Of course, what we require to create a better living is to make money. There are a lot of things you can plunge into along the digital highway. When you are online, there are a glut of ways to get your pockets full of money, but of course, you want to do it the way it's meant to be. They all say it's hard, we understand that so here are a few pointers to keep you on track in making money, particularly in eBay.

What are the basics of selling on eBay and what does it mean to "run your business like a business?" Let's grab a look:

Set up and structure your business like a professional business because it is. If you take shortcuts and try to operate on the cheap, you will on not be taken seriously. The internet is still a scary scene for a lot of folks. Take the time to brand your work. Produce a look and feel that your clients can relate to and one that creates a sense of trust.

Invest in Automation early. Whether you use an online set-up such as Vendio, Mpire or eBay's Selling Manager or offline software such as those made by Blackthorne, Marketblast, or others, you want to automate from the beginning. Automation saves you time and makes your operation appear and function, more professionally.

When you make some money, don't rush out and spend it. Always reinvest in your business and keep reinvesting in it.

Time is your most irreplaceable resource. Anything you can do to automate functions and get others to perform simple operational tasks will free you to do the management and creative tasks that will build your business.

Every listing is an image of you and your business. Each listing ought to look professional and contain keyword-rich headlines, good photos and item descriptions that are error-free, unabridged and that sell.

Establish sales, payment, and shipping and return policies that are both congenial and yet support your business model. Don't be totalitarian. EBay is a community built on trust. If you trust others to do right they usually will. The percentages that don't are quite small and you should deal with it as a cost of doing business.

Build and preserve an exceptional feedback status. Feedback is the window be means of which others see you. You can have great products, overwhelming product descriptions and superb photos --but if you have a miserable feedback score, your business will suffer.

Great feedback is built by providing great customer service. Handle every customer as you would like to be treated and you will always have a high score.

Abide by the rules. A lot of new sellers become disheartened by eBay's complex listing regulations. You can't fight city hall. EBay is like the government. Some of the rules may seem trivial and unfair, but it is their platform, their business and they make the rules. EBay has been pretty good over the years of responding to member feedback. If you think a rule is stupid or unworkable, don't push the envelop and don't get into a fight with eBay --you will lose. Instead post your opinion on the message boards. EBay members are on the boards and they look for common threads and opinions from their members. An insightful post will get read.

EBay is one of the most competitive marketplaces on Earth. Learn and remain on top of your competition constantly --and be prepared to react to changes in the marketplace. I study my competitor's auctions at least once a week.

Experiment, test, and innovate. Experiment with new tools and software when they become available. Test different listing and pricing strategies, new products and sales strategies. Test headlines and various features. Innovate constantly. Always look for new ways to solve old problems.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources for the entrepreneur. Amazingly the best source of help is often other eBayers. Your direct rival may not want to help you, but there are plenty of others who will. A post on any of the eBay related forums message board will bring dozens of responses. Once you are a seller, you'll need all the resources you have to keep your business flowing and in good shape.

Stuart Perryman How to be an EBay Power Seller http://ebay.alluneedtoknow.info