Get a FREE fully-working copy of Steganos Security Suite 7 (worth £49.99) when you sign up to the Practical PC Newsletter. Review: The eBay Business Handbook
Ian Waugh searches for his fortune on EBay.
| Product | The eBay Business Handbook |
|---|---|
| Company | Harriman House Publishing |
| Web | www.harriman-house.com |
| Price | From £12.99 |
| We like | Covers all the bases |
| We don't like | Thin coverage of some areas, No index |
| Rating | |
| Requirements |
With so many books about eBay already out there, a new release needs a new angle. This book's angle is that was written by a PowerSeller who has sold over 6,000 items and has a feedback rating over 5,000. He lists between 3 and 15 items each day and typically has 50 auctions running at any one time.
The book is subtitled 'How Anyone can build a business and make money on eBay.co.uk' and it walks you through the process with the following chapters: Starting Out, Preparing for the first auction, Creating the first auction, After the auction, Refining your auction format, Fraud on eBay, Developing your online business, and Managing the paperwork.
This is all good stuff and the text is interspersed with useful hints and tips. The book assumes a basic knowledge of eBay and is aimed at people who want to start or perhaps develop their own business rather than those simply wanting to clear the attic.
Dear diary
One of the most interesting parts of the book is a diary where the author describes a typical day. It's a fascinating insight but in spite of the easy-life feel, there is still a lot of work involved and that's something to bear in mind.
There are a few areas where the author could have expressed, shall we say, a firmer opinion. For example, he says not to charge excessive postage costs as this is "frowned on" but items in many areas are, indeed, regularly listed with postage costs way above what one might consider reasonable (including sales by many PowerSellers). So while this not may be ideal it is certainly a standard practise.
The section on fraud could also be more informative. It basically states the main policies but makes no comment on how well eBay looks after defrauded customers: it could have a much better record in this area.
The book's blurb says: "Perhaps one of the most valuable sections is the one dedicated to finding stock to sell". This is a perennial question among would-be eBay vendors and sources are rarely revealed. Alas, they aren't revealed in the book, either; it merely suggest traditional wholesalers - yeah! - eBay itself, other auction sites, and retail outlets. No secrets here.
However, the author does reveal many of the options he uses in most areas of eBay. Although they are for his particular niche - toys - beginners will find them a good starting place. However, be aware that he cross-lists all his auctions so probably gets more visitors than single-listed items.
While book reveals nothing radically new and some areas could do with more detail, it does cover all the major bases. Although much is basically common sense and freely available on the net, many people will find it useful to have this information all in once place and the tips certainly are worthwhile.
If you're serious about making a business out of eBay and don't have any other eBay books, this would be a good start.
