Childern & eBay do they Mix?

Dear eBay Queen

I really need some help. I am a stay at home mom with two children under 5. I've sold items off and on with eBay for a couple of years. eBay has paid for all of the vacations our family has taken and helped out with Christmas! My husband recently found out his hours would be cut back at his job. We really depend on his money to make ends meet. I would like to sell some items on eBay to make up the difference of his hours being cut back. Do you have ideas how to keep my children occupied while I work?

Worried Mom

Dear Mom;

As the mother of 5 children, four of which are under 11; I completely understand the need to occupy my children while I work. I have found working in a room where they can be contained helps a lot. I used to work in my basement, but I have found working in the family room an easier place for my younger children to be.

With my children that are under 5, I make sure I have all the things they need to make them happy before I start working. I have a snack, drink and their favorite toys on a blanket near me. I have found having special toys they are only allowed to play with while I work, are most effective at keeping them busy for the longest time. I am also not above using a DVD or a child's favorite TV show as a way to keep them quiet. On some days at my home, the only time I am able to work is nap time, or in the evening when my husband is home.

If none of these things work for you, maybe a relative or neighbor could exchange babysitting time with you. I know that some organizations offer a mother's day out program. Sometimes when I can't seem to keep them quiet or contained I've been known to take them and my laptop to a fast food restaurant with a play place. Many fast food chains are offering free WiFi. It's a nice treat for them, and an hour or two for you to work not in peace, but with a sense that your children are safe and occupied.

Dear eBay Queen;

I am new with eBay and I just want to know some things about getting started. How did you get started with eBay? Any suggestions on how I can get my first sale?

Zemba

Dear Zemba;

I started on eBay about 10 years ago. The first item I purchased was a Ty Peace Beanie Baby Bear. I am really embarrassed to say what I paid for it back then, but let's just say it was over the 8.00 retail price these bears were going for in the stores. The first item I sold was a Masterpiece Edition GI Joe that I purchased at Walden bookstore. It had been marked down from $80.00 to $15.00. I bought 4 of the action figures, and sold them all for over their retail price!

I have learned eBay through trial and error. When I started selling in 1998 there were not as many options available for learning how to sell on eBay. Now days you can find classes, books, seminars and even webinars to learn more about eBay. Most libraries offer free classes or you could learn from an eBay Trained Education Specialist. Most education specialist will charge for their time. Be careful when choosing a class or seminar. There have been companies out there that think it is more important to sell THEIR product to the students, than it is for them to learn to be successful sellers.

To get your first sale, have a great item you already own, take great photos and do a bit of research to see what it will sell for.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 320149205229 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Do you know any crafty people? Do you love one of a kind hand made items? eBay is a great place to show off your talents! Check out this Primitive Folk Art Halloween Witch Doll SOLD $235.83. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130141225705