Marsha Collier
1 Helpful info but not what I'm after...
I bought this book hoping for some help in determining what to sell and how to acquire my inventory. I didn't expect the author to tell me "sell THIS" but I was hoping for some tips on finding a niche that might be interesting to me as well as profitable. Now that I've figured out the niche I want to concentrate on (by using my own crude methods), I need to learn how to get my inventory via importers, exporters, wholesalers, etc. This book just doesn't provide that type of information. The focus seems to be on "sell anything you can get your hands on and check out these possible sources like dollar stores and other american-based outlets" which is great if your niche is "everything" and you live in the US where all of these outlets are located.
I'll be honest and admit that I didn't finished reading the entire book because it was clear that the specific info I needed just wasn't there but I wouldn't say this book is a waste of time. Once you've figured out what you want to sell and you need some help selling it and navigating around ebay, this book will likely be a helpful tool.
2 Deceptive Title
I apparently misinterpreted the intent of this book. If it had been entitled: "Start A Business Using Ebay" I would have understood. I noticed that many existing businesses have expanded into EBAY sales by opening stores there also. I needed to know exactly how that would work. This is NOT the book for you if you already have an Internet outlet and wish to expand into Ebay to increase sales. It doesn't cover what you would need to know and it covers what you already know.
3 THE BUBBLE BURST BUT YOU CAN STILL MAKE MONEY ON THE WEB
Although the Internet bubble burst, that does not mean that money can not be made via the Internet. Discounting all those spam e-mails about Making Money Fast, Collier provides solid strategies on starting a business using eBay. One of the best well-written business books I've ever read! I definitely recommend this to anyone who either wants to take full advantage of eBay or even just sells the occassional item. Collier's book reminds me of Guerilla PR: Wired, which details strategies for low-cost, but effective public relations coverage. Both deal with how to maximize your business's efforts and reap the rewards.
4 Gave me the tools I needed!
There are lots of books on eBay, but this one really helped me get organized for setting up my ebay business. It's written in a friendly authoritative style - it made me feel like I was getting advice from a very knowledgable friend.
I've heard Ms. Collier teach at ebay University, and this book really expands into everything I wanted to know about my business. Like where to get licenses, what to do about taxes, where I can buy merchandise without laying out hundreds of dollars (there will be plenty of time for that as my business on ebay grows).
I reccommend this book to anyone who's been selling on ebay casually and is ready to take the next step.
5 Bad news Book
I would rate this book lower than one star if there was an option for that. I cannot say this book is a complete loss, you may use it for a door stop. It has not one iota of what people want to know in a book of this type. It doesn't even address the subject, where to find things to sell. If you are looking for a book on starting and on line store forget this book.
6 So Outdated!
I'm sure this book might have been useful when it came out three years ago, but as a current eBay seller who just read the entire book, I have to say the information is so outdated it's laughable now. eBay has changed so much even in the last six months that many of the things the author discusses don't even exist anymore, and have been replaced by new eBay enhancements. I would estimate that 10% or less of this book was useful to me. A waste of your time and money until an updated version comes out!
7 Really juicy info
I have read different books on business, mainly on e-commerce and of course starting from your home. I must have 3 or 4 Dummies books from learning to play the guitar, investing and business. This one is no different, it offers really juicy and useful information from, providing customer service, marketing, taking photos and writing better content, among other things. Other reviewers mention that it lacks in mentioning some great, helpful tools. If every book could have everything that each reader could think about, that book would have to be an never ending project.
People new to e-commerce at first don't realize that auctions are just as competitive as anything else and that it takes certain, more important aspects of e-business that no one book can cover, and that because new and easy to use e-biz applications are being developed. One can easily diversify their online efforts and have 1, 2 or more income streams. If one is not producing the other two can make up for it! One tool it could've mentioned (quicktour.sitesell.com/all-in-1.html) can really open many tunnelvision eyes. This (case-studies.sitesell.com/all-in-1.html) can add 50 to 90 percent to your online success rate, not to mention a third income stream for your promotion efforts (affiliate program).
Online auctions can be a dream come true, for a particular segment. This Dummies auction book answers many questions, but raises more too! Unlike mail-order, network marketing, real estate and door to door selling, e-commerce CAN, I repeat CAN be put on auto-pilot (affiliatemarketing.sitesell.com/all-in-1.html and affiliates.sitesell.com/all-in-1.html), without as steep of a learning curve, i.e., hiring employees, monthly and yearly taxes, etc.
Having an auction site is a good idea, but you'll need to buy 2 or more books to really compete. Having looked into many different online opportunities, auctions don't rank as high as others....in my book anyway, especially for someone wanting to fully embrace e-commerce capabilities and use the internet as a means to make extra money. (sefsal008@earthlink.net)
8 Marsha Collier is right on target again...
If you make eBay a secondary income, then anything written by Marsha Collier would be an invaluable addition to your reading reference material! Marsha is 100% eBay and it shows in all her books. Can't wait for another release by Marsha!!
9 WORTHLESS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to start an Ebay business, this isn't the book to buy. This book would have been just as helpful if the pages were blank. I feel like a dummy for buying it.
10 Some interesting information, but lacking vital elements
I was really disappointed in the section about where to find items to sell. I know that is the big "secret" to ebay business, finding cheap items to sell at a higher price, but if this book is supposed to help you start a business, that should be included.
Also, the information on taxes, etc was very confusing. I had to go online and learn about it for myself, and when I found the answers, it was so simple and could have easily been added to this book.
This book seemed sort of thrown together and half hearted. I haven't used it at all since I bought it last year.
11 Good Ideas!
Starting an eBay Business for Dummies by Marsha Collier is a book that offers the readers a lot of good ideas...Some I agree with while others I do not. Even so, buy the book and see what you "THE DUMMY" can get out of it! (Maybe the idea of someone (anyone) calling someone a DUMMY is what bugged me the most about this book, I freely admit I don't know, but like I said that aside BUY THE BOOK it does offer a lot of good ideas.
12 Man with a Mannequin
This book is well written. I found it to be concise, divided into areas in an easy to follow manner.
Each chapter stands on its own which makes it easy to read in my favorite style... (All over the place).
She even covers the small details such as proper online picture resolution, including the best camera to buy.
I started with an idea "I want to sell ladies clothing online"
I changed from "A Man with an Idea" to "A Man with a Mannequin" in 3 just days. Thanks Marcia
13 A must have for anyone starting an EBay business
This is a great book. I have read several books on this subject and this is by far the best. I had been selling on EBay for a while and was looking to expand it to a part-time job and this book has helped me along the way. It gave me advice I didn't even think of. I give Marsha Collier an A+.
14 This book pays for itself by increasing your eBay profits
Don't even consider starting an eBay business without reading this book. It will pay for itself in no time by helping you avoid many of the pitfalls of new sellers. You will learn how to build more attractive auctions, write interesting and informative copy, take better photos, market your auctions well and provide top-notch customer service, all of which should increase your profits.
Perhaps what makes Collier's book more valuable than that other eBay "Bible" is that Collier's wasn't employed by eBay, so she could be frank about things she liked and didn't like about the auction management tools provided by eBay, and she could recommend sites not affiliated with eBay.
The chapter on auction management software seemed to be lacking. Numerous auction management programs are available, but some of the better ones were not mentioned, such as Inkfrog and Sparedollar. Collier does cover several of the larger auction management software providers, but after reading about several of them, it becomes difficult to differentiate between them. A side-by-side comparison chart summarizing the features would have been helpful. At first glace, all the programs seem the same. After looking into it, they can vary greatly not only in features but in price.
Keep in mind that this book focuses on eBay, only. When you need basic business legal or tax info, don't rely on this book, because Collier doesn't cover it in depth. There are plenty of other resources for that information.
Additionally, this book covers the basics of running a business on eBay, but there is more to learn regarding selling in SPECIFIC categories. One great resource is the eBay discussion board. There is a board for most of the eBay categories, and so much can be learned here. I sell clothing, and the eBay Clothing & Accessories Sellers discussion board is the portal where clothing sellers get together and help each other. Not a day goes by when I don't learn how to better my business from this group.
15 Great book - Missed one critical tool.
As someone who recently became a millionaire by buying and selling on ebay using my own system, I can tell you this book is great. It gives a complete overview of starting an eBay business and uses an easy to follow style. They do miss one critical tool though that makes all the difference, that tool is www.powersnipe.com. eBay auctions are often lost in the last few seconds of the auction because the majority of people wait until the last seconds to place their bids. This tool bids for you at the last second and ensures you win, a big time saver and the biggest key to success. So buy this book and check out this tool for a complete picture.
16 Interesting and inspiring!
This book gave me just what I needed to get my ebay business going. It pointed me in the right direction for finding new products and getting my business set up properly (with licenses and correct bookkeeping). It's written in a friendly and inspiring manner that made me feel I had what it takes to be a success on ebay. Thank you Ms. Collier!
17 Disappointment, but a must have
This book is a must have, but I had expected more. The author gives you a lot of needed advice about shipping, organization, and finding a product. However, if you are looking to find out at what point you go from a hobby seller to one that needs a business lisence, or at what extent your income is tracked by ebay you are out of luck. If you are looking to find success stories of other ebay sellers you are out of luck. In general the book refers you to other web-sites (many of which are very helpful), however many of them are no longer in existance (not the authors fault, just how things are). I recommend this book for a starter, but I suggest you keep your hopes low...I think I'll invest in one of the other ones and see if it is any better...
18 A MUST HAVE BOOK!
I wish I would have bought this book sooner. If your serious about making money on eBay, what are you waiting for. I couldn't put the book down and within a week I was on my way selling. Thank You!
19 A MUST HAVE RESOURCE FOR STARTING A BUSINESS!
People, if you were ever serious about starting a legit home based business, you will benefit from Marsha Collier's "Starting an eBay Business for Dummies"! I'm a technical guy who specializes in computers.Using some of her tips and tactics helped me make over $2477.00 in my first two month's on eBay! You can't go wrong with this book if your willing to put in the time and effort....just like any other business, you only can only get out of it what you put in! Thank you Marsha Collier!
20 Exactly what I was looking for!
This book gave me all the inspiration and information I needed to get my ebay business going. I was selling a little here and a little there on ebay, but now I have an ongoing side business. This book taught me a lot about the way to run my business in a legal, legitimate and professional manner, I'm so glad I read this book. I don't know what a couple of the other reviewers have read, but I think this book is tops and recommend it to everyone who wants to start an extra income on ebay.
21 Not helpfull
This book have some general information about doing buisness on ebay, but it's far away from guiding the beginners and make their start at ebay easier. I didn't find most of the information I needed :(
22 Disappointing
This book is very vague...I thought that she would give somekind of paperwork/computer/method of organizing and keeping track of things, but she glosses over (in my opnion) the details that one needs to become a powerseller! You'll probably see my copy up for sale on ebay soon!
23 Awesome information and Well Written!
I started reading the book "Starting an eBay Business for Dummies" yesterday. I read half the book before I fell asleep at 3 am! I found it to be very informative, and even an inspiration! I've toyed with ebay for a while now, but I'm now going to make a serious go at it. The book was packed with a lot of "nuts and bolts" type information that will directly improve my business. Thanks to Ms. Collier for taking the time to consolidate her knowledge and experience, and for writing it in a format that even I can understand. :)
24 Do not start an ebay business unless you read this first!!!!
As a novice ebay buyer,the "selling" bug bit me. It takes some of us longer then others,haha I knew I would need more info besides the tutorials supplied on ebay. So I did my research and bought this book and ebay for dummies before I started selling to get the full picture. Thank goodness! This book in particular is LOADED with great time and cost saving tips for a start up business. Her writing style and humor is very comforting along the ebay learning curve. ebay is an overwhelming but vastly entertaining animal. She has done her homework, is brutally honest and frankly, gives you the "real deal". Hats off to Marsha!!Great job to a savvy business lady!
25 Introduction to Ebay & Business Basics
You need a pragmatic, organized approach to starting a business. I know this firsthand: my mother started her own coffee shop in the early nineties only to see it fail after three years...and this was before Starbucks! If only she had done some more research and picked up a book like this...she might be rich now.
Ebay is a perfect place for today's entrepreneur and Collier breaks it down in a simplistic, easy-to-understand way. Even as an Ebay buyer for a year, I started selling this fall without the first idea of all the services available to me on the website.
Collier's book is a must-read for the beginning Ebay business owner.
26 Another Great Dummies Book!
I haven't even finished this book yet, but what I have read so far, this is a great how-to book, with much detail. Some how-to books on this subject, don't have much real information, such as some of the instructional guides out now. This book gives details, do's/don'ts, examples, how to use your scanner, business know-how, software,and much more. Start with this one, it may be the only one you need.
27 Still Making Money on the Internet
Although the Internet bubble burst, that does not mean that money can not be made via the Internet. Discounting all those spam e-mails about Making Money Fast, Collier provides solid strategies on starting a business using eBay. One of the best well-written business books I've ever read! I definitely recommend this to anyone who either wants to take full advantage of eBay or even just sells the occassional item. Collier's book reminds me of Guerilla PR: Wired, which details strategies for low-cost, but effective public relations coverage. Both deal with how to maximize your business's efforts and reap the rewards.
28 read this book
I've used eBay before but I was only able to use it in the most superficial manner. With this book, I was able to fully appreciate the opportunites to make money on eBay, and the simple instructions made it understandable. I would recommend this book, along with Michael Levine's Guerilla PR Wired, for anyone who wants to start a business on eBay or off.
29 Starting an eBay Business for Dummies - Marsha Collier
This is a book that everyone that desires to sell on on-line auctions should read. Marsha is down to earth. I just attended eBay Live in Anaheim, CA & she conducted several seminars. I have also attended eBay University in Clearwater, FL where she spoke. She does not just tell you how to do the business, she successfully does the business and shares what she has learned over a long period of time! This book is a small investment that will pay off big time!
30 Best eBay Book - Very Comprehensive - Great Resource
Having been an eBay buyer for some time, I found myself wanting to learn how I can make money using eBay. I came across this book and literally engulfed myself into the details...page by page. Not long after, I was selling items on eBay and doing very well.
This is a very comprehensive book for folks who want to start a business using eBay. I would highly recommend this book.
31 Everything you need to know in one slick package
What an awesome book!! Marsha's book helped me take my eBay business around the corner, turning it from a fun hobby into a serious money-making machine. I love her insights and stories, as well as helpful tips. Just finding out about her recommended auction software and the shipping folks at ShipperTools.com was worth far more than the price of the book. This title is destined for a LOT of underlining and constant reference in my library. Thank you, Marsha!!!!!!!!!!!
32 For Newbies ONLY...
If you've ever auctioned anything on eBay, then you DO NOT need this book.
Everything that has been compiled in this book could easily be found on eBay itself with a few hours of research. From selling to buying and receiving payment, this book goes thru all the obvious steps without actually telling you anything that you probably didn't already know.
If you are new to eBay, you may find some of the URL's (to navigate eBay) listed in the book useful, but not much more.
I've owned the book for 3 days and I've already listed it for auction.
33 Great information and inspiring!
It's nice to see a book that doesn't talk over my head, and leads me into the realm of eBay selling. It's fact filled and really held my interest. It made me feel that sucess at eBay selling was within my grasp. I highly recommend it.
34 Money well Spent!
I just finished reading Starting an E-bay Business for Dummies by Marsha Collier and it was money well spent! The book is full of in-depth information on building and running an E-Bay business. Each chapter is loaded with images and graphs detailing the text so that even a first time E-bayer can easily build a successful business. Collier answers all the tough questions so you can stop guessing and start selling.
35 Jam-packed with useful information!
Hooray for Marsha Collier new book "Starting an E-bay Business for Dummies"! This book is like sharing a cup of coffee with an E-bay expert, it's easy to follow and fun to read. Each page is full of fantastic ideas, helpful hints, and even easy step by step instructions on how to build your own e-bay store. Ms. Collier shares her professional "know how" in a way that even a newbie like me can succeed. A MUST for anyone who wants to make some extra cash fast.
36 Gave me great information!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was not a dry marketing textbook, but was filled with a good deal of important information that I didn't know about setting up a business. It gave me tips and ideas, as well as good hard facts. The author also inspired me to spend more time trying to earn a living on ebay - and best of all, convinced me that I could really succeed.
37 In the immortal words of Dave Thomas -- Where's the Beef?!
Trying to be positive, the best thing about this book is the exposure to some useful areas of concern and companies that I didn't know existed to serve eBay sellers (such as auction management sites and software, as well as the names of several payment service vendors). That, and the occasional nugget of useful information.
When I bought this book, I thought that Marsha Collier was going to reveal some powerful secrets behind eBay business success. Instead what I found was a high level overview of the various aspects of starting a business and of the eBay site. Even though she states upfront that the book is for people who already are familiar with eBay, at least 50% of the book details eBay services and options -- nothing that you can't easily discover from eBay online help for free. Why didn't she just recommend her other book, "eBay for Dummies" for that stuff! Also, several of the "Tips" that she gave online were pretty much common sense. Coming from a marketing background, I had hoped that she would apply some serious marketing strategies to selling online and share useful marketing statistics. I guess that was asking too much from a book geared for "dummies." Even worse, I felt that Marsha was often trying to sell her secrets and promote her own website rather than really help readers. An example is the "Ebay Sellers Lighting Kit" which Marsha will be happy to sell you (don't waste your money -- build it yourself)! This reader definitely got tired of the self-promotion and commercial feel of the book.
38 Great For Americans - But What About the Rest of the World?
I'm a Canadian seller on eBay, and although most of the information within the book was quite applicable to me, much was very US-centric. For example, the sections on shipping, payment options, and legalities.
Otherwise, the book was great for NEW sellers on eBay - I found the information was very basic, and mostly things I know (even if I ignore them.) I did find the section on communication with your buyer very helpful, as it provided examples of emails to send at end of auction, missing payment, and day of shipping.
Overall, if you are just getting started at eBay, this book is EXACTLY what you need to catch up to the rest of us very quickly and effectively - I wish I'd had this book 2 years ago when I began. But if you're a seasoned eBayer, I think you will find yourself quickly flipping through the pages seeking new information.
39 This Book kept my attention all the time
One of the best Dummies books i`ve ever bought. I liked the way the author wrote the book, making personal experiences and matching them with facts.
The Chapters are well organised and they discuss a wide range of topics. Its not just ebay, its much more.
The book goes quite into detail of setting up your own website, from choosing the host down to the price plans. I already run a few websites commercially so this was superfluos, but it was well written. Newbies would like it!
The only tiny detail which I didnt find was a good European Payment collector. Paypal isnt accepted everywhere and a good alternative ( if there is ) would be grateful. Or maybe a rating of a good merchant account online... say worldpay.
But this book was worth much more that I paid for it. Knowledge is priceless!
40 I might quit my job now
I found out about this book after I met the author at an eBay University event and I've been patiently waiting for it to come out. I've only had it a couple days and can say this is the book you need if you're ready to make selling on eBay your full-time job.
The other eBay Dummies book is great if you're just getting started, but this is the one you need when you're ready to start getting serious. I especially like all the non-eBay buisiness advice that you usually have to buy another book to get.
41 The Perfect Guide to the "Real World" of Selling on eBay
If you found eBay for Dummies helpful, you haven't seen anything yet. This one is a must have for the eBay Seller. This book is jam packed full of information to ease your success. Marsha Collier, the author, has included hints, tips and tricks that you haven't even thought of yet. Be sure to read every page, because even if you don't think it applies to your eBay Business yet...it will. Bottom line, your business will be running smooth as silk if you follow the advice in the book.
42 A Remarkable Business Opportunity
Marsha Collier's "Starting An Ebay Business For Dummies" is your golden gateway to self-relience in a fun business of your own. How about opening a store in a mall with 30,000,000 visitors daily? What would you pay for this opportunity? Marsha shows not only how to open the store, but how and what merchandise to stock, how to manage accounting, advertising, how to get the best site (location), how to price your merchandise, and how to display your wares. I was amazed at the depth of information about what is required to take and post photos and simple explaination about the best methods of being paid.
This is a Dummie book , but only for Dummies who are smart like a fox. Sure it is written with cartoons, tips (with targets and arrows), reminders, warnings (with cutsie bombs), and ancedotes so it's fun and understandable for "the rest of us". Marsha put her years of success making a living on Ebay into this book. It is simple enough for a beginner to follow, but with tips and ideas a computer guru will appreciate.
(...) Marsha, has shown the least expensive with the greatest upside potential of any business I've seen. Start it as a hobby, build it into a business, but do it right with "Starting An Ebay Business For Dummies" This book has my very HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
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