Want to Make Extra Cash to Travel? Sell on eBay!

I sell on eBay constantly! However, at first I really didn't know what I was doing and made many mistakes. I found it too complicated so I just quit for awhile. Then one summer (when I actually had some time), I decided to give it another shot! Well I am very glad I did because I can honestly tell you that I have made at least $4,000 on eBay in the last 10 years. If you want to make extra cash to travel or have extra spending money. Sell on eBay! It is really easy... follow these steps.

1. Get the eBay app on your phone (it simplifies the process tremendously). Be sure to have a PayPal account already (if not, get one).

2. Find clothes, video games, or small items that you don't use anymore or don't fit - I try not to deal with big items because then the weight issue becomes a pain (you will see what I mean later in this post with the shipping)

- buy shipping envelopes like these (they are in bulk and much cheaper than going to a CVS or Target) - they are a little larger than paper size - click the picture to see prices

- buy shipping tape (click picture below)

3. For each item, follow the directions listed on the app.

- Click Sell and then a the top click LIST ITEM

- Type in what you want to sell, be sure to write the size and label the item correctly

- I usually click START NEW LISTING at the bottom, but if you find a similar product, go ahead and click it

- Then click its CONDITION

- Then you need to ADD PHOTOS (make sure to take it in a place with good light, take multiple pictures front/back and zoom in on details like a brand or a size or a unique feature)

- Be sure that you check the CATEGORY that applies. Most of the time, eBay choose the right one automatically, but sometimes it messes up. Also, some items require you to click the size and brand etc... (so just follow the prompts if it tells you)

- On the DETAILS, write anything specific you would like the buyer to know (you don't have to repeat anything on the title, but give anything extra - like "worn only a couple of times, light gray color, shows signs of wear or in great condition").

- When you go to FORMAT AND PRICE, you have two options AUCTION and FIXED PRICE. I personally don't do an auction. I click FIXED PRICE and then it actually gives you an idea of what you should charge. I usually do a little research before if there are similar items and charge $1 less than the lowest price. If you have no idea what to charge use this as a gauge, but think "what would someone realistically pay for this"

- Now its time to deal with the SHIPPING. I use the default, FLAT

- For SHIPPING SERVICE, click FIRST CLASS PACKAGE (technically it is for "light items" like a pound or under. I kind of mess with this a bit. As long as the item is not very heavy, you can get away with using this (it is cheap, that's why you want this option).

- For the COST, you should charge at least $3.50 (that way it covers the shipping when you print the label later). You can charge more or less - it is totally up to you, but your first class label will be anywhere from $2.50-4.50 (depending on how much weight you put in) - again I will explain this later when a person BUYS the item.

- I usually turn OFF - SHIP INTERNATIONALLY (I just don't want to deal with it)

- Then you click continue and LIST IT. It should say FREE to list.

- Congratulations!!!

4. Once it sells, eBay will send you an email. Follow the directions on your email link or go to the app and BUY A SHIPPING LABEL. It will take you to another link and then ask you the weight of your item - take a guess - it really doesn't matter too much, but do not put anything above 14 oz. My advice is to put in a weight and see how much the shipping is (make sure it is under what you put in the shipping earlier). Once you print it, tape the label to the shipping envelope, place the item inside and then you can drop it in a USPS mailbox and you don't need to go to the post office and wait in line.

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