Rob from the western Chicago Suburbs!

[SpartyQ]

Hello All! First off, a big thanks to everyone that contributes here – the videos and forum advice have been very helpful for me as I just started reselling on eBay three months ago. I work a full-time job with two young boys, a three-year old and a four-month old and found that not only is this fun, it can turn a nice profit! My wife works full-time as well, so my goal is to quit the day job within the next year and transition to full-time. We live a pretty frugal life, so I think this will be possible.

I currently have close to 500 listings and as of late, inventory has been moving quite well. The last 60 days Net, I am well over $5,000 – I estimate my profit at about 65%. I would like to get my listings to 2,000 by the end of 2019.

I’m a jack-of-all trades kind of person, so I don’t limit myself at all. Basically, if I find something that will sell, I will research it just to get a bit dangerous – library books, youtube videos, talking to someone who knows the subject matter….whatever it takes.

I source from the usual spots – thrift stores and estate sales mostly, but also a bit from online liquidation auctions and craigslist. I also took out a local ad and have been able to sell a fair amount of things via consignment.

So, hello and thanks to all you amazing contributors!

[Jay]

Welcome! You’ve hit the ground running if you’ve only been selling for three months. How do you find time to list so consistently with two young kids?

[SpartyQ]

Good question – it’s a lot of work! Actually, one side benefit of doing this is that I completely cut out all TV watching…only an occasional Michigan State basketball game. This definitely frees up time for listings! Basically, I go to work – get home and cook / feed the 3-year old and once everyone is in bed I take pictures and list items. Usually I am up until midnight doing this but I do mix in a night or two each week that I’m off and just hanging out with the wife. I source at lunch and after work and weekends are for estate sales and garage sales once it warms up.

My process is once I get my items home, I document all expenses and take pictures in bulk. The inventory goes to racks and clear bins in the basement. I then mass upload all photos to my eBay Photos folder on my computer. As long as the photos are in the folder, it means that it is not yet listed. Once I list the item, I delete the photos from the folder. It’s been a good system to quickly know what (and how much) still needs to be posted. As an extra inventive to myself, if I acquire items cheaply (or as a part of a box of items) and haven’t researched them before hand, I do not allow myself to research their value until I create the listing. It’s a good way to make me want to make the listing b/c I am itching to know how much something is worth!

[Jay]

Awesome that you’re so self-motivated. That’s really the most important part of a successful equation.

What kind of work do you do now that you’d want to replace with eBay?

[SpartyQ]

I currently work in purchasing for a mid-sized publisher. The people and the company culture are fantastic, but I’ve worked a few different desk jobs for close to 15 years and I’m really at a point where I don’t want the 9-5 life any more – and really it’s a 7 – 6 life when you factor in all the time I am there and driving time.

Worst case scenario, I can always go back and find a another job, but not until I give this my best shot.

[Jay]

Yep, every big change I’ve made in my life started with “I can always go back to where I was”. Never had to do it though.

Your young kids will probably very much enjoy having you around more often at this age.

[Author]

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