Results of a global research conducted by ACNielsen show that an about 10,000 Singaporeans sell on eBay to supplement their incomes. Over 4,000 Singaporeans earn their income selling on eBay.
Meet full time seller Closet_Affair, one of the 4,000 Singaporeans who make a living selling full time on eBay.

Q. How did you get started selling on eBay ?
A. It all began about 8 months ago. I did not want to be confined to a 9 to 5 job anymore and was looking for a change, something I really had a passion for. Coincidentally, a friend of mine was sharing with me his trading experience on eBay and that got me thinking. I had always heard about eBay but I had never explored eBay seriously. Initially I spent a lot of time on eBay, observing eBay sellers: the things they sell; how they sell; their stories etc. This was when I realized how vibrant the eBay marketplace is; where people can sell to anyone from any part of the world. After sourcing for the ideal product to sell, my eBay journey began.

Q. How did you come up with your eBay ID "Closet_Affair"?
A. I was actually cracking my mind trying to come up with a name when a program hosted by Fann Wong came on TV. Guess what? The programs name was closet affair! How uncreative huh? Haha The program showcased current and in style fashion items, beautiful bags and fashionable clothes. These were items I wanted to source for my own eBay Store. So I thought, why not relate my eBay id and store to the name Closet_Affair

Q. How has selling on eBay changed your life?
A. Selling on eBay has changed my life and opened doors to a world of opportunities. Now I work for myself and I am paid according to my efforts. The sky is the limit especially with cross border trading! Besides the invaluable trading experience that I will not get elsewhere, now I am able to enjoy flexible working hours too. Imagine being able to go on a holiday anywhere, anytime and yet you still get to manage your business in the hotel room. Just get connected to the internet and you are trading live! Thats the beauty of online business. The world is virtually at your finger tips. Trading on eBay has given me a lot of experiences in selling and learning about the retail business. I have also learnt basic web programming as well as photo editing through self taught to help me present my products better to my customers.

Q. The products which you sell, are they reflective of your interest as well?
A. Yes, definitely. I always believe that when the things you do are what you like, you will naturally do it well and better. Its not considered to be work anymore. But when what you are doing doesnt interest you, it is hard to sustain the business.

Q. What tips would you give to budding entrepreneurs out there who are thinking of opening a retail store?
A. I think it is always good to keep an open mind and explore new ideas. For many of us, trading on eBay was never the first option. It certainly will be good to start a retail shop; I am working towards that myself. However, it is not easy dealing with high overheads in running a physical shop. eBay is a good platform to sell without the high overheads a retail shop would incur. You can introduce your products and ideas to the public at a low cost and to build up reputation through your feedback score. If there is a faster way to achieve what you want, why not try it out? So, I would definitely encourage budding entrepreneurs to start selling on eBay! Do you research and start an eBay store!