Updated Websites

Exciting times!  I've finally updated www.GroovyEducator.com and www.LowerysLoft.com.  

Both websites have links to this blog.  

Below is a screen shot of the Groovy Educator website.  It is very simple.  It's sole purpose is to offer links to this blog, my eBay store, and my Facebook page.

Here are screen shots of the Lowery's Loft LLC website.  This is the one I intend to grow if my eBay store continues to grow.  I've taken a bit of a break from blogging and selling on eBay since I've been working for the Florida Center for Reading Research as an Reading Interventionist.  It is winding down and I will be expanding my eBay store and blogging more on here.  I have several ideas swirling in my head that I just cannot wait to share.  Some of the topics are patterns (this one is not what you think), character education, and teaching with everyday objects.

Finding Items to Sell on eBay (Part 1)

Part of the fun of having your own business is the "treasure hunt."  I love looking for gems that are overlooked.  Now I know I am fairly new at this and cannot get to the sales before everyone else sometimes so I have decided to delight in finding the "overlooked" wonders.

The amazing thing about selling on eBay is that it is accessible to the world.  You never know what someone is looking for.

When I am shopping I've learned to look for a few distinct things:

1. Is there a name?  Is it signed.
2. Is there a size or other pertinent information on the item.
3. Is it broken? Does it have spots?
4. Can I ship it easily?
5. Will the shipping take too much from the profit?
6. Can I make 9 to 10 times the cost?
7. Am I excited about it?

Now I know the last one is very subjective but I want to sell things that I like.  I know that may not be the best route but for now it's the one I'm on.  

Number 6 is a key question:  Can I make 9-10 times the cost?  

I aim for ten but settle for double occasionally.  Currently I tend to sell smaller items so the profit margin is smaller.  I have to factor in the time I spent finding the item, photographing and listing the item, as well as packing it up into the price.  If I pay a dollar I want to charge nine to ten dollars to make it worth my while.  Sometimes though something is just too cool and I have to post it because of the enjoyment and other times I am trying to sell something I have had for a long time and I just want it to find a new home.

Please like Lowery's Loft on Facebook.

Special Promotion Going on Right Now-See Below

This week my eBay hobby officially became a business.  Lowery's Loft is an LLC!

It is an exciting, yet somewhat nerve-wracking, time.

Starting a small business is a leap of faith.  As a former teacher, preparation is key yet there is a HUGE learning curve.   Like anyone who takes a risk, there is HOPE.  Whenever I start doubting myself I keep repeating in my head "Without risk there is no reward" and "Give it your best try and live with no regrets."

I am reading as much as I can about successful businesses, tips and tricks for gaining more traffic, to my store, and just the "how to's" of everything.

The "How to's" is what led to this post.  In eBay's Manage my Store page, there is a new option for creating a special promotions.  In the marketing tools section, it is under item promotion.  I had to give it a try by clicking on manage promotions.

In an attempt to build a repeat customer base, I want to reward my customers so I am exploring options on how to do that.  This tool allows sellers to create coupons (in a link form) that can be added to websites and social marketing sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Right now you can get $5.00 off every $50.00 you spend but you have to follow this link.  CLICK HERE.  This is only good through May 22, 2014.

List, List, and List some More...

Well,

I cannot believe how much time has passed since my last post.  Where does the time go?  Really...

It has been a tumultuous month.  My dearest Dad died at the end of March and I am still reeling from the loss.  He was my eBay mentor and biggest supporter.  He believed strongly that I can make a living off eBay.

Right now I am praying he is right.  Tomorrow is the deadline for letting my school district know that I will not be returning next year.

I have been on a leave of absence since the end of November due to my Fibromyalgia (not contagious- just a pain disorder that I am learning to live with).  I have been blessed with short term disability and thought that I would have that through the end of May.  Surprise!  Nope!  It unexpectedly ended and for the first time in my life I do not have the security blanket of a steady check.

Aside from loving to teach children how to read, I loved the security of the job.

Change is so hard.  Life is unpredictable.  In my Dad's honor I am going to give my all at eBay and hope for the best.  Right now I am growing my store.  If you have any suggestions on how to spread the word about my eBay store I am open to suggestions.

I am giving myself until June to see if this can be a sole source of income.  If not, then I promised my husband I would get another job to make ends meet.  I love him so much.  He supports me in this endeavor.  It's just so scary to be so financially tight.  We can do it!

Without risk there is no reward...at least that is how the saying goes.  I just can't give up yet.  I need to try to succeed at this or I will regret it for the rest of my life.

I've managed to get over 780 listings.  I am trying to reach the magic number 900 so I can ask eBay for an increase.  Once a month you can ask for increases.  My goal is to reach at least 2000 listings.  Ideally I want to net a couple of hundred dollars in sales a day.  That would be selling 20 ten dollar items.

So far with the increase in listings, I have not seen an increase in sales.  Hopefully this is only due to the fact that Tax Day is looming.

It is way late and I am rambling.  If you have any expertise in this area, I am open to suggestions.

I am chasing the dream ... on a wing and a prayer... (okay enough cliches for tonight).