Free and Manual eBay Product Research

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates how to conduct product research on eBay for free using a combination of free tools and methods. It covers using a keyword tool to find popular search terms, leveraging a Google Sheets template to track product data and sales history, and searching directly on eBay for products. The video also explores strategies for calculating profitability with drop shipping or arbitrage, and introduces a custom eBay data extractor tool for streamlined product research. It offers practical advice on sourcing products, analyzing prices, and maximizing profit margins.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use free tools like **Keyword Tool** to find popular search terms on eBay and gauge product interest.
• 😀 eBay's **Sold Listings** filter is crucial for determining recent sales and getting accurate pricing data.
• 😀 Sorting by **Ended Recently** helps you focus on products that are actively selling on eBay.
• 😀 Record important product details (title, URL, price, etc.) using a **Google Sheet Template** to track your findings.
• 😀 eBay's **Purchase History Link** feature helps you track past sales dates and price ranges, which is no longer visible directly on the site.
• 😀 Compare prices using **Google Lens** or **Google Shopping** to find cheaper suppliers for the same product.
• 😀 When researching grocery items, ensure that the sizes (e.g., ounces, pounds) match between eBay listings and your supplier’s product.
• 😀 Profitability can be calculated using a **Google Sheet Template** that factors in product cost, shipping, tax, and ROI.
• 😀 Use the **eBay Data Extractor** to scrape important product data such as title, price, and sales volume directly from eBay listings.
• 😀 Determine whether to **drop ship** or use **arbitrage** (buying in bulk and reselling) based on your profitability and shipping costs.
• 😀 Ensure you track tax rates and shipping costs to better estimate your actual profits, especially when doing drop shipping.

Q & A

What is the primary tool used for keyword research in this process?

The primary tool used for keyword research is the free Keyword Tool. This tool helps identify popular keywords related to products on eBay by showing what people are searching for on various sites, including eBay.

How do you filter search results on eBay to focus on products that are currently selling?

To focus on products that are selling, you should filter the search results on eBay by 'Sold Listings'. Additionally, sorting by 'Ended Recently' helps you view the most recent sales, providing a snapshot of current market trends.

Why is it important to track both the listing price and the purchase history of products?

Tracking both the listing price and the purchase history is crucial for understanding the price range products sell for and when they were sold. The purchase history is no longer publicly available on eBay, so using a Google Sheets template to capture this data gives you valuable insights into trends and pricing.

What is the advantage of using a Google Sheets template for product research?

The advantage of using a Google Sheets template is that it helps organize and track key product details like price, URL, sold quantities, and purchase history. The template also automatically calculates profitability, making it easier to evaluate products for resale or drop shipping.

How does the eBay Data Extractor tool simplify the research process?

The eBay Data Extractor tool simplifies the process by automatically pulling key data from eBay listings, such as the product title, current list price, the number of items sold, and the last sold date. This helps automate data collection and saves time compared to manual entry.

What is the difference between drop shipping and arbitrage when sourcing products?

Drop shipping involves selling products directly from suppliers without holding inventory, while arbitrage involves purchasing products in bulk (often at a discount) and reselling them for a profit. In arbitrage, shipping costs are offset by buying more units to achieve free shipping or bulk discounts.

Why is it important to verify the size and packaging details when researching grocery products on eBay?

Verifying the size and packaging details is important because different sizes can affect the pricing. For example, even if two products seem similar, such as pancake mix, one might be a different size (e.g., 22 oz vs. 5 oz). Ensuring the size is correct helps in accurate comparisons and profit calculations.

What is the role of the 'purchase history link' in the Google Sheets template?

The 'purchase history link' in the Google Sheets template generates a link to view the actual sales dates and amounts for a product. This data, which is no longer provided on eBay listings, helps track sales trends and determine the price range a product sold for.

How can you calculate the profitability of a product using the Google Sheets template?

To calculate profitability, you enter the product's cost, shipping fee, and any taxes into the template. The template then automatically calculates the total cost, expected selling price, and profit margin, helping you assess whether the product is profitable at the current selling price.

How does tax impact the profitability of drop shipping compared to arbitrage?

In drop shipping, tax can vary depending on the customer's location, and in some cases, it can be as high as 11%. This lowers the profit margin. In contrast, with arbitrage, tax is more predictable since you are purchasing in bulk and can calculate the tax rate based on your location.