What Have You Got To Sell?

In these challenging economic times a lot of people are thinking about ways to supplement their income. The internet has given us a lot of alternatives such as eBay, Etsy, Cafe Press and more. Through these sites people sell their own art, crafts, design work, products, and items they have no use for. A significant number of people are supporting themselves by setting up shops on sites like eBay to sell items they purchase in yard sales and flea markets. If you live near an outlet store, mill store or have access to seconds, discontinued items, etc. through a local manufacturer those items can be purchased locally and sold at a good profit to people in other parts of the world that do not have access to them.

I live a few miles from the mill outlet store for a manufacturer of very popular and pricey outdoor wear. For years I drove by it every day and often thought that, if I had time, I'd buy up their discontinued items and sell them on eBay. Of course, I never did but a lot of people do.

I'm an avid knitter and seamstress and I purchase a lot of fabric and yarn on eBay. One of the things I love is having access to fabrics and fibers from other parts of the country that I could never afford without eBay. Recently I purchased several balls of 100% cashmere yarn for less than a quarter of what it would cost locally and the vendor I bought it from, who lives in the midwest, told me she is doing so well with her eBay shop --- selling yarn from a local mill --- that she is doing it full time.

One of my favorite clients has opened up a Cafe Press shop to sell her unique cat designs. Clare Higgins called me about setting up a web site for her Modern Art Cats that would link to her Cafe Press shop. Her designs are so unique and charming that she is beginning to develop a following and cultivate a market for her artwork.

Another friend is a writer who is working with Valentine-Design to establish an ePress. Her web site will contain PayPal buttons that access her short stories when the customer pays for one. More about this in my next blog!

If you have an idea we are always happy to talk with you about it. Finding a marketplace for your goods, services, and creativity has never been easier!