The Spotlight's On:
marylanderson
by Robin
eBay Staff Member

Hello everyone! We'd like to introduce you to this month's spotlighted member, marylanderson. She began her eBay experience close to five years ago as a buyer. After spending a couple years as a buyer, she made the decision to try her hand at selling to get rid of a huge amount of collectibles she had. She found she had so much fun as a seller that she wanted more product to list. She told us, "In a way it was addictive for me, watching any given item getting feverishly bid on. It didn't take me long to understand that I could get unusual items exposed to millions of people very easily."

marylanderson's personal rule is to shop on eBay first before she goes on a "physical mission" to purchase what she needs. "I even use it for personal items, like specialty shampoos, lotions, and clothing." She spends the majority of her eBay time most every day in the horse tack, dog clothing, and collectibles categories.

marylanderson's strategy is simple: "Research the item as much as you can. Discover everything you can about that product or item and then determine if it is better to list an item independently or in lots. Buying on eBay pretty much works the same way... I start by looking at the completed items and reading others listings first. A successful sale can tell you a whole lot about its value."

One of her tips for other members selling or buying their items on the eBay site is "Do your homework first, know your product and represent it as accurately as possible. Be available and timely in responding to questions. Keep communication lines open between bidder and yourself."

marylanderson once sold a vintage hardhat. "I was shocked at first when I realized that people actually bought them, but then is sold for $47. I have learned that there is value in just about everything. I am always amazed at friends that stop by and are curious about what I do. My favorite thing is to challenge them to have me over, open up a catch-all or junk drawer and let me show them what value lies inside."

We asked how her feedback rating on the eBay site has improved her reputation as a buyer or seller. She replied, "Feedback has really helped to let bidders know that they can search my history to find how others have enjoyed my product and services. It is a sort of confidence gauge for buyers and sellers as well. It lets them know that who they are dealing with is reputable and honest."

marylanderson admits her life is very different now since eBay became a part of her life. Being a thirty-year veteran of real estate, she was tired of doing what she once thought would be her career the rest of her life. After about six months on eBay as a seller, she put her license on ice and went for it. She found herself working hard, but it was voluntary, because she really enjoys doing business on eBay.

We asked her if she ever purchased an item on the eBay site that dramatically changed her life. She answered, "This sounds silly, but I bought a dog training collar for my barking labrador retriever. Now, I can sleep at night!"

When asked what eBay feature or service she would say has been the most helpful and why, marylanderson replied, "Just a few months ago, I subscribed to eBay Selling Manager Pro. It has made such a wonderful improvement to keeping track of sales, costs and inventory. Once in awhile, I sell for others that are liquidating collectibles. Selling Manager allows me to put listings into folders, so it can keep items organized and account for costs and profits in an orderly and professional manner."

We also asked marylanderson to give us a brief description of what eBay means to her. Here is what she had to say:

"eBay isn't just a way to supplement my income or find great deals on products. It is more a way of life. Checking my eBay page and mail is the first thing I do upon getting up in the morning and the last thing I do before going to sleep at night."

We would like to thank marylanderson for sharing her thoughts and comments with us! If you would like to be considered for Community Spotlight Program check out our Community Profile page and follow the instructions near the bottom of that page.