Is it all about eBay or is it all about the trash?

It’s been one of the days.

Let’s just say, I’m off my diet.

Excuse me while I take a bite of my ice cream that’s sitting here next to me.  It’s starting to melt. 

Anyway, I need to get something off my chest.

I finally called eBay about my situation.  I asked to speak to someone who could help me appeal my case.

For those of you new to My Dear Trash, let me introduce myself and share my heart-breaking eBay saga.

My name is Laura and I absolutely love, or I should say loved selling on eBay.

I sold for over 6 years and had 5,000 positive feedbacks, but about 9 months ago, I was banned from every selling on eBay again.

This came as a huge shock to me.  I was doing what I have always done.  List items I found at thrift stores and yard sales and watch the profits role in. 

Here’s why I think I was kicked off eBay. 

Since I started selling over 6 years ago, I was old-school eBay.  I thought eBay was all about positive/negative feedback.  I never took the time to read about new policies or procedures (I didn’t even realize that was an option.)  I didn’t know I had a seller dashboard.  I didn’t know there were graphs showing me what I was doing well and what I was doing poorly.  I didn’t jump on the printing shipping labels at home band wagon because I didn’t know how to do it.  I was intimidated by the whole process and didn’t think it was really necessary.   I had a few customers upset they weren’t getting email tracking confirmations from USPS.  In addition, when selling gently used name brand clothing, the merchandise can be a bit subjective, all right very subjective.  If I sold a blue dress and the customer received it, thinking it was more navy then blue; she could rate me poorly in how I described the item.  Not trying to be misleading or deceitful, I would take the hit when a customer was not happy even if it was just a matter opinion.  To make a long story short, I didn’t understand how the new eBay 5-star rating system worked and how eventually, it would be my downfall.  I was on a sinking ship and didn’t know it until my store was shut down.  All my listings I’d worked so hard to get up, and even those that had bids, were gone.  In December, 2010, out of 527 sales, I had 8 customers rate me poorly in shipping time and item as described.  This led to my downfall (and a broken heart) and I was told I could never sell on eBay again.

Knowing I didn’t steal, cheat or do anything illegal on eBay, I really thought my case might be overturned.  When I was first kicked off eBay 9 months ago, I was told it was permanent, but I just couldn’t take that for real.  Surely, someone would see that this case was an exception.  The gentleman I talked to a few weeks ago was amazing.  He was such a great listener and took the time to hear about what happened to me.  He looked at all my emails, feedback, etc. and said “I don’t understand why you were ever kicked off eBay to begin with.  I think your account should be reinstated.”

He took time with me, writing up a proposal and making suggestions on how I could better serve my customers, including printing my shipping labels at home and improving my item descriptions. 
He even looked at the blog My Dear Trash and thought it was great.

“You could be the next Queen of Auctions if we could get this all figured out,” he said.

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” I replied, hopeful.

“I think you have a chance, although I don’t want you to get your hopes up.  I’ll be in touch with you as soon as I hear anything,” he said.

So, off my proposal went to the eBay board committee to review my case.  Sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it.

And I waited.

I promised myself, whatever the outcome was I’d be at peace with it.  That eBay or no eBay, life is too short, that I have so many blessings and I’d move on.

I waited for 7 weeks.

Everyday, checking for that email.

Going back into my old eBay account (yeah, that was pretty painful) to see if I had a message from the committee.

I was ready to shop, ready to photograph, and ready to get back to business, if only eBay would so graciously let me back in the very special group of eBay sellers.

But, nothing, no encouraging email, no life-changing message.

So after 7 weeks, I finally called eBay today, hoping there had been some sort of resolve.  Hoping maybe they’d see that I was worth having around, that I better served the eBay community, that what happened on eBay was totally subjective, that 8 poor-ratings out of 527 happen even when a seller is doing everything she can to get things right.  That buyers can be harsh, even when they are given a full refund, even when they don’t have to ship the item back, even when the seller apologizes for whatever the customer was upset about.

This time, I spoke with a woman.  She took a few minutes to understand my situation.

“And I really would like to know if I will be able to sell on eBay again,” I asked.

She looked into my account.  And there was a pause, and then an apology.

“I’m sorry no one got back to you about this issue, as this was resolved a while ago, but no, you are not able to sell on eBay ever again.  Once you’re banned from selling on eBay, they’ll never let you back on.”

Banned! Ouch!  And here came all the emotions again.

Because eBay has helped me through so many financial crisis’ in my life, because I have control over my earning potential, because it’s just so much darn fun and because I love to write about it.  Because I can work from home, because of the exposure, the world-wide market eBay offers, I mean there's no place in the world like eBay, especially for a trash collector like me.

But, no more.

I think I knew the answer all along, but I had to try, didn’t I?  I mean this blog is called My Dear Trash.  

It started because I wanted to share with the world my success of selling trash on eBay.  It’s all about eBay, isn’t it?

Isn’t it?

Wait a second, it's not about eBay at all.

It’s about family.

It’s about passion.

It’s about recycling.

It’s about thrifting and donating and making a difference in people’s life.

It’s about taking risks and trying knew things and reaching potentials that weren’t possible.

It’s about finding value where others may not see it, especially in yourself.

Especially in yourself.

And, it’s about trash.

It’s all about the trash.

And this is how I got through a second horrible blow in my eBay saga.  Understanding that as long as I can find great trash, take risks and shop till I drop,  I can make a great living.

It will no longer be from selling clothes (my true love) because of my passion for fashion, but furniture and knick-knacks and vintage stuff for the shop at QcumberZ and finding great trash for my family so in the end I save loads of money.

As hard as it is, I’m letting eBay go, not because their letting me go, but because I can no longer support a company that doesn’t support their selling community.  In a sense, eBay has turned into the federal government in the worst way.  They think people can’t think for themselves anymore.  They think they have to scrutinize everything. That every law and rule is meant to be reinforced no matter what, even if that law or rule doesn’t make sense in every situation.  They think everything has to be rated and dissected and monitored for the people's benefit, even though it’s for their own.  I bet the people in charge of eBay never even sold on eBay to begin with.  They don’t understand the challenges of being a seller and the little rights we sellers have.  And eBay thinks they have to protect buyers from a seller who didn’t differentiate a pair of jeans from bell-bottom to wide-leg because she used a photograph instead of typing it out, from a buyer who sells used clothing and when the customer is upset the item isn’t “new” is still granted a full refund anyway, from a seller who loves eBay and its opportunities so much she started a freakin' blog about it.

But I didn’t start a blog about eBay, did I.

I started a blog about trash and now that eBay’s absolutely out of the picture for me (not for Kelly, so you can keep reading about her success), I’m looking forward to growing my business in different ways, but all with the trash I love (and I’d like to thank Kelly for the pep talk late last night, for letting me cry about something so silly like eBay rejection issues because I can be such a drama queen, for reminding me God has a new direction for me and for just being stinkin’ cool.  I don’t know what I’d do without that girl). 

Hey, look at that.  My ice cream melted, but I don't need it anymore. I feel a lot  better now.

And I will always secretly have a crush on eBay, dream about eBay, love eBay and remember the good old days, even though eBay broke my heart.  

By the way, to get great tips on selling on eBay, check out the blog Goodwill Haunting.  She wrote a post about what happened to me (thank you for that).  Check it out here.

Taking the leap to sell trash.

I recently received the following email:

Laura,

Help! I need you! Let me fill you in a little. While my husband and I still have jobs (we work for the same company), we received pay cuts when the economy hit the skids. Although I believe some companies got through it fine, they were legitimately hurting due to the fact it is in the automotive industry.

I have three grown children with families that ALL lost their jobs at this time.  They are looking for work and do whatever it takes to make cash. Often, they will mow lawns or whatever to raise the money needed for bills. They do sometimes come up short and that is where I step in and help, which means I am juggling. Honestly, I do not know how much longer I can continue on like this. It causes me to fall behind on bills. I believe I am current on everything except my house and that is a month behind. However, things are staring to fall apart (you know the saying: ‘when it rains, it pours’) on the house.

I would like to do what you do and I am hoping you can help me with advice and mentoring. I am ready to be your student.

Denise

Denise, I’m saddened to hear of your troubles.  I fear that there are many more who struggle like you to make ends meet.  Thank heavens for family, as I’m sure your children appreciate all you and your husband do for them. 

It’s not a coincidence you stumbled across the blog.  Kelly and I feel very strongly about sharing our success and struggles so you, the readers, can learn and gain experience needed to start on this venture of selling trash.

        When we started the blog about 1 ½ years ago, we had no idea where it would take us.  I have gained more knowledge and confidence in this business because I write about it.  I know my earning potential is limitless if I just put in the work. 

My motivation to sell regularly on eBay also started because of financial woes.  My husband and I rent a home and when our tenant stopped paying rent, I started taking eBay more seriously.  We needed money and we needed it fast.  I didn’t want to be a victim to the money we didn’t have.  I didn’t like how that made me feel about my life’s purpose.  When you don’t have the money you need, it consumes everything else you’re doing.  My attitude shifted from “We don’t have the money we need” to “How quickly can I earn the money we need?”  I went to work and made a $2,000.00 mortgage payment 3 months in a row off my eBay and craigslist sales.  Up until that point, eBay was something I did randomly, not consistent.  When we needed a new air conditioner in our rental, I knew what I had to do.  eBay and craigslist saved the day again.

Do not let fear keep you from trying this.  Selling trash comes on a learning curve, but if you purchase your trash cheap enough, you will not lose money.  I recommend staring with a $20.00 investment.  Purchase some clothes at a garage sale or a piece of furniture at a thrift store.  You’d be amazed what you can find if you start frequenting such places.   Try to double your money, than reinvest it in more trash.  Keep at it and before you know it, you’ll be bringing in a weekly check that will bump those numbers up in your checking account.

You will not know all the answers when you start, but time and experience is on your side.  I’ve been so impressed working with Kelly.  She jumped into selling trash with both feet, ready to walk wherever God leads her. For example, she offered to help an elderly neighbor hold an Estate sell.  She didn’t worry about the commission or hours spent, she just knew her service would take her to higher ground.  Although she did everything for free, she made many great contacts and people started talking about her expertise.  Before she knew it, someone called asking if they could hire her to run an estate sell for them.  She continues to get calls for this service and her business is growing.

Find what you love.  Maybe you’re into antiques, vintage toys or model cars?  Whatever you already have a passion in, let that guide you to where you want to go.  While out thrifting, I meet a guy purchasing handfuls of sun glasses.  He told me he shops thrift stores and buys name brand sunglasses and cases, matches them up at home, then sells them on eBay.  I would have never thought of sunglasses, but there’s a market for them.  I meet another lady who shops for Barbie’s.  She says they sell great on eBay.  I personally, love fashion.  Clothes are my thing, so that’s what I love to sell.  Vintage furniture is also something I’m attracted to.  I’m so happy I have a SUV to bring home my trash.  I can fit couches, dressers, bookshelves and more into my Honda Pilot.  Sure, my kids may have to hang out the windows, but it all works (just kidding)! J 

I hope this information helps.  Be fair, honest and work hard.  Use eBay, craigslist and hold your own garage sales.  Make contacts and get your children involved.  Find your passion. Take risks. If you find something you think is cool, chances are someone will want to buy it from you.  

Image found here.

Start with your $20.00 and keep me posted.  Remember to find value where others may not see it, especially in yourself.  I can’t wait to hear of your success.  

Taxes, Craig's List and my Top EBay Sales of the Week

Yesterday the counselor and I had an appointment with our accountant.

Image found here.

Taxes are stressful and for a girl who’s not to detail oriented( remember the counselor calls me reactive), I had to step it up a notch. I downloaded my PayPal earnings and EBay fees. I deducted my Goodwill and USPS receipts. The counselor and I worked all day on piles of paperwork and tax forms. The fact that we are still in love really says something about his good nature and our commitment to each other.

The day went from busy to busier when I had a couple of calls off my Craig’s list postings. I made two sales. Remember the chair I purchased last week from Goodwill for $32.00.

I brought it home and cleaned it up a bit.

The boys loved it. They brought out their blankets and snuggled up with each other while we watched Aliens in the Attic. Today when they came home from school they were very sad because the chair was gone. I was thrilled because it sold for $95.00.

Last week, I made my way to Salvation Army for their Wednesday 1.00 day. It’s was a bit of a zoo with a full parking lot and no shopping carts to speak of, but I found some great things.

For example, this beautiful Jam's World Shirt. Remember, last week a pair of Jam's World Pants sold for $16.09 so I hope to make a nice profit off this $1.00 investment.

Anyway, after I shopped I made my way outside and saw a Salvation Army truck picking up trash. I spotted a beautiful table/desk and asked the attendant if I could buy it.

For $5.00, I brought this beauty home. With just a little dusting, I placed it on Craig’s List & it sold for $45.00.

I haven’t done Craig’s List in a while, but Kelly is the expert that inspired me to give it serious consideration again. Craig’s List has no fees and is local for your area. So, my sells are listed for the Phoenix area and picked up at my home. I must advice, use caution with Craig’s List. You can always count on SPAM/fraud email to come into your email account (just don't open it) and always have someone with you when you open your home to a stranger. Personally, I’ve had a great experience and think the Craig’s List community is very nice. I still have posted this Lane Chestnut Hope Chest. I purchased it this weekend at a yard sale for $40.00 and have it listed on Craig's list for $100.00. It's a beauty and a great buy for someone out there.

Yesterday was also a shipping day. You know how I feel about shipping (it’s not my favorite part of EBay selling), but after our tax appointment the counselor and I made it to the post office. The automated machine makes it so great for after hours. I do have 2 international sales this week (Canada & Switzerland) so I’ll be back at the post office waiting in line later today.

I can't believe another week has passed (that means only 4 weeks until baby girl is born). Here are my Top EBay Sales of the Week.

A pair of overalls is always a sure sell. These Tommy Hilfiger Large Denim Jean Overalls sold for $17.50.

I fell in love with this Women's Small Curious George Primal Bike Shirt. I had a ton of interest in it, with over 12 people following it throughout the week. Only two people bid, but I was still happy with the sell at $9.49.

These Ann Taylor Loft Pants Tan Career Pants sold for $15.53. I'm not sure why they sold so high, only that two very serious people wanted them. New, they'd be around $50.00 and both bidders were aware of this. The interesting thing about these pants is I relisted them for .99 cents because they didn't sell the first week at $6.99. Sometimes a .99 cent listing gets a lot of attention and turns into a big sell.

I found this Ralph Lauren Plus Size 3X Denim Jean Dress at the Mountain View Rummage Sale. The dress has two small sunflower size tears at the sleeve. Even with this defect, I listed the dress and mentioned the flaws. The dress still sold for $24.99.

I was bad and sold the Eileen Fisher bag I promised I'd never sell. I only sold it because I knew the bag would be dirty in about one minute of use. I sold it for $10.49 to a customer in Germany. I hope she enjoys it.

This lot of Ralph Lauren Medium Shirts, purchased for .50 cents each at a yard sale, sold for $9.99 as a set. Cute, aren't they.

This weeks EBay sells are looking just as good. Be sure to become a follower and you'll be qualified for our 3 current give-aways (check the top right of the screen to see them listed). Also, I'm looking for resale success stories. Be sure to leave your story under any blog posting in the comment section. It's exciting to see what you're doing and you could be featured on My Dear Trash and win the EBay shirt give-away.

Top Ten Reasons I sell on EBay

I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant and still shopping and selling. Why EBay, Why?

1. I want earn the money to replace that nasty carpet in the office.
   


2. Southern California this summer – the beach and Disneyland. With almost five children, two hotel rooms are expensive.
3. Because I love it.
4. It gives me an excuse to shop when I should be cleaning the house.
   Image found here
5. I love clothes and fashion in general.
6. I find it impossible to pass up a good deal, so I’d buy it anyway.
7. I love earning money.
8. I want to help pay for the birth of baby girl. The counselor is self-employed so our family’s health insurance is practically non-existent.
9. I foresee the boys needing braces in the future.
10. How else am I going to pay for printing, editing, shipping and other fees associated with trying to get a book published?