Hard Times boost eBay classes

eBay classes filling up to help people sell stuff
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by Dave Young, News2

September 3, 2008

GREENWOOD VILLAGE (KWGN) With money in a tight squeeze, more of us these days are turning to the internet to pick up a few extra dollars.

In fact, a new survey showed the average household has about 52 unused items, that could bring in hundreds of dollars.

But would you even know where to begin selling them online?

Welcome to eBay class.

These folks are among the estimated 30 percent of all adults surveyed who said they're likely to sell personal or household items over the next three months to raise extra cash.

Most of that done on sites like eBay.

"More people are needing extra money and they're liquidating some of the items they have in their homes," said eBay Instructor Terry Gehrke, "Their collectibles or items that are just collecting dust. "

And eBay said its classes are full right now because of the economy and cost of living.

"I think people are spending less money and they want to see where they can get a bargain," said Alexis Cunningham, who is taking an eBay class, "Where their money, they'll get the most bang for their buck with their money. "

"It is estimated that the average family has more than $3,100 in items," said Gehrke, "That means some of us have even more than that. "

And everything from clothes, to electronics, home decor, furniture and cars are showing a growth in sales on eBay.

These classes teach the secrets to getting them sold.

"Show them the proper way to register, show them what type of PayPal account, because there's three different ones and then the best way to get a professional looking photo, how to write a description that's going to sell," Gehrke said.

In fact, nearly half of those surveyed by eBay said they are turning to online sites to save money on everyday purchases.