Craigslist a try. It’s free to post items and the interface is extremely easy to use.  The first step is to set-up a free account then start making some money. For Craigslist advice, click here.
3. Etsy: If you are creative, you need to check out Etsy, “a place to buy and sell all things handmade”. People sell everything from handmade jewelry, food, clothing, quilts, stationary, etc. If you have a gift for making unique items, start cashing in on your talents!
4. Elance: Companies and entrepreneurs are always looking for experts to complete various job (typing letters, creating presentations, graphic design, programming, customer service, etc.). Elance is a site that helps bring job seekers and available jobs together. Basically, a job will be posted outlining certain criteria. A job seeker can review the description and then bid on any job of interest. The person who posted the job will then choose a bidder and once milestones are completed, the bidder will be paid. This is a great way for a SAHM to keep her professional skills fresh!
5. Start a Blog: Have a passion for writing? Want to share your interests with the world? Starting a blog can be profitable and easy. At Blogger.com, you can set up a free blog in just a few minutes, even if you do not have web design experience! Ever wonder why blogs have advertising on them? Well, when people click on those advertisements, the blogger is paid! Blogger.com will help you set up these Google Adsense advertisements so you can make money from clicks too. Don’t expect to make money overnight though, you will need to develop a reader base and use social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your blog.

Good luck! I hope my suggestions can help you start making money today!