Brand New eBay and Amazon Sellers: "What Do I Sell?"

This is one of the most common questions I get asked by new sellers. When you're thinking of anything under the sun, it can get overwhelming. Instead of having the mindset that you can sell anything in existence, think about common things you can find on eBay or Amazon. From there, I'm going to break it down even further for you - into some popular categories you can focus on, including what works and what doesn't.

Some products are a breeze to sell, while some will create loads of customer service that YOU will have to deal with! It's important to figure this out as close to the beginning as possible, and I'm here to give you a jump start.

 What CAN I Sell on eBay and Amazon?

The real answer is you can sell almost anything you want. From things like hanging wall art, extravagant bedding sets and raised outdoor pet beds to remote control cars, golf sets and chocolate-covered pretzels. And everything in between. 

BUT the important thing to note is that not everything works. Or if it does, it will make your selling experience much more difficult than it needs to be. If you want a smoother ride, you should steer clear from certain products.

What Should I AVOID Selling?

It's smart to avoid selling dangerous items like knife sets and the like, as well as complex products like computer parts that will come with a high volume of customer service due to returns and shoppers asking you hard-to-answer questions about the technical components. 

It's best also to avoid selling jewelry, handbags and similar products due to counterfeit and inauthentic claims. If you follow these guidelines, business will go much smoother. With that being said, you're probably wondering, "Alright that makes sense. Well then, what should I sell?" Read on to find out.

Popular Categories to Focus On

Choosing the right categories to list in doesn't have to be impossible. Here you'll find a handy list of categories (with real examples) that have proven by many to be extremely popular and bring in the sales. You can choose one, a few, or several of the selling categories below - it's really up to you.

• Home & Garden: This actually encompasses a few of the ones mentioned below as well, but I've broken it down further to make it simpler. Includes all types of indoor and outdoor home decor, furniture, patio and garden furniture, kitchen essentials and small appliances, lighting, bed and bath supplies, everyday household items, etc.
• Pet Supplies: Anything to do with common pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, snakes, lizards, other reptiles, hamsters and rodents, etc. Includes indoor and outdoor pet beds, cages and crates, pet gates, playpens, food and water dishes, leashes and collars, toys and scratching posts, carriers and vehicle safety accessories, etc.
• Sports & Outdoors: Includes outdoor recreation products for camping, cycling, water sports, etc; sporting equipment for indoor and outdoor individual and team sports; and exercise equipment, fitness products, yoga mats, weight racks, etc.
• Tools & Home Improvement: Includes hand tools, power tools, tool chests and organizers, building supplies, electrical, hardware, kitchen and bath fixtures, fans, storage and home organization products, etc.
• Electronics: This can be a great category to specialize in if you are knowledgeable about the products you sell and are able to answer questions any shoppers may think to ask. Includes TVs, stereo systems, RC cars, portable speakers, LED lights, headphones, computers and accessories, phone accessories, vehicle electronics, security components, etc.
• Food & Grocery: Non-perishable food items work best here - boxed products including different types of snacks, drinks, healthy eating alternatives, etc. 
• Health & Beauty: Includes makeup and cosmetics, skin and hair care products, fragrances, personal care items, tools and accessories, vitamins and dietary supplements, etc.
• Toys & Games: Includes outdoor play, arts and crafts, building toys, learning and educational toys, pretend play, puzzles, board games, etc.
• Kids & Baby: Includes kids furniture and storage, bedding, cribs, baby gates, car seats, nursery decor, pregnancy items, strollers and travel gear, safety accessories, etc.

"But there are so many!! How do I choose?" That's okay, that's a good thing. If everyone sold the same thing there would be no room for new sellers.

A great way to pick products to list is to keep in mind what YOU like, what you enjoy and what products you'd personally buy. Why? Because this is your business. You're going to have to look at these items and write about them and discuss them with customers every single day. That means you have to like what you sell or your disinterest will affect your sales figures. Choose product categories that you find interesting!

If that includes collectibles, figurines, unique artistic creations and handcrafted wooden items made overseas, then so be it. Go with your interests, but also be sure to mix it up with some of the popular categories mentioned above to get you some traction - especially in the beginning.

FREE GUIDE: The Top 5 Selling Categories

Looking for even more insight on this topic? Want to know the top five selling categories and lots of product examples in each one? Download our Free Guide to the Top 5 Selling Categories for eBay and Amazon Sellers here.

WRITTEN BY: Kevin Edgar