The Joy of Selling and the Inevitable Change That Follows Each Year

Do you remember the first time you felt that addiction to sell something online?

How about making that first purchase from a wholesaler or maybe that incredible find at a yard sale in your neighborhood?

Maybe it was making your first sale and realizing the profit from just a little investment of your time? Or making that first purchase on a marketplace and then turning around and selling it again for a profit?
 
Oh the memories!!!  

The reason I bring it up is because we usually have gotten into this industry because something grabbed us and that “something” is usually an addiction to “the find.” Telling your friends, “this is just too good to be true. Look what I found. I am going to sell this on eBay and make some money.” Just take a look at the image below and tell me the truth. Doesn't it remind you of those days when you first realized you could sell your stuff from the comfort of your couch? 


Those memories are what we need to hold onto and remember as we try new things and make new adjustments to the constant change around us. Selling online is much different today than it was 10 years ago and will be even more different 10 years from now. What remains the same is the fact that everyone loves a good deal and you are the provider of those good deals.


New marketplaces take time to sprout up. And in “time” I am referring to many years. It takes time to build a name and deliver on a promise and continue to deliver on that promise years in time. There is always going to be that “new kid on the block” or the “next big thing” and there is nothing wrong with that, but one has to remember that those places will take just as long to really get their name out there. Look how long it took you to grow your business and figure it all out. You’re probably still trying to figure it all out and there is nothing wrong with that. Look at all of the many marketplaces that held so much promise that no longer exist anymore. 

Remember this as you continue to sell each and every year: What you did last year is no guarantee you will do the same this year. You must adapt and evolve and do what the market and your customers dictate. You can't just run your own show with your own belief that they will just follow. Give them what they need instead of hoping they are going to want what you have. 

The only guarantees in this business are that:

1.    Competition will continue to increase from sellers to buyers to marketplaces
2.    Price will always be a driving force in the buying decision
3.    Deals will always be popular
4.    Being patient and calm during change will lead to success
5.    If you put in the same effort this year as last, you will not perform as well.

No matter the challenges you are facing, just remember these 5 key facts about business and we are confident you will rise above anything that stands in your way. We have continued to follow them all the years through. Thank you. Let us know what you think or share your fondest memories below.