Selling Out........the eBay Life Way!

Last night, I took some time getting ready for bed. I washed my face with Origins cleanser (sold at a Macy's near you) and moisturized with a bottle of Mary Kay day cream. (sold in a living room near you.) I burned a Yankee candle ($25 a pop) and poured Bath and Body bubble bath into the tub ($15 a pop). After finishing up, I looked down and discovered that I was wearing Ugg-like boots made of real sheep skin. (They look identical to Uggs and are just as warm.) All of a sudden, I came to the realization that my lifestyle had become a bit "hoity-toity." I was surrounded by name brand luxury products.

Frankly, I was shocked. I pride myself on being a thrifty shopper. I am a true recycler. I rarely shop at the mall. I shop at yard sales any chance I get. How could this have happened? Big business had apparently won at Miriam's house. Oh, the horror!

After thinking about it, however, I realized that everything I had been using had been purchased new at yard sales, and the total cost of these items was only $10. Whew. I felt a lot better. Sometimes, I even surprise myself.

That brings me to the subject of selling cosmetics and personal hygiene products on eBay. Selling these products can bring in some big bucks. A former eBay student of mine just rescued a brand new bottle of very expensive Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner from her place of employment, a local salon. (See picture) Her boss was about to throw it away. How much did she sell it for? $80!!!




Here are some guidelines to follow when purchasing and selling personal hygiene products and cosmetics:

1. Only purchase unused cosmetics. Used cosmetics are not to be sold on eBay.
2. Be sure to check the expiration date on each and every item before you purchase it. Always mention expiration dates in your eBay listings.
3. People search for their favorite cosmetics by name and brand. For example, I wear a lipstick called "Heather Moon" by Clinique. Lipstick, Heather Moon, and Clinique are the most important words to include in a listing for this type of lipstick.
4. Anything with the Greenbrier company stamped on the bottom is from the dollar store. Don't bother.
5. Perfume is a big seller on eBay. However, the USPS will not let you send it through the mail. The USPS won't even let you send it using a ground service. To make a long story short, if you send a bottle of perfume, and it causes a plane to blow up, you will be held liable. Therefore, you need to investigate the cost of sending perfume via UPS or Fed Ex before attempting to purchase it for resale.
6. I have gone to several yard sales hosted by beauticians. They often sell high quality haircare products for bargain basement prices. Check Craigslist every Friday night and see if beauty supplies are listed in any of the garage sale announcements.

The great thing about picking up cosmetics and personal hygiene products at yard sales is that you have the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone (otherwise known as "multitasking"). While you are shopping for eBay items, pick up items for your own personal use. You can even triple-task and pick up goodies for friends and family! This will save you a trip to the store and will make you feel very, very green.

Happy bargain hunting!

Miriam @ Bluefrogshoes.com -- specializing in hard-to-find sizes and brand names!


If you are interested in taking an eBay class at Oroville Adult Education, contact me at (530) 538-5350. Private lessons are also available for those wanting individualized instruction. Hope to see you soon!