eBay as a Home-Based Business
Course Design 2008-2009
Course Information
Organization Division Course Number Title Credits Developed by Lecture/Lab Ratio Transfer Status Activity Course CIP Code Assessment Mode Semester Taught GE Category Separate Lab Awareness Course Intensive Writing Course Eastern Arizona College Business SBM 106 eBay as a Home-Based Business 1 Gayle Goodwin 1 Lecture/0 Lab Non-transferable No 52.0703 Pre/Post Test (15 Questions/15 Points) Upon Request None No No No
Prerequisites
None
Educational Value
Students will learn the techniques required to start up and run a home-based business conducting online auctions and sales through eBay.
Goals
For students to understand and be able to perform the steps necessary to sell on eBay; and if desired, to transfer that knowledge to starting and running a home-based eBay business.
Description
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn and practice the skills required to open and operate a successful home-based business using eBay and other Internet auction and resource sites. Basic familiarity with computer operations and the Internet is recommended.
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator -1eBay as a Home-Based Business
Textbooks
None. A suggested reading list of on-line documents will be provided.
Supplies
Access to the Internet. Access to a digital camera and scanner is recommended.
Competencies and Performance Standards
1. Define and Understand the Scope and Use of eBay Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. What eBay is, and is not. Upgrading from eBay buyer to eBay seller. The role of eBay as intermediary between seller and buyer. The requirements, rules, and fees eBay imposes on its members. The considerations involved in opening an eBay Store as opposed to consignment sales and personal sales listings. ID Verify through Equifax and PayPal Verified options. Use of PayPal as a third-party electronic funds transfer agency.
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities On written quizzes
Your performance will be successful when:
You can describe eBay’s role as intermediary between seller and buyer and understand the requirements placed on member sellers, as well as the benefits and costs of subsidiary businesses.
2. Selling on eBay Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. Personal sales (‘cleaning out that overflowing closet’) Consignment selling; taking consignments from clients Opening an eBay Store; eBay requirements, design, presentation, newsletters, maintenance, and management Types of auctions and/or sales: direct selling, drop shipments, Buy It Now, Reserve, Dutch (multiple item) auctions, traditional auctions Becoming a registered eBay Trading Assistant and/or Trading Post The strategies of timing auctions, authentication, and grading services
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-2-
eBay as a Home-Based Business
g. h. i.
Marketing promotions such as listing upgrades, seller gifts, and buyer incentives Researching and pricing your merchandise Sources for obtaining merchandise for sale
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities By results achieved
Your performance will be successful when:
You understand the different types of auctions and sales and can select the most suitable for the merchandise being sold You understand the requirements of opening an eBay Store You understand and can apply various marketing strategies and promotions You know how to find and obtain merchandise to stock your eBay Store
3. Understand and Learn to Write a Successful Auction Listing Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. The importance of Keywords Describing the item fully and correctly; anticipating buyer questions and answering them in advance Using a digital camera to take Gallery photographs; cropping photos, basic photo editing and enhancement, uploading photos, multiple photos, photo packs, off-eBay storage and access Setting the terms of the sale; methods of payment, shipping terms, handling and packing fees, return policy “Blinging” an auction listing; use of templates, frames, clipart, backgrounds, animation, and sparkle to make your listing stand out Uploading the listing; revision after upload Re-listing unsold merchandise; re-auctioning on item, Buy-Now offers, Second-Chance offers, Sell-Same offers
d. e. f. g.
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities On results achieved
Your performance will be successful when:
You are able to post an eBay listing; accurately and correctly provide the information required in the Item Description, take a good photograph, set shipment and return policies, and successfully upload the listing into the eBay database so it appears on the Search Results page available to buyers.
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-3-
eBay as a Home-Based Business
4.
Use of Selling Management Tools Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Understanding and using the “My eBay Summary” page Setting up your “Meet the Seller” portfolio through the eBay “About Me” and “My World” pages Use of free eBay Turbo Lister tool Use of Selling Manager tool Use of the Blackthorne Basic end-to-end tool eBay innovations; use of eBay Mobile, SMS text messaging, and phone alerts Use of eBay’s Seller Central, Answer Center, discussion boards
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities On written quizzes
Your performance will be successful when:
You can successfully describe the various Selling Management Tools available to the eBay seller and select the one best suited to your needs. You can demonstrate the ability to use your chosen Management Tool in managing information and processing your sales data.
5. The Intricacies of Packing and Shipping Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. Pre-determining shipping rates, pros and cons. Use of the eBay and U.S. Postal Service on-line postal calculators. Proper diligence in packing. Creating a Packing Slip. Purchasing and printing postage on-line. Tracking merchandise on-line and delivery confirmation.
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities On results achieved
Your performance will be successful when:
You can successfully pre-determine postage rates and understand the pros
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-4-
eBay as a Home-Based Business
6.
and cons of offering them to buyers in your listings You demonstrate the ability to deliver the merchandise, from packing to purchasing and printing postage on-line, to Internet-based receipt confirmation
Safe Selling Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Basic computer safeguards; use of firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and safe computing practices. Protecting the seller, and buyer, from misrepresentation and fraud. eBay’s Security and Resolution Center. PayPal Security Center. Reporting abuse; eBay and PayPal’s safeguards. Third-party Escrow services. Conflict resolution services.
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence:
On assigned activities On results achieved
Your performance will be successful when:
7.
You understand and can implement basic safe computing practices You know what procedures to follow to resolve disputes You understand the powers and limitations of eBay and PayPal conflictresolution safeguards and enforcement
The Business of eBay Learning objectives What you will learn as you master the competency: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Creating a business plan. Financing a business. Licensing and permits – federal government, state, and county requirements Sales tax. International sales, Customs requirements. Bookkeeping necessities. Reporting income to the IRS and state.
Performance Standards You will demonstrate your competence: On written exams
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-5-
eBay as a Home-Based Business
On homework assignments Your performance will be successful when:
You understand and can detail the county, state, and federal requirements for running a home-based business You know where to go to find information on taxes, regulations, permits, and other matters of vital importance to your business
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-6-
eBay as a Home-Based Business
Types of Instruction
Lecture, presentation, and demonstration
Grading Information
Grading Rational
Evaluation Methods:
Each instructor has the flexibility to develop evaluative procedures within the following parameters. 1. Assigned activities must represent at least 60% of the course grade. 2. Final exam must represent at least 20% of the course grade. 3. The Post Test is to be embedded in the final exam and must represent at least 10% of the grade. 4. Other activities may represent at most 10% of the grade.
Grading Scale A B C D F 90% - 100% 80% - 89% 70% - 79% 60% - 69% Below 60 %
Eastern Arizona College Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
-7-
eBay as a Home-Based Business