Flipping Collectibles and a Free, Simple Cash Idea

by Steve on May 17, 2009

Personally delivered to you by Steve Lindhorst, author of
"Selling on 'the River' and "The Niche Book"

As we get closer to summer, yard sales are popping up all over. This is a little slower sales season, so get ready for the holiday season by stocking up on items over the summer. I've included a link to my friend Julia Wilkinson's new ebook, which is a great inspiration for you yard salers. Also, I dug up a little ebook that helped inspire me to make some extra cash. I've included a link to that for you for free. On to the newsletter...

In This Issue

  1. eBay vs. Amazon - Taking a Realistic View
  2. You Might "Flip" Over this...
  3. A "Stupidly Simple" Free Cash Idea - Download

1. eBay vs. Amazon - Taking a Realistic View

There is a good chance that if you're reading this newsletter, you bought "Selling on 'the River" some time ago. As you know, I used to be an eBay employee and instructor. A lot of my readers are pretty down on eBay. I have to say, while I don't like the direction the company is going, I still like eBay for one thing. Selling collectibles.

Although I love selling on Amazon, I have yet to find a marketplace with as many buyers as eBay, when it comes to collectibles. Over on GenuineSeller.com, I've been doing the "History on eBay" series. I talk about an event on "this day in history" and then show eBay items related to that event. It's fun to do and has really opened my eyes to what people are spending money on. And people are still spending a LOT of money on eBay.

For new or refurbished items, or media items, Amazon is my choice. I get great average selling prices, and pretty much a no-hassle exchange. But for collectibles, such as those found at garage and estate sales, I haven't found a way to beat eBay.

Part of the difference is in the actual listing itself. Amazon limits what you can display about the "uniqueness" of the item. eBay lets you show more images, and explain in detail the special qualities of a particular item.

Besides all that. eBay was built on collectibles and they've tried to scale the model to fit large retailers. That's why (in my opinion) they're having problems. Amazon was built as a retailer, and they're letting third-party retailers in. It works for that. But not so well with collectibles. Where will the buyers go? I shop on eBay when I want a hard t0 find collectible. I shop on Amazon for clothes and electronics. Your customers will do that same.

So don't write eBay off completely - don't hate the marketplace, just hate what they do...er, something like that. Speaking of yard sales and collectibles...

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2. You Might "Flip" Over this...

One of my favorite "eBay" people is Julia Wilkinson. She was reporting for AuctionBytes at eBay Live! Chicago last year, and we really hit it off. She is the real deal. Just like you and I. Okay, maybe a little shorter, but otherwise just like us...

Julia's website, www.YardSalers.net is about (among other things) buying at yard sales and selling on eBay. One feature of her site is where readers tell about great "flips." Her new eBook, "Big Bucks Flips" pulls real examples from her readers into one place - and it's inspiring to say the least.

It's also extremely educational. I learned about a ton of stuff to look for at yard sales and even offline auctions. I could swear I've passed up some of the items discussed in her book.

One lady bought a box of patterns, craft magazines, and catalogs at the end of an offline auction - for $2.00. In the box she found a 1992 Stampin' Up catalog which she listed on eBay for $.99. It got 24 bids and finally sold for $105! I thought those days were gone, but the whole book is made up of great real-life stories. Another one is thanks to a lady's husband who laid down $5 for an electric skillet. It turned out it was a Miracle Maid Electric Skillet and wound up selling for $176.

Like I said, Julia's ebook is inspiring and educational. I know I will use it (much to my wife's chagrin) to buy more at the sales and will make the purchase price back in no time. I highly recommend this ebook. You can get your copy here.

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3. A "Stupidly Simple" Free Cash Idea - Download

In the last issue, I told you about the potential of offline business, and spoke of Jim Cockrum's site, OfflineBiz.com. While digging around in my computer, I found this little ebook-let that helped me get going in that direction. See what you think. It's a free download, and I think it's really good information. Hopefully it will get you thinking of ways to make the offline dollars in your area.

You can download this little report at: www.multichannelsurfer.com/stupidly_simple.php

Thanks for reading!

Steve

PS - I've been really busy trying a couple of new products. I'll pass the info along once I get a little further in the process. I have to stop buying products and start using them more.

I used to think the "gurus" all know each other and hand out their products free to people who promote them. That is a myth. I actually buy most of the things I promote, and I try them myself. I'm looking at one that deals with public domain products, and it is absolutely wonderful. The other one I'm trying out has to do with a method of selling products from ClickBank. So far, I really like it, in fact it's the best product I've ever seen on the subject.

In the days to come, please watch for an email that mentions one or both of these products. The quality is top-notch, and there is no question you can make some real money if you put the information to work.

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Tagged as: Amazon, eBay, ebay vs. amazon, garage sales, Julia Wilkinson, make money, offline business, yard sales

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Robert May 17, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Steve,

I really appreciate your honest reviews in the midst of all the garbage that is out there. I recently found a collectible tea set my wife had purchased at a garage sale for $6. I have it on ebay right now for $200, with no bids, but I have few watchers.

Thanks,
Robert

Steve May 17, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Thanks Robert. Why not share the item number with us and maybe you’ll get a few more lookers…

Terry Sparing May 17, 2009 at 9:38 pm

Thank you Steve,

I really appreciate the information. Stupidly simple is something that I would like to try. I’m a member of a chamber of commerce. They also have lists of all the businesses and owners. I started a list awhile back thinking I could use it with my off-line business and this sounds so fun can’t wait to try it.

Thank you for all your time and efforts, keep up the good work,
Terry

Pam T May 20, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Steve~
As a low-tech person, I appreciate your simple way of explaining things in a low-tech manner. Many “gurus” use words & lingo I don’t know. If I can’t understand what they’re telling me, I’m not going to stick around. Thanks again. I’m learning lots and trying to incorporate your ideas into my online business.
~Pam

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