Your future, our focus
CODY, Wyo. - Any individual or business seeking to become an eBay seller must learn what the eBay experience is like from the buyer's perspective first, according to Bill Hoagland of Cody. Hoagland will show how to be both a top-notch buyer and seller in a noncredit class called "The Complete eBay Experience."
Only a few open spots are left in the class, which meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on two Thursdays, April 30 and May 14, at the Northwest College Cody Center for Training and Development.
The first night focuses on how to make wise purchases on the Internet's largest marketplace. "One of the biggest lessons to take home from this evening," Hoagland said, "will be the importance of establishing yourself as trustworthy to the international audience of buyers, and of course, we'll discuss how to establish that trust."
He'll walk students through the steps involved in creating an eBay account, working with the PayPal online payment system, evaluating sellers, researching best products and best prices, establishing trust and safety, understanding buyer rights and obligations, avoiding scams, and leaving public feedback for the benefit of others.
"After individuals know what it's like to make purchases on eBay, they're ready to begin the process of making sales," Hoagland said. "That's what we'll concentrate on the second night."
Students will learn to speak the language of eBay seller success, determine a buying audience, tailor ads to attract buyers, engage eBay and other search engines, use photos efficiently and positively, maneuver through eBay's seller forms successfully, network with other similar sellers, work within eBay's rules and regulations, keep eBay and PayPal fees to a minimum, use smart shipping solutions, turn buyers into repeat customers, and avoid scams.
Hoagland is an associate professor of English at Northwest College and a part-time entrepreneur. He's published two books, most recently the anthology "Ring of Fire: Writers of the Yellowstone Region."
He began selling on eBay in 1999 in order to, as he puts it, "Send a son to an awfully expensive, private West Coast college." He continues to sell on eBay as a specialist in vintage menswear. His positive feedback rating is spotless, and he has satisfied well over 3,000 customers.
Cost is $30 per person, and early registration is recommended because of limited class size. Registrations will be accepted through Tuesday, April 28.
For more information or to register, e-mail Janet at the NWC Cody Center for Training and Development, or call (307) 587-3506.