How to Do Everything with Your eBay® Business

by Greg Holden

Overview

This user-friendly book shows you how to turn the satisfaction and excitement of eBay sales into a lucrative small business--and possibly even a full-time job! Find out how to establish a seller’s account, post attention-getting auction listings, and build confidence among bidders. Author Greg Holden explains how to apply the secrets of successful brick and mortar businesses to the online world. After learning the ropes, you'll find out how to boost sales with techniques such as no-reserve selling and “buy it now” pricing. Plus--tips for locating inventory, implementing marketing plans, and getting free advertising are revealed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780072261646
Publisher:	McGraw Hill LLC
Publication date:	06/30/2005
Series:	How to Do Everything Series
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	496
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.97(d)

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	xvii
	Introduction	xix
Part I	Get Started with eBay
Chapter 1	Become an eBay Auction Expert	3
	Set Goals for Your eBay Business	5
	Know How eBay Auctions Work	11
	Get the Hardware and Software You Need	19
	Follow the Eight-Step eBay Sales Plan	22
Chapter 2	Start Selling with eBay	31
	Learn the Culture of eBay	32
	Do Your Research	38
	Get Registered	42
	Get the Computer Equipment You Need	44
Chapter 3	Become an eBay Auctioneer	55
Decision 1	Custom-Design Your eBay Business	57
Decision 2	Pick the Auction That's Right for You	63
Decision 3	Decide How to Take and Store Auction Photos	74
Decision 4	Figure Out Your Payment Options	75
Decision 5	Pick Your Shipping Options	77
	Conduct Your First Auction	78
	Keep Your Store Well Stocked	87
Part II	Improve Your Competitive Edge
Chapter 4	Tips and Strategies for Online Sellers	93
	Work for the Long Term	95
	Be Community-Minded	109
	Relax, It's Only a Sale	111
	Buy Strategically So You Can Resell	114
Chapter 5	Spruce Up Your Auction Presentation	119
	Create a Sales Template	120
	Fine-Tune Your Descriptions	127
	Dress Up Your Descriptions	132
	Make Your Auction Count with a Counter	134
	Use eBay Seller's Assistant	138
Chapter 6	Manage Multiple Auctions	141
	Start with eBay's Management Tools	142
	Find a Third-Party Auction Manager	156
Chapter 7	Create Your Own Web Pages	163
	MeBay: Create an About Me Page	165
	Publish Your Own Web Site	173
Chapter 8	Create Digital Images That Sell	183
	Capture Those Images	184
	Create Images That Attract	197
	Find a Home for Your Images	202
Part III	Business Practices for eBay
Chapter 9	Accept Payments and Serve Your Customers	213
	Provide Customer Service	214
	Keep It Simple: Checks and Money Orders	220
	Offer PayPal and Other Payment Services	226
	Accept Credit Card Payments	232
	Convert Currency	238
Chapter 10	Make Sure Your Goods Reach Their Destination	241
	Pack 'n' Ship Like a Pro	242
	Choose Your Shipping Options	249
	Reach International Buyers	257
Chapter 11	Meet Other Auction Hounds	267
	Use Feedback to Your Advantage	268
	Observe Good E-Mail Manners	271
	Frequent eBay's Discussion Boards and Cafes	276
	Send Emergency Messages	282
	Give to Charitable Causes	283
Part IV	Sell Specialty Items on eBay
Chapter 12	Drive Home the Deal on eBay Motors	287
	Avoid the Used-Car Lot	289
	Get Your Bankroll Rolling	293
	Get Your Auction in Gear	302
	Complete the Transaction	305
Chapter 13	Auction Off Business Goods and Services	311
	Buy or Sell What You Need to Run a Business	315
	"Lots" of Items Mean Lots of Sales	318
	Look for Local Buyers	322
	Buy Surplus from Uncle Sam	324
	Hang Out Your Shingle on eLance	325
Chapter 14	Sell at Fixed Price: eBay Stores and Half.com	331
	Create an eBay Store	332
	Fix Your Price on Half.com	343
	Feedback and Customer Service	354
Chapter 15	Get Instant Results with eBay Live Auctions	359
	Get Acquainted with eBay Live Auctions	360
	Become a Live Auctions Seller	366
	Find a Consignment Seller	370
Part V	Keep Your eBay Business Running Smonthly
Chapter 16	Protect Yourself and Your Customers	375
	Control Who Bids and Buys from You	376
	Build Your Credibility	384
	Keep Your Transactions Trouble Free	392
Chapter 17	Fulfill Your Accounting and Tax Requirements	401
	What's Different about Being Self-Employed?	402
	Perform the Basic Accountign Practices	403
	Deduce Your Business Deductions	410
	Find Accounting Help Online	412
	Use Accounting Software	413
Chapter 18	Keep Your eBay Business Legal	421
	Copyright and Trademark Concerns	422
	Decide on a Legal Form for Your Business	432
	Comply with Licensing and Trade Restrictions	436
Chapter 19	What to Do in Case of Trouble	439
	If the Transaction Falls Through	440
	If Problems Occur after You Ship	447
	If Problems Occur During the Sale	450
	How to Resolve a Dispute	450
	Glossary	453
	Index	459