Im looking to start an eBay business........

**CharlieB** · 05-04-2008 11:20 AM

I really need some help though. I just want to start a small business in the summer but can't think of what to sell. Ideally it would be something electronic but was wondering if anyone knows whats selling well on UK eBay.

Please help me with some ideas of what I could sell!

Thanks

**Mega B** · 05-04-2008 12:54 PM

The trouble with Ebay is the market is swamped with cut throat electronic items and hence its very difficult to make any money these days and i guess asking people what sells best i doubt that they would say because they could loose some sales.The hard bit is going to be finding a Niche product or service that is not already taken,the other suggestion could be setting up a Amazon store its very easy and people think they only sell books and they would be wrong they sell most things these days and setting up a store with them is free all you need is a domain and cheap hosting.

**Korzhik** · 05-04-2008 01:18 PM

great advice mega b, trying to find something unique is amazingly hard, but once its there, you can make a killing on it. i say take some time and look into many items, not just technology. you may be surprised on what you find.

**Aletheides** · 05-04-2008 03:55 PM

go to pulse.ebay.co.uk

**CharlieB** · 05-04-2008 05:26 PM

o.k i've decided I want to sell iPods - preferably nanos for now. Are there any online shops selling them cheap like ebuyer.com for example. I'm after a site where I can just buy one to start with and see how it goes - possibly buy more after.

Also bearing in mind i'm selling in the UK are there any american shops from where I could import to England from.

Thanks

**Aletheides** · 05-05-2008 12:47 AM

If only it was that easy.

The margins on competitive electronics like that are pretty slim. Also, you're going to have to buy wholesale if you want to buy them at a good price. Wholesale means buying a ton of units - for a popular product like this who knows what the minimum order would be. You might be able to make money because of the exchange rate, but personally I would find a different niche. All things aside, keep on trucking and solve these kinds of problems as you go... you learn most by doing.

**teomabanta** · 05-05-2008 03:09 AM

iPhones are on high demand - especially in Europe.

I could supply you iPhones if you're interested. Msg me if you want.

Check my eBay page for reference - myworld.ebay.com/mr_kemikal

**Aletheides** · 05-05-2008 04:47 AM

Don't forget to watch out for replicas.

**CharlieB** · 05-05-2008 08:24 AM

on amazon.com they are selling the ipod touch for $284 which is about £150. On eBay UK they are going for £250.

Unfortunately you can't post to the UK with Amazon.com so are there any other USA sites where you can deliver to England?

Thanks

**SSpiro** · 05-05-2008 09:19 AM

Not sure how it works in the UK, but in the states you'd have to get a resellers tax exempt certificate and license your business in the state you wish to sell.

Then you can get access to the wholesalers to get the products at the discounts you need.

Only catch is that there will be an initial investment. You'll need to buy in lots, and then list from there.

Electronics are hard. Slim margin, over-saturated, etc. Find your niche.

**Aletheides** · 05-05-2008 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by CharlieB

Unfortunately you can't post to the UK with Amazon.com so are there any other USA sites where you can deliver to England?

There are mail forwarding services that can help you with this.

**warrensway** · 05-05-2008 03:55 PM

I can offer you a lot of help. I have made quite a bit of money off of items on ebay and if you PM me I will be willing to help you out a little. I sell in the US but an fairly confident I can help you as much as you need.

**CharlieB** · 05-06-2008 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Aletheides

There are mail forwarding services that can help you with this.

Can you recomend any?

**Aletheides** · 05-07-2008 02:03 AM

I haven't had any personal experience with any, but check out services like MyMailboxUSA.com and Mail forwarding service & US address by Mbex.net

**dropship** · 05-07-2008 12:39 PM

eBay is saturated and has highly compettive pricing, but it is one of the best places for someone to start selling. You have been given a lot of good advice, be careful of VAT since your are in Europe when dealing with US suppliers. This could really cut into your profit margins. If you don't have an account with eBay I would set one up right away and start earning yourself some good history.