by Kathy Terrill | Nov 4, 2025 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
5 Weather-Prep Tips Every eBay Seller Should Know: Keep Your Business Running During Winter Storms!
As winter approaches, every eBay seller needs to prepare for weather emergencies — snow, ice, rain, flooding, and power outages. Whether you sell part time or full time, staying ready keeps you safe and ensures your eBay business continues to run smoothly. Here are 5 weather-prep tips every eBay seller should know to keep your business running all winter long.
1. Know Your Local Weather Risks
Start by understanding the specific weather threats in your area.
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Flood zones: If you’re in a flood-prone region, move your inventory off the floor. Store boxes and bins on waterproof pallets, baker’s racks, or even stacked milk crates to stay above rising water.
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Flash floods: Remember, flash flooding can happen even if it’s not raining where you are. A thunderstorm upstream or in nearby hills can send fast-moving water downstream with little warning.
If snow, ice, or strong winds are common in your area, prepare for power outages. Keep flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries handy. Investing in a small generator — even one purchased on eBay — can keep essential electronics running.
2. Stay Informed and Monitor Weather Alerts
Stay informed by checking local forecasts and radar updates.
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Follow the National Weather Service on social media or through local news.
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Know which part of your county you live in — watches and warnings can be issued for specific zones.
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Pay attention to alerts for nearby counties, especially to the south, southwest, north, or northwest. Most severe weather systems approach from those directions.
3. Keep Devices Fully Charged Before a Storm
Before severe weather hits, charge everything — phones, laptops, tablets, and portable power banks. If power goes out, switch to low-power mode and only use devices when necessary. Avoid draining batteries on games or entertainment.
Keep essentials ready: bottled water, nonperishable food, and personal care items. If roads close or power stays down for days, you’ll be glad you stocked up.
4. Use eBay’s Time Away Feature
If severe weather threatens to interrupt your business, activate eBay’s Time Away feature.
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Choose whether to allow or pause purchases based on the situation.
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If conditions look severe, pause sales completely.
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When setting your return date, add extra time to stay safe and protect your seller metrics.
You can also enable automated buyer messages explaining that your store is temporarily offline due to weather conditions. This proactive communication helps maintain buyer trust and satisfaction.
5. Put Safety First — Always
Above all, safety comes first — for you, your family, and your pets.
Your eBay business will still be there after the storm. eBay often offers Seller Protections during major weather events, so check community updates after severe storms.
If a tornado or storm warning is issued:
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Don’t look outside to “see” the storm — tornadoes can be hidden by rain.
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Take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room.
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Wear sturdy shoes and protect your head with a helmet, blanket, or mattress.
Remember that tornado sirens aren’t meant to be heard indoors. Make sure your smartphone weather alerts are turned on — these Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) from the NWS can save lives. You can even add extra alerts, like lightning strike warnings, using the Weather Channel app.
To confirm your phone is set up for WEAs, visit: How to Get Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Stay Ready
Weather preparedness for eBay sellers isn’t just about safety — it’s about protecting your income and keeping your online business strong. My free weekly Premier Tips keep you in the loop with the latest eBay news and updates. You can easily subscribe HERE.
Plan ahead, use eBay tools wisely, and stay informed. You’ve got what it takes to navigate whatever chaos the weather throws your way and keep your eBay business thriving. Safety comes first — once things settle, these tips will help you bounce back fast. Because if there’s one thing we eBay sellers do best, it’s pivot, pivot, and pivot some more!
by Kathy Terrill | May 18, 2025 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
It’s time for sellers to tackle the eBay summer sales slowdown, with summertime just around the corner.
As this is the season when eBay shoppers head for summer vacations, family reunions, and other travels all over the USA and around the globe. They find plenty to do at home as well. They’ve got busy lives to lead!
Some sellers report that once summer arrives, their eBay sales slow down.
But that doesn’t have to be the case — unless you’re OK with it. Maybe you enjoy a summer slowdown. Perhaps you have family and/or travel plans of your own, so an interlude of slower sales is fine with you, You want or need time for other activities, such as gardening or home improvements.
On the other hand, you may be looking to keep your summer sales sales strong or even kick it up a notch.
In that case, think and source summertime items. Consider summer-themed home décor; patriotic home, yard, and/or pool décor for Memorial Day and Labor Day; anything and everything for pets. Think travel, too — fanny packs, hoodies (great for plane rides), cross-body bags.
Furthermore, during summer months, people do head for chillier climates. So don’t overlook fall and winter clothes, especially sweaters, jackets, and coats for the entire family.
In addition, Christmas sells all year round, and Christmas in July is definitely a thing. So get your Christmas items listed!
Then look around you and check social media. What are people doing right now? Are they cooking on the grill? Eating on the patio? Hanging out on the pool?
Now think about what you sell, what you haven’t yet listed.
What you could source that would be useful for people doing summertime activities. Think seasonal clothing, barbecue sets, bathing suits and cover-ups, beach towels, pool toys — you get the drift.
Next, think limited edition and discounted items.
For example, many eBay buyers rely on the site to keep them stocked with their favorite brand and shade of lipstick, especially if it’s no longer available in their area. Scented soaps are also popular.
Sometimes such beauty products are offered only for a limited time or as a limited edition.
Discontinued and sold-out beauty products can sell for a pretty penny on eBay! Just be sure that items are new and unopened. Be sure to note the expiration date, too, if there is one.
Finally, consider your closets, dresser drawers, and kitchen cabinets.
You might just find some in-demand items that you’re not using or that have been retired from the retail market. If you don’t need something, there’s probably an eBay buyer who does, so declutter and list it. Win-win!
For even more ways to beat the dreaded eBay summer sales slump, grab a complimentary copy of my newly updated Top 10 Tips to Ignite eBay Summer Sales!
It’s proven, actionable advice that will help you get more sales now, delivered right to your inbox. Just go to https://ilovetobeselling.com/webinars-and-workshops/top-10-tips-to-ignite-ebay-summer-sales/.
An eBay summer sales slowdown is fine if it fits your lifestyle, but if it doesn’t, then now you know how to avoid it. So put these summertime strategies to work in your business on eBay, and sell, sell, sell!
by Kathy Terrill | Nov 11, 2024 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
This post is sponsored by Seller Ledger; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
As an eBay seller, the Q4 holiday season is your busiest time of the year.
But it doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly hectic! Here are three time-saving eBay tips to streamline your holiday selling. With these tools in your seasonal toolkit, you’ll be set for successful sales while enjoying more time with loved ones and focusing on what matters most during this profitable quarter.
Time-saving eBay Tip #1: Schedule What Matters Most!
Start by pulling out your calendar, whether it’s digital, paper, or both. Mark down any personal holiday activities that are important to you: caroling, cookie baking, tree-lighting events, taking grandkids to see Santa, or that annual office potluck. Make sure to add alerts so nothing slips through the cracks!
Personally, I prefer a digital calendar like Google, while my husband loves the classic paper kind with big daily squares. I make sure our holiday plans are noted in both, keeping us on the same page. For a little extra convenience, consider sharing your digital calendar with family members. This way, everyone’s in sync, and you can focus on enjoying the festivities!
Time-Saving eBay Tip #2: Use a Virtual Accountant to Save Time!
Give yourself a huge time-saving gift this season by automating your bookkeeping. If you’re still doing manual data entry, now’s the time to streamline! Many online sales platforms, including eBay, Amazon, and Etsy, integrate easily with accounting software like Seller Ledger. This software links directly to your seller account(s), handling sales and expenses for you — and it keeps getting smarter as you use it!
Just link your accounts to Seller Ledger, and let it classify your online sales, bank transactions, and even credit card statements. This software can also complete your IRS Schedule C form, so when tax season arrives, most of the work will already be done. And if you’re behind on your 2024 finances, Seller Ledger’s annual plan (with a two-month discount) can retrieve all your transactions for the year. Use THIS LINK and try it for free for 30 days, no credit card required!
Seller Ledger: Stress Free Bookkeeping for Sellers
Time Saving eBay Tip #3: Track What’s Selling Best Right Now
Check your sales every few days to stay on top of what’s moving fastest. Are Pink Floyd T-shirts trending? Maybe purple Christmas ornaments, kids’ snowsuits, or women’s sequined tops? Adjust your keywords and prices based on recent sold items. Want a free list of Holiday keywords for your listings and social? It’s included in my, “Top eBay Holiday Sales & Social Media Tips!” Click HERE to grab yours now.
Grab your free PDF, “Top eBay Holiday Sales & Social Media Tips!”
Got extra stock that matches these hot sellers? Get those listed quickly! Share links on social media to increase exposure. Maximize your profits by focusing on what’s in demand right now.
And speaking of the Holidays, it will be Tax Time soon enough. Thinking ahead to your 2024 taxes as an eBay seller? TurboTax can be a valuable resource. Even before filing, their site can answer simple questions and provide a preview of your refund with their income tax tools. It’s worth checking out!
With these three easy tips, you’re ready to make the most of your holiday sales season. Here’s to a smoother, more profitable Q4!
by Kathy Terrill | Sep 11, 2024 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
The long and colorful history of eBay’s seller conferences continues this year with eBay Open 2024!
eBay Open 2024 is the latest in a long and vibrant series of eBay seller conferences. It all began with eBay Live! in Anaheim back in 2002, then moved to Orlando in 2003 with Weird Al Yankovic performing his eBay Song.
eBay Live! was in New Orleans in 2004, and then in San Jose in 2005 for eBay’s 10th birthday. eBay Live! Las Vegas, Chicago, and Boston followed. Highlights over the years included serenades from the E-Notes, clapping tunnels, an actual wedding, and celebrity performances by the B-52s and The Monkees’ Davy Jones.
When eBay ended its big eBay Live! events as of 2008, eBay Radio stepped in and hosted the eBay Radio Party & Conference in Las Vegas from 2009-2015.
Meanwhile, from 2010 through 2012, eBay held a series of smaller regional events called eBay: On Location.
Their tagline was,” You’re in Business.” On Location took place in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Orlando. In 2010, San Jose was included in honor of eBay’s 15th anniversary.
In 2015, eBay leadership wisely returned to hosting live seller events.
eBay marked its 20th anniversary in San Jose with “We Are Twenty.” Sellers cheered; live mega-conferences were back! During that seller celebration, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar was regifted with the infamous broken laser pointer. It was the very first item ever sold on eBay, back when it debuted as AuctionWeb.
eBay Open conferences ran from 2015-2019.
Executive keynotes, workshops conducted by various eBay teams, and seller panels and third-party vendors anchored these events. Hundreds of eBay employees were on hand to answer seller questions in the Expo Hall. eBay Radio broadcasted live from the event, and there was even a clapping tunnel
Then the pandemic shifted these popular seller events online.
With eBay Open now online, the eBay Community and Seller Events team stepped up their game. They took on the challenge of delivering an informative high energy virtual event. And every year, they knock the ball out of the park,, wowing attendees!
This year, eBay Open takes place on Wednesday-Thursday, September 25-26.
For details and to register, go to ebay.com/open. The night before —on Tuesday, September 24— 35 locations across the country will host eBay Open kickoff parties hosted by local seller groups. To see if there’s one near you, go to https://sellerevents.ebay.com/ebay-open-2024-kickoff-parties/.
Think of attending eBay Open as you would any other business conference.
eBay is picking up the tab, so there is no cost to attend eBay Open 2024! And since it’s online, it’s hassle free, no travel delays, no need to even pack a suitcase. In addition, you don’t have pay for a plane ticket or hotel . To help you get the most out of this online event, I’ve created The eBay Open Seller Success Planner. It’s your road map to optimize your eBay Open experience. Download your complimentary copy HERE.
With the eBay Open Seller Success Planner, you’ll be guided through each day of eBay Open. Stay informed about all the events and options to maximize your experience!
Now get ready to have the time of your eBay life!
by Kathy Terrill | May 26, 2023 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
By virtually any standard of measurement, women-owned businesses thrive on eBay. In fact the company’s first CEO was a woman, Meg Whitman. She oversaw eBay’s rocket-ride transformation from quirky startup to multi-billion-dollar pioneering ecommerce powerhouse. Along the way, she empowered millions of fledgling businesswomen.
Although subsequent CEOs have been male, 34% of eBay’s global leadership positions are currently filled by women.
Three of the top nine executives on eBayInc.com’s Leaders page are women They’re all senior vice presidents in key positions. They are: Marie Oh Huber, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary; Stefanie Jay, Chief Business and Strategy Officer; and Julie Loeger, Chief Growth Officer.
Who are some of the top female sellers running businesses on eBay?
From 2016-2019, eBay’s seller recognition SHINE Awards celebrated the platform’s small and medium-size businesses. Laurie Ann Wong was the first seller Grand Prize winner. Her Reflections of Trinity was named eBay’s 2016 Small Business of the Year.
The following year, in 2017, Angie Cardona-Nelson took home the Grand Prize. She was followed by Cori O’Steen in 2018 and Jodie Rosenbaum in 2019 — all woman entrepreneurs.
eBay is attractive to many women starting an online small business because it costs very little or nothing to begin.
Furthermore, sellers can list things they already have on hand. A wide array of items sell well on eBay. Saleable inventory ranges from all kinds of apparel to plush toys to trading cards, TV remotes as well as collectible trading cards. And don’t forget products for pets! In short, by selling on eBay, women can create a business on a shoestring, with minimal start-up costs
By contrast, financial hindrances stymie many women entrepreneurs who want to launch a business of their own. Female billionaire Kendra Scott frequently talks about the gender gap in attracting angel investors for female-owned enterprises. She says, “Getting funding and getting taken seriously were significant roadblocks.” On eBay, there are no such gender roadblocks.
eBay is a natural fit for women-owned businesses.
Whether full-time or part-time selling, eBay allows women flexibility, freedom and a low cost way to start a full time or part time hustle. eBay sellers work at their own pace, control their own schedule, and maintain their preferred work/life balance.
Want to find out how to turn your clutter into cash by selling it on eBay and keeping it out of landfills? You’re on your way with the help of my free guide, ” How to Start Selling on eBay.” Download your complimentary copy HERE.
How to Start Selling on eBay!
In eBay Inc.’s 2022 Small Business Report states that women are 13% more likely than men to say that eBay is essential to their business. And they are 7% more likely to say that eBay played a big role in starting their business.
Women in Small Business-eBay Small Business Report! (Photo: Courtesy of eBay)
According to eBay Main Street, “[On eBay,] small businesses owned by women are not just trade equals; as a group, they generally outperform the rate of eBay small businesses overall.”
Further the study reports, “Women entrepreneurs on eBay are building successful business enterprises for the long haul.”
They’re pretty happy about that, too. In fact, a survey by Inc. magazine found that female entrepreneurs in the US rank their happiness three times higher than that of women who are neither entrepreneurs nor business owners.
And with all that happiness, once up and running on eBay, women step right into exporting around the globe. Here are some of those detailed in eBay Main Street’s 2022 US Women-Owned Small Online Business Export Report:
US Women-Owned Small Online Business Export Report (Photo: Courtesy of eBay)
97% of eBay’s female sellers export to an average of 15 countries, compared to 96% of male sellers.
By contrast, less than 1% of small businesses nationwide export, and then only to an average of 4 countries
55% of women-owned small businesses on eBay export to 10 or more countries, vs 51% of small businesses on eBay overall and 8% of businesses in the USA
“eBay is reducing everyday barriers that have traditionally locked small businesses, including women-owned small businesses, into their local market,” explains Cathy Foster, VP of eBay Government Relations.
“Shoppers across the country and around the world are now available to small women-owned enterprises regardless of where they call home,” she continues. “We are committed to providing women-owned small businesses with the means and opportunities to grow their operations and create wealth in their own communities.”
Kendra Scott shared, “In our world today, there are still so many barriers that women face—whether cultural, financial or self-imposed. My mission as a woman, a founder, and an entrepreneur, is to break down those barriers and clear the path for other female leaders to follow—to empower women to achieve their dreams, whatever that may be, and pass on the wisdom I’ve learned through my own journey.”
eBay welcomes and nurtures its women owned businesses. In short, women owned businesses thrive on eBay!
So, now is the time to get busy listing and selling on eBay!
by Kathy Terrill | Apr 25, 2023 | eCommerce Tips
Spring is springing from coast to coast, and that means it’s time for spring cleaning for eBay sellers!
So grab your virtual feather duster, and let’s get busy brushing up, and spring cleaning your eBay listings!
For spring cleaning for eBay sellers, we start with your listings.
It’s time for clearing cobwebs away from keywords, dusting off descriptions, and polishing up your pictures.
Go your Active Listings page in Seller Hub, and sort by date, oldest first. If an item has been listed for more than six months, ask yourself one simple question: Is it rare, collectible, and/or unusual?
If so, then click REVISE, and cast a critical eye over the entire listing: Did you overlook any juicy keywords when crafting your title? Do your pictures do justice to this wonderful item, showcasing it from all angles against a clean (preferably white) background? Does your description include all of the necessary details? Did you fill out the appropriate item specifics? Is your item listed in the right category?
If an item is NOT rare/collectible/unusual, end the listing.
Then relist it using SELL SIMILAR, reviewing and revising it as needed to improve the title, item specifics, description, and/or photos. This will make eBay’s search engine see your listing as brand new, not that same tired item that sat for six months with nary a nibble.
My YouTube video eBay Listing Smackdown: Relist vs Sell Similar? explains the difference between the two options. Check it out HERE.
While you’re sweeping your shelves clear of stale listings, it’s a good idea to do a little housekeeping around your inventory management as well.
Can you actually put your hands on every single item you’ve got listed? It can’t sell if it isn’t listed. But it can’t ship if you can’t find it! And are your listed items staying pristine while they’re stored and waiting to sell?
While Spring Cleaning for eBay sellers, it’s wise to use the SYI (Sell Your Item) form’s handy Custom Label (SKU) field!
It’s the perfect spot to record the item’s location.
It’s the perfect place for that information. Use it rather than putting it in the title or description. It saves that valuable real estate for keywords and relevant details about the item itself. The Custom Label field is for your eyes only.
You can include other key details in the SKU field, too.
I note the month and year I bought the item, where I bought it (“SA” for Salvation Army, “GW” for Goodwill, etc.), and the price. This way I can tell at a glance how long I’ve had the item and how much it cost. This is essential information if I receive an offer or when I’m marking down items for a sale.
Once you’re got your listings squared away, it’s time to refresh yourself as well.
Selling online can be a lonely endeavor. Furthermore, the daily grind of listing, selling, and shipping can wear us down. You know what they say about all work and no play!
Why not treat yourself to a day at eBay Seller Camp?
It’s 90 minutes of fun and info-packed minutes with me as your Head Counselor. It’s absolutely FREE. In Camp, learn the swim of what’s scoring sales on eBay right now. Come hike through the latest social selling tactics. And explore the art of crafting listings that get your items sold fast, for top dollar; and leave you wanting s’more.
It’s all happening LIVE in the eBay Seller Camp pop-up Facebook group on Monday, May 1, at 2:30pm ET (1:30pm CT; 12:30pm MT; 11:30am PT).
I’ll be recording the entire hour and a half, so you can watch the replay for several days afterwards and soak up all the Seller Camp goodness and camaraderie.
Catch the camp bus by signing up HERE.
Once you’re on the bus, you’ll get your Welcome to Seller Camp workbook. You’ll also receive a link to join the private Facebook group, and even a nifty eBay Seller Camp badge. I can’t wait to see you around the campfire!
Yes to signing up for the free eBay Seller Summer Camp!
