Piece of Scrap on eBay quits scrapbooking!

Why Piece of Scrap? I started out on eBay selling scrapbook paper piecings and scrapbook layouts. I wanted a catchy phrase that customers would remember and used a play on words, Piece of Scrap. While I no longer sell scrapbook paper piecings, I have expanded my eBay business to include brand name, high quality clothing at reduced prices. Since I no longer sell paper piecings, or even scrapbook at all, I have decided to sell my arts & crafts supplies on eBay, of course. Click here to view the sale on scrapbook Sizzix die cut machine, paper punches, stamps, patterned papers, buttons and more. Piece of Scrap on eBay To see the gallery of scrapbook layouts I created, visit http://www.pieceofscrap.com

What to sell on eBay: Eagle's Eye caught my eye!

Ugly sweaters are in and not just for Christmas! While shopping the thrift store, I stumbled upon a very decorated cardigan sweater, light blue in color, with embellished Easter eggs for buttons down the front. In my opinion, the sweater was pretty and perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday. It had 3D pink flowers on the sleeves, an Easter bunny, chick and very colorful tree design on the back. With Easter just weeks away, I knew I had to list it on eBay as soon as possible. I listed it with a Best Offer 7 day auction with a Buy It Now price of $59 plus shipping. See other ugly sweaters:

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Within hours, I had two watchers on this ugly find. I declined a $35 offer stating I had just listed the item and countered $50. A few hours later, the buyer accepted the counter offer. Similar Eagle's Eye sweaters were selling for less than $50, but I can't help but wonder if I should have listed it higher.

Keep your Eagle's Eye open for this brand! 
 Ugly Sweaters for Christmas Easter Valentine's Day or any day!

Increase eBay store traffic using a domain name

Those of us with an eBay store or perhaps just starting an eBay store are looking for ways to increase traffic, thus possibly increasing our sales. Using a simple, easy-to-remember domain name to point potential customers to is much easier than having buyers remember stores.ebay.com/storename I learned this from several years of experience selling items on eBay. While many customers knew my store name, it was hard to find on eBay especially for new buyers. One can purchase a domain name for less than $10 per year … a very affordable marketing strategy that is worth a try (it worked for me!) To get started:

1. Sign up for eBates.com and earn $10 plus 5% cash back on your GoDaddy.com purchase. Visit eBates.com to get started.



2. From eBates.com, search for godaddy. Click the link on the far right to "Shop Now". A new browser window will open that will track the 5% cash back bonus on your purchase.

3. At godaddy, search for a domain name to make sure it is available (.com domains are most common)

4. If available, click on add to cart to continue to purchase the domain name

5. Once purchased, return to Domain Manager and then check the box. Near the top, click on “Forwarding”. On this popup, enter the URL of your ebay store (for example: stores.ebay.com/storename). Click OK and wait a few hours. It will take awhile for the DNS changes to kick in.

6. To test, point your browser to the domain name you just purchased. Once the changes take effect, the domain will redirect to your eBay store.

Now you have an own easy-to-remember domain name to direct potential eBay customers too. This is fairly inexpensive and easy to do. A great marketing tip increasing traffic to your eBay store.

How to add a photo backdrop to items selling on eBay

I'm stepping up my photography game when it comes to listing items on eBay. Better pictures means better sales! My wonderful eBay assistant created a woodsy background for me using a clearance piece of 3/8" plywood cut to size (5' x 7') and then framed the outside edge with 1" x 3" pieces of pine and this Wooden Backdrop Background. We opted to have the wooden frame instead of hanging the backdrop to make the backdrop tight reducing the air bubbles / budges that may occur when hanging it.

In addition, I purchased a mannequin dress body form on a stand. When evaluating mannequins, I considered several factors:

• male vs female
• hanging vs standing with a base
• flat back or molded back

I opted for the female body form knowing that I sell many more women's clothes than men's. The female mannequin can be turned around and used as a male, if needed. I didn't want a hanger present in the photographs as I often list new apparel items on Amazon and hangers are prohibited in photos. A standing mannequin with a base can also be used for full-length items such as dresses and pants. The flat back mannequins just looked weird when photos show the back of a shirt. The mannequin I selected is Amazon's best seller White Female Dress Form on a wooden base.   

Lighting has ALWAYS been a concern while photographing items for eBay... until now! I purchased the LimoStudio Photography Video Studio Lighting Kit and have noticed a considerable improvement in the lighting and lack of distortion in the colors of certain clothing articles.