Two of the most popular websites where you can sell merchandise you no longer need or want online are eBay and Amazon. Let's take a look at both of them.
EBay is perhaps the most well-known online auction site in the world. In order to become a seller, you'll need to establish an account by creating a username and password, and providing your name, address, contact information and credit card number. Once you become a member, the best advice available is to read the site's comprehensive pages on selling. They have wonderful tutorials as well as tips from successful sellers.
Additionally, since it's best by far to have some sort of way to accept electronic payments, you'd be wise to visit PayPal (which is owned by eBay) and set up an account there as well. They'll require a savings- or checking account number (as well as a credit card to verify your information) for you to transfer your funds to, as well as your name, address, telephone number, a username and password. Study that site also, and read all of the information it provides.
Another very popular website where you can sell your stuff is Amazon.com. But peruse the site first to determine if the items that you'll be offering for sale are in line with the products normally offered there. After you have researched the site, you can join by providing them with the same information that you need for eBay and PayPal. The main difference of Amazon when compared to eBay is that instead of going through a third party when you make a sale, the payment money is directly forwarded to your checking or savings account.
Furthermore, Amazon pays for all postage fees. When an item is sold (for example, a used CD or DVD, you'll receive email confirmation stating the buyer's name, address and the amount of postage that's being deposited into your account. How is the postage determined? When you list your item, you select how it will be sent, its size, weight, and the like. Amazon then gives you several choices, such as First Class, Priority, Ground, Air, etc. Once you've selected the method by which you'll mail the item to the buyer, you'll be given the postage fee that corresponds with your method of choice.
Why are these online marketplaces so successful? What sets them apart from the rest? Quality of service, easy navigation of their site, comprehensive information on how to sell your items, great customer service, immediate notification of a sale, available follow-up services, access to electronic payment gateways, affordable fees and massive amounts of shopping traffic to are the main points that have made these two sites so popular amount both online buyers and sellers.
Check out these sites, do your homework, then try selling an item or two on both of them. Once you become comfortable with the site, the requirements and the process, you may want to expand your offerings or even go at it as full business. Lot's of folks are doing it, and with the right preparation, it could become quite lucrative. Good luck!
