Many older people ask me about “making money on Ebay.”

I feel that it is possible to make some money using Ebay, but like anything it has to make sense for you, it’s not a magic formula in itself.

The real power of Ebay is that it harnesses a worldwide market for the resale of gray market property and the junk in everyone's closets.  Think flea market on a global scale.

Ebay and sites like it have solved some significant problems.  Imagine looking for an unusual item 10 years ago; as an example an out-of-print textbook. Instead of calling bookstores across the Midwest it's available with the click of a mouse. Some folks who specialize in these types of goods; something unique, hard to find parts, old guitars for example, can do well in this trade. 

The most successful items to sell would be small and light, easy to ship and valuable; something like RAM or home-make faux jewelry.  Harder to make a nickel on things that are heavy (ie: expensive to ship - very strong negative...) and relatively worthless (less than $150.00).  

If you are someone who has an unusual or hard-to-find item to sell that you would have a hard time selling locally you may be successful.  An example would be a retired record or stamp collector; someone who wants to dispose of a collection.  It's valuable to you; but not to a local dealer.  Sell it in one lump to someone locally or take the time to sell each item individually on Ebay; perhaps you will come out ahead.

If you used to own a consignment store; perhaps Ebay is for you. There are quite a few businesses now being spawned that are like a cross between a pawn shop and a flea market; folks bring in stuff they think they can flog and the business owner puts up Ebay listings, usually for a fee. Once again, profitable for some things, a waste of time for others – things that are too heavy to ship affordably, for example…

You can also be successful long term on Ebay if you specialize. I have never got into it myself, but if I did I would, for example, sell cow-related items. I have always had an eye for them, since my last name is Cowan. It used to be a big fad, so all sorts of little kick-nacks are available, used. I have a chalet, maisonvachon and the logo features a cow. It would not be a stretch to say that I like these type of things. If I actively acquired them, lots of hats, photos, cups and the like I would post them, then wait for some interior decorator who was desperate to buy this type of item TODAY and would generate a handsome profit. Just trying to make a few bucks off what I have in my attic? Probably either worthless or too heavy to ship; both are negatives. A $12.00 fridge magnet that I bought for $.50 cents and the buyer pays the shipping; hey; there’s money in that…. If I only had the time some days….

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