The other day, I had someone ask me, “How much money can I make on eBay? Can I make $10,000 a month?” I get this question so often. And my answer is always that when it comes to selling on eBay, you get what you put in.

I know it’s tough when you're new. I know it’s tough when you’re trying to figure out what to sell and what type of items to get involved with.

I’ve met eBay sellers who are awesome eBay sellers. But once they move over to Amazon, it just doesn’t seem to work. I’ve seen Amazon sellers who are kick- butt sellers, and they move over to eBay and it just doesn’t work.

I was at Goodwill. It had been a pretty crazy day because it was half off at Savers. I ran through Savers, kicked butt, made a lot of money, and found myself at Goodwill. I met up with my buddy over there, who is a big bookseller. He’s always killing it. Every time I see him, he’s got books upon books upon books in his cart. My friend and I were chitchatting and showing each other some of the books we found.

I had a question the other day from a friend: “Steve, I’m not trying to disrespect you, but I’m just curious. Is what you’re doing—sourcing from thrift stores—ethical? I was always under the impression that thrift stores were for the poor, the needy, the people who couldn’t afford paying retail for clothing, electronics, and various products. I thought that thrift stores were not really for average people.

If you have been selling on eBay for any length of time, then you know how important it is to take really good pictures of your items.

I’ve been talking to a lot of new sellers lately who are just getting started. A common thing I’ve been noticing among them is something I want to touch on because it holds a lot of people back. What I’m talking about is so many people get started on eBay or Amazon or craigslist, and they’re so fearful of making a mistake.

Typically in the morning—but at least once per day—I read. I love reading. When you read something positive or educational first thing in the morning, it really sets up your day for success. It gets you in the zone.

It always surprises me when I see it happening. Maybe it’s sitting on the shelf of a Goodwill or at a garage sale later on in the day. People pass it up all the time, and it always surprises me. What am I referring to?

So many people I meet are—how do I say it diplomatically?—obsessed with the money. They’re obsessed with keeping any useful information that could help others to themselves.