Summer Days

I love being self-employed, and I love my lighter schedule.  It gives me a lot more time to get projects done that I’ve been putting off, like scrap booking, and sewing.  It gives me a chance to swim, go for walks and go on road trips

Summer is also a great time  to spend more time on my listings, and get my store ready for the Christmas season.  It really is just right around the corner.

In the summer, I like to set aside one day a week to focus on my listings.  My laptop comes in handy, because we can put on a movie and I can list from the comfort of my reclining couch.

I don’t spend the entire day listing, but several hours.  I do take breaks, but I don’t plan anything else for that day.

Usually it takes me a few hours. I’m able to list everything in my current bin that I have pictures of. Then we go do something special like swimming, get a pedicure, or go to dinner.

Everyone’s schedule is different.

Some people have a hectic summer  but  fall or spring is more laid back.  Utilize the time of year when you don’t have as much going on to focus in on growing your business.  You probably won’t see it grow over night, but if you keep trying to grow your business, over time it will grow.

Never Stop Learning

I’ve been selling online for 7 years now, and teaching piano lessons for 12 years. Where has the time gone? It goes so fast, but one thing is for certain: I’m not only older, but I’m definitely wiser. I learn or discover something new everyday. Whether it’s a better way to teach scales, a more efficient way to run my online business, a new product to sell, or a way to increase sales, I’m all for it.

It’s amazing how differently I manage both of my businesses today versus even a year ago.

I’m selling on multiple venues, learning how to use Twitter and Pinterest to increase sales, shipping items out within 1 business day of receiving payment, and listing more in a week than I did last school year.

It takes awhile to build a successful business, and it’s done through gaining knowledge and being willing to try new things. As you experiment, you learn what works for your business and what doesn’t work. As you network with other business people, you get new ideas and gain knowledge from them.

So…….what have you learned or discovered lately?

This Week on eBay

This week has been pretty good.  I’ve recuperated from my yard sale and it’s been gorgeous outside, so we’ve been out walking and riding bikes a little bit each day.

I feel good about my store right now, I was able to list over 70 items this week, most of the listings were done on Friday, and it didn’t seem like it took that long to get it all done.  I had a lot of items that were similar, so that helps.

Right now, I’m not caught up on my listings.  I have three large bins full of items to list right now, and I stopped at a thrift store on my way home yesterday, which added three more bags of items to list.  Once Thursday night rolls around, I’ll be able to take some pictures and start listing a few more things.

I’m busy trying to get the number of my twitter followers up……trying……lol.

My Spring piano recital is right around the corner, and I’m busy planning that one step at a time.  Even with non-eBay tasks, I like to do things one small step at a time and far enough in advance so I’m not rushed.  I already have the certificates printed out and this week, I’m working on what order everyone will play in and figuring out what to give them at the recital (I always give each student a small gift or treat bag.)

Staying caught up on my shipping is going OK……I’ve only had a couple of times (like during my yard sale) when I wasn’t able to keep up with it, other than that, it hasn’t been too bad shipping within 1 business day of payment.

Online Selling Tip of the Week

Enlinst your family to help you with your listings and shipping.

Working together on a project like running an online store is a lot of fun for a family to do together.  Even small children can help put packages out for the mail carrier, put labels on and put items away once they’ve been listed.

It’s not only fun, but a great way to teach your kids about business, work ethics and making money.

Rachel’s Top 5 Picks on eBay

I’ve been on a listing spree for the last few weeks, and some things are selling as fast as I can list them. Thisis a great problem to have, but it also means that some of my new faves have gone out the door before I post them for you.

This week, my faves center around summer.

It’s getting gorgeous outside and I’m super excited about pulling out swimming suits, flip flops and sunglasses

#1 Is the cutest pair of swimming shorts I’ve ever seen, by Hanna Andersson. I have them available in both size 70 and 80.

#2 Is an awesome pair of Birkenstock sandals size 36.

#3 Here’s a gorgeous pair of White House Black Market capri pants. I have them available in size 0 and size 14.

#4 These flip flops from Hanna Andersson completely say “summer” to me   I have them available in both orange and pink in sizes 4/5 (girls) and 7/8 (infant)

#5 This Miche shell “Jayne” is perfect for summer!

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