In 1999, my then 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. I quit my job so I could drive her the 50 miles to her treatments, and I needed a way to bring in an income while taking care of my daughter. At City of Hope cancer research hospital, one little boy we met was selling his toys and figurines on eBay. His parents were helping him, teaching him about finances. I’d heard of eBay but I’d never done anything with it. I started selling antique plates and some of the knickknacks I had around the house to make extra money.
I just loved selling on eBay. I started giving some thought to what I really wanted to sell and I decided on jewelry. Not only was I having a blast, but I was bringing in enough money to not have to go back to working outside the house. So that enabled me to become a guest speaker for City of Hope for 5 years. I traveled all over the United States, talking at different fundraising events and raising millions of dollars for the hospital. And at each hotel I was able to work on a laptop or use the hotel computer to handle my business on eBay. When I’d get back from my trip, I'd do my shipments. It was a win-win for me and my family. It was awesome.
I felt it was easy, because it’s a step-by-step process. eBay guides you. They take you every step of the way, so it’s not like you have to have sold online or anything. After your first few items, it gets easier and easier. After a while you can just do it in your sleep. And your items will sell. There is a buyer out there for every product.
Besides the income, just being my own boss, making my own hours, being with my family. It’s a lot of fun, especially the auctions—listing something, seeing everybody wanting it and bidding on it. I like my job! I don’t think I ever said that before, through all the years I worked.
I offer free shipping on all my items. People want free shipping. When I shop, I want free shipping and look for it. That’s how I determine who I’m going to buy from. As a seller, all you need to do is add a little more to your product price in order to offer free shipping.
Check out what Kathy's (keconlan) selling on her eBay store, Kathy's Jewelry and More.