Jenn Cangelosi eBay and Amazon Selling Expert:

After being laid off while expecting a baby, Jenn turned to her eBay hobby to help make ends meet. With her husband's support, Jenn leveraged what she'd learned about what sold best and when, and built a successful online business. She also got support and advice from a membership site, Boutique Bargains. Eventually, Jenn became the resident expert and owner of the site, now called Boutique Bargains and Beyond, where she provides courses, coaching and updated information on selling on eBay and Amazon.

What made you decide to start a home business?:

I was working in corporate banking full time and eBay was a hobby. The extra cash made a for a nice side income that paid for dinners out with my husband, movies, weekend trips and unexpected bills. But then corporate cut backs left me unemployed and I couldn't get a new job because I was pregnant.

Why did you start the business you did?:

I felt comfortable with the process. I'd already been selling on eBay as a hobby and making a little money, so I just focused on making more.

What did you do to get started?:

Read and read more!! And I jumped in, not worrying or being afraid of mistakes. I also sought advice through eBay networking groups and sites like Boutique Bargains.

How did you get your first client?:

eBay and Amazon make it easy to find customers through their online stores. With Boutique Bargains, I build relationships through newsletters to keep my members informed and up-to-date on trends.

How do you market your business?:

I have a newsletter and a Boutique Bargains Facebook Fan Page where I can connect with colleagues with similar interests.

What are your biggest challenges to running a home business?:

There is never enough time! I started this business with no kids - and now I have two! I'm always very busy!

What are your biggest successes?:

I've been able to meet and develop relationships with a lot of different people.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you got started?:

I'm not a very techie person, so that held me back in the beginning. When you have to outsource certain tasks don't settle until it's exactly like you envisioned.

Next Steps to Home Business Success:

Jenn did what so many successful home business owners do and that is turn a hobby into money-maker. Turning something you already know and do into a home business shortens the learning curve and results in profits much quicker.

But even if you've never sold on eBay or Amazon, they are both easy ways to make quick money and build a business. You can start by selling items around your home, which will declutter your living space and help you discover what sells best. From there, you need to find resources for more items. Some eBayers buy items from thrift shops and garage sales to sell online. Others find wholesalers or drop shippers. The key to success in eBay is a steady stream of items to sell that generate profit. Using a site like Boutique Bargains can give you tips on maximizing your sales and a heads up on what's sells best during certain times of the year.

Another step Jenn took that you should consider as your business grows, is adding additional services. Jenn started out selling only through eBay auctions, but eventually she opened an eBay store. Then she took advantage of Amazon's seller services. While Jenn continues to sell on eBay and Amazon, her experience has made her an expert. She's turned that expertise into another income stream by offering a membership site, courses and coaching to help others build successful businesses, as well.

Next Steps to Home Business Success:

Jenn did what so many successful home business owners do and that is turn a hobby into money-maker. Turning something you already know and do into a home business shortens the learning curve and results in profits much quicker.

But even if you've never sold on eBay or Amazon, they are both easy ways to make quick money and build a business. You can start by selling items around your home, which will declutter your living space and help you discover what sells best. From there, you need to find resources for more items. Some eBayers buy items from thrift shops and garage sales to sell online. Others find wholesalers or drop shippers. The key to success in eBay is a steady stream of items to sell that generate profit. Using a site like Boutique Bargains can give you tips on maximizing your sales and a heads up on what's sells best during certain times of the year.

Another step Jenn took that you should consider as your business grows, is adding additional services. Jenn started out selling only through eBay auctions, but eventually she opened an eBay store. Then she took advantage of Amazon's seller services. While Jenn continues to sell on eBay and Amazon, her experience has made her an expert. She's turned that expertise into another income stream by offering a membership site, courses and coaching to help others build successful businesses, as well.