{Work-at-Home} Online Selling

What is Online Selling? One of the best, and simplest, ways to start a WAH (Work-at-Home) business online is to become a seller on one of the several online auction sites. Ebay is the most popular, and most widely recognized. However, sellers are also having success on Yahoo auctions, Overstock auctions, Etsy, and many others. You can sell a variety of things: things you collect, children's clothes, books, handmade items... anything goes.

Skill Set:
 - Moderate Computer Skills
- Motivated to try new marketing tools
- Understanding of consumers' needs/wants
- Persistence
- Motivated
- Organized

Requirements/Training:
- Build an understanding of consumer base
- Build an understanding of online auctions sites including familiarizing yourself with policies, procedures, and standards.
- Moderate computer skills

Equipment Needed:
- Computer
- Storage for your products (can be an empty closet)
- Digital Camera to post pictures
- Accounts with online auction sites
- PayPal account

Pay Range:
- How much you make will depend on what you sell
- You will have to take into account any fees associated with eBay, PayPal, etc.
The fees involved with running an ebay business are minimal compared to having your own store on a separate website. While hosting for a website can cost upwards of $20 per month, ebay only charges you a small percentage of the items that you sell. There are also some other minimal fees involved, and most sellers work those fees into their listing price.

PROS:
- Being an online auction seller has many benefits for a WAHM. You can run your business from your home.
- You can set up auctions to automatically list at certain times of the day, so you don't always have to be at the computer.
- Plus, there is guaranteed traffic to the auction website which makes it simple to get new customers.

CONS:
- Income is based on what you sell and how you choose to sell it
- Related tasks that will take up time include: responding to customers, packaging & shipping materials, following up, leaving feedback, and keeping track of expenses.
- Things may not sell quickly or even at all

Bottom Line:
Selling your stuff online can be a great money-making tool. It can take more time, energy, and organization than hosting your typical yard sale, but you will definitely earn more money. Things will take longer to sell and, be prepared, some may not sell at all.

TIPS: Be patient. If something is not selling, try different marketing strategies. Familiarize yourself with the auction process before you begin selling. Remember to start your business small and let it develop as you become more confident in your auction selling abilities.

For more information about starting your own Online Selling business, please visit these resources:

* Home Biz Direct
* Entrepreneur.com - eBay center
* Power Home Biz

If you have experience with Online Selling, please let us a comment below with your thoughts and advice!  Also, if you have a site where you sell your stuff, feel free to leave a linky too so we can all visit!