The stay-at-home mom and online business

by stirwise

The stay-at-home mom and online business
Article by Bobby Buys
In these times of economic downturn, most of us could do with some extra cash. Why not try selling online, on established consumer-to-consumer marketplaces? After all, most sellers on such sites are not high-flying professionals. They work outside the home full time, they are stay-at-home parents, they are retired, or they work part-time from home. Only a relatively small percentage of people who sell on consumer-to-consumer online marketplaces are truly able to make those marketplaces their only source of income.
Whether it is part-time or full-time, working from home can be very challenging. The important factor for many stay-at-home moms is not only to pay the bills, but also to be there for their family. Selling on consumer-to-consumer marketplaces allows them to put their family first by arranging their work around the needs of the family. If there is a crisis - a function, a school party or a similar family "emergency", it is wonderful to be able to walk away from the job when you want to.
Selling on a consumer-to-consumer online trading platform does not take special skills; anyone with a computer, internet connection and a digital camera can do it. So, as a stay-at-home mom or dad, what differentiates you from other traders? The answer to that question can be found in your own home. Look around you. Most likely, what you will see is the abundance of clothes, toys and baby paraphernalia that you and your children no longer need or use. Take a look around your house. If you are like most people, you purchase items and your kids outgrow them or outplay them. These items can be sold online, along with old maternity wear, too-small cots, unneeded prams, crafts, books, fitness equipment, and so on.
Start slowly and sell only a couple of items at a time. This way you will become familiar with selling and the workings of online auctions. Search other auctions to find out what similar items are selling for so that you know what price tag to put on your own goods.
Work your online selling venture around your family time. Set aside a couple of hours each day to sell online. Make a schedule and stick with it. Decide if you want to become a big-time seller or if you want to use a consumer-to-consumer platform of your choice to earn a little extra cash.
When you sell all the clutter from your household, think about expanding your activities. Look for items in neighbours' rummage sales and on flea markets. It can be fun for moms or dads to take their kids along to the sales and to let them help purchase items. Make sure that what you are doing does not become a burden. If necessary, slow down, take a breather, and remember to enjoy yourself.

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za is South Africa's largest online marketplace. Buyers and sellers come to bidorbuy to buy and sell virtually anything in auction format or at fixed prices.Contact details: bidorbuy Marketing Department; email promotion@bidorbuy.co.za, web site http://www.bidorbuy.co.za