If you have just joined eBay, or been there a long time wondering how it all works and who are these people making all this money, youre not alone. The majority of people on eBay havent a clue what they are doing. They can see theres something exciting happening, understand that this is the biggest shopping and trading centre in the world, but cant for the life of them work out how to get inside the door. For every successful sale there are thousands of people getting no bids and no views at all.

It can be very discouraging, and to the advantage of those who know what they are doing or who have found themselves an exciting little niche market.

Or is it an advantage to them?

With such a huge market place growing every minute, the more people selling niche market items the better, especially if they are promoting their wares and upping the profile of the products you too are trying to sell. There isnt an eBay secret out there. Not really. Its about education, which is a word many still balk at after receiving either a lot or a little of it in their time at school and college.

The reason why the majority of video recorders and dvd players out there have the wrong time and date on them is because people like to believe they know everything, dont need to be told and only as a last resort, and under the cover of midnight, will they slink into the lounge room while everyone else is asleep and stay up half the night pouring over the instruction book.

If there is a secret, its learn, make mistakes and like everything else we do in life, practise. It may not be for you. You may get fed up, but at least you gave it a go. Most however get hooked on the excitement, and the connection they have with people around the world.

Read and absorb EVERYTHING eBay provides on their website. Try it out, several times, practice until it becomes second nature, like the day time job you do. That looked impossible once too. When youve got all that, take the advice of people who are obviously making it work on eBay, the Powersellers.

The worst thing that can happen when you ask is that they say no. That doesnt mean anything, except of course, no. Move onto the next person, and the next until you find someone willing to lend a hand. And when someone months down the track e mails you looking for help on eBay, coz youre the Powerseller now and an expert in their eyes, follow your mentors lead and give them a hand.

Thats how it all works.

Dont give up. Otherwise you'll never know.