August 2012

Techie Brian Arpke (user ID: r3newtech) was making extra cash by fixing computers and selling to repair shops. He decided to try eBay, and when toner sold in 1.5 minutes, he was hooked—so winning a free listing optimization consultation in the June newsletter sweepstakes couldn't have come at a better time.

Twenty-nine-year-old Wisconsin native Brian Arpke—a self-proclaimed techie with a background in IT—enjoys fixing and refurbishing computers and electronics using recycled parts as well as RAM and other components that he buys on eBay. In the summer of 2011, while he was spending his extra time organizing electronics recycling events to help raise funds for local non-profits, he started collecting broken machines and parts for his projects in earnest. It wasn't long before his garage workspace started filling up with more tech than he knew what to do with. Read more.

Back to school shoppers are buying their big ticket items now: laptops, designer jeans, name brand shoes, and more, for heading back to the classroom in the fall. See if you've got any of these in-demand items and get them ready to list:

• Cell phones and Smartphones
• Laptops and eReaders
• Laptop bags and backpacks
• Women's shoes
• Men's jeans

If you've got them—list them! Check out our Back to School Hotlist for even more ideas.

Ship from home with eBay Labels—tracking is uploaded automatically and up to $15 of the buyer's payment can be used towards your shipping costs.

Taking great pictures with your mobile device is easy! Here are some tips:

• Turn off the flash
• Shoot against a plain backdrop (white for colored items; solid dark color for white items)
• Set the camera up on a solid object to minimize movement.
• Use the camera's autofocus whenever possible.
• Set your camera to capture images at the highest resolution possible.

Plus, up to 12 photos per listing are now FREE (excluding eBay Motors vehicles), so snap away and get listing.

Before you list, figure out the right price for your item. View completed listings and see what a similar item just sold for on eBay to price your item competitively. Then use eBay's shipping calculator to estimate shipping charges. Tip: FREE and low-cost shipping's a sure way to attract buyers!

Ship within 3 days and use eBay Labels—tracking is uploaded automatically, and up to $15 of the buyer's payment can be used towards your shipping costs. Plus, we've updated the look of eBay Labels to make it even easier for USPS to scan and track your package.

Tip: Whenever possible, choose 3-day or shorter handling times when you list—it gives buyers the confidence they need to make a purchase. You may choose any handling time for your listings—and for custom items, longer handling may be appropriate—but as of July 9, handling times of longer than 3 days, will be clearly indicated as 'exception' handling times.

What do you think of the new look of your eBay Insider newsletter? Please share your thoughts with us through this short, 11-question survey. Thank you!

u2synergy listed and won an iPad 2.0 in last month's newsletter sweepstakes!

See all prize winners