How can we ever get over this?

[button48]

It has been over 3 years and we are still in a struggle!

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and had to retire on disability. I had a good job (stressful) but we still weren't able to save much(I made 10,000 to 15,000 dollars more than my husband). When I left work we had to live a number of months without any income from me. There were times we had no choice but to use the credit card and I was forced to go bankrupt!

Finally I began to receive my disability payments which as you well know is not even 1/2 of what I was earning. We were keeping our heads above water until.......the car had to be repaired three times in five months...........the dryer died.........and other reasons.

I felt there had to be a way to make extra money. My husband opened a store on ebay using dropshippers and unfortunately they charge dropship fees and by the time you price your items (so they aren't too expensive) you aren't making enough to pay the ebay fees. This was in December and we have sold three items. We are thinking about finding wholesale merchandise and doing the shipping ourselves which will save some money but would mean we would be stuck with the unsold merchandise. Maybe you can give us help on how the store should be improved to attract people. http:/stores.ebay.com/ALEXS-BOUTIQUE


I need some advice, encouragement, other ways to make money and anything else you can tell me that you think would help.

Many thanks!

[Momof3grls]

Re: How can we ever get over this?

Use coupons try to get stuff for free & do rebates!! Maybe try to cut back on phone extras cable extras get a cheaper internet a cheaper car maybe one thats better on gas. Try to not eat out maybe mystery shop to pick up a few extra entertaining things each month

[crosses]

Re: How can we ever get over this?

You're going to find it very difficult to make any money using dropshippers or wholesale merchandise. There is just too much competition in those areas and you'll be luck to break even after all your ebay fees and the items that don't sell.

Collectibles. That is the only wau for small time sellers to make a decent amount anymore on eBay. Go to garage sales, estate sales, library sales, flea markets, etc and pick up collectibles. It will take some time to learn what will and won't sell, but it's the only way to make the ebay business worthwhile in my opinion.

[marla]

Re: How can we ever get over this?

Hang in there! This site will give you excellent advice on ways to save money. be sure to sign up for their challenge if you haven't done so yet. They help keep me motivated.

Do you have any hobbies? I think if you can find something related to a hobby you have that those items could sell well on ebay since you have the knowledge and interest in them.

Also make sure to go through all your monthly payments and decide what you really need and what you don't. I had tons of things i thought I needed, but have realized that most I don't.