New Supreme Court Ruling Fucks Over Small Dudes Again

Welp, the news finally hit, as expected, that online merchants who use platforms such as eBay and Amazon will finally have to collect sales tax in every jurisdiction, whether that be state or local. You can read more about it here.

While most sellers will simply shrug at the news, the broader implication is that online merchant platforms such as eBay and Amazon will most likely (read: will most definitely) have to collect sales tax for the small sellers. And while that may seem like a loss for the small guys, the upside is actually pretty huge.

As an avid online reseller myself, one of the biggest hassles with handling a business is trying to collect sales tax, especially if you dream of going big with your business, such as is my plan. And while many of us try to fulfill the laws and rules regarding such matters, the truth is, some of us simply cannot afford to jump through all the loopholes that are required to file taxes in every state of America, and some cities, depending on what state you're selling in.

And while that does suck, the good news is, this new Supreme Court ruling should and will force Amazon and eBay, among others, to start collecting sales taxes for us small guys while we can now enjoy an online marketplace that will truly allow American and global citizens to finally escape poverty thru an easy-to-start (TM) business model that will truly change the landscape of our current caste system, that some can simply not escape, even if you work a 9-5.

Why This Matters

For some, this means that while brick and mortar shops will get a boost because of the drive to help out small local businesses, I must remind that will only be a short-term result. The long-term effect will be an easier to navigate online marketplace where small sellers will have easier times entering into the business place without having to deal with the overhead of a traditional brick and mortar.

For some, this might be the final hurdle that allows the average Joe (TM) to finally start their dream business, right from their own home. In their underwear I might add.

And while the dream will finally come true, for some, this is simply a small blight on a problem that never really existed.

Who Wins

For some, collecting sales tax has never been an issue. There are resellers like Ryann and Jay over at ScavengerLife(c) who will tell you many of your bigger sellers on eBay and Amazon already have accountants who can deal with this. While some folks can also attest to the fact that there is most definitely software that can help with these problems. But as I add, I simply don't file taxes, nor will I ever.

Sue me!!!

But to get my point, this is a win for those who were fearful of dipping their toes in the online reselling sand, because there is no way to say it than some people simply must follow laws. Which I advocate against, but also remember the time I was in jail for not following one.

So, to remiss and state my point: don't let this news scare you. While it may be a downfall for some and ruin their careers, as some will simply find out in time, this will be a win-win for those who are trying to launch (or in some case re-launch) their own brick and mortar stores along with those who want to avoid that costly startup and jest sell some shit online. Which is what exactly what I aim to do.

So suck it Hollywood. This time the small guys won.

#LoveTrump

...

God bless and much love,
Newbie

2018 Year In Review | eBay Business

Hey folks.

It's Newbie here, fresh off a 2-week hiatus for the holidays. As you all know, Q4 is pretty much over, but have no fears. Some of the best sales I ever have are actually AFTER Christmas when people are looking for something to spend their gift card money on.

But not to ignore all of you who are curious about how my own business has done this year, I present to you my 2018 Year in Review for my new eBay business.

But before we get into statistics and all that jazz, let's remember: success isn't measured by financial gains but by happiness. Which means if you're like me, don't expect big numbers right away. I relaunched my eBay business this summer and haven't really tried to grow it all that much. To be honest, I'm quite content with just letting it fizzle for a while as I grow adjusted to a new living situation and figure out how to make more of my dreams come true. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the sales I have.

Now to the Numbers

To end the year, I did a total of $404.89 in sales, which honestly isn't bad considering I started 3 months ago.

To give a better picture, that averages out to $134.96 a month, which to mean is a good measuring stick for the following year.

However, within the last 31 days, I average about $181.53 and hope to bring this up to $200.00 a month with as much little effort as possible. I know that sounds blasphemous, but that's just how I think. With all that said, money is coming in, and I can't really complain.

On the Brighter Side

Putting numbers aside for a moment, the brighter side is that I have not had one return this year. Additionally, I've sold a total of 26 items this year, with the highest sold at $36.25. That was a Canon DSLR Camera Lens, which way undersold.

While the sales have been minimal and humble, the growth has been steady and trickling in. More importantly, I'm still in business, which for many is the ultimate sign of success. Notwithstanding any emergencies, it looks like I'll be in business for another 6 months without having to stress out too much.

Of course, that truly is the beauty of eBay. You don't have to invest much, you don't need major overhead, and you can really pace yourself. For me, that means spending a couple of days sourcing for inventory and trying to clean up storage for the new year. For others, it might mean just some hobby money. Whatever the case, money is coming in. And better yet, I'm not homeless. I couldn't say as much 6 months ago.

What to Expect for the New Year

As with everything, expect more of the same for the New Year. Blog articles will come, I will start looking at how to make this profitable, and hopefully get my YouTube channel to grow. While I try to offer as much wisdom as I possibly can, the truth is I'm still a new seller. And while this is my second year in business, as my title goes, I'm still a Newbie. Which means, maybe less advice and more reflections.

But as with everything, who knows. The horizon is still out there.

Best and much love!

And as always, may your treasure hunting be forever glorious!

Newbie

Create an eBay Business The Only Way You Know How

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

It's the end of the year and a time for cheer. And still, as we say, the Holidays ain't over yet. But if there's one thing I know, and one thing you should be thankful for, it's that it's never too late to create an eBay business when you have no expectations. The truth is, I feel like giving up my business every day. But while I look back over my own brief career and see my own growth, I recognize one thing.

I genuinely enjoy reselling.

Perhaps that's why I remain optimistic about the future and fail to give up hope. But as for many of you, I know the struggle. Just when you think you can't get any more sales, you find hope in a used tie selling for the best offer of 20 bucks. Or in my case, a New With Tag J. Garcia tie going for ten. Such is life.

Let's Get Real

The key to creating an eBay business is to simply give up any expectations and just learn to do something because you have no choice. Which means shut off all the YouTube experts including my own dumb ass and start listing. And forget anything you've ever been told was wrong. That's how you do something.

Which for many means stop getting depressed when you don't hit your goals and start learning to accept that everyone's growth in life cannot simply be measured by money and wealth and fame. Nor can it be measured by the value of friendships when you still haven't found what you're looking for.

Nor is it time to get upset about youth that seems wasted over financial ruin and failure.

But to do so, you have to look back on your own journey and see the connecting points and recognize your own path isn't over yet. Nor does it have to be. That is the way to create this business.

Act Not Out of Desperation

Creating an eBay business isn't hard. You list stuff, you sell stuff, you list more stuff. You don't have to worry about storage units, you don't have to worry about business models, and you definitely don't have to blow your life savings in desperate hopes of achieving a quality of life akin to people like the folks over at Scavenger Life.

But what you do have to do is follow your own hear and gut and if you're spiritual at all, inner wisdom and guides who are talking to you all the time. Whether this is the form of your conscious or your natural intuition, the reality is profit is all in the mind.

So don't get upset when you go to a thrift store and walk empty handed. Nor fret when something doesn't sell within a few months. Nor think you have to re-donate everything you purchase the minute it doesn't sell.

And while we're at it, get out of this simple mindset that you can contain your growth and keep yourself at a limit to sustain yourself. The truth is the moment you're not growing you're dead. And if you're going to keep going, you're going to have to think outside of your own little box and see how building a business is more than just a few shelves in a garage.

Take a Step and Fall and Recognize Failure is Just a Learning Curve

The key in all of this is more an act of survival than it is selfish ambition. The reason you sell on eBay isn't that you want to get rich, but because you'll likely need to. And while this is enough to get you off your feet and out into the world, you'll never make it the minute you fall and stop.

Which is why I never judge someone's success based on impressive sales numbers or lifestyle videos. Because at the end of the day, I've seen too many business owners give up their own success the minute things get bad, expecting to just move on.

And while owning your own eBay business may sound great, there are going to be months when you don't make enough to survive off of. Nor will you always have everything figured out. But once you can see past the smallness of immediate failure you remove the judgment and recognize the success that is being granted to you in frustration and sadness.

But to move past this grief of expected doom, you must recognize that not all perish in fires. Nor do you have to give up the moment you think you've seen the worst. Because if there is one thing I know, it's that there's always a new horizon.

Live the Life You Want to Live

If you want to create an eBay business, I have news for you. You're never going to be a millionaire. Nor will you ever become famous and create a life of mansions and Lamborghinis. Sure, you can think a $100,000 in sales is great, but I know guys who make millions by clicking buttons and trading stock. Not that you should expect this to derail your goals, but rather to knock you off this selfish ambition and recognize that without passion for the mundane, you'll never reach nirvana. 

Which for many of you will lead to your own failure. But for those who genuinely care and see success in selling 25 items a month starting off, you truly will see the fruit of your labor. So don't ask how to create an eBay business will the answer is staring at you right in the face.

Just click the sell button and hit submit.

...

As always, much love and may your treasure hunting be glorious!

Newbie

Do You Work Too Much or Too Little and Why This Doesn't Even Matter

Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash

Hey folks,

By now you should be realizing I'm not big on quotas and trying too hard when it comes to reselling as if you can somehow will your self into millions of dollars just by hard work alone. Yeah, that might make you cringe, but the truth is told, there is something purely unappealing about thinking about reselling on eBay as a full-time job and becoming some multi-millionaire. Not that I'm anti-hard work or ambition. Hardly! But I do know what it means to feel inadequate and unsuccessful in times of hard duress and extreme ambition, only to see my fruitful labor be thrown out the window amidst unforeseen circumstances.

But with all this said, I'm here to tell you if you're asking yourself do you work too much? quite a bit, chances are, yes! But have no fear, because even if this is so, you don't have to quit your day job and jump off a bridge. You just have to change your perspective and find success in the mundane, which can allow you to become the greatest seller of all time if your heart so desires.

Raise Your Energy Levels

I'll keep this simple. While I like to think of myself as a budding spiritual guru for the emotionally stunted and Westernized and atheist millennials, I have a habit of bringing too much of my very antiquated Christian background into things. But while that may be a mouthful of nothingness for many of you, I just simply want to remind you that many of my business practices are based upon new thought and medieval spiritual practices that may offend.

Not that you care!

So, when I say you need to raise your energy levels, what I'm simply referring to is changing the way you think about your own reselling business. Which, for many of you, means recognizing how your thoughts shape your world around you, to the point where your own complaints and negativity are bringing you down.

A lot of this stems from lack of motivation but even more deadly, fear, which is where this lack of success stems from. And while that sounds simple enough, the reality is if you think you work too much but refuse to do anything about it, you're coming from the very same dark place. Which means, yes, you're not going to be successful, but worse, you're going to get burnt out before you ever get to taste the fruit of your hard-won labor.

In which case, maybe now is a time for a break and some relaxation. Better yet, maybe reselling just isn't for you. I'll be blunt: reselling and thrifting is in my blood, straight from my forefathers who brought their bartering and trade system to this very immature country. So I know even if I never make eBay my long-term full-time goal, I'll still be hunting down glorious treasure at estate sales and auctions, not to mention occasional thrift store.

But for many of you, this might not be the case. In which case, I have to ask, why are you doing this?

Perhaps you saw a video on YouTube promising you millions of dollars in sales if you just list 100 items every day. Maybe you thought you could make a go at something you never were intended to make a goal at in the first place. Whatever the case may be, now is the time to address these questions and get out if you have doubts.

Still with me?

Is All That Effort Paying Off?

Sometimes we have to pull back from our very 3-dimensional reality and begin to see time as something we have to overcome, not succumb to. Which for many of you simply means letting go of arbitrary ages and timeframes and finding success wherever it can be discovered. Which means if you're pouring all of your energy levels into your new eBay career but coming up with middling to frustrating results, maybe now is the time to think long-term and see the overall arch of your career before throwing in the towel.

If there's one frustrating thing to learn in life, it's that while human endeavor may bring tremendous results and change, often it has to come from a collective mindset rather than a single achievement. Which means, no matter how hard you work, you might still end up in the same spot you are in life regardless of how motivated you were in the first place.

Not to say your hard work is wasteful or being spent on an unnecessary time restricted labor schedule, but just that maybe now is the time to relax and watch the seeds of your business tree grown rather than continually harvest plain dirt.

It's a hard lesson to digest, but often the single greatest moments of triumph and growth have stemmed from complete inactivity.

I like to think of these moments of growth as spurts in our own maturity, which often yield larger gains than single achievements that may seem awesome but are very minuscule. But again, you have to learn to let go of the negativity preventing you from relaxing and trust your own instinct that your fruit has been planted in good soil.

Which brings me to my last point.

When Is It Time to Harvest?

If you plant your seeds in your business early on and keep a steady work pace, you're going to see results. While they may not reveal themselves right away, the truth is your work has not gone to waste. Even if it means you're business failed in the short-term.

But just as no skill reveals itself immediately, so goes immediate profits. But I have to ask: If your business is making enough to at least bring you contentment and enjoyment in what you do, isn't that enough satisfaction for the moment?

Maybe now is the time to relax and let go of this work-all-the time mentality that Westerners and especially Americans cling to. Not that hard work doesn't pay off. Rather, the contrary is true. But maybe we need to begin to adopt some Eastern philosophical principles into the fold, such as relaxation and dareIsay meditation.

But to get to that point you need to keep hope that you're going to be successful while recognizing that God or the Universe simply has other plans for your own ambitions. Not to say whatever high power you subscribe to doesn't care, but rather, maybe you don't see the true beauty of where you're actually headed.

So before throwing in the towel and saying fuck this business, take a second and truly ask yourself if you really need to follow those unnecessary listing quotas and guidelines. And better yet, just take the day off.

...

As always, many blessings and may your treasure hunting be glorious!

Newbie

Why Do I Lack Motivation As An eBay Reseller?

Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

Hey folks.

Today I want to talk about a very common problem many new resellers and people in general face, which is why do I lack motivation. It's a common problem that many of us face, but the truth is it doesn't have to be this way. See, the biggest area that is of concern for many of you is this notion that you know you are not working hard enough or that you are not trying your best. But as if with everything, this is just negativity for the mind that really serves no higher purpose.

I'll be honest, there are many times in my life when I feel like I have no motivation or desire. Often I find my own frustrations to be environmental or simply consequences of no-doing of my own. But while that can give me pause to consider what I could have done differently, perhaps there needs to be some explaining.

If you find yourself in a position in life where you're reselling on eBay just to get by or help yourself move ahead in life, you might find yourself stuck in a situation where you can't do anything to really grow at a faster rate. Sure, you can list 20 items every day and source three times a week. But the reality is no matter how much work you put into your business, there just isn't much to show for yourself. At least not right away. And honestly, it's that testing of patience that can be deadly.

I'll be honest, patience is a strong suit of mine, but lately, there is no motivation to really try anymore. When I first started selling on eBay 2 years ago my goal was to pay off some very high credit card debt and eventually get off disability. The credit card debt got paid, but rather than become a full-time reseller I got sidetracked by politics and found myself going down detour after detour. Now that I'm back in the game, though, I find myself facing similar problems. Whereas as eBay at one point in time seemed like an ultimate career move, now it feels more like a hobby and something to do on the weekends.

Not that there is anything wrong with that!

But for me, the true value of flipping other people's trash for online treasure lost it's luster to the point where I don't see much growth, at least not by how I can measure it.

Does that mean I'm not going to ever become a full-time seller or no go anywhere in life? Hardly! But it does mean that at many points in my second go as an online reseller I simply don't have the focus or motivation to become better at it that I once did. I blame much of this on lousy spiritual teachings that taught that a higher power would simply just lift his finger and make my life better as if there is simply a divine presence that will magically make our lives better. But while this teaching has put me in the dumps, the reality is my environment still seems to be playing a key role.

For me, my goal in life was just to get on my own two feet and take care of myself. After losing an apartment in 2012 and moving back my dad for 5 years, my life became hopeless and desperate. I honestly never thought I would move out of my house and get back on my own. But as of last Thursday, I now rent a one bedroom apartment that I can call my very own. So while the motivation for reselling is gone at the moment, the reality is there were goals still being accomplished.

Does that mean eBay is finished for me? I'd like to think no, but as with everything, where life takes us never seems to be where we were headed. And yet we get to our destination anyway.

Which is why I ask what you have accomplished as you sit in your chair depressed about the state of your business. Perhaps you're religious and lack faith in a God that seems to care about your own success and triumph. Perhaps you're just dumbfounded why following all of the YouTube gurus seems to have led you astray. Whatever the case, just have hope and know that if I can get out of a homeless shelter and survive, then you're business can do so as well.

But just remember, even if you're not motivated, you still haven't thrown in the towel. And that is the first step to true success. Even if it feels like you're not going anywhere. As for me, eBay seems to be all I have left at times. While it can be a fun hobby, it's better knowing I don't have any expectations this time around with it. But a sale would be nice. Just don't ask me to do anything about it today.

...

As always, much love and God bless! And may your treasure hunting be glorious!

Newbie

Knowing When to Quit Your Job and Switch to eBay Full-Time

Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

Hey folks.

As the holidays roll around us this merry December and your sales feel like they're hitting the dumps, the question begins to form in our minds. Should I be doing this full-time?

Knowing when to quit your job may seem like a no-brainer for many of your, but for much more I suspect, the prospect seems daunting. Will I ever make enough? Will I continue to sell as much? Can I really do this?

While the decision may be a tough one, the simple answer is you know you're ready to quit when you can't tolerate your day job anymore and know eBay is the right thing to do in your heart. Honestly, it's that simple.

But for me, the reality is, eBay is just a passion that happens to make a lot of money. But before I throw in the towel for this article, let me remind you, all opinions are my own and that I hate working a day job. Does this make me absolutely biased? You bet! But it also means I know the value of my time and the wisdom that comes from looking at overall value rather than dollars per hour. Which is why eBay for me is an absolute must.

But again, who am I to tell you what to do?

What I can say, however, is that you will know when the right time strikes to quit your job and pursue many this full-time hobby as well, a full-time gig. And that means knowing when to walk away from the corporate machine and saying fuck you to the stupid ladder we all seem bound to climb. But to do so, you gotta have guts. And you gotta have passion. And you gotta love eBay. It's that simple.

Sure, I can sell you all the top 10 reasons why quitting your job and switch to eBay full-time is the right move, but that would be disingenuous to your own pursuits. Because at the end of the day, the only person who knows when to quit their job is you, and by you, I mean your guidance system.

Perhaps it's your gut feeling, perhaps that voice in the back of your head, or maybe simply a higher power. Whatever the case, only if you can trust that sensation you're feeling and take the plunge, which believes me, you will, will you know exactly when to quit and do this job full-time.

Sure, we could also talk about finances and accounting bullshit. But the truth is, no amount of money will deter you from you know in your heart to be true. Which is that if you're reading this article, you know you're going to quit. And when you know this, it can be frightening. But it can be done.

But have no fear. Because where there is a dream, there is a way. It's a spin on an old cliche and yet remains true to this day. Because what you have in your heart must dictate your mind, and your mind must be made up. But only you can know when that is. And only you can push the button and dictate the terms.

And trust me, fear is a powerful thing. But so is a leap of faith.

So which one are you going to let win?

...

As always, much love and blessings! And may your treasure hunting be glorious!

--Newbie

Does eBay Best Offer Work? | Only If You Can Let Go of That Item First

Photo by Brock DuPont on Unsplash

Hey folks.

A question that gets brought up all the time in eBay reselling circles is whether or not does eBay best offer work? While the idea of accepting a lower price for your very valuable and precious item may seem like a let-down, have no fear. For I am going to give you some positive news.

Really let go of how much profit you're making and learn to lave the cha-ching sound that pops up when you make a sale. Honest to God, if you can find joy and happiness in knowing that something got sold, then you are going to do very well on eBay in the long-term, especially if you're leveraging best-offers to increase the likelihood and chance of selling something at a discount price.

But are you brave enough to sell something for less than expected?

Think Like a Business Owner

Ever walk through a JC Penny store or Sears Outlet and notice all the discount prices going on. While you might laugh and say these are just promotions when you accept best-offers you're essentially doing the same thing.

While motives for discounts may sound murky, the reality is their gimmicks to entice you to buy something. Which is why you should be considering best-offers as your own little gimmick to get a customer to purchase inventory.

Ditto if you're looking to move something fast. 

As crazy as it sounds, eBay reselling can quickly become a downward spiral into hoarding if you're not moving inventory at a pace that allows you to replenish it while maintaining steady growth and listings. While you may not think about storage and how much space you're actually going to need when you start out, you might find yourself in a pickle when that closest becomes full of unsold stuff.

Which is why best-offers are a great way to get rid of the stuff, and quick!

Would You Rather Sell Something Now Or Hope For A Better Tomorrow?

The question sounds almost like a Christian mythological teaching, but let's get real. If you're tired of waiting for your stull to sell at high prices and are continually declining low-ball best offers, you might be missing the forest for the trees.

Yes, you should have a mind on maximizing profits and getting to a point where you can sell less stuff and make a higher income, but chances are if you're new to this ballgame, you might not be working in your best interest. Which means sometimes you might want to accept a lower-selling price if it means a quick sale and income to keep you afloat.

Granted, this is a short-term strategy that will allow you to gain steam and increase your short-term income, but at the end of the day, that might be the deal breaker if you're going to succeed.

But again, are you willing to take a lower-selling price?

Is Your Item Really Worth as Much as You Think It Is?

Another great thing about best-offers is that it can mimic the effect that auctions have. Which is mainly, if you're unsure about how much an item is worth, a best-offer can give you a clue!

Does that mean you'll always get a fair deal? Absolutely not! But it does mean you'll get an idea of what people are willing to pay for items in the short-term. Granted, you can always cling to an item and wait for someone else to come along, in which case you're probably already doing well-enough in your business that you can weather losing a quick sale.

But again, if you're new and not sure if you're even going to be successful, now is the time to seriously consider most of the best offers that come your way and increase your likelihood of getting to a point where you can become more discretionary.

Not that accept a low-offer is going to break your business. As with everything, trust your own gut and use your wisdom and knowledge. But don't let stubbornness blind you out a good sale just because you refuse to accept reality and acknowledge your item might not be worth as much as you thought it was.

Accept a Least Offer that You're Willing to Live With

At the end of the day, if you price something relatively high and accept an offer at least value that you're willing to live with, you're going to make a profit and do well. But you have to accept not everyone is going to pay top-dollar, nor is your competition going to list items at as high of a price as you are.

It's an ugly truth about competition, but there will always be someone underselling a top-dollar item in hopes of a quick flip just to undercut your own profit. And while this may prove fruitless and frustrating, it's going to kill your business if you're not willing to budge on how much you can accept for an item.

So the best way to achieve results and get a good sale is to set a least-value amount that you automatically accept on your listing and live with a lower-priced sale. That, or wait for your message box to blow up with offers that you have to manually review every time. I'm not here to tell you how to run your business but I can tell you that using this automated service is a real-time saver.

And while you think it may not work, believe me when I tell you half the time I accept best-offers I don't even realize that they were best-offers in the first place. Such is the insanity of selling shit on eBay.

As always, though, keep in mind that while you can and should use best-offers to leverage your profits and help your business, they will only work if you're smart about what you're selling and willing to take a lower profit in the sake of a quick sale. That, or you're going to need to invest in a storage unit eventually.

...

As always, God bless and much love. And may your treasure hunting be glorious!

Best,

Newbie