This is perhaps the most common question I've received at [tag]eBay University[/tag]. It's frustrating to the person asking because they want me to simply answer their question with an answer such as "used catheters are huge this season." If I did that in front of 300 people however, they would all go out and start [tag]selling [/tag]the same item, prices would fall and disappointment would be the word of the day. (Although, you'd be able to get a heck of a deal on a used catheter for your next road trip. And, No rest stops!)
So, what I try to do is give people concepts instead of actual items. First, if you are an expert in an area you may have a leg up on the competition. If you have spent your entire life selling cutlery, you likely have great knowledge about knives and things related. You may also have great contacts in the business that will help you source a product.
The idea should not always be to sell the 'hottest product' on [tag]eBay[/tag]. "Hot" is a term that comes and goes. What you really should strive for is a product which you can consistently sell for a profit. Occasionally you will be in a position to take advantage of a spike in interest. If you develop a product line around cutlery for example and you sell ceramic knives, let's say Rachel Raye does a show on ceramic knives - you will see added interest in your products. News stories and popular celebrities have a great effect on your sales.
To get ideas on what to sell, look to resources such as eBay's Seller Central. There, under "What's Hot?," you'll find eBay's Merchandising Calendar, the [tag]Hot List[/tag] (top selling items from the past month), the Holiday Hotlist, and other seller resources. It's a great tool for sellers and potential sellers. A new (and fun) tool is [tag]eBay Pop[/tag]. It's a joint effort by eBay and Mpire to show the heavy hitters for the past two weeks.
Lisa Suttora from whatdoisell.com gave great advice on developing a product line last year at [tag]eBay Live![/tag] in Las Vegas. She suggested having the 'product sourcing mindset' at all times, even looking into publications related to items you sell. For example, if you were interested in selling high-end cooking utensils a good resource for upcoming trends would be some of the more popular cooking magazines. They often have the latest and greatest in kitchen gadgets.
So, how then do you get the products at a price which will allow you to sell at a profit on eBay? There is some good (and free) information on wholesale buying at [tag]Worldwide Brands[/tag]. If you'd like to avoid a large inventory and drop ship products you can visit [tag]Doba[/tag] for some excellent help.
In order to find a niche for selling, look at yourself and your own individual experience and know-how. Only you know what you know. You can use your unique experience in life to develop a product line that reflects your passions and interests. Sure some people may sell the same products, but you may be able to do so in a way which causes buyers to feel comfortable with you as a seller. YOU are the key to what to sell.
[tags]what should I sell[/tags]
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1 comment so far ↓
Lisa Boyle…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….
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