These eBay sellers won't survive

[@sammonicuslux]

I really appreciate your advice, Mel and I love that for you!! However, we all work differently. Some have sourcing problems, some are also in it for sustainability (especially us vintage sellers). I agree that I need to always keep learning...but bread and butter does work for me, currently as I continue to learn. We can't all be Tech but we can all improve (at our own abilities.) Something I have seen in the US reseller community lately: more and more sellers discussing their disabilities and how it effects their reselling business. I think it is a trend, actually, and as a disabled woman, I appreciate it. There has been a shift also to youtubers who DON"T push the "hustle" and 6 figure agenda...and they make money with a great balance of life. You're awesome, Mel. What you are doing is hard work and you always inspire!

[@countrabricksbuildcraze8916]

Yes each to thay own way s. But their is. Good set way s to. Keep thing s. Flowing. At a good rate. But. Can. Do what. Mel is. Saying. But. It may not.have you Gain more. It's a. Dam tuff noch thing. Just not knowing. Just got to. Keep at it ..an not give up .gaining more..sale s. Wish we had a magic wand at. Time s lol.

[@backfromburnout]

As long as you have margins in your profits to account for changes in prices from suppliers then you will be ok. But those with slim margins will continue to struggle and it will only get harder. I don’t want the hard hustle either and striving for a better balance. My daily listings are dropping in quantity to sell higher priced items so it’s more sustainable.

[@ShaneD0503]

​I couldnt agree with this more. Everyone is at a different stage of reselling. I used to sell only bread and butter items until i was able to reinvest those profits to sustain an inventory flow of higher value items. I just made $83k last year with an average sell price of $67 USD. Mel is 100% correct, you get to the point where you start to value your time and investments alot more, when you can source higher value it allows for more family time as you sell less and make more. I also work full time and do this part time so it IS 100% possible to not waste your life over $20 items @@backfromburnout

[@susanweeres7915]

Very difficult to compete with the booksellers in America. The top sellers (World of Books #3) have over-sized metal bins in parking lots and people will simply deposit their unwanted books in the containers. So their COG is zero. Also, I don't know if you have any competition yet from Amazon book sellers there, but they sure do give us a run for our money (race to the bottom). Good luck with your business!!

[@jonchan.meaningful]

Competition = activity. It’s nice and cosy to be in an uncompetitive space. A sale every once in a while or regularly. Eventually competitors will figure out what market share they are missing and the small unbothered seller starts to become bothered real fast. Learning to fight in a competitive space is just as important a skill as knowing where to find untapped markets. It’s all business 👌

[@backfromburnout]

You do have more competition but I do know book sellers in America selling thousands in used books. Just got to hunt the right books by researching those higher priced sold comps.

[@richyoz2630]

Yep - World of Books are killing small time book sellers in the UK - Also Charity shops in the UK have rumbled re-sellers and do their own comping and are selling higher value books on E-Bay themselves

[@jenlovesbooks]

@@richyoz2630 My pet hate, here in the UK is when places like World of Books and Music Magpie sell a big heavy book for a couple of quid and free postage. There is no way you can compete with that when it's costing you more in postage than what they're asking for in total.

[@wendyriddell5529]

A price revise up or down brings it to the front so the items is re seen which helps it to sell I agree with you going up will help it get seen again

[@AngieAitch]

Hello from the UK. I havent watched a ship with me on your channel before. I have loads of books, just sat there for more years than your oldest listing haha. This has inspired me to get some sold, or at least try. It was interesting to see the variety sold. Thank you xx

[@backfromburnout]

Good luck, I hope you have some good ones to sell!

[@bigegames2019]

The difference between successful retailers and hobbyist sellers who are not functioning at their maximum. You said it exactly. "I am not in the storage business" That's right!

[@karenwhite8839]

She got that from TechnSports and Chris from the Daily refinement. Two of the best American resellers

[@maxinefield1565]

Great video Mel, looking at the gap under your door! My thought was … buy a draft stopper please Mel that dreaded big hardware store has them cheap😆

[@backfromburnout]

Yes a sausage to put under the door gap would be good! I'll grab one next time I'm at the hardware shop

[@papierdolls]

Thank you for showing your tape dispenser! I need one! I just ordered it while watching your video! LoL!

[@backfromburnout]

I think I will like it!

[@elsiecreek3040]

I have a heated jacket, they usb charge. I think you might need one!

[@backfromburnout]

I am going to look to buy one of those! I have heard they're great! I might go look for one tomorrow now you have reminded me!

[@chasidymoberly3523]

Need to invest in a good blower heater. The little ones never put out enough heat in a warehouse space.

[@backfromburnout]

Yes I probably do. Or more thermals lol

[@pizza123661]

I bought that big tape dispenser but it moves around when i pull the tape which is really annoying, im thinking of how to better secure it to the table. Love your video keep up the good work!!!!

[@liannehill748]

I sometime secure my large tape dispenser to my desk with a large ‘G’ clamp which works

[@backfromburnout]

Mine doesn't move which is good!

[@sailingqueen678]

I was thinking velcro

[@peppytheecky1703]

That Canberra winter is no joke. The coldest I've ever been was when I went to Goulburn.

[@backfromburnout]

This morning on the radio they said it was -6.2 in the morning but "felt like" -9.4.

[@brianhenry2385]

Always interesting to be reminded that as you are working in the cold, wearing a cap, we’re looking at an 80 degree day, headed toward summer in Seattle. 😉

[@backfromburnout]

Ha ha. Bring me the heat wave! As I go into summer you will all be freezing lol

[@brianhenry2385]

@@backfromburnout Back in 1983, I made a trip down under and had to adjust to a few things. The weather pattern was flipped, that water swirled down the drain in the opposite direction, that didn't speak the correct version of English, that Swan Lager came in bigger cans with a higher alcohol content and of course, that Vegemite was used instead of peanut butter on bread. But I enjoyed myself and it was all good!

[@graciegladson4960]

I'm so proud of you. I watch you and one other woman who is not just building your business but your life. Its what I'm doing here too. I have MS though and i haven't found a good work, work life balance.

[@johnnyfortycoats2219]

Great video, Mel. You are bang on about the postage increase. One of the few things that Tech and Chris get wrong is that you have to sell more items per week to make up for increasing costs. The cost of everything goes up. That includes used books on eBay! If you just put your postage up in line with the increase, sales stay the same, no problem. If you buy higher margin stuff over time, you make more money with the same effort. There is a limit to the quantity of stuff you can process. But there is no ceiling when leveraging your knowledge and experience.

[@backfromburnout]

THIS "There is a limit to the quantity of stuff you can process. But there is no ceiling when leveraging your knowledge and experience" I am now listing less items a day - but better items. And I have more time now to make more videos which is what I love doing.

[@stephenkewn342]

Hello from Scouse Land (Liverpool, UK)! I just wanted to say I really appreciate your attitude and work ethic. I used to sell refurbished printers on eBay back in the day, and it was tough work! These days, I sell very little on eBay, with most of my business now through Amazon FBA. One thing I’ve always focused on is the numbers-net profit is so important. I’ve been using Sellerboard for my business, and it’s helped me uncover hidden fees I wasn’t aware of. Anyway, my main point is that it's super important to work out your profit margins and factor in time management (something I personally struggle with, especially organization). It seems like you’ve nailed that part! I do believe most people are happy running a business if they enjoy what they do, and you definitely come across that way. Wishing you all the best, and keep grinding! 😅

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much! Yes it is a grind somedays but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else :)

[@biffboffo]

The table-top tape dispenser is definitely the way to go. You should place it at the edge of the table so you don’t have to reach, and you can pull and tear a long strip without it getting stuck on the table.

[@backfromburnout]

I’ll try that!

[@kyliescardcraft7939]

Well done Mel. Somebody needed to come out and say it. It drives me dippy when usually it's a cop out because they haven't set up their business model right in the first place. It must be scary when a postal increase gives you an anxiety attack

[@backfromburnout]

Times are hard and we all want any little bits of money we can grab but to ease that panic and make the business sustainable long term we have to have margins in our sales to accommodate suppliers increasing costs online with the inflation

[@stevedavenport1202]

My POV is that market forces are what they are. If your listing has been sitting in inventory for over a year, then it is time to discount it and move on, even if you only break even.

[@backfromburnout]

It’s good to get it moving especially if you’re out of storage room.

[@gayenapier]

I'm loving all these videos Mel....love seeing how others work in their businesses and taking any tips to improve mine. Thanks for always being so open and helpful with advice that can challenge me to think about things in a different way.

[@backfromburnout]

Glad you like them! Thank you Gaye!

[@denisefleming3919]

Great topic! Have you thought of putting blankets at bottom of doors? May keep some of cold out and be a bit warmer at least around your main work area. I loooove my table dispenser! I fought with the handheld every time I used it. Another great vid. Thanks!

[@backfromburnout]

I just need to use it a few times to get used to how different it feels! I'm so used to the tape gun! Maybe some blankets would help, I could try.

[@danafindwell]

Totally agree with you Mel, I’m trying to sell higher priced items for more profit! Loved watching your ship with me, too, I used to design books so it’s super fun to see the books that are selling for you. Looking forward to your next vlog too! 🥰

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, I'm listing less and loving it lol

[@danafindwell]

@@backfromburnout Awesome!! BTW i love your hat, its super cute on you! 🥰

[@shawnmariemann]

Why is it that watching you freeze over there in Australia is helping me feel cooler in the NE US heat wave we're having. Thank you for the video air conditiong!

[@jonchan.meaningful]

If joy is contagious over KZbin, why not temperature 😂

[@backfromburnout]

I'll take the heat wave at the moment LOL

[@gaylepuou7214]

I love books. I would love to have a library of my own. I have yet to go to our own book fair. Need to add that to my bucket list. Thanks Mel for filling in the cap for now.

[@backfromburnout]

Book fairs are the best!

[@Tiger4Life73]

Have you tried working with fingerless gloves? They might help to keep warmer. Love the advice you share

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, I can do some stuff with them and I had some and took them home and now need to find them to bring back lol I will buy some spares so that doesn't happen again

[@Teskeden]

Hey Mel! I've watched your videos for a while and just want to say thank you for all your great advices you've been giving on book selling. I started out myself this summer and videos like this are very helpful. About the coldness for fingers, I would recommend a pair of tight gardening gloves! Many of them have both great grip and keeps fingers warm. Keep doing what you're doing, and I am looking forward to following you on your journey. Best regards, Alex

[@backfromburnout]

@@Teskeden thanks Alex! I should have a new video out tomorrow :)

[@onemanstrash8233]

You may want to put the tape dispenser in another position to help you use it easier. I have the exact one and it is a little cockeyed on my table. I also stuck it to the table with some two sided tape stuff so it don’t move.

[@tinaindina7032]

The table top tape dispenser was a game changer for me 😊

[@emusaurus]

When I started selling, postage was $7.45 for

[@backfromburnout]

Mine is $9.38 average at the moment Thank you, my trusty K Mart Beanie :)

[@leithjones4259]

Thank you for addressing the complainers about Aus post increases Sometimes I can’t believe what I read in those groups and appreciate your candor You’re completely spot on

[@backfromburnout]

I get that it sux to have an increase but it's something that is going to keep happening and for a business to survive we must understand how to sell better items that have those higher profit margins

[@ChristineS02]

You should try moving the tape dispenser to the front edge of the packing station, then put the heater behind it, facing where you pack so that there’s constant warmth in your direction. You shouldn’t have to stop to warm up then.

[@backfromburnout]

That’s a good idea of positioning.

[@michellecd4722]

I LOVE the table tape dispenser. I have two of them that Chris DR recommended on his channel months ago. I don't watch his channel any longer, had no more value for me, too repetitive and too self-indulgent. However, I did learn many things over the years, so always worth learning and growing. Speaking of growing, Tech has grown on me like a beautiful flower :) I watch all of his videos, as well as yours. One thing I love about the dispenser is that I like keeping my pens & my Scotty peeler in the pen holder attached to it.

[@wendyraye1]

I know the selling higher priced items is the "in thing" right now, but it really honestly doesn't work for everyone. And it is starting to show, many youtubers started trying it and it just isn't working for them. It is not a model I personally can do. I would have to source for like 80 hours a week to accomplish it. That is so much more time than it takes me now to sell those low dollar items. Just not worth it. I do think the high profit model is a great one to follow, just not everyone can do it. However you are completely right that people need to know their numbers. Especially if you have to work with lower profit items, knowing your numbers is the only way to make it. I don't have the privileges that others do, I get by all on my own. But I do more research than just on ebay. Look back on 10 years of reseller content. You will see them go into the high profit model and in a few years it doesn't work and they go back to singing the praise of bread and butter items. And it goes back and forth. That is because it is not about the selling model you use, it is about using the model that works best for you given your situation. It doesn't matter what model you use, it matters if you put in the work 💜

[@backfromburnout]

It is sure harder to find the higher priced items which is why you see me doing a lot of bundles. But the more I do it, the easier it seems. I'm listing less items a day and sales are still really good.

[@wendyraye1]

@backfromburnout I like bundles too, but they aren't really making you any more money unless you are finding multiple items for the price of one. And I think that is something youtubers often fail to explain to viewers.

[@richyoz2630]

@@wendyraye1 Yeah - Mel has always explained that those Mills and Boon books were purchased in quantities in the 1000's so she can bundle them

[@wendyraye1]

@richyoz2630 yep she usually gets her stuff from bulk lots. But sometimes people just don't understand their numbers. So they will go out and buy 10 books for 2 bucks a pop and wonder why their $35 free ship bundles aren't bring them in much money. There is more math involved than most resellers like, lol.

[@ianmarsden8568]

I agree with you. The numbers seem not to lie. But who's numbers are they. Two pivots and you are back where you started. Cheers.

[@marycarlson8837]

A lot of buyers are influenced by "perceived value", so if it's priced cheap, then their mind says it must be cheap or damaged or something, and they don't want it. They want quality, so it must be priced as if it is quality. And then they feel good if they make an offer that gets accepted. :)

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, I have been surprised that being the cheapest doesn't mean you get all the sales. We must learn to value ourselves and our time more.

[@bennystratton7734]

4:56 100% its called perceived value even though you marked it up the new buyer that comes along and finds that item does not know this all they might see is a 50% in big red letters so they feel like they are getting a GREAT deal when in reality your just getting what you really want and are able to move it out Retail stores do this all the time its how i do my items from the start mark it up put best offer and have the best offer threshold cut off at 50% off so if i have a an item i want to make $50 i price it at $100 with best offer any offers that come in at $50 or more are automatically accepted this method has worked for me for almost 20 years (if its not broken don't fix it lol)

[@lizmoore1696]

I sent my first set of books in a bubble mailer. I’ve been so afraid to, but I finally gave in and did it! If no complaints upon arrival, you’d be saving me tons of money Mel! 👍

[@farmgirl1560]

I use them for all of mine. Only positive feedback 😊

[@Lupi33z]

I just yank the shrink wrap until it breaks. Quicker than scissors.

[@backfromburnout]

I have tried that but I must be weak LOL

[@Lupi33z]

@@backfromburnout no you're not... just practice it 👍

[@joanprince733]

WOW. Mel. Another video packed with lots of information. Keep up the good work and try and keep warm. XXXX😊

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much!

[@hopemitchell3918]

Love you videos! just want say don't warm your hands too fast you might get chilblains. Reusable heat pocket heat packs, Boil to reset them

[@backfromburnout]

I keep meaning to go buy the pocket heaters. I'll try and remember to do that tomorrow!

[@johnnyfortycoats2219]

Put the heater under the packing table so the warm air billows out right where you stand.

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, I should get another one at the packing station

[@lisagolden253]

Thank you for your wisdom! Once again you know exactly what I need to hear. Been selling for 10 years, but find myself in a rut trying to push old merchandise or low end. That's going to change!

[@backfromburnout]

It's a vicious circle. I found it so hard to make the shift but now that I have its getting easier and I'm trying to push it even more.

[@waverideraus4882]

make sure you regularly clean the tape dispenser blades, or they gum up and get harder to tear cleanly

[@backfromburnout]

Thanks for the tip!

[@cheriea.6195]

Great video Mel, I’m hearing ya with how cold. My studio presently has no heater or air con, so summer it’s hot and winter it’s freezing cold, hands don’t work properly my mobile phone was like an ice block. Even the coffee didn’t last long hot. lol.

[@popfuntoplay]

I always say you need to figure out how much you can list and package a day. If you can only process 15-30 a day, selling cheap items is selling your self short and not worth your time. If you want to sell cheap items, make bundles and look at those bundles as $30+ items etc. For me I mostly sell cheap items in my physical store, and then save ebay and such for items $20 or more, and most of the time we only list $50 or more items because the work for online is so much more then in person. Your advice is great.

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, I've cut down my daily listing but what I am listing now is higher priced items and it feels so much better.

[@briancolumbo9179]

When I went through my store and removed most of the books under $10 (which was half of my listings) I was afraid my sales would go down. Surprisingly they actually went up. Also I get most of my sales from watchers. I send them 20% or 25% off offers as soon as I see them. You can't do that with low priced items.

[@backfromburnout]

Feels so good once you make the decision to stop selling those items and to value your time more :)

[@iamsarahlarsen]

Great advice, Mel!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you

[@Thomas-1967-AUS]

Hi Mel....great video. I love repeat Customers also but I wish that in our apps where it says that it is a Repeat Buyer that you could click on that section and that it would show you what they bought in the past. Get a bigger Heater!!! lol

[@christineryan291]

same! because sometimes it just means they have bought more than 1 item in today's transaction (so not really what I would class as a "repeat" buyer)

[@backfromburnout]

That would be awesome @ebay

[@jmac1814]

Thanks for posting this video Mel love your videos ❤❤❤❤ I look forward to seeing your videos especially the pick and packe 😊😊

[@backfromburnout]

You are so welcome!

[@mrststreasures9628]

You are such a great teacher!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much!

[@GhostReaper9mm]

i ship all my books in multifold boxes, I order expensive books from thrift books sometimes and they ship them in a plastic bag with no bubble wrap

[@backfromburnout]

These mailers have bubble wrap inside them

[@tylernich0848]

Great advice mel, I'm starting to learn i shouldn't be afraid of dropping $100 on an item that can make me $150-$200 profit

[@backfromburnout]

Yes! If it has a fast sell thru rate and costs more then I don't hesitate to spend up. But if the sell thru rate is long and over a year then I don't want large amounts of money tied up in one item sitting on the shelf either.

[@amacam4504]

Really enjoying these types of videos. Always curious to see what people are buying! lol

[@backfromburnout]

Glad you like them!

[@joymcbroom1865]

I have the same black tape dispenser. I love it and country music, too🤠

[@backfromburnout]

I think it will grow on me and soon I will wonder why it sat on the other bench for years doing nothing ha ha

[@Nana_Tink]

Great sales!!! You are spot on with adjustments, profits, etc. in regards to postage increases. You are so amazing ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@backfromburnout]

Thanks so much!!

[@Mike-i6h]

We have book sellers in the US that sell books with free shipping, for less than the shipping costs.

[@backfromburnout]

That's crazy unless they're using those books as loss leads to get people into the store to buy multiple

[@catfunksfabulousfinds97045]

Media mail in the US is the cheapest way to ship. Some people don't ship that way when they first start and they lose a lot of money. Everyone sells for different reasons. Some people just want to sell them cheap to get rid of them. There are some thrift stores that won't takes books anymore because they have too many and don't have room for them.

[@johnathin0061892]

They get special rates from the USPS we can't get (Media Mail presort rate). They also get free inventory AND some of their labor is free and in some cases the government pays them to employ people (no joke). They also make money putting ads in their packages. They make money but not really from the sale of the books. One Foot Flipper did an excellent video about this.

[@AllieJL]

​@catfunksfabulousfinds97045 Yeah but even with media mail, on eBay, US book sellers will sell a book for $3.58 with free shipping... Even media mail isn't that cheap, and that's not counting fees.

[@scottfreedoms9584]

​@@johnathin0061892can you link exact video? I tried searching but couldn't find the right one.

[@comfortcountry9695]

I heard relisting old stock as a brand new listing seems to sometimes work for the Ebay algorithms.

[@CollectItAll-jb5yw]

The version I saw in a KZbin video: End a listing and sell similar. That way eBay sees it as a new listing and gives it a new listing bump.

[@backfromburnout]

I try not to do that as it loses all the listing history. I think editing it to try and make it a better listing is the way. But sometimes it's just not a desired item and why it's not selling.

[@DocReasonable]

Was 7 degrees in Canberra today... at lunchtime!!

[@backfromburnout]

It’s been colder and always colder in the warehouse

[@DocReasonable]

@@backfromburnout Yes, that must be shivery!

[@johnjeffreys6440]

I sell books, but it seems every book I sell is around $8. You have better margins.

[@teresawebster3498]

You need to get multiple pairs of gloves and cut the finger tips off to help keep your hands warm. It is so funny hearing you say that your freezing because we are the absolute opposite right now. That heater needs to be closer to you too!

[@backfromburnout]

Yes I need to buy some spares as I had left my fingerless ones at home.

[@Panzer-xi5uj]

Cheers Mel 😊. I always thought Australia was warm all the time 😅and I get excited if I sell something for 19.99 😅

[@backfromburnout]

Ha ha no, where I live we definitely get all four seasons. I live in a colder part of Australia down the bottom.

[@cindicarnes1731]

We are in the middle of a heat wave in Illinois and seeing you get so cold seems very strange. lol

[@backfromburnout]

I wish it was warm here lol

[@nayabaltaf3499]

Hi ,why dont you put an electric heated near your feet. It helps alot. Also have a heater in my shed.

[@lovemytreasure]

Great video as always! Thanks for the business talk at the end - you are 100% correct!! Thanks for the reminder!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you for watching!

[@lovekimberleyday9232]

Great video ❤ I’m sitting here in front of the heater also heating up my hands but I’m in Brisbane Qld and it’s 10 degrees and I’m freezing so no idea how your handling it there lol 😂😂😂😂😂

[@backfromburnout]

This morning it was -6.2 but the weather report said "feels like -9.4"

[@backfromburnout]

I want a thermometer to see how cold the warehouse is lol

[@Utopian-Fish]

You get a good price for your books over there! here in the UK they are hard to shift and probably at half what you achieve, cook books especially :)

[@slvrcross]

Mel your positivity is infectious. Love your vids, keep killin' it!

[@thestorymerchant28]

Love the folio society find! I found a Folio version of Enigma at a lifeline but the price was 12 bucks, a little low on the profit margin. That set for 0 bucks is nice!

[@backfromburnout]

I sold a cheap one today, some of them are low but some are just great!

[@LawonneWatson]

How cold is it there Mel? Here in Philadelphia US it's 90+ degrees all week!😢 I'm melting! Maybe I should send some of this heat your way, 😂

[@backfromburnout]

This morning on the radio they said it was -6.2 in the morning but "felt like" -9.4. Which in conversion is: 20.8 but feels like 15.1

[@LawonneWatson]

@@backfromburnout wow

[@Lupi33z]

How did you pack and post those Arabian Nights books? Was that a split postage? Did you have to manually produce the labels?

[@backfromburnout]

I did split the postage on those so have two tracking numbers for the buyer. Bubble wrapped and then double mailer on each lot.

[@lisacarter7099]

I am glad your new business model works for you, and Tech. Not all of us have that luxury. I have been selling on eBay for 24 years and sell all types of Items, in all price ranges. I use a cost of goods/time/profit formula and it works great. I would rather sell 50, 10 dollar items that took less than a minute to list and cost pennies, than a 40 dollar item that cost 10 and took 20 minutes to photo/list. It takes all kinds to make the world go around and I am surviving just fine.

[@teenagenerd5656]

I major difference is that postage in australia is very expensive, to post basically a large letter with no tracking is $3 which just isnt sustainable

[@backfromburnout]

I would never want to sell anything that takes 20min to photo and list either. I’m all for selling the fast things to process just searching for the better books now.

[@dibailey540]

I think you missed the point here. If your model works for you, then great! Just like she said Thom works on that kind of formula too. It's the people who are complaining about the postage prices causing issues with their business model and their margins that Mel is advising.

[@backfromburnout]

Definitely not trying to promote people do more. Just to do better and sell things with more margins so it causes less stress when suppliers increase prices - which will continue to happen.

[@lisacarter7099]

I understand, its why I charge shipping on every item. I know there are a ton of KZbinrs who say it will kill your business, but its never caused any issues for me. ​@teenagenerd5656

[@waverideraus4882]

Agree aggressive marketing, promos and discounts are necessary and it becomes an issue if you are listing at bottom dollar. Also if you have than minimum limit it will discourage you from buying low value items when sourcing in the first place

[@backfromburnout]

100%

[@thomasgowen2552]

It would be fun to see you and Tom have another competition sometime. Something like who can pull old stock and re-list the most bundles in a week. Or even just who can sort and list the most death pile. Always enjoy seeing you beat him and Tom pretend it doesn’t bother him but deep down we know it does lol

[@backfromburnout]

Ha ha, he does like to win! LOL A challenge would be fun, let me think on one :)

[@bethcole9013]

I love my desktop tape dispenser!

[@backfromburnout]

I think i will learn to love it after a couple weeks. Now I feel a bit awkward lol

[@Oki-t7q]

I didnt realise many items take months or years to sell? I was getting disheartened because my listings did not sell in the first two weeks

[@backfromburnout]

Many listings can take a while to sell. The more desirable items will have faster sell thru rates so those are the items you’re hunting for while out thrifting.

[@angiesatitagain6508]

I have that very same table top tape holder…. Game changer! It’s the little things that make all the difference! 🇨🇦 Angie

[@backfromburnout]

I just need to get used to it as it feels so odd! lol

[@carolemmwilliams-UK]

I loved the story of the guy who saw a bunch of your Cd’s when you where tidying up and after some patience purchased them, you listed. Aw!!

[@backfromburnout]

Very cool! I appreciate him so much!

[@cuttin-edgevideo3528]

Thanks for more content! You're so inspirational & positive 😊

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you for watching me!

[@stephleephoto]

Thank you for the words of wisdom and encouragement! ❤

[@backfromburnout]

You are so welcome

[@arashikawai]

OMG! I've been watching your videos for a while now and, as I work in a manga publishing house, it made me so happy to see you selling manga 😃 Nice video!

[@backfromburnout]

I love to sell Manga - it's just hard to find out in the wild second hand lol

[@Adam-Adamson]

Your should try an automatic tape dispenser they are around $100 delieverd but if you use a lot of tape of the same length its so efficient Automatic (VEVOR Automatic Tape Dispenser)

[@backfromburnout]

I need to google now!

[@nicoledelacruz355]

Put the heater on your shipping table.

[@backfromburnout]

Yes that could work!

[@KraftyKaren-7]

Thanks for sharing another great video today. You are so motivating to listen to and have a great reseller experience and insight of having a eBay business. If I had the room and opportunity I would love to sell books as I love reading many variety of books. And how do I find out of you eBay store so I can shop your store to help support your business. Hope you stay warm as here in Arizona we are trying to stay cool. We have been in the triple digits for over 2 weeks now. Thanks again Mel. Take care 😊👍

[@backfromburnout]

I do love looking at all the books I find. Some are so interesting and the cookbooks make me want to cook better lol

[@michellebarclay767]

I love your philosophy of being in the 'moving industry' not the 'storage industry'!

[@backfromburnout]

I have learnt the hard way!

[@Zepporium]

That concept is freeing.

[@stevedavenport1202]

True. Some book sellers love being surrounded by heaps of books. It gives them a sense of accomplishment. This is necessary for a brick and mortar shop, but not online sales.

[@kellyreally]

Mel❤ great way to get to the heart of it! Thanks for sharing what’s selling, for how much and how to do it!

[@mooseofmystery]

You're the best Mel! I've recently started flipping and being "a book guy" (with way too many books) have found myself gravitating towards books. But yeah you are bang on about margins: We like 'em PHAT!!! 🙂

[@tamarahcharter2822]

Hey Mel….AWESOME video as always Lovey….I have mixed thoughts on this one….I wouldn’t be SO pissed with AP increasing their prices if they were increasing their SERVICE but I’m pretty sure the majority of us can agree they’re NOT….Also, as a Seller who doesn’t offer ‘free’ postage, it concerns me the amount they’re charging my Customers….As we’re all aware, costs are increasing for everything & postage is just another thing people need to consider when making a purchase from a small business who’s transparent about these charges….I offer to keep satchels & boxes open during the week for my Customers to help with this but it comes with a plethora of headaches, one of which is that I lose my MPB discount I’d otherwise use to purchase satchels, tape etc….I’ve also changed out the type of items I’m offering online from larger collectible fragile items to much smaller items to further reduce the postage I’d otherwise need to charge & am now just using AP satchels….Many Sellers aren’t as tightly niched as those selling a specific ‘widget’ selling volume week to week & able to build postage into the unit cost of the item & for us, regardless of the small bi yearly increase sans increase of service, they are an aggravation.❤️

[@backfromburnout]

Postage does cost a lot in Australia and I know you do sell a lot of more fragile and bulky items by being an everything seller. I work mine on the average price which is currently $9.38. The multi orders do help to bring my cost down but listing the items at higher prices is what is changing my business the most. Profits are up and I'm working less by listing fewer items now. Perhaps increasing the prices of items rather than the postage is a better strategy? The good thing is about your store is you do sell unique items that aren't in as saturated markets.

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Mel....curious, how much do you buy each of the cd's for, in the cd lots that you sell?

[@backfromburnout]

I bought those ones for 80c each from memory

[@pattyellis5359]

Hi. Love your videos. Just wondering, how do I look for books on eBay that you are selling? Since I really want to see what books you have for sale.

[@JasonClayton-ez9hj]

It’s amazing how big the world is. I’m in the middle of a heat wave here in Eastern Canada and you’re so cold your hands don’t work!😅

[@Niamh07421]

found so many great books on your ebay page (actually it popped up when I was searching for specific mystery Australian author about 2 years ago- had knee surgery and was looking at youtube for some books sellers needed more books to read during recovery - and I realized it was you I was looking at on ebay- I may still buy a book lot because I can't find some of the authors here in the states) if the shipping wasn't so high to the states- you would have a me as a non stop customer- enjoy your channel

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you. If there are any books you like you can message me on them and ask me for a reduced postage quote. The price is set a bit higher as none of the books are weighed or measured and I have a lot of heavy bundles. So sometimes the postage does cost me a lot to send overseas. But I’m happy to reduce and only charge the accurate pricing if you ask :)

[@Niamh07421]

@@backfromburnout I will thanks

[@yvonna3586]

Hey Mel, watch you often, first time comment! Also a ft seller, what I truly don’t understand is sellers that sell items so cheap they must be losing money! For example a vhs for $5 free post! How does that even work? And then how do proper sellers compete with the true value when people undercut so drastically. Have a beautiful day❤

[@sammonicuslux]

Some media sellers sell so much volume, they have their own contract with the PO. If I see a listing of any item that has a stock photo and no other photos, I do not buy, no matter how cheap. I worked in a public library and we often bought books from ebay sellers. We looked at feedback and learned to buy from those that showed condition PHOTOS. One problem we did have is: Very hard to get the correct edition of a media item from large volume sellers. They scan the ISBN and then...make stuff up???!!

[@davidnorton7464]

There sales only work if people buy multiple items that can be bundled

[@backfromburnout]

Some use them as loss leads to bring people to the store. Some stores hope for multiple sales and may have coupons to entice multiple purchases,

[@KTTreasures]

Thank you Mel!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you Kristie & Tim - keep rocking those awesome storage auctions! Love your videos x

[@mrststreasures9628]

1:10 We are in a heatwave It's 86° by 10:00 in the morning - I will try to send some heat your way ❤

[@shaneomack5018]

103 in central Florida today

[@mrststreasures9628]

@@shaneomack5018 yikes! We are not far behind in North East Ohio 🥵

[@shaneomack5018]

@@mrststreasures9628 this will 💯 be the hottest summer in history in Florida. And our rain fall is way way behind

[@mrststreasures9628]

​@@shaneomack5018oh gosh!! We were due for a hot dry one. Last 5 or so years haven't been too bad. I have a friend who LOVES the heat and another who hates it. One sits outside to bake and the other sits in the AC and sees her own breath hahahaha crazy old women we are. Stay hydrated, friend!!

[@backfromburnout]

20 here in your conversion

[@staceya3030]

Do you books ever get damaged by the changes in temperature? This is always a question for me because I work out of my garage and we get big temperature fluctuations. Thanks for the great information.

[@backfromburnout]

Nope, never had any issues.

[@joeya5238]

I find your videos interesting and informative. I live in the us and am thinking of trying the book business myself. I do have a question. How do you determine what price to list each book or bundle ?

[@backfromburnout]

@@joeya5238 thank you. I check the previous solds on eBay and price mine accordingly.

[@orgoremedia]

Where do you live, that it’s that cold in the middle of July? Am thoroughly enjoying the advice on running a eBay business! I sell video games and dvd/blu rays! But so much of this advice is so great for such a wide array of resellers!

[@benhamm6368]

What is the usual temp in Australia in June? Also, are you using 3" tape in your dispenser versus the 2" tape in your hand dispenser? Which do you find is a better packaging tape?

[@backfromburnout]

This is normal. June, July and August is winter and I live in a cold part of Australia. This morning it was -6.2 but the weather report said "feels like -9.4" Thats 15.1 for your conversion lol

[@tracygarrett3952]

Mel, does your competition offer free shipping as you do? I was wondering if you could include a flat rate shipping cost of something like $3.99, or even $2.99. That small amount multiplied by the number of sales you make, will quickly add up. Another strategy could be a certain amount of books costs x amount for shipping, but if they added one or more books to their purchase, the shipping would go down or even be free! You have a nice thing going with your CD sales. Keep doing that when you can. I was so happy to hear there will be footage of your book buying weekend! ;)

[@backfromburnout]

I have experimented with small shipping add ons but never seen a great succcess. A lot of media sells use free postage ad it works out well when I get multi orders. I make a conscious effort to add books on the same topics into my store to encourage multi orders.

[@Teachbakeflip]

I love my table top tape dispenser, but my husband still prefers the tape gun. Also, 3 inch tape was a game-changer for me! On a funny note, I just sold an Adventure Time game for $60. 😂 Thanks for the video, Mel!

[@backfromburnout]

I think I will love it once I get used to it. It feels very different!

[@hawkesburypickers8301]

Try microwave lemon butter, so easy and delicious. Passionfruit is an excellent addition.

[@backfromburnout]

Tell me more?!!

[@farmgirl1560]

I have learnt so much from watching your videos. Love the pick and packs and how much they sold for. I’m too self conscious to comp in store so I tend to go by gut feel from what I’ve learnt. So when I find a book on chess strategy or Bonsai etc yup those are those specific type interest books are the winners. I read 2-3 books a week so I’ll always have some cheap fiction novels in my store too but they are just there to rehome them and make $2 to support my reading habit 😂. I’m lucky to have a few op shops nearby that have really cheap book prices. One had 50% off sale on the weekend and picked up lots of great hardcover cookbooks etc for 50c each and a few book series which I’ll list after I’ve read them haha.

[@backfromburnout]

Don't be shy to comp in the stores. You can do it discreetly if you feel worried but I stand there in the wide open doing it and no one cares or asks what I am doing.

[@farmgirl1560]

@@backfromburnout yes I have to get braver haha. I don’t know why I feel weird about it. I mean everywhere you go people are on their phones so it’s not like it’s something unusual 😂

[@JennLloyd]

Awesome wisdom thank you for sharing a hard subject so eloquently

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you

[@planetmilkshake]

It must slow you down with the cold (or the heat in summer), could you install a reverse cycle heater in there?

[@backfromburnout]

Sometimes I think I'm working faster now to finish so I can get out of the warehouse as quick as possible LOL