Like many others, Ivy (ivy_aj82) started out buying when she first joined eBay in October 2005, where she was on the hunt for second-hand goodies. She slowly found herself being drawn into selling, and by February 2007, she had started up a little business selling nail polish and other related beauty products. Find out how this part-time Business Administrative student and full-time worker balances her life.

"I could not imagine the trust that total strangers can have for each other on eBay"

Q. In a nutshell, what does eBay mean to you?
A. A place where I can sell my stuff, grab cheap bargains and make good friends with my regular buyers.

Q.How do you find the time to balance working, studying and selling on eBay?
A. Selling on eBay is actually very easy and takes very little of my time. It's easy to juggle that with both school and work.

Q. Where do you get your supplies from?
A. Most of my supplies come from a close friend of mine who supplies beauty products. If she is overstocked on some items, I’ll be able to get them at a heavy discount and will list them on eBay. It’s a win-win situation as I get my supplies from a trustworthy source and save a lot of time having to source for items. Best of all, I’m always interested in all the pretty colours which come in every month!

Q. Describe how you felt when you made your first sale?
A. It was great! I could not imagine the trust that total strangers can have for each other on eBay, like in sending money to you before receiving an item. Like what the eBay Values state: We believe people are basically good!

Q. What motivates you to sell on eBay ?
A. The time flexibility when I sell on eBay, my growing Feedback score, and of course my ever growing client list of return buyers!

Q. What tips would you give to new sellers who would like to start an online business?
A. 1. Always have the mindset that all buyers are your friends.
2. Always be polite in your replies, especially for the unreasonable requests
3. Always value repeat buyers. An example is by giving them some discount along the way or updating them on the latest products you have in stock. You never know who they can refer to your listings and in turn increase your sales.
4. Be clear with the items you are selling. Providing good clear pictures and details in your listings are important for all buyers.

Shop Ivy’s items
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