When you start selling on Ebay, there is a lot to learn. Having the right supplies from the start makes things so much easier. Here are five items that were essential for my first months selling on Ebay:
1. Camera
A simple camera will work fine to take pictures of your items for Ebay. If you have a digital camera already, use that. If you don’t have one, I recommend a simple point and shoot camera for under $100. If you continue selling, you can upgrade (and sell your old one on Ebay).
2. Postal Scale
You need to know the weight of your items so you know how to pack them (first-class, priority mail, etc.). You also need to know the weight of your packages to print Ebay shipping labels at home. I have the American Weigh Scales SE-50 Scale, and have found it accurate and easy to use.
3. Mailers
Depending on what you are selling, you will need boxes, envelopes, or poly mailer supplies. My items work with poly mailer envelopes, and I buy them through an Ebay seller. Priority mail envelopes and boxes are free from the post office, if you purchase priority postage.
4. Printer
If you want to print shipping labels at home through Ebay (easy and cheaper), you need a printer. I got a Brother HL2230 Monochrome laser printer on sale for $50 at a local office supply store, including a starter cartridge. If you don’t already have a printer, keep an eye on the Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot weekly ads for printer deals. They often have printer paper deals too.
5. Packing Tape and Dispenser
Watch for packing tape sales at the office supply stores. If you ship a lot through Ebay, I highly recommend a sturdier packing tape dispenser, like the Officemate Heavy Duty Tape Dispenser. I have one and love it - it makes packing so much easier.
More Ebay reading here:
The Best Time of Year to Sell Things on Ebay
My First 90 Days as an Ebay Seller