Having known Michael for a while, I trust his judgement.
Having been a Trading Assistant since the program was first formed, I tend to agree with most of the statements made. Fees are tricky, but I found it best if I worked my commission on a NET profit status. That is: selling price - eBay fees - PayPal fees = net profit.
Clients who balk at "giving away" whatever percentage you charge can be re-assured that you do your best to get the best price, since your commission comes after all fees have been paid. Which means, the more you sell it for, and the less it costs to do so, the more money you BOITH make!
I ran my business from my house. My inventory was kept in rental storage space, and I had no 'walk-in' traffic -- both of which make the county much happier about giving me my business license. I had no large trucks coming to my house, other than the regular FedEx and UPS trucks. And even my scheduled pick-ups were only twice a week -- the trucks showed up more for my neighbors than for me.
By running my business from home, I saved on office expense. But it also meant no walk-in traffic -- I would go to my client's office. I specifically worked with businesses, not individuals, as I found that businesses were more interested in simply converting inventory to cash and had little-to-no sentimental attachment to anything proffered for sale.
Sentiment inflates perceived value, which can create issues when actual value is shown thru lackluster bidding activity.
Do check out the T/A board -- listen/read a lot. There's also a lot of good info on this board as well -- reading older posts and taking notes is always a good thing.
Good Luck!!
-Bob.
V.46 Trading Assistant, since 1997!
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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there is a specialized board on this topic.
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