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Have you ever felt that you've had the perfect item to sell on eBay? Have you done your research and you know that others are selling the same thing with great success? Yet when you list the same item, you're shocked when you don't even get one bid. Why is that? You know it's a hot item, and you've heard all the buzz, but now you're stuck with an item no one will bid on. Often, even the hottest items won't sell on eBay due to a saturated market. Digital cameras are very popular but how many cameras does the average person need? So what are you going to do? Don't give up! This just might be the place where you need to do a little creative marketing.

First, remember that it's always important to test market your product first. Buy a small number of the item you're interested in selling on eBay. If those sell as you had hoped then you can buy more. Never buy in bulk until you know how well your product will do. You don't want to end up with a garage full of electronic widgets that no one wants.

When selling on eBay run your test market on two or three different items at the same time as opposed to just a single item. This will save you time as you can simply continue with what works and discontinue what doesn't.

Getting Creative

Try adding extra value to your items. Everybody loves the product that comes with a free gift. For example, if you're selling blenders, try adding a set of free spatulas or 101 favorite blender recipes. If it's an electronics product you might offer a free carrying case or set of headphones for an auto device. No matter how small the added value gift might be, never over look the power of the word "Free".

Remember that selling on eBay is like any other business, whether on the web or a brick and mortar store. You must do your planning and market research, offer something unique, and pin point your target market. Actually writing out a business plan will give you a clear image of .you want to do as well as help you identify problems before they arise.

One of the most important things to remember when selling on eBay is to not get discouraged if your first test markets don't work out. Even the top eBay sellers had to start someplace and you'd probably be surprised to learn that many of them weren't successful in the beginning either. It's a trial and error game and in the end persistence is what pays off.

Finally remember that everything old is new again and that timing can truly be everything. It's amazing how something that isn't selling well today can suddenly become tomorrow's hot item. Take for instance sewing. While a number of years ago the interest in home sewing dwindled and home made clothing was not considered fashionable, today it is on the rise again. Due to a struggling economy and the desire to save money as well as sewing machines and patterns that can make anyone look like a couture seamstress, sewing is gaining in popularity again. The key to selling on eBay is to become aware of rising market trends. What's the latest hot item with the stars in Hollywood? What's new with the teen crowd? Read and research all the time and catch those trends and fads as they form and you might just find your next big item to sell on eBay.