Thank you for taking the time during your America trip & visiting us. My wife & I enjoyed your company so much and had a lot of fun. I hope this chat can be valuable to other Resellers the same way it has helped you and your business when you got back home. You are doing an awesome job and have made huge improvements already. We hope to see you again soon. This time without the death pile :o)
Running an ebay business is tough, but if I can do it anyone can. I drive an 18 wheel truck out for 3 weeks at a time. On my hometime I juggle being a good husband and grandfather along with taking enough pictures, bag and tag, to last 3 weeks until I come home again. It's rough driving 10 hours a day then trying to post 5-10 items a day. I'm hoping to be as successful as you Technsports and Mel! Ya'll inspire me to carry on!!!!
I also drive a truck and help my gf run the eBay business, the great thing about being a truck driver you get to source all over the country while waiting to pick up or deliver a load… when my gf comes out for a week with me (we put store in vacation then) we are able to create our drafts without pictures until we get back… she runs the day to day operations and I help where I can! I hope to some day get off the road but we haven’t figured out how to get our daily sales up, from these videos we figured we just need to buy less items and better sell through rates, but we are content on sitting on items with our huge basement, but shooting for better sell through rates moving forward.
@Amy_Nicole_Sabas yes. When home I take pictures and measurements. While on the road I do the posting. My wife does the packaging and shipping. Teamwork makes the dream work ✨️
Thank you Mel and Tech for sharing with us. The secret to Tech's success is obvious and it is a challenge to apply it to our work and life in general. I realise how haphazard my own approach to reselling has been - now I have a clearcut method to follow. Seeing you sitting there Mel, so humble in admitting your own weaknesses, really touched my heart. After all you have been through this past year, please be kind and gentle with yourself. Change can come slowly and I am sure when 2024 arrives you will have everything running like clockwork. Great advice, Tech, for us all to take!
I have watched this video over 5 times because I felt like Tech was talking exactly to me as well. He laid it all out so well, I can’t thank you both enough!
I wish I could hit the like button 1000 times!!! Thank you for filming such an informative and inspiring video! What a mentor you have in Technsports!!
Thank you so much. Yes I’m very lucky to have Tech advising me and cheering me on but it’s my time to do the work. Only I can be the one to take the action. I have to do him proud 🩷
I have heard Tech have these conversations before in the group. Say the same exact things. For some weird, unexplained reason, him sitting there having that same conversation with Mel ON VIDEO seems to have more of an effect on me. It's like I'm not only just hearing how to do it, but I feel like I can actually SEE how to do it. Anyone else feel this way? It's crazy!
I do! I feel like he showed me my work space in such a different light. So many widgets and do-dads are cluttering up my mind. And so many things I feel free to let go of because they don't serve any reasonable general business model.
Tech hit it right on the head saying your inventory needs to at least meet your sales goal. I struggled with this when I first started. I'm part time and I wanted to do $2000-$3000 a month but one time I checked and my closet value was a little over $4000. That means I would have had to sell HALF of my inventory each month, completely unrealistic. Now I'm more mindful of the items I pick up, even if that means leaving "good" stuff behind that's not gonna sell for much or quickly. Great video and insight from both of you!
Mel you're a super strong woman, for taking on this task where you expose yourself to saying that you're not happy with your business and a bit lost in such a PUPLIC way... but don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing what you can... according to your daily tasks/struggles/LIFE!! Advice is always good and amazing... just remeber that no one as your life, your children, your story, only you.
Thank you so much. I’m not afraid to share my ups and downs. It’s what makes me me. I have always been an over-sharer lol But honestly, it makes me so happy when I share my personal struggles and then it helps someone else who feels the same way. That makes it all worthwhile. We’re all in this together. None of us should ever feel embarrassed for struggling at times. Reselling is hard. Life is hard. And there are so many people who want to help if we would all just be brave enough to ask for it sometimes. 🩷
Tech deserves all the success he has had. He has helped so many people improve their business. Mel you are awesome and I know you will get everything sorted out and create the type of business that makes you happy and brings the cha-ching! 🤑
This is possibly the best video you have ever launched Mel. I am so proud of you. You inspire me every day and I couldn't be happier for your success and progress. Keep hustling my friend, you've got this.
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS content!!! This is 100 STAR material!! Thanks Mel for being vulnerable and letting Tech evaluate your process. I learned so much! So, I'll be taking this reformatting journey with you! Looking forward to hearing your progress in making your business great!
OMG! Thanks so much for putting yourself out there by sharing your incredible honesty and vulnerability regarding your eBay business. And I absolutely love Tech's mild-mannered, humble, tough love approach in all his advice. GUUURL, I can't believe the number of times I stopped the video, and immediately went to apply some of the suggestions in cleaning up my eBay store and my cluttered office. 😭 I'll definitely be listening to this one over and over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for listening and commenting. I’m glad it was helpful to you and gave value. I hope it can motivate you to fix your only eBay business and get it running as smoothly as possible also.
Wow. All we need is Techs first vid and this to repair our Ebay store and life. Fantastic. Today I start with a plan and those Parameters. Thanks Mel, thanks Tech. This is the way.
This is SO helpful! Mel, I was in this exact position two months ago. Everything you said was me. Two months ago I changed everything up and I am approaching it different and changing my mindset. Again, thank you for being so vulnerable. This was so helpful!
Oh Mel, this was a gem of a video. So glad both of you were willing to share your conversation with U-Tube. Good stuff to apply to just about anything you do in life. You will get things turned around with your self-employment. I have been amazed how quickly you have started your turn around process. You are a hard-working lady. I am not a reseller, but maybe one day I will be.
Such good advice! I am trying really hard to apply the 'Only buy what fits your business model'. Takes so much discipline, but it works so well when I do. Great vid Mel and Tech!!!!
“I feel like I’m giving a little bit to everything & nothing’s doing great”….I so FEEL you Mel….This was a BRILLIANT talk with Tech….THANKS for sharing Lovey….!!!!!❤️❤️❤️
I loved watching you pick books at the book fair, because you knew what books would sell for a lot and also sell fast. You know how to do this. You are an amazing photographer. Do your Listings and watch the money come in.
I needed this interview, I do the exact same as you except I don't do books. The inner voice in my head sounds like technsports, but then I go ahead and source more, and I buy the items that are hard to list and then I never get to them. LOL I am not alone!!!!!!!! I hope you are able to apply the sound advice, and I am going to work on it myself. Thanks Again!
I can relate 100% Mel. I buy, I list some, I make a pile, & repeat. When I do go back I've forgotten what's there & how great some items are. My biggest hurdle now is not believing I could do this, make money & grow a business so I didn't put any procedures into place, no schedules & ad hoc storage systems. Now I'm starting on the punishment to clean things up & work a business as seriously as I did as an employee. Thanks Tech, thanks Mel, priceless reminders & kick in the butt! 😂😘😘
This was truly helpful 😮😮10/10 if I nod anymore to what tech is saying my head will come straight off. I haven't had a neck this sore since my head banging days in the 90s as a teenager 😂
I just found and watched this video and man did that hit home. I am new to reselling and eBay. This my first year and have done amateur sales and eventually waould like to quit my 9-5 and do this full time. This videos has really opened my eyes and made me realize I have a lot of work and learning to do. Thank you both. Time to put pencil to paper and grind grind grind. And one day that I feel like I have accomplished my goal I want to pay it forward and help other beginner reseller. Best wishes to you both.
Besides everything Tech said being dead on…!!! The most aha moment for me was when he says…”if you are getting results kids will respect that mom is at work and to respect that time”! Holy crap!! That hit me hard!!! Thank you for this ginormous wealth of information Mel & Tech!!! Like holy crap a wealth of knowledge for free in this phenomenal interview / lecture / seminar video!!! Damn! Tech!! Super wisdom to the max from you!!! Thank you a zillion times over for this info.!!! ❤❤❤❤
I went through 100% of my death pile last week. If i wasnt excited to list it then i threw it in the lot box. Ive been selling the lots and am more excited to list because its all good stuff. :) it was alot of work but well worth it.
This is good! Even for part-time, low number items stores like mine. I find it reassuring I what I am doing is not wrong, but it ok for where I am at and what I am able to do. Some good tips for now and in the future. Thank you 💪
I watch this over and over because of the great advice you received from Tech. It applies to so many of us and I’m so thankful that you shared it with us. I’m scattered and have so many piles that are not listed and every week I can’t find at least 1 item that sold. I’ve put myself on a no buy hold and try to work daily on the punishment and at night I list. I have so many items it seems that I’ll never get it straightened out or listed. Thank you so very much both of you. Awesome video filled with a ton of information.
Very very proud to know you to have met you and to have seen this Mel! Technsports thank you for all the knowledge you share in the group and here now! Wow wow wow!
I really need to take an hour to set down with a pen and paper and watch this again. So much information. Thank you so much Mel for sharing this video and to tech for sharing his knowledge and wisdom.
This was the most spot on informative educational video on reselling I have heard in the past several years. It exemplifies everything I do wrong. At the same time has given me great clarity on a better direction. Also very impressed with how your guest allowed you to say all you wanted/needed to without interruption. Thank you so much for this invaluable video which I will without doubt listen to again until I get my business right. My thanks to you both!
This was really good and informative Mel. I got a lot of take aways from this one, but one in particular that makes so much sense is to have items sorted and waiting in queue! I'm sort of like you in that I will go ahead and list what I know well, and toss aside time consuming items to "look up later" which of course translates to death pile! I have bins and bins of unlisted items and I'll often open a bin and cherry pick from it and move on to another bin of *fun/easy stuff* Not sure if I caught the message right, but I think I will grab a bin a day and just list it all no matter how long it takes and from there I will most definitely change my model to "I know I can make at least $20, therefore worth purchasing" and for the most part, skip the bread and butter time consuming stuff. Fantastic video Mel!
Must be nice haha. I dont understand all these resellers who just have inventory lying around waiting to be listed. Im lucky if I have enough to even list 10 per day.
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 I strive to be you! In my case, I used to live in a much larger home and I had my basement set up to list like a well oiled machine. Problem is I downsized into a mobile home. I have no regrets about that, but now space is an issue with the prior inventory I had not lining up in neat little rows. I clearly need to get a grip and figure out work spaces that I don't have to tear down every single day! I don't need to source for quite awhile, and while I miss it tremendously, I need to get a hold on the mess I've gotten myself into! 😬
@@sandrabentley8111 I have a chuck it/donate box that I keep nearby when grabbing a bin. Hope that counts 😬 I keep thinking back to a video Chris did one time when someone said they didn't know where to start in their chaos and Chris said just turn around and grab one item and list it. I guess that's why I think just turn around and grab a bin and get er done! Lol
A book reseller I know in California used to do high volume books in ebay and Amazon. He had no interest in unscanable or low profit books. He didn't have an easy way to sell them by the palette. He would advertise a warehouse sale for a few weekends each year and sell a few hundred books each time for $1 each from all that excess that didn't meet his model.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable to help others. I think that a HUGE trap that resellers get caught up in is "free". We always have to remember there is no free, they all have a time cost and space cost. The amount of work spent listing something that will sell for 5 dollars in 6 months is the same amount as something that will sell for 40 in a week. Really great info (no shock there) we just have to be sure that when free comes to us we do not see it as "extra money" unless it really is.
Mel: Great discussion. Many thanks 👏 I wish I could have given you 5 thumbs ups - well deserved. Best wishes on your new business model and metrics. You're a 🌟 Keep charging (smarter, not harder). We're rooting for you. You can do this!!
Some of the best advice I have seen Tech give was spend 30 minutes a day for 30 days on researching brands in your niche. I am a week into the 30 for 30 and have doubled my thrift finds(15 items to finding 30 this week).🎉🎉🎉
OMG this is amazing! I've only been taking the reselling (books) seriously a month or so as I work full time elsewhere but need a secondary source of income (though it'd be amazing if this becomes the main!) and this is such a great video! I'm working out of a small apartment so I really do need to be very careful about what I choose but I didn't know where to start. I've had a great time this last week culling "dead" inventory. I listened to the last video with Common Ground Finds where he mentioned about "monetising duds" and I really took that to heart. I'm getting customers who are thrilled about a great bargain in a large bundle but I'm getting a small amount of ££ to put towards better quality items. My shelves are looking much tidier and I'm much more excited about the things I'm picking up and working with. Having a plan as I move forwards is so helpful. Thank you both!!
Mel thank u for filming this so we can all learn from Tech in walking you through stuff. I have a similar juggling act & can relate so this is really helpful! So grateful for you both.
"Uncertainty can never be successful" That one describes my life and why I don't have a successful business! The whole interview is a treasure. I'll be listening to that over and over until it sinks in You're going to pull yourself out of that "virus". Don't feel defeated ❤
This makes my top 10 reseller videos of all time. And that's not an easy feat. Well done Mel, and rock solid advice and direction from Tech. Props when props are due.
Mel, this was such a great interview. Everything you guys discussed just backed up what I've been thinking for the past few months. Again, not so much for my eBay bookshop as for my writing career. I sat down with a good friend and she helped me figure out where I need to go in order to get where I want to be as an author. I'm ready to go. Like you, I feel I have a path on which to travel to get my writing career back where it was headed. I'm probably going to close my eBay store, but I'm still going to keep up with you because you inspired me a lot. 😊😊
I think this is the most educational video I’ve watched on my new eBay journey. I’d like to say which thing helped but it’s the whole pile of information that is in this video and I think I now see sourcing, inventory, business management one and on in a totally different way. I’m going to try all of this now before I get to buried in stuff and unhelpful practices. Thank you both for making this video!!
Mel - this has been the best video I have watched in years on any Reseller TH-cam channel. I felt seen and called out and now also motivated as I ran the numbers as Tech spoke and took a reality kick to the butt. Here I am filling my store with listings just to get me to go away for a break when in reality I'm slowly killing it and myself as I realise how much I am making per item if it even sells. Thank you for uploading this chat.
I have to list anything I can find. Not worried about the profit amount as long as its profit. Anyone who can pick and choose like that is clearly spoiled and doesn't know what its like to struggle to find inventory
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 That was my mindset too - but for how much time and effort I'm putting in - I may as well be working back in an office job killing my soul there than working non stop for very little return.
It’s really hard when inventory around you is sparse. I know I now travel to Sydney and surrounds to find better stock then what I can source locally. The more we expand our Rolodex of knowledge the more profitable items we can find. Keep going x
You both deserve a huge THANK YOU and appreciation for taking the time to provide a rewarding video for those of us who desire to become better resellers. Instruction about doing the necessary for a successful efficient business operation is so valuable for each of us wanting to begin a new direction for a new income adventure!
Not always consistent especially with my listing but I’m working hard to fix this since I’ve been back and I’m enjoying sharing some of the behind the scenes over on Instagram 🩷
Tech makes it sound so simple because the theory is simple, sometimes as resellers the organisation can go a bit wrong and that's so important to have it organised
Hand on heart, that has got to be the best eBay advice I have ever heard!!! This guy has simplified everything I have put in the “too hard basket”. Thanks for sharing this Mel 😊
Brilliant! Raw info everyone needs to run a clean business. Gosh, I have a lot of punishment coming my way! It's hard too when you only do this part-time. I feel like everything is a half finished project.
Glad you Reached out, I had the same look you had, But Glad he said it just a Big Fat Reality Check!! Lots of Help in the Right direction. Get er Done Mel!
Thank you so much for this video. I've followed you for a while on insta but came over to TH-cam to get you out on this video and the amount I have taken away from this is phenomenal (for example I'm implementing a weekly schedule -why I've never thought about that before I don't know!). Good luck with all your changes and improvement and thanks again!
So glad I took the time today to watch you with Tech. I always appreciated his advice and him sharing his experience and insights with reselling. Both of you are amazing and I’m so happy you did this video with Tech. I learn from both of you and love all your videos. Thank you.
This could be close to all-time favourite TH-cam clip EVER! It's nearly all too hard to hear as it cut so close to the bone of much needed home truths, especially about stepping away from sourcing to deal with the death house load - yep, not death pile, death house. Thanks Mel for letting us in on Technsports superb approach.
Wow! Thanks for being vulnerable and real. I just sell part time to supplement my retirement but I have a large amount of unlisted “stuff” that is not worth my time. I tend to get emotional when buying…. Oh That’s so cute or I remember that from when I was a kid, then it sells for very little or I break even. I love books too and like to buy sets or series that take up too much space with little profit. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s a learning process for all of us. Heck. The other day I bought some vintage Sesame Street Halloween party invitations, why because vintage is in and they sparked a feeling, I will be lucky to break even. I need to smack myself. 🤣 I’d offer to come help you go through your piles, but I’d probably ship them home to myself! Your doing great Mel and thanks for being Mel.
Thank you Mel for making this video. Tech has such a great concrete way of explaining the process and I was floored by how it seemed like he was talking straight to me. From what I’ve experienced over the past several months it appears to me that many resellers have some form of attention deficit disorder including myself. It’s HARD to sit and concentrate on one task for long periods but that’s exactly what’s needed. I watched you’re body language and how you kept twisting yourself into a pretzel- you knew what he was talking about fit you exactly. I squirmed too believe me. But this has helped me immensely and I’m going to do what Tech says. I think it’s the only way to make a functioning business and not go crazy in the process! Thank you again Mel!
Yes! It’s also easy when you work for yourself to not work to any rules. And easy to break any you do have because you’re the boss. We have to set the metrics and boundaries and stick to it.
I have been watching your channel for a while and have noticed your various storage places are filled up with unsold inventory. First it was your house and garage, then your house and outdoor storage facility, now it is your warehouse. At one point you were moving to a seven day a week model (which will certainly burn someone out). My suggestion (if I can be so bold...) would be to rewatch this video once a week, stick hard and fast to your new rules, and slowly bend your mind to a new way of thinking. We all eventually fall back into our old habits, so it is critical to learn from those we wish to emulate and be constantly reminded of what we need to do. Good luck!
@@backfromburnout Breaking old habits and making new ones are very difficult to do. We need a constant reminder of where we need to go and be incredibly focused on it. Good Luck!
This is a great video. I’ve listened and watched tons of videos. Sometimes it’s just great to hear the same consistent advice over and over again. Now, the challenge is always applying what you know you should be doing. I appreciate you both so much. Thank you Tech & Mel!!
This information was so good for me. I am a great thrifter and a lazy lister. I have a backlog that I need to list. Too much money going out and not enough coming in, or "spending myself out of business." I really like the ABC pile thinking, as opposed to cherry picking. I am going to implement this concept. I will watch this video a few times until I memirize his advice. Also, thanks, Mel, for your honesty and vunerability. I can relate and it helps to hear both your issues and his advice.
No bloopers in this one. I literally cut a few long pauses from my first five minutes as I was trying to gather my thoughts and I didn’t edit or cut Tech once. Straight raw video as it was. :)
I think the biggest issue is -- where is Mel going to find enough better items? If I could find enough good items, I wouldn't deal with the $10 or $5 items, but those also sell really quickly and help me out when I'm in a bind. Worse, when you find good items now, people don't have money. So, I either have to take too much less, or the item just doesn't sell. That being said, not everyone is struggling right now. Some people like Cayley and Nikki are killing it, but I've never seen any of those items where I live. I think, in time, we'll all find our way.
Glad you enjoyed it Chris. You both have given and supported me so much. I’ve learned so much from the patreon group and by surrounding myself with like minded people. Thanks Chris x
Many resellers will know what the trouble is. The addiction of sourcing and accepting free stuff, the hoarding obsession, that’s what needs to be addressed. This is such a great video the difficulty is to stop buying stuff and see eBaying as selling stuff that makes a profit or get rid of it. Brilliant. No mess, no clutter. Will it still be an enjoyable employment if you live by strict rules. There’s a lot to consider. Small amount of stock and you won’t need a warehouse and you will save two hours commute if you work out of a small space nearer home or at home. Looking forward to seeing your business flourish even more. Thanks for this video. Wonderful advice.
So many many truth bombs Not enough to watch this once or twice but will necessitate multiple replays I use Thrifters Scorecard for my inventory because it does provide the sell through info; your cost of goods all of the factors needed to make great business decisions and can be looked at by category I am in the process of culling now and niching down using that information. I am going to go now and finish rewatching this again. Truly love this Thank You Mel and Technosport!
This was a great interview. I'm not a reseller but I resonated a lot with what he said about having rules and getting organized! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for so much wisdom. I appreciate the lady's honesty because I am facing a lot of the same issues. And he was so full of great advise. Thanks again!
Such powerful content! Thank you both. A lot of information that can truly help us all. Mel, just a few suggestions that may help you as you proceed forward: I have helped liquidate many estates and I find individuals who are willing to come to me to pick up the items. Will the library pick up your unwanted items regularly? This could also be a tax deduction for you. As Tech mentioned someone who will buy in bulk regularly? Some Resellers specialize in older books and perhaps that could be an outlet to keep the inventory moving consistently. YOU GOT THIS❤
I've just re-watched this, after watching your recent video where you've re-organised and eliminated the 'virus' in your store. I need to take these actions too, my heads still spinning on where exactly to start... something tells me I'll be watching this a few more times and I think I'll take notes next time as otherwise I just forget. Thanks to both of you for sharing this.
This was a fantastic interview Mel. I think it was one of your best content pieces yet. We all can learn from eachother, even us old dogs who have been around for some time do not know everything. I am looking forward to your new plan and will be tweaking mine for sure as well.
I too am having growing pains in my business and can I just say that this video and the information has been invaluable....freakin awesome 👌... I am going to take time to create my business model, create the path and keep on keeping on... cause when I grow up, I wanna be like Tech... I only wish I would have started many years ago... I'm 60, but it's okay..I've got at least a good 40 years left in me...sending y'all some Cali ❤
Thank you for taking the time during your America trip & visiting us. My wife & I enjoyed your company so much and had a lot of fun. I hope this chat can be valuable to other Resellers the same way it has helped you and your business when you got back home. You are doing an awesome job and have made huge improvements already.
We hope to see you again soon. This time without the death pile :o)
like i said b4 ...i have been waiting for a new all star to pay attention too ..... cant wait to see more !!!!
Great advice man thank you for this
Mel & Tech, Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to do this video with Mal.
I’m going to challenge myself on multiple things to apply this changes.
Running an ebay business is tough, but if I can do it anyone can. I drive an 18 wheel truck out for 3 weeks at a time. On my hometime I juggle being a good husband and grandfather along with taking enough pictures, bag and tag, to last 3 weeks until I come home again. It's rough driving 10 hours a day then trying to post 5-10 items a day. I'm hoping to be as successful as you Technsports and Mel! Ya'll inspire me to carry on!!!!
That is super impressive!!
I also drive a truck and help my gf run the eBay business, the great thing about being a truck driver you get to source all over the country while waiting to pick up or deliver a load… when my gf comes out for a week with me (we put store in vacation then) we are able to create our drafts without pictures until we get back… she runs the day to day operations and I help where I can! I hope to some day get off the road but we haven’t figured out how to get our daily sales up, from these videos we figured we just need to buy less items and better sell through rates, but we are content on sitting on items with our huge basement, but shooting for better sell through rates moving forward.
how does that work for packing and shipping? do you have someone else fulfilling the actual orders while you're on the road?
@Amy_Nicole_Sabas yes. When home I take pictures and measurements. While on the road I do the posting. My wife does the packaging and shipping. Teamwork makes the dream work ✨️
@@josephmartinez8828 So you haul your inventory with you on the road?
Thank you Mel and Tech for sharing with us. The secret to Tech's success is obvious and it is a challenge to apply it to our work and life in general. I realise how haphazard my own approach to reselling has been - now I have a clearcut method to follow. Seeing you sitting there Mel, so humble in admitting your own weaknesses, really touched my heart. After all you have been through this past year, please be kind and gentle with yourself.
Change can come slowly and I am sure when 2024 arrives you will have everything running like clockwork. Great advice, Tech, for us all to take!
@sharibrewster4153 I echo all these sentiments!! :)
I have watched this video over 5 times because I felt like Tech was talking exactly to me as well. He laid it all out so well, I can’t thank you both enough!
Same Here! I'm so Thankful for this Video!! ❤❤❤
I wish I could hit the like button 1000 times!!! Thank you for filming such an informative and inspiring video! What a mentor you have in Technsports!!
Thank you so much. Yes I’m very lucky to have Tech advising me and cheering me on but it’s my time to do the work. Only I can be the one to take the action. I have to do him proud 🩷
This is a mega ripple effect though Mel, because as you push forward we push forward along with you :) This was great!!@@backfromburnout
I have heard Tech have these conversations before in the group. Say the same exact things. For some weird, unexplained reason, him sitting there having that same conversation with Mel ON VIDEO seems to have more of an effect on me. It's like I'm not only just hearing how to do it, but I feel like I can actually SEE how to do it. Anyone else feel this way? It's crazy!
I do! I feel like he showed me my work space in such a different light. So many widgets and do-dads are cluttering up my mind. And so many things I feel free to let go of because they don't serve any reasonable general business model.
Tech hit it right on the head saying your inventory needs to at least meet your sales goal. I struggled with this when I first started. I'm part time and I wanted to do $2000-$3000 a month but one time I checked and my closet value was a little over $4000. That means I would have had to sell HALF of my inventory each month, completely unrealistic. Now I'm more mindful of the items I pick up, even if that means leaving "good" stuff behind that's not gonna sell for much or quickly. Great video and insight from both of you!
Yes often we just get so focused on how many per day we should list without taking into consideration the value of those items.
Mel, I feel your pain. One bite at a time, Sweetheart. Incredible video with down to earth, real advice. Loved your vulnerability and honesty.
Thank you so much! I'm getting there
Mel you're a super strong woman, for taking on this task where you expose yourself to saying that you're not happy with your business and a bit lost in such a PUPLIC way... but don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing what you can... according to your daily tasks/struggles/LIFE!! Advice is always good and amazing... just remeber that no one as your life, your children, your story, only you.
Thank you so much. I’m not afraid to share my ups and downs. It’s what makes me me. I have always been an over-sharer lol But honestly, it makes me so happy when I share my personal struggles and then it helps someone else who feels the same way. That makes it all worthwhile. We’re all in this together. None of us should ever feel embarrassed for struggling at times. Reselling is hard. Life is hard. And there are so many people who want to help if we would all just be brave enough to ask for it sometimes. 🩷
Tech deserves all the success he has had. He has helped so many people improve their business. Mel you are awesome and I know you will get everything sorted out and create the type of business that makes you happy and brings the cha-ching! 🤑
He’s a really good listener.
This is possibly the best video you have ever launched Mel. I am so proud of you. You inspire me every day and I couldn't be happier for your success and progress. Keep hustling my friend, you've got this.
💯 agree 🎉
So glad that Tech let you film this.
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS content!!! This is 100 STAR material!! Thanks Mel for being vulnerable and letting Tech evaluate your process. I learned so much! So, I'll be taking this reformatting journey with you! Looking forward to hearing your progress in making your business great!
It’s working and I’m doing the work to fix it
OMG! Thanks so much for putting yourself out there by sharing your incredible honesty and vulnerability regarding your eBay business. And I absolutely love Tech's mild-mannered, humble, tough love approach in all his advice. GUUURL, I can't believe the number of times I stopped the video, and immediately went to apply some of the suggestions in cleaning up my eBay store and my cluttered office. 😭 I'll definitely be listening to this one over and over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for listening and commenting. I’m glad it was helpful to you and gave value. I hope it can motivate you to fix your only eBay business and get it running as smoothly as possible also.
Wow. All we need is Techs first vid and this to repair our Ebay store and life. Fantastic. Today I start with a plan and those Parameters. Thanks Mel, thanks Tech. This is the way.
This is SO helpful! Mel, I was in this exact position two months ago. Everything you said was me. Two months ago I changed everything up and I am approaching it different and changing my mindset. Again, thank you for being so vulnerable. This was so helpful!
Oh Mel, this was a gem of a video. So glad both of you were willing to share your conversation with U-Tube. Good stuff to apply to just about anything you do in life. You will get things turned around with your self-employment. I have been amazed how quickly you have started your turn around process. You are a hard-working lady. I am not a reseller, but maybe one day I will be.
I have good intentions and want to make life as simple for me as possible so I’ll do the work and make Tech proud :)
Such good advice! I am trying really hard to apply the 'Only buy what fits your business model'. Takes so much discipline, but it works so well when I do. Great vid Mel and Tech!!!!
It’s honestly so hard to leave things under a certain metric when that’s what you have been used to. One of my biggest struggles
I'm making a retail return after watching this! lol @@backfromburnout
“I feel like I’m giving a little bit to everything & nothing’s doing great”….I so FEEL you Mel….This was a BRILLIANT talk with Tech….THANKS for sharing Lovey….!!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Yes! Thank you! Everything is so spread thin!
I loved watching you pick books at the book fair, because you knew what books would sell for a lot and also sell fast. You know how to do this. You are an amazing photographer. Do your
Listings and watch the money come in.
Nice motivation. All sellers (and ALL entrepreneurs) need that talk every few months to stay on track
I needed this interview, I do the exact same as you except I don't do books. The inner voice in my head sounds like technsports, but then I go ahead and source more, and I buy the items that are hard to list and then I never get to them. LOL I am not alone!!!!!!!! I hope you are able to apply the sound advice, and I am going to work on it myself. Thanks Again!
I felt like this video was meant for me! Thank you so much for your honesty and vulnerability. Thank you, Tech, for sharing your wisdom.
You are so welcome!
I can relate 100% Mel. I buy, I list some, I make a pile, & repeat. When I do go back I've forgotten what's there & how great some items are. My biggest hurdle now is not believing I could do this, make money & grow a business so I didn't put any procedures into place, no schedules & ad hoc storage systems. Now I'm starting on the punishment to clean things up & work a business as seriously as I did as an employee. Thanks Tech, thanks Mel, priceless reminders & kick in the butt! 😂😘😘
This was truly helpful 😮😮10/10 if I nod anymore to what tech is saying my head will come straight off. I haven't had a neck this sore since my head banging days in the 90s as a teenager 😂
I just found and watched this video and man did that hit home. I am new to reselling and eBay. This my first year and have done amateur sales and eventually waould like to quit my 9-5 and do this full time. This videos has really opened my eyes and made me realize I have a lot of work and learning to do. Thank you both. Time to put pencil to paper and grind grind grind. And one day that I feel like I have accomplished my goal I want to pay it forward and help other beginner reseller. Best wishes to you both.
@@jorgegonzales5723 thank you! Best of luck with everything in your business and wishing you success ♥️
Besides everything Tech said being dead on…!!!
The most aha moment for me was when he says…”if you are getting results kids will respect that mom is at work and to respect that time”!
Holy crap!! That hit me hard!!!
Thank you for this ginormous wealth of information Mel & Tech!!! Like holy crap a wealth of knowledge for free in this phenomenal interview / lecture / seminar video!!!
Damn! Tech!! Super wisdom to the max from you!!!
Thank you a zillion times over for this info.!!! ❤❤❤❤
I'm in the same boat right now. Donating so many books now just to get them out of my way!
I’m slowly getting through it and it feels so good!
This was so good - Mel he knows what he is doing and you'll be in good hands.... Great advice
I went through 100% of my death pile last week. If i wasnt excited to list it then i threw it in the lot box. Ive been selling the lots and am more excited to list because its all good stuff. :) it was alot of work but well worth it.
Anybody else have a sudden urge to organize their workspace? lol the more he said "Punishment", the cleaner my area got!
lol me too
Same 😂
yes! My ebay rooms are an embarrasment of clutter!
This is good! Even for part-time, low number items stores like mine. I find it reassuring I what I am doing is not wrong, but it ok for where I am at and what I am able to do. Some good tips for now and in the future. Thank you 💪
Tech is 100% right on a lot here. Find an antiquarian near you like the Commongrounds guy. Send them all your non-barcode and odd books.
I watch this over and over because of the great advice you received from Tech. It applies to so many of us and I’m so thankful that you shared it with us. I’m scattered and have so many piles that are not listed and every week I can’t find at least 1 item that sold. I’ve put myself on a no buy hold and try to work daily on the punishment and at night I list. I have so many items it seems that I’ll never get it straightened out or listed. Thank you so very much both of you. Awesome video filled with a ton of information.
What a smart man Tech is. This is why he’s so successful. Amazing advice and thank you for sharing
Our pleasure! Thanks for listening!
I half to watch this video again and take notes,thanks Mel for sharing your own personal challenges with us.Great advice Tech.
Best wishes!
I'm going to listen to this over and over! Thank you for taking the time to do this and for sharing such great information.
You really planned for this trip incredibly well! You are serving top notch people!
I did meet and stay with the best people! I’m so grateful
Very very proud to know you to have met you and to have seen this Mel! Technsports thank you for all the knowledge you share in the group and here now! Wow wow wow!
My pleasure!! Loved meeting you Kristie and Tim xxx
I really need to take an hour to set down with a pen and paper and watch this again. So much information. Thank you so much Mel for sharing this video and to tech for sharing his knowledge and wisdom.
Glad it was helpful! And you can save the video and keep coming back and watching every time you need that reminder (or slap lol).
This was the most spot on informative educational video on reselling I have heard in the past several years. It exemplifies everything I do wrong. At the same time has given me great clarity on a better direction. Also very impressed with how your guest allowed you to say all you wanted/needed to without interruption. Thank you so much for this invaluable video which I will without doubt listen to again until I get my business right. My thanks to you both!
This was really good and informative Mel. I got a lot of take aways from this one, but one in particular that makes so much sense is to have items sorted and waiting in queue! I'm sort of like you in that I will go ahead and list what I know well, and toss aside time consuming items to "look up later" which of course translates to death pile!
I have bins and bins of unlisted items and I'll often open a bin and cherry pick from it and move on to another bin of *fun/easy stuff*
Not sure if I caught the message right, but I think I will grab a bin a day and just list it all no matter how long it takes and from there I will most definitely change my model to "I know I can make at least $20, therefore worth purchasing" and for the most part, skip the bread and butter time consuming stuff. Fantastic video Mel!
Must be nice haha. I dont understand all these resellers who just have inventory lying around waiting to be listed. Im lucky if I have enough to even list 10 per day.
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 I strive to be you! In my case, I used to live in a much larger home and I had my basement set up to list like a well oiled machine. Problem is I downsized into a mobile home. I have no regrets about that, but now space is an issue with the prior inventory I had not lining up in neat little rows. I clearly need to get a grip and figure out work spaces that I don't have to tear down every single day! I don't need to source for quite awhile, and while I miss it tremendously, I need to get a hold on the mess I've gotten myself into! 😬
No "grabbing bins and listing". Sort bin first to make sure those items in the bin fit your metric. That's the message I heard.😊
@@sandrabentley8111 I have a chuck it/donate box that I keep nearby when grabbing a bin. Hope that counts 😬
I keep thinking back to a video Chris did one time when someone said they didn't know where to start in their chaos and Chris said just turn around and grab one item and list it. I guess that's why I think just turn around and grab a bin and get er done! Lol
A book reseller I know in California used to do high volume books in ebay and Amazon. He had no interest in unscanable or low profit books. He didn't have an easy way to sell them by the palette. He would advertise a warehouse sale for a few weekends each year and sell a few hundred books each time for $1 each from all that excess that didn't meet his model.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable to help others. I think that a HUGE trap that resellers get caught up in is "free". We always have to remember there is no free, they all have a time cost and space cost. The amount of work spent listing something that will sell for 5 dollars in 6 months is the same amount as something that will sell for 40 in a week. Really great info (no shock there) we just have to be sure that when free comes to us we do not see it as "extra money" unless it really is.
Mel: Great discussion. Many thanks 👏 I wish I could have given you 5 thumbs ups - well deserved. Best wishes on your new business model and metrics. You're a 🌟 Keep charging (smarter, not harder). We're rooting for you. You can do this!!
I need to watch this a few times! So much value in an hour video!
Glad you liked it! Yes it’s one of those videos every time you listen you will have another lightbulb moment
Some of the best advice I have seen Tech give was spend 30 minutes a day for 30 days on researching brands in your niche. I am a week into the 30 for 30 and have doubled my thrift finds(15 items to finding 30 this week).🎉🎉🎉
This is amazing!
Awesome content that applies to people in any field or even running a home! That guy is a wealth of knowledge!
OMG this is amazing! I've only been taking the reselling (books) seriously a month or so as I work full time elsewhere but need a secondary source of income (though it'd be amazing if this becomes the main!) and this is such a great video! I'm working out of a small apartment so I really do need to be very careful about what I choose but I didn't know where to start. I've had a great time this last week culling "dead" inventory. I listened to the last video with Common Ground Finds where he mentioned about "monetising duds" and I really took that to heart. I'm getting customers who are thrilled about a great bargain in a large bundle but I'm getting a small amount of ££ to put towards better quality items. My shelves are looking much tidier and I'm much more excited about the things I'm picking up and working with. Having a plan as I move forwards is so helpful. Thank you both!!
I love this!!! Get a hold of it now before your business grows anymore and you will smash it. Good luck.
@@backfromburnout thanks for sharing so much of what you’ve learned so many of us benefit from that wisdom
Mel thank u for filming this so we can all learn from Tech in walking you through stuff. I have a similar juggling act & can relate so this is really helpful! So grateful for you both.
You can do it! Thank you for listening!
"Uncertainty can never be successful"
That one describes my life and why I don't have a successful business!
The whole interview is a treasure. I'll be listening to that over and over until it sinks in
You're going to pull yourself out of that "virus". Don't feel defeated ❤
This makes my top 10 reseller videos of all time. And that's not an easy feat. Well done Mel, and rock solid advice and direction from Tech. Props when props are due.
Mel, this was such a great interview. Everything you guys discussed just backed up what I've been thinking for the past few months. Again, not so much for my eBay bookshop as for my writing career. I sat down with a good friend and she helped me figure out where I need to go in order to get where I want to be as an author. I'm ready to go. Like you, I feel I have a path on which to travel to get my writing career back where it was headed. I'm probably going to close my eBay store, but I'm still going to keep up with you because you inspired me a lot. 😊😊
Thank you so much. I wish you all the best in fooling all your dreams x
I think this is the most educational video I’ve watched on my new eBay journey. I’d like to say which thing helped but it’s the whole pile of information that is in this video and I think I now see sourcing, inventory, business management one and on in a totally different way. I’m going to try all of this now before I get to buried in stuff and unhelpful practices. Thank you both for making this video!!
Mel - this has been the best video I have watched in years on any Reseller TH-cam channel. I felt seen and called out and now also motivated as I ran the numbers as Tech spoke and took a reality kick to the butt. Here I am filling my store with listings just to get me to go away for a break when in reality I'm slowly killing it and myself as I realise how much I am making per item if it even sells. Thank you for uploading this chat.
I have to list anything I can find. Not worried about the profit amount as long as its profit. Anyone who can pick and choose like that is clearly spoiled and doesn't know what its like to struggle to find inventory
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 That was my mindset too - but for how much time and effort I'm putting in - I may as well be working back in an office job killing my soul there than working non stop for very little return.
It’s really hard when inventory around you is sparse. I know I now travel to Sydney and surrounds to find better stock then what I can source locally. The more we expand our Rolodex of knowledge the more profitable items we can find. Keep going x
Thank you I’m so glad it was relatable and you found value xxx
You both deserve a huge THANK YOU and appreciation for taking the time to provide a rewarding video for those of us who desire to become better resellers. Instruction about doing the necessary for a successful efficient business operation is so valuable for each of us wanting to begin a new direction for a new income adventure!
Thank you!
Great video! From what I’ve seen on social media I think you are very consistent & one of my favorite resellers to watch.
Not always consistent especially with my listing but I’m working hard to fix this since I’ve been back and I’m enjoying sharing some of the behind the scenes over on Instagram 🩷
Tech makes it sound so simple because the theory is simple, sometimes as resellers the organisation can go a bit wrong and that's so important to have it organised
Hand on heart, that has got to be the best eBay advice I have ever heard!!! This guy has simplified everything I have put in the “too hard basket”. Thanks for sharing this Mel 😊
Your video with tech is invaluable to all of us trying to grow our business. Thanks Mel for all your videos 😊
Brilliant! Raw info everyone needs to run a clean business. Gosh, I have a lot of punishment coming my way! It's hard too when you only do this part-time. I feel like everything is a half finished project.
Great video! Huge fan of both of you!
Glad you Reached out, I had the same look you had, But Glad he said it just a Big Fat Reality Check!! Lots of Help in the Right direction. Get er Done Mel!
Yes it really is thanks for listening
Mel, Thank you for being Open, Honest and Transparent
Thank you so much for this video. I've followed you for a while on insta but came over to TH-cam to get you out on this video and the amount I have taken away from this is phenomenal (for example I'm implementing a weekly schedule -why I've never thought about that before I don't know!). Good luck with all your changes and improvement and thanks again!
So glad I took the time today to watch you with Tech. I always appreciated his advice and him sharing his experience and insights with reselling. Both of you are amazing and I’m so happy you did this video with Tech. I learn from both of you and love all your videos. Thank you.
Thanks. This mentoring session has changed my mindset and I’m making big changes now n
no bs interview i love it alot of the advice Tech gave definitely works in different aspects of life not just in reselling 👍👍
Boom! Simple systems in all areas of life will make life easier
This could be close to all-time favourite TH-cam clip EVER! It's nearly all too hard to hear as it cut so close to the bone of much needed home truths, especially about stepping away from sourcing to deal with the death house load - yep, not death pile, death house. Thanks Mel for letting us in on Technsports superb approach.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment and I’m so glad you got value x
Wow! Thanks for being vulnerable and real. I just sell part time to supplement my retirement but I have a large amount of unlisted “stuff” that is not worth my time. I tend to get emotional when buying…. Oh That’s so cute or I remember that from when I was a kid, then it sells for very little or I break even. I love books too and like to buy sets or series that take up too much space with little profit. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s a learning process for all of us. Heck. The other day I bought some vintage Sesame Street Halloween party invitations, why because vintage is in and they sparked a feeling, I will be lucky to break even. I need to smack myself. 🤣 I’d offer to come help you go through your piles, but I’d probably ship them home to myself! Your doing great Mel and thanks for being Mel.
We all do it (except maybe Tech 🤣)
6:20 is when Tech gets to actually talk.....LOL.... for those of you who already knows Mels story....
Thank you Mel for making this video. Tech has such a great concrete way of explaining the process and I was floored by how it seemed like he was talking straight to me. From what I’ve experienced over the past several months it appears to me that many resellers have some form of attention deficit disorder including myself. It’s HARD to sit and concentrate on one task for long periods but that’s exactly what’s needed. I watched you’re body language and how you kept twisting yourself into a pretzel- you knew what he was talking about fit you exactly. I squirmed too believe me. But this has helped me immensely and I’m going to do what Tech says. I think it’s the only way to make a functioning business and not go crazy in the process! Thank you again Mel!
Yes! It’s also easy when you work for yourself to not work to any rules. And easy to break any you do have because you’re the boss. We have to set the metrics and boundaries and stick to it.
@@backfromburnout By the way- I love watching your videos!
This was fantastic! You can see it hitting home as Tech speaks. Thanks for sharing with us all!
I have been watching your channel for a while and have noticed your various storage places are filled up with unsold inventory. First it was your house and garage, then your house and outdoor storage facility, now it is your warehouse. At one point you were moving to a seven day a week model (which will certainly burn someone out). My suggestion (if I can be so bold...) would be to rewatch this video once a week, stick hard and fast to your new rules, and slowly bend your mind to a new way of thinking. We all eventually fall back into our old habits, so it is critical to learn from those we wish to emulate and be constantly reminded of what we need to do. Good luck!
You’re so right it’s been an ongoing issues for me. I’m making the changes now.
@@backfromburnout Breaking old habits and making new ones are very difficult to do. We need a constant reminder of where we need to go and be incredibly focused on it. Good Luck!
This is a great video. I’ve listened and watched tons of videos. Sometimes it’s just great to hear the same consistent advice over and over again. Now, the challenge is always applying what you know you should be doing. I appreciate you both so much. Thank you Tech & Mel!!
This information was so good for me. I am a great thrifter and a lazy lister. I have a backlog that I need to list. Too much money going out and not enough coming in, or "spending myself out of business."
I really like the ABC pile thinking, as opposed to cherry picking. I am going to implement this concept.
I will watch this video a few times until I memirize his advice.
Also, thanks, Mel, for your honesty and vunerability. I can relate and it helps to hear both your issues and his advice.
Mel, I feel the same way as you!! I am going to take Tech’s advice and apply it all aspects of my life!!! Let’s do this!!!
Great interview Mel....Tech is a brilliant business man .
This was absolutely fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing his insight on how Tech runs his business!
Love both you guys!!! I always learn. Thank you ❤
Hi Mel: An idea 💡 for future videos: Bloopers 🤣 at the ends. You have such a wonderful personality, I think they'd be an awesome addition
No bloopers in this one. I literally cut a few long pauses from my first five minutes as I was trying to gather my thoughts and I didn’t edit or cut Tech once. Straight raw video as it was. :)
I think the biggest issue is -- where is Mel going to find enough better items? If I could find enough good items, I wouldn't deal with the $10 or $5 items, but those also sell really quickly and help me out when I'm in a bind. Worse, when you find good items now, people don't have money. So, I either have to take too much less, or the item just doesn't sell. That being said, not everyone is struggling right now. Some people like Cayley and Nikki are killing it, but I've never seen any of those items where I live. I think, in time, we'll all find our way.
Great video Mel thanks for posting I learned a lot in this video. I wish you much success. I know you can do it.❤❤
Fantastic conversation!
Glad you enjoyed it Chris. You both have given and supported me so much. I’ve learned so much from the patreon group and by surrounding myself with like minded people. Thanks Chris x
This was so brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve got a virus too and definitely also need to stick to my rules!!
Many resellers will know what the trouble is. The addiction of sourcing and accepting free stuff, the hoarding obsession, that’s what needs to be addressed. This is such a great video the difficulty is to stop buying stuff and see eBaying as selling stuff that makes a profit or get rid of it. Brilliant. No mess, no clutter. Will it still be an enjoyable employment if you live by strict rules. There’s a lot to consider. Small amount of stock and you won’t need a warehouse and you will save two hours commute if you work out of a small space nearer home or at home. Looking forward to seeing your business flourish even more. Thanks for this video. Wonderful advice.
Oh wow. Tech is so amazing to let you film and share
Great info in this one, thanks to both of you for this.
I'm saving this to watch whenever I need that little boost of motivation. Thanks Mel & Tech!!!
Yes! Thank you!
So many many truth bombs Not enough to watch this once or twice but will necessitate multiple replays I use Thrifters Scorecard for my inventory because it does provide the sell through info; your cost of goods all of the factors needed to make great business decisions and can be looked at by category I am in the process of culling now and niching down using that information. I am going to go now and finish rewatching this again. Truly love this Thank You Mel and Technosport!
This was awesome Mel and Tech. Very motivating
This was a great interview. I'm not a reseller but I resonated a lot with what he said about having rules and getting organized! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for so much wisdom. I appreciate the lady's honesty because I am facing a lot of the same issues. And he was so full of great advise. Thanks again!
Thank you for listening and hope it can help you!
Such powerful content! Thank you both. A lot of information that can truly help us all. Mel, just a few suggestions that may help you as you proceed forward:
I have helped liquidate many estates and I find individuals who are willing to come to me to pick up the items.
Will the library pick up your unwanted items regularly? This could also be a tax deduction for you.
As Tech mentioned someone who will buy in bulk regularly?
Some Resellers specialize in older books and perhaps that could be an outlet to keep the inventory moving consistently.
YOU GOT THIS❤
I've just re-watched this, after watching your recent video where you've re-organised and eliminated the 'virus' in your store. I need to take these actions too, my heads still spinning on where exactly to start... something tells me I'll be watching this a few more times and I think I'll take notes next time as otherwise I just forget. Thanks to both of you for sharing this.
This was exactly what I needed. Lots of great information. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
This was a fantastic interview Mel. I think it was one of your best content pieces yet. We all can learn from eachother, even us old dogs who have been around for some time do not know everything. I am looking forward to your new plan and will be tweaking mine for sure as well.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Powerful conversation! Thank you for sharing!
Our pleasure!
I too am having growing pains in my business and can I just say that this video and the information has been invaluable....freakin awesome 👌... I am going to take time to create my business model, create the path and keep on keeping on... cause when I grow up, I wanna be like Tech... I only wish I would have started many years ago... I'm 60, but it's okay..I've got at least a good 40 years left in me...sending y'all some Cali ❤
Yes! Fix it now and then sit back while it runs smoothly and have that spare time for the fun stuff after the work is done.
So helpful. Thank you for making this video. I am right where you are now. Will be making a plan, cleaning up my mess and setting rules.
Glad it was helpful! You can do it!