Be your own boss and work flexible hours

Hi everyone, I've been trading on eBay for several years now and it is about time I shared some of the more postive experiences as a mum with a business on eBay.

Firstly, the flexibility of earning an income and not missing out on my children's development would have to be the most important part for me.

Running an eBay business is far cheaper than running a traditional retail business,   where rental space, advertising and insurance costs can greatly exceed your takings, especially intially.

I operate from my home so I don't incur some of the traditional costs involved in running a Bricks and Mortar business.

Basically I started with a computer and a digital camera and selling the odd thing around the home. Once I was confident of the listing process and accepting payments I decided to register an ABN and source stock from various wholesalers.

To be honest, everything sold extremely well and before I knew it I was a PowerSeller. This was a large benefit because it gave me more exposure, access to the think tank which is the PowerSeller Board and a degree of extra credibility with customers.

Some helpful tips:

Do some google searches on Women in Business in your local state to see the Mentor Programs offered, Government grants for Small Business, and don't forget to check out the regular Trade Fairs in Capital Cities!

Most importantly read the Community Boards on eBay and ask questions!

I believe that the most significant factors of being successful are sourcing products with a difference and not items that need to be listed in highly competitive categories. (or high risk)
This is where your efforts need to be expended most, sourcing those items and using your personality and committed customer service to create a niche for yourself.

The following mumpreneurs have all done this in varying ways and all of us have learned some skills and techniques from sharing with each other in an informal type of networking.
I couldn't begin to describe the companionship and the help I have received from other sellers and from interaction on the Powerseller board (and other boards) with clever and motivated people who are always willing to give their time and advice.  
I have found my time on eBay to be a profitable and highly rewarding experience.
 
I hope and am sure that you will too.

Mumpreneurs on eBay

"I love the opportunities eBay has provided, to allow me to stay at home with my young children and still earn an income. Character Kids was born from a love of children's favourite Licensed Characters and bedroom decor. We specialise in Quilt Covers, Table Lamps, Cushions, Fleece Throws, removable Wall Stickers, Furniture, Night Lights, Dinnerware, Cutlery and much more" Janelle, Character Kids.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Character-Kids

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Jensmanchester Gallery has been operating on eBay since 2004 and has  happily supplied in excess of 10,000 customers worldwide. Her main focus is linen and bathrobes, all products are brand new and sourced within Australia. She is also a very proud grandmother!

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Jens-Manchester-Gallery

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Margo is a character and a half and a successful "Grandmumpreneur" although she still looks 16!

Margo has her own extremely successful label 'Margomeoz' that she has been offering to eBay members for the last couple of years via her eBay Store:

http://stores.ebay.com.au/MARGOMEOZ

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Wendy is a gorgeous Stay at Home Mum and is celebrating her shooting star of over 10,000 feedback. She has a beautiful store specialising in womens plus size clothing!

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Libbybest-Treasure-Chest

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Women in business

You can be a stay at home mum business too.

You only need to be prepared to research for products that have not already saturated the market, have a culture of professionalism tempered with genuine concern for your customer's interests, a genuine work ethic and a desire to succeed. 

All of us above are mums with family first priorities, who feel privileged to be able to provide or supplement our family income in this manner.
 
You can too. Good Luck!