eBay Hacks, 2nd Edition

Keep Track of Items You’ve Sold

Use a simple spreadsheet or database to record the details of closed auctions.

eBay is not your keeper. They won’t pick up your room, they won’t do your homework, and they won’t keep permanent records of your completed auctions.

If you sell on eBay, you’ll need to keep some semblance of records of all the items you’ve sold. You should track your high bidders, whether they’ve paid, and whether you’ve shipped. It’s very easy to do, and all that’s required is a spreadsheet or database (suitable applications include Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, respectively. If you’re not sure which one to use, see the “Spreadsheet or Database?” sidebar.

If you’re diligent about it, you’ll never forget to send payment instructions again. You’ll always know who has paid (and who hasn’t), and you’ll know at a glance which items still need to be packed up and shipped.

Spreadsheet or Database?

Both spreadsheets and databases represent data in tables, a convenient format for keeping track of your auctions. But each type of application has strengths and weaknesses, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs.

First, if it’s too difficult to keep records, you won’t do it. So make sure to choose an application with which you’re familiar and comfortable. If you use Excel every day but fear databases, that comfort level trumps the rest of the considerations (at least for the time being).

A spreadsheet requires minimal setup; just type the column headers across the ...