Useful Tools For Success In Your Ebay Business

It’s been a few months since I started my Ebay business as a side hustle.  I have dabbled on Ebay (both buying and selling) since 1999.  However, I recently decided to get serious and start an Ebay business.  I’m in the very small stages of starting out as I write this post, but things are moving along.  You might think you need a ton of equipment to get started selling on Ebay, but that’s not true.  Really, all it takes to start selling on Ebay is a computer and camera or smart phone, an internet connection, and some good lighting.  I started out with my computer and smart phone..  Today I’m sharing a few items I use to help me sell on Ebay.

 Apple iPhone 6 Plus, GSM Unlocked, 64GB – Gold (Certified Refurbished) LimoStudio 700W Photography Softbox Light Lighting Kit Photo Equipment Soft Studio Light Softbox 24 Flash Furniture 34” Square Granite White Plastic Folding Table Smart Weigh Digital Shipping and Postal Weight Scale, 110 lbs x 0.1 oz, UPS USPS Post Office Scale SINGER 218 60-Inch Tape Measure General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure, LCD Digital Display, 50’ Laser Measure, 16’ Tape Measure JAXPETY Female Mannequin Torso Clothing Display W/Black Tripod Stand New Beige (Beige) Savage Seamless Background Paper – #1 Super White (53 Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape, 2 x 800 – Clear (3 Tapes) (1, Clear)

iPhone

I have an iPhone 6 Plus that I use for taking pictures of the items I sell, but any phone with a good camera will do if you don’t use a digital camera.  I also list quite frequently on my phone, but I also go in on my computer and recheck things and make edits as needed.

Lighting Kit

I started out taking pictures of my items near a window using natural light, but I soon became frustrated on cloudy days when I couldn’t work my Ebay business because the room was too dark.  Once I could afford it, I bought this lighting kit from Amazon and it set up quickly and easily and has been a huge help in making my pictures look much more professional.  It isn’t a top of the line model, but it gets the job done.

Folding Table

For smaller items, I use a folding table covered with white poster board to take pictures with.  It’s easier than getting up and down off the floor and the table is the perfect height.

Postal Scale

Having a good postal scale is a must!  This was also one of those items I had to gradually acquire when I could afford to and it’s by far the most useful tool I use for my Ebay business.  Nothing stinks worse than not having enough postage on a package and having to correct that mistake.  Knowing the right weight for a package helps me correctly calculate shipping so I’m not putting myself in the hole by not charging enough.

Measuring Tapes

If I’m selling a clothing item, I like to take as many measurements as possible.  I always keep a tape measure handy for this.  I also keep a retractable measuring tape to measure boxes so I’ll have the right dimensions for calculating shipping.

Mannequin

I eventually also bought a mannequin for displaying clothing items.  It’s not a must, but I just love the way it makes clothing look better for displaying in pictures.

Background Paper

Seamless white background paper makes your items look almost like stock photos.  It gives a very professional looking background.

Packing Tape

You can get free Priority and Flat Rate shipping boxes from the post office (and even have them delivered to your door), but the one thing I constantly go through is good packing tape.  I prefer the Scotch or Duck brand because they are good quality and I can find it on sale at Walgreens or Kroger a lot of the time.

Eventually, I hope to add a thermal label printer to my toolkit, but for now, I can print shipping labels and packing slips right from my home printer.

Do you sell on Ebay?  What are your must-have tools for Ebay success?