texaseyes

What is your eBay User ID?
My eBay id is texaseyes. I chose it for several reasons. I wanted something that identified me as a person. I'm proud to be a 5 th generation native Texan – 3 rd generation native Austinite . Since the University of Texas is located in Austin and their fight song is “The Eyes of Texas” the id “texaseyes” was a natural. I chose to write it in all lower case letters because I just liked the way it looked. (didn't want to come across as too bragidocious.) Several of my customers have commented that they really like my id.

What is the main category on the eBay Site in which your items are bought or sold?
I specialize in selling home entertainment items such as CDs, DVDs, videos, books and lately educational software for the home school environment.

How long have you been using eBay and what do you use it for?
I've been an active buyer and seller on eBay since November 2000.  It started off innocently enough with just a few purchases. I collect wall pockets and discovered the mother lode on eBay. Wonderful selection and a wide price range.

How did you first hear about eBay? (i.e., friend, family, search engine, advertisement, etc.):
My daughter told me about eBay. She collects Texas commemorative plates and mentioned that eBay had a wide selection. Of course, being the wonderful mother that I am, I started buying plates like crazy. Problem was, some came in lots with other states so I wound up with a bunch of state plates that I didn't know what to do with. That's when I became a seller on eBay. I got rid of those plates in no time and began my eBay “career.”

How often do you visit or browse the eBay Site?
Several hours everyday.

What is the most unique item you have bought or sold on eBay?
Recently I've been selling vintage ephemera from Puerto Rico . We found all kinds of papers and stuff in an old suitcase of my mother-in-law's that hadn't been opened since 1941. Everything I've listed from that suitcase has sold! The best one was a beer coaster from Puerto Rico that sold for $160.00. The buyer was happy and I was thrilled! 

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you to sell the items that you really want to sell? Or, if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you purchase the items that you really want to buy?
I use eBay mainly to sell items. Research, research, research. I also try to make my listings as interesting as possible by describing the item thoroughly including any problem it might have and use clear picture(s). I also participate in many discussion boards and groups that are available on eBay.

What tips would you give to people out there who are selling or buying their items on the eBay Site?

1. Research, research, research.
2. Know your product.
3. Provide high quality service.
4. Be honest with the customer and in all of your dealings.
5. Use spell check!
6. Use good quality photos.

Tell us how your Feedback Rating on the eBay Site has improved your reputation as a buyer or a seller?
Many times customers tell me that they check the feedback before they decide on a purchase.

Do you participate in eBay's chat rooms or discussion boards? If you do, how often and which ones do you visit?
I definitely use the chat rooms and discussion boards. I visit my favorites several times a week.

If you participate on any of eBay's Chat, Help, or Discussion boards, what reasons would you give a new eBay member to encourage them to join in?
I find answers to most of my questions in the groups and on the Discussion boards. If I have a question I just post a query with the appropriate group and someone who knows the answer will answer very quickly. I also enjoy being able to help someone with their questions.  

Has your life changed since you began visiting the eBay Site? If so, in what way?
My life has definitely changed since I began visiting eBay five years ago. I opened my store in September and everything went crazy!! I had no idea I could sell so much! I'm not a power seller yet, but only because I sell low cost items and it takes a lot of sales to reach Power Seller status. I almost made it in December, but I just couldn't keep up the pace and stopped listing new items around the middle of the month. Still, the stuff in the store kept me so busy I never had time to do any Christmas shopping!

What eBay feature or service would you say has been the most helpful to you and why?
I believe reading back through the Discussion boards, the Groups discussions and the Workshops has been the most helpful to me. I learn something new every time I visit them, even when I'm just browsing around I'll find something that helps me with my selling, marketing, store management, listing design---just a whole lot of different information that I can use now or store away for future reference.

Are you a collector who buys or sells on eBay? If so, tell us about your collection and how you got started?
Yes, I collect wall pockets. Back in 2000, when I first started buying on eBay, I went a little crazy. I wanted every wall pocket that even came near to the specifications of my collection. (Small head-shaped wall pockets.) I knew I had a problem when I realized I had spent over $500.00 in one month!! Needless to say, I became a bid more discriminating and decided to start selling on eBay to pay for my “habit.”

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, have you ever bought anything on eBay? Or if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, have you ever sold anything on eBay? Please tell us about it:
Now, I mainly use eBay to sell items. I still make the occasional purchase, and of course, I buy most of my shipping supplies from sellers on eBay, but it seems the processes involved with selling take up most of my time.

Have you ever purchased an item on the eBay Site that dramatically changed your life? If so, what was it and what change did it make?
Can't say that any of my purchases has “dramatically” changed my life, but I can say that all of my wall pockets have added tremendous pleasure to my life. I can say that each one I have purchased has brought me pleasure.

Can you give us a brief description of what eBay means to you?
I've enjoyed being able to work at home, to work when I want to and to be able to generate some extra income. My husband and I are both retired. Well, we're both retired from working for others, now we work for ourselves in our eBay store and auctions. We use the money we make to do a little traveling, buy some non-essential treats and to save for a rainy day.

kahenderson61

What is the main category on the eBay Site in which your items are bought or sold?
Books

How long have you been using eBay and what do you use it for?
Approx 1 year selling new & used items. As my hobby!

How did you first hear about eBay? (i.e., friend, family, search engine, advertisement, etc.):
My cousin was selling things on ebay and enjoying it. I did hear of it prior to that though on my internet browser.  

How often do you visit or browse the eBay Site?
Several times daily.

What is the most unique item you have bought or sold on eBay?
4 pc stainless gold Holiday Silverware

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you to sell the items that you really want to sell? Or, if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you purchase the items that you really want to buy?
Mostly sell, but do both often. For selling I try to think of how I would search for something and then includes that word or words in my title

What tips would you give to people out there who are selling or buying their items on the eBay Site?
Be honest and don't overcharge on shipping. People really appreciate honesty and fair prices on shipping.  

Tell us how your Feedback Rating on the eBay Site has improved your reputation as a buyer or a seller?
I have 100% feedback and great comments from buyers and sellers. I really feel this has boosted my sales.

Do you participate in eBay's chat rooms or discussion boards? If you do, how often and which ones do you visit?
I visit occasionally but don't really participate.

If you participate on any of eBay's Chat, Help, or Discussion boards, what reasons would you give a new eBay member to encourage them to join in?
Ideas from other member seem to be helpful.

Has your life changed since you began visiting the eBay Site? If so, in what way?
I LOVE Ebay it is a great way to spend an evening. I have a hobby that I love that also helps bring in extra money.

What eBay feature or service would you say has been the most helpful to you and why?
Help topics, type in your questions and boom you have an answer.

Are you a collector who buys or sells on eBay? If so, tell us about your collection and how you got started.
I used to collect precious moments and I have sold them on ebay at a fair price.

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, have you ever bought anything on eBay? Or if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, have you ever sold anything on eBay? Please tell us about it:
I redecorated my bathroom with things bought on ebay from shower curtain to prints to towels and even fixtures.

Can you give us a brief description of what eBay means to you?
Ebay is my free time now. Any free minute I get I am searching or listing or shipping. It is a very pleasurable experience.

corgidusty

What is the main category on the eBay Site in which your items are bought or sold?
Collectibles (plush dolls and animal inspired jewelry).

How long have you been using eBay and what do you use it for?
I have been a member since June 6, 2001. I mainly use Ebay to sell plush toys and jewelry. But, I do buy things like china and business supplies also.

How did you first hear about eBay? (i.e., friend, family, search engine, advertisement, etc.):
I was referred by a friend

How often do you visit or browse the eBay Site?
Daily

What is the most unique item you have bought or sold on eBay?
A milk glass owl from Canada that was made in 1899 .

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you to sell the items that you really want to sell? Or, if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you purchase the items that you really want to buy?
Sometimes I will add bold to make the listing stand out and I always use the Gallery. I also keep items I really want to sell listed in my Ebay Store at all times.

What tips would you give to people out there who are selling or buying their items on the eBay Site?
Try to list in the proper categories, offer items at reasonable prices with reasonable shipping rates. Also, put the proper keywords in item titles.

Tell us how your Feedback Rating on the eBay Site has improved your reputation as a buyer or a seller?
As of today 2847 positive feedbacks have been left for me with 100% positive rating. When new buyers look at my reputation, they realize that I am a trustworthy seller and they do not have reservations about purchasing from me. It definitely helps.

Do you participate in eBay's chat rooms or discussion boards? If you do, how often and which ones do you visit?
Several times a year I check a discussion board if there is a something new I want to learn about or if I'm having some sort of issue that I am trying to find an answer to. Normally I look at the seller or help discussion boards.

If you participate on any of eBay's Chat, Help, or Discussion boards, what reasons would you give a new eBay member to encourage them to join in?
Discussion boards are a great way to find answers to your questions and see what other people are doing that is working.

Has your life changed since you began visiting the eBay Site? If so, in what way?
Ebay has allowed me to develop a small business and earn extra income to supplement my teachers salary and I don't have to leave home to do it. It's makes selling easy for buyers and sellers. It provides and instant target market that I could not get in other venues.

What eBay feature or service would you say has been the most helpful to you and why?
Selling Manager Pro – it takes the work out of listing. I couldn't do the volume I do without it.

Are you a collector who buys or sells on eBay? If so, tell us about your collection and how you got started.
I started on Ebay in 2001 just because I wanted to collect milk glass animals. I try to be careful when I purchase to make sure the items are authentic. I have a neat collection of milk glass hens and other animals that are decorating my house. I was able to get pieces on Ebay that I could not find at my local antique stores.

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, have you ever bought anything on eBay? Or if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, have you ever sold anything on eBay? Please tell us about it:
I frequently buy business supplies like padded envelopes, jewelry boxes and full page labels. I also like to buy my china and other household items.

Can you give us a brief description of what eBay means to you?
Ebay means freedom. Freedom to run my business while I'm at work all day and the ability to have a second income without ever having to leave my house.

freshrequest

What is the main category on the eBay Site in which your items are bought or sold?
Books. I enjoy selling vintage books the best.

How long have you been using eBay and what do you use it for?
I have been using eBay since May of 2004. It has provided a great avenue for generating extra income.

How did you first hear about eBay? (i.e., friend, family, search engine, advertisement, etc.):
I had friends that talked about purchasing things on eBay. I gave it a try after spending $100.00 at my first auction.

How often do you visit or browse the eBay Site?
I visit eBay several times a day. I use the internet on my cell phone to visit the site and my email when I am away from home. I want to ensure customers get answers quickly to their questions and that their purchased items are shipped almost as quickly as they clicked. (Well - next day anyway)

What is the most unique item you have bought or sold on eBay?
I sold a very old High School yearbook to a man who purchased it for his mother. After his purchase, He said that he purchased the book for his mother. She had a twin sister that was tragically killed in an automobile accident their senior year. During all the confusion, she never obtained a yearbook. Both she and her sister were pictured in the yearbook. His story touches my heart and makes me feel good that I can help others connect with their past.

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you to sell the items that you really want to sell? Or, if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, do you have a certain strategy that helps you purchase the items that you really want to buy?
My strategy is to include a picture with every item. Pictures make the sale.

What tips would you give to people out there who are selling or buying their items on the eBay Site?
Attention to detail means everything. Wrong categories or poorly written titles can make or break the find or the sale.

Tell us how your Feedback Rating on the eBay Site has improved your reputation as a buyer or a seller?
 I believe that once I hit 400 with a 100% feedback rating, sales began to soar.

Do you participate in eBay's chat rooms or discussion boards? If you do, how often and which ones do you visit?
I am a member of eBay Indiana . I don't visit as often as I should, but I did make a few friends there, who bought from me too.

If you participate on any of eBay's Chat, Help, or Discussion boards, what reasons would you give a new eBay member to encourage them to join in?
The sessions help you improve your knowledge and skills, while making new friends along the way. Take a few minutes to say hello.

Has your life changed since you began visiting the eBay Site? If so, in what way?
 It has helped us financially. My three sons have developed an interest in searching eBay for items they want now. Guess who buys then? *laughing*

What eBay feature or service would you say has been the most helpful to you and why?
 The pre-filled items information saves many hours and tired fingers.

Are you a collector who buys or sells on eBay? If so, tell us about your collection and how you got started.
I never really collected anything prior to getting started selling on eBay. Now we have books starting to take over the garage and house.

If you mainly use eBay to sell items, have you ever bought anything on eBay? Or if you mainly use eBay to purchase items, have you ever sold anything on eBay? Please tell us about it:
 I have purchased items for my boys. The most recent purchase was an iPod with video.

Have you ever purchased an item on the eBay Site that dramatically changed your life? If so, what was it and what change did it make?
I can't say that it dramatically changed my life, but I did purchase a Delco Battery Tie bar for my father on eBay. He retired from Delco. He was tickled to find it under the Christmas tree.

Can you give us a brief description of what eBay means to you?
 eBay has allowed my family the opportunity to sell items that earn the money needed to purchase family fun (theme park tickets, vacations, gifts, personal items and more). It also has allowed me the opportunity to teach my children about business concepts and principles. Thank you eBay and Thank you customers!