After my husband abandoned our family, the first thing I did was start selling on eBay full time. I had already been selling on eBay for many years, back before eBay was even called eBay, but not full time.
My goal was simply to STAY a stay-at-home-mom.
It turned out to be great money and something that would teach me a lot of valuable business principles. It was how I supported my family for many years and today, I’m opening up for the first time on what I sold and how on The Work At Home Wife.
7 Tips to Making a Living on eBay
Here’s an excerpt:
When I first became a SINGLE SAHM, the most important thing to me was continuing to be home with my kids. I wouldn’t let anything, even a divorce stand in my way. My solution was eBay. I could make a killing on eBay, good profits, ship when I wanted to, and still be there for every second of my children’s lives. It was the best of both worlds. Although I’ve been selling on eBay for 15 years, I created a very successful, stable income for myself and my kids in a year and a half. There was no teacher telling me what I should do or not do. It was all trial and error. After all, the best secrets of how to make a living on eBay are secret right?
Not today, my friends. Not today!
Read the rest of the post on The Work At Home Wife.
More articles you will like:
- Insider Secrets to Saving Money on eBay
- How to Get Free Stuff to Sell
- Make Money on eBay with Littlest Pet Shops
- Daily Habits of a Successful eBayer
- Everyone With An eBay Account Needs to Read This
Jessi Fearon ( says
Great tips Sarah! You are a true inspiration to many of moms out there who don’t want to sacrifice being home for their kids because of a divorce!
Sarah says
Thank you Jessi. That means a lot. 🙂
Nora Miller says
I am fond of Ebay (both as a buyer and a seller) and its really surprising how it make you earn a bunch by selling items (old or new) that others might find interesting.
I myself have bought a lot of stuffs in Ebay, and I am now in the stage of trying to look for ways to make some money of my own as a good seller with the purpose use of its features and store.
Addi says
I love that you did whatever it took for your family and for you to stay at home with your kids. It is very kind of you to share your successful secrets with all of us!
Sarah says
Ah, that is so sweet Addi. Thank you. I’m honored to share. 🙂
Saving Sanely says
I loved this article! I’m always looking for ways to expand my income so that when I am (finally) blessed to start a family, being able to stay at home can be possible. Right now, I’m using any extra income to pay off all our debt so we’re in a great position when that day comes. I love your blog and find your story so inspirational!
Sarah Titus says
Thank you. I appreciate it very much. 🙂 What a great plan to prepare for when the time comes to start a family. Very wise! 🙂
Charan says
Hey Sarah just visited the 7 points ebay post. Very excellent. Thanks for sharing. I am a ebay seller in India and your tips really helpful for me to follow what I am missing.
Sarah Titus says
Glad you were able to be helped by the article. 🙂
Esther says
Thanks for sharing these practical tips and very inspiring indeed. I have always found your post very encouraging especially when I feel like giving up.
Sarah Titus says
Thank you. I’m so glad that you are being encouraged! <3
ena says
Hi Sarah. I am 63 years old and would like to make some extra income as my pension is very small and I am finding life a struggle. I have just come across your blog and I am going to try out your advice about selling on ebay as I have a lot of stuff hanging around the house that is not used. I will keep reading your blog for inspiration. Thanks.
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Ena. A lot of times we have things lying around that are worth a lot more than we realize. All the best with your new endeavor. 🙂
Carolyn says
I love selling on ebay but after 15 years and 3 moves someone from California hacked my eBay account and now I’m afraid to start again. I tried to contact ebay but never could reach anyone. Could sure use the income.
Sarah Titus says
Carolyn, did you try calling eBay? I’ve always been able to reach a rep when I’ve called. If your account has been hacked, they definitely take that very serious and can help. 🙂
Amy Greene says
These are great ideas and I will be putting them to use. Thanks for sharing. I hope these jump start my EBay store. I would love to reach the success you have!
Carolyn M Johnson says
Sarah,
You are an inspiration to us all. I have so many ideals, but do not know where to start. It’s hard finding time with special needs kids. Your time is devoted to them constantly. My mind and body just shut down. I’m motivated and dedicated to being sucessful. I just purchased your financial freedom bundle.
Carolyn
Sarah Titus says
Carolyn, I feel ya. I’m a single mom and everything, literally everything, rests upon me. It’s a lot, but, it’s not impossible. Take your time, do what you can. <3
Anonymous says
You have inspired me. Thank you
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely. 🙂
Anonymous says
Thanks for the info. Very good read.
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely. 🙂
Kristen says
I really enjoyed the suggestions in your article, and when I was off work for awhile I kind of gave it a shot with some of my own things, and some things I picked up for super cheap. But when I got to listing them on eBay, I got so bogged down—taking pictures, writing descriptions, researching similar items for pricing, going through all the steps and checking all the boxes. It seemed like it took forever (well, several hours anyway!) just to list a few items. It wore me out and stressed me out and I kind of gave up. What am I doing wrong? Do you have any suggestions to make the process run more smoothly? Thanks!
Sarah Titus says
There’s a duplicate ad in there that I usually click, so that all the boxes and stuff is pre-filled in from how I usually have it. That saves a boatload of time. 🙂 But yeah, you still have to research prices, take pictures, write specific descriptions, etc. I usually post an ad in about 15 mins. I batch work, so I’ll take all my pictures all at once, then “prettyfy” them, then list all at once at a later time. It goes a lot quicker batching stuff out. 🙂
Maeve says
Hello! I am wondering what your ebay name is!
Sarah Titus says
Maeve, for security purposes (address), it’s not something I share. I’m sorry.
Missy says
I started selling Ebay to help my family out after leaving my job. Is it better to have an Ebay store and how hard is it to set up?? I really appreciate your article and all the helpful tips in it. Please keep up the good work!
Thank you;
Sarah Titus says
Depends on your goals and how many ads you have. Take a look at the fees and see what is better for your particular situation. For me, I was making $3k/month and had 600-700 ads. It was a full-time thing for me. Do you want to sell on ebay full time or sporadically? That’ll determine the answer for you as well. 🙂
Carol Molten says
BOXES – free – check the side/back of dollar stores. Order free boxes from USPS. Tape – buy 6-packs from home improvement store. Brown wrapping paper – ask for paper bags at supermarket. Use Priority Mail always – Insurance/tracking included – this is priceless. Packing paper – grab supermarket fliers. Ask friends/neighbors to save newspapers for you. Bubble wrap – order wholesale.