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 | Jun 1, 2025 | Selling on eBay
This year, eBay Open 2025 is both in person and online as eBay celebrates its 30th birthday!
Thirty years ago, Pierre Omidyar spent Labor Day weekend coding AuctionWeb. This site allowed anyone to buy or sell items globally through bidding. For Pierre, it was an experiment in free market forces. For millions, it became a shopping destination and a way to make a living.
eBay OPEN 2025: A Brief Look at eBay’s History!
In 1995, the internet was mostly for government and military use. But the World Wide Web made it accessible to anyone with a modem. Americans flocked online to explore websites and email. Online shopping, though, was a new idea. Could people trust strangers with money and purchases?
Pierre launched AuctionWeb as an ecommerce prototype. The first item sold was a broken laser pointer. The buyer collected broken laser pointers, so the deal worked. Two decades later, that same laser pointer was gifted back to Pierre at eBay’s We Are Twenty conference. It was a classic eBay moment.
Early communication between users happened on bulletin boards!
This created a strong community and culture. Pierre also unintentionally sparked the idea of social media.
Jim “Griff” Griffith was a standout on these boards. Known for his humor and etiquette, Griff became AuctionWeb’s first customer service representative and remote employee.
In 1997, eBay introduced the Feedback Forum, encouraging transparency and trust. That same year, AuctionWeb officially became eBay.
eBay Grows and Innovates!
In 1998, eBay launched My eBay and went public. Global expansion followed in 1999, starting with sites in Germany, Australia, and the UK.
eBay Motors debuted in 2000. eBay University taught thousands how to sell successfully. eBay Stores launched in 2001, and Auction for America paved the way for charitable giving.
eBay Live! began in 2002, with events in cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and San Jose. These conferences offered learning, networking, and entertainment, from celebrity performances to quirky traditions like roller-skating sock giveaways.
The Spirit of eBay Events!
From 2009-2015, eBay Radio kept the eBay Live! spirit alive. Regional conferences like eBay: On Location also connected sellers. In 2015, eBay returned to live events with We Are Twenty. eBay Open ran from 2016-2019 before shifting to virtual events during COVID-19.
Want to relive memories of past in-person eBay events? Check out my blog post, eBay Open 2024: eBay Seller Conferences Continue!
eBay Open 2024 eBay Seller Conferences Continue!
This year’s eBay Open 2025 celebrates 30 years with a hybrid format!
There’s a live event in Las Vegas and a virtual version. Online attendees will enjoy workshops, keynotes, and a virtual expo. In-person participants will meet executives like CEO Jamie Iannone, network with sellers, and collect exclusive eBay swag.
See the full agenda and speakers at eBay Open 2025. Whether you join from home or head to Vegas, eBay Open 2025 promises an unforgettable experience powered by its vibrant community.
by Kathy | May 2, 2025
Details
🌟 Sizzling eBay Selling Tips Live Event! 🌟
📍 Where: eBay’s NYC Office
🕒 Duration: 4.5 hours of insights, connections, and practical tips
Get ready for an action-packed session with expert advice, live Q&A, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow sellers and eBay teams. This event is designed to help you sharpen your strategies and grow your eBay business!
🎤 Featured Speakers
- Valerie 🧠
Senior Staff, eBay Community
Discover insider tips for using the eBay Community boards to stay informed and thrive.
- Kathy Terrill 🌟
NYC Meetup Group Founder & Award-Winning eBay Seller
Learn how to quickly and easily leverage social media to showcase and sell your eBay products.
- Georgiana🏛️
Manager, eBay Government Relations
Stay informed about pending legislation and its potential impact on eBay sellers.
- eBay Safety + Trust Team 🔒
Get practical guidance on seller ratings, maintaining Above Standard and Top Rated Seller Status, and the VERO system. This session includes an open Q&A to tackle your selling challenges.
- Patrick 💬
Senior Staff, Member-to-Member Communications
Dive into the latest trends in buyer/seller messaging, AI developments, and upcoming tools. Patrick is eager to hear your feedback and insights!
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🤝 Awesome eBay Seller Opportunity!
- Gain valuable tips and updates from eBay experts.
- Participate in engaging Q&A sessions tailored to seller needs.
- Network with eBay staff and fellow sellers to exchange ideas and strategies.
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🎁 Perks You’ll Love
- 🥐 Light snacks to fuel your creativity
- 🎉 Exclusive SWAG to take home
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📅 Event Details
Location: eBay’s NYC office in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. One week before the event all sellers registered will be emailed event location and sign in details.
Sponsor: eBay Community
Space is limited – Secure your spot now!
👉 Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, have fun and share vital feedback with eBay teams!
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 | Jun 13, 2024 | Selling on eBay
If you’ve been told that there is an inevitable eBay summer sales slow down, don’t believe everything you hear.
Retail sales were reported as flat in April 2024, which could forecast a slow summer for selling. However, with the information I’ll be sharing, there’s no need for you to experience an eBay summer sales slowdown. Sure, people are on vacation, out of town, or outdoors enjoying summer activities, but they’re still shopping!
Remember, the majority of eBay shoppers are on mobile, and one thing people typically have nearby, no matter where they are, is their phone! Here are three ways to get summer shoppers to purchase from your eBay listings and keep your sales from slumping.
First, eBay seller, think seasonal!
Want to avoid slow eBay summer sales? Christmas in particular sells year round, furthermore Christmas in July is definitely a thing. So, consider this as a reminder to get your Christmas items listed! Got that done, good!
Now, look around you as you’re out and about. Furthermore, go on social media. What are people doing? Are they cooking on the grill, eating on the patio, gardening, traveling? Or are they playing sports, attending family reunions, or hanging out at the pool, lake, or ocean
Now think about what you sell, what you haven’t yet listed, and what you could source that would be useful for people doing those things. Think seasonal clothing, barbecue sets, pet accessories to keep Fido cool, travel goodies, bathing suits, pool toys…you get the drift.
Second, to avoid slow eBay summertime sales, think limited edition and discontinued.
For example, lots of eBay buyers rely on the site to keep them stocked with their favorite shade of lipstick, especially if it’s no longer available in their area. Scented soaps are popular, too. Sometimes they’re offered for a limited time only or sold as a limited edition. Discontinued and/or sold-out health and beauty products live on, thanks to eBay!
Check your unlisted inventory. Do you have any health and beauty items to list? Be sure to take a look at the shelves of your favorite drugstore. Check clearance and sale items. You can look them up easily on your cell phone, now that Product Research is on the eBay app! Just be sure items are new and unopened, and be sure to note the expiration date, if there is one. Some discontinued beauty products sell for a pretty penny. Hint: be sure to check bars of soap.
Third, while you’re thinking seasonal, limited edition, and discontinued, consider your closets, dresser drawers, and kitchen cabinets.
You might just find some in-demand items that have been retired from the retail market. If you’re not using something, now is the perfect time to declutter and list it. Win-win!
More strategies to avoid the dreaded summer sales slump!
Now, grab your complimentary copy of my newly updated, Top 10 Tips to Ignite eBay Summer Sales. It’s your FREE guide to successfully sailing through the dog days of summer. Download it now HERE.
With the information in this blog post and my free tips sheet, Top 10 Tips to Ignite eBay Summer Sales, you are on your way to selling, selling, selling all summer long! And with the eBay app on your phone, enjoy cha-chings wherever summer takes you.
