Start listing on eBay as 1st step to a new business

Last week I was featured on the Start Your Own Business podcast produced by Start Up Donut website in association with the Federation of Small Businesses. It’s essential listening if you’re starting your own business (or thinking about it) and my top advice was that anyone can start a business today by making a start listing on eBay.

Today, new research from eBay UK reveals that over a third (35%) of UK shoppers purchased clothing during the pandemic that they no longer wear, with nearly a third (27%) buying electronic items that they don’t use any more so the demand is there, all you need do is to start listing!

Those most tempted to splurge during the pandemic proved to be Gen Z, with two fifths (62%) purchasing something which they consider to be an impulse buy, compared to just under a fifth (17%) of Boomers. Now, more than 1 in 4 (27%) want to sell these unwanted items, to save up for various post-lockdown occasions. eBay UK’s own data has confirmed this trend, with the most second-hand sales in March taking place on March 14th, just one week after the UK took its first steps on the roadmap out of lockdown.**

When it comes to prioritising purchases, Gen Z’s mind is firmly on their wardrobes with a quarter (25%) keen to bag a new outfit to wear to restaurants, clubs and pubs.

Among Millennials, jet setting is top of the post-lockdown to-do list, with a third (36%) planning to put their money towards going on holiday.

For Boomers, there’s no place like home with one in five (21%) getting green fingered, using the extra cash to spruce up their gardens for welcoming guests.

“As the UK eagerly fills up their post-lockdown social calendars, we anticipate more people looking to sell things they no longer want, wear or need to help continue to fund their lifestyle.

Now really is the time to sell, as there is a big appetite for pre-loved items on eBay UK. Five second-hand purchases were made every second in 2021 as customers seek out more sustainable and affordable preloved items, perhaps reinventing their style after a year at home.”
– Emma Grant, Head of Pre-loved, eBay

As data from eBay UK has revealed that the average seller makes over £500, by selling just 15 items, people could easily and quickly be on their way to hitting their saving targets. Start listing unwanted items you have around the house today to cash in on high demand items to get experience before you source stock for your new business.

Eight tips to start listing on eBay from The Frugality, Alexandra Stedman

Alexandra Stedman is a Freelance Fashion Stylist working and living in London and having worked in PR and for magazines for 15 years launched The Frugality in 2012, a site about sensible spending and saving up for things you love. Here are Alex’s top tips for selling on eBay:

Keep imagery simple

Let the product speak for itself. Try and shoot your item on the plainest, simplest background you can – the back of a door, wood flooring, on plain (clean!) sheets. Use natural daylight to shoot if you can and try and steer away from any background clutter to distract from the item you are trying to sell.

Think seasonally

For instance as it begins to warm up it’s a great time to think about selling old sunglasses as buyers are looking forward to spring. Maybe don’t bring out your heavy coats until September.

Plan your timings

Statistically, Sunday is the best day for selling on eBay. Maybe it’s everyone scrolling and a bit more relaxed to shop. If you’re not around to upload on a Sunday, you can still schedule your listing in advance to end on a Sunday (I find evenings best).

Download the app

I use the eBay app to photograph, edit, schedule as well as watch and buy – all from the comfort of my sofa.

Be honest

Mention any flaws on the object – scuffs on shoes, chips on glassware – and photograph them for clarity. It is best to be upfront with any perspective buyers so they are aware of exactly what they’re buying as a customer.

Save on packaging

Postage and packaging needn’t cost you a fortune, I love storing and recycling boxes and jiffys from home to reuse and recycle.

Stay safe

To help you stay contact free in the current climate, eBay offer a delivery and drop-off service via Packlink from as little as £2.85.

Give something back

The great things about selling items on eBay is that you can also give back at the same time. The eBay ‘selling for charity’ function lets you donate a portion of your sales to charity – I set up an account during quarantine selling clothes for charity and raised over £400 for The Trussell Trust.