Make money off the Internet

How I did it: I set up a PayPal account which is easy.  It took about 2-3 days to set it up with my bank account.  Then I went to www.etsy.com and started a graphic design business. My first shop I got 90 sales from it.

 It was a great way to start exploring small business and what it means to be a freelancer.  I didn't make 100,000 dollars a year but I'd say about at least 1200 dollars total.  There is no monthly fee, all you have to do is pay 3% commission, a transaction fee for every sale and a 20 cent listing fee.  It is not that much trust me it's great.  I have never felt like I got ripped off or anything.  Everyone is really friendly, the forums are great and the admins help out more than any place I've ever been.  It's an eco-friendly, handmade site that allows artists, designers, who ever to start an online business and launch themselves out there.

I've been to other sites like Elance and I didn't like them at all.  I always come back to Etsy.  I love that you get a chance to start something out of nothing.  It's also a great feeling when you get your first sale. 

It's a great place to shop too.  I have to hold myself back from spending all my money on the cool stuff that populates on that site.

There is great demand for web designers, graphic designer, etc. 

Although the designers on there charge like 12.00 for a shop banner, but if you are experienced and you can show that you are a good designer you can charge much higher.  A lot of people on there were like me-just starting out. 

They want to build their portfolio.  But don't get too discouraged by that. 

Besides my graphic design you can sell artwork.  I sell handmade cards and just made a sale yesterday. 

There's jewelry, notebooks, clothes, etc.  Anything really.  Except it's not like Ebay, you can't sell things you didn't make.  Like you can't sell your Buffy Box Set or anything like that. 

Just check it out, you'll see.  They have advice blogs, how tos and newbie guides that are great.  Plus you can ask anyone on there for help.

When I first started a really nice seller helped me out a lot and gave me tips and pointers about my shop.

The  forums are a great place for advice and help as well.  

Good luck!

CM

Lessons & tips:

• Set up a PayPal account
• Have at least $20.00 to spare for listings, etc. for when you start out, you won't lose this money but it will help you out for a few months with getting starting.
• Read the Newbie Guide before starting anything.
• Explore the forums, see your competition.
• Have a unique product and a good shop name.
• Be patience for your first sale, it's worth it.
• Pay attention to shipping rates, etc.
• Never curse out your buyer- remember the customer is ALWAYS right.  I recommend you read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie it's a great book about business relations (and personal but I think it's better for business).
• Be positive and have fun!  It feels great to be your own boss.

Resources:

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
• Read Newbie Guides and How To's
• Join a Team.
• Forums.

Jul 28, 12:53PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers