This technique can be especially successful when you have an item that a buyer isn't consciously looking for, but would be interested in buying. Let's say you've acquired a nice illustrated catalog of William Hoosier kitchen cabinets form 1917. The obvious place to list it is in Books>Catalogs where it will attract quite a bit of attention. But, by also listing it in Antiques>Furniture>Cabinets>Armoires, Cupboards>Post 1900 you are able to put it in front of many bidders who would have an interest in it, but wouldn't be actively looking for it.

This can be a very effective technique because it greatly increases chances that your catalog will be found by more potential buyers. However, your catalog still won't be protected, and there are some items that don't have cross-category appeal.

Using a low opening bid with option of a price revision

This technique keeps your listing fees low and also offers some price protection for your item. Here's how it works.

Start your auction at a low opening bid and be sure to monitor it daily. If it starts getting bids from several buyers you don't need to do anything. However, if several days go by and it just sits there without a bid, you simply revise opening bid to an amount more in line with what you need for item.

This effectively returns you to first tactic we discussed, but you will have avoided giving item away; while at same time given it a chance to attract attention.

4. Purchase a small supply of each item you sell to keep on hand for emergencies. While drop shipping may eliminate a lot of headaches of selling on eBay, it adds a new one to mix. There are going to be occasions when drop shipper doesn't have item you've sold in stock for immediate shipment. When this happens, and it will, you can ship one of items you have in your possession so buyer doesn't have to wait. The negative impact of not shipping an item immediately reflects on you and not drop shipper.

5. Take time to find a reputable local drop shipper. The popularity of drop shipping has attracted a lot of people who are just out to take advantage of you into marketplace. Avoid drop shipping lists, turnkey eBay drop shipping programs, and drop shipping membership sites like plague.

Rather, spend time needed to locate a company reasonably locale to you that will allow you to sell their products on eBay and drop ship them for you. You'll have less competition, higher profit margins, and a much higher chance of succeeding. While drop shipping is a tough business model to succeed in, if you follow these five rules and believe you will succeed, you will have a much better chance to build a profitable eBay business for long term.