Let’s Begin Our “Beyond EBay” Journey

If you just watched the video, then you know how difficult it is for me to change. When I started selling on eBay, I did what most people do – I started by selling things out of my home. I fell in love with the concept of a level playing field for all sellers and buyers. However, on the other hand, I had been the owner of a Photography Studio for 12 years and the part owner of a Locksmith Store for another 5. I am a professional web designer and graphics designer. So I had tons of business experience that I never put into play. I just lumbered through eBay selling this and that.

When eBay started with their sweeping changes in January of 2008, I felt like a displaced soul. I would suspect that most of you have experienced this kind of disappointment. I realized I could no longer be complacent or haphazard about earning money online if I wanted to be a serious player.

Now I say: EBay’s changes may have been the best thing that happened to me. I need to: “Kick it up a notch” ,

Because I am a veteran, I have decided I need a "WAR PLAN" to succeed in online sales. Attack this problem on more than one front. Be aggressive (which is very hard for me). I already had a web site but it was not eCommerce site. It needed to become an eCommerce site. I needed to buy from wholesalers - but wait - first I had to register my business with the state. I need to join organizations that specialize in online selling strategies and definitely need to attend eBay Live.

Now, I am signed up and ready to go to eBay Live in Chicago (my home town). And then it struck me. There are lots of people out there in this "transitional" state.

So, I have decided to use the forum of this newsletter to keep you posted as to how I exactly approach this transitional phase where I move from 100% of my sales on eBay to 100% of my sales on the internet (which will include eBay)

Don't Wander Around In A Daze

I have been to over 30 conventions and I can guarantee you that when you first arrive and register at eBay you will be overwhelmed with choices. . Where should I go? Should I go to a class? This is not the time to set up a schedule. Set up a rough schedule before you get there.

Go to EBay Live and click the "Register Now" Button

Because you have already registered, sign in to My Registration to view the daily schedule of classes. And then click "Build My EBay Live Agenda".



Make your selections and save or print out the entire list and select by hand what you want to do.

Also check out the exhibitors. In between classes allow time to wander through the exhibits.



My final suggestion: Allow time to eat, sit, relax and meet new people. This goes on for several days, so pace yourself.

Get your business registered and get a “resale” number.

Pros: With a resale number you can approach any wholesale company and buy. In your mind realize that this makes you a legitimate business.

Cons: You have to start charging sales tax on line to people who live in your state when they buy from you. You have to submit a monthly sales tax report to the state, write out a check and send it in by the 20 th of the next month.

Conclusion: Business registration took me 15 minutes online. That’s right. Most businesses can be registered by filling out a form online. Within 24 hours I had my resale number and 3 days later all the forms I would need to purchase from wholesalers. Sales tax in the City of Chicago is 10%. I am saving $10.00 on every $100.00 I spend purchasing from wholesalers. I rarely have anyone from Illinois purchase my products. This is the first sound business decision you need to make.

How to do it: Google: Register my business IL (Put the initials for your state where I put IL.)