I’ve already made some good progress on my items – not a large sum, but still a few hundred to toss towards my debt.

I’m not a frequent user of ebay, but I have used the site enough – both as a buyer and seller – to understand a few of the components that can make for a positive experience:

1. Build your reputation

If you have an old ebay account – hold on to it (again, similar to a credit card with the longest history). If you don’t have an ebay account, sign up for one now – even if you don’t plan on using it right away. Like financial credit, your history and reputation means a lot in ebay, especially if you’re selling things.

A word of advice though, think of a good name that you won’t mind hanging on to for a while. I signed up for my ebay account a really long time ago and my username is pretty silly, but I won’t change it, regardless of how badly I’d like to, since I have a solid reputation tied to that name that has been built over many years, even though I’m not a frequent user.

Once you have your account, the most important thing is to take care of your reputation whether you’re buying or selling. Your rating helps you stand out from the crowd and reassures others that you can be trusted.

2. Know your goal

The Gordon Gekko strategy doesn’t often work here – it’s best to come in with a reasonable purpose. For example, I’m in debt and I never use what I’m putting up for sale. I’m not going to hike the price so high that I discourage bids and I’m willing to hear offers if they’re reasonable (i.e. reduced or no shipping charge).

3. Be real

Write accurate descriptions, and use real pictures when at all possible.  I’ve used pictures off the internet or suggested photos from ebay before and I’m always met with skepticism. Whenever you’re selling something on ebay, always try and think as if you were on the buyers end – how would you perceive you the seller?

To that end, always provide fast and detailed feedback to the other party – again, remember your reputation is the most important thing you have going for you. A positive review goes a long way.

Although I’m not an ebay pro by any means, the three tips mentioned above have worked pretty well for me. Do you have any tips to add?

Lastly, thank you to everyone that submitted an article. Enjoy!

M is for Money submitted a post called Can a Spender Become a Saver?

If you’re reading this post then I’m assuming you want the answer to be yes. It all depends on your mindset going into it – do you really want to climb from debt or do you still crave spending?

The Smarter Wallet submitted a post called Credit Crisis and Subprime Card Traps

Stricter credit card regulation is coming in early February, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get hurt.  This post goes into some of the credit card options available to those with credit trouble. The deck is stacked against the debtor – I would suggest walking away from the plastic as much as you can, for as long as you can.

Get Rich Slowly submitted a post called Sweating the Big Stuff

An example of cutting larger things from your budget to improve your cash flow (and your life).  Actually a guest post from Sierra at Childwild.com, this story goes beyond the popular “just cut your morning coffee” suggestion that most PF blogs hold as the golden rule.

Financial Highway submitted a post called Basics of Credit Score and Credit Report and How often to Check.

Typically, I check my credit score once, at the beginning of each year, from one of the three reporting agencies.  It’s a good idea to track it – regardless how often though.  This post quickly goes over some of the basics.  My tip: I would never pay for “credit report alerts” or anything else they’re selling – instead, be active and be your own alert.

PT Money submitted a post called 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Now that you know what to look for in your credit score, here’s 5 ways to improve it.

Budgets Are Sexy submitted a post called Students! Manage Your Debt.

I thought this post was good since my decent in to debt began right after I graduated college.  Having a good (i.e. realistic) understanding of finance and debt management is crucial when you’re starting out – it’s easy to fall behind.

Bargaineering submitted a post called Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Review.

I’m using the debt snowball technique to attack my debt and I’ve written a post or two on Dave Ramsey, so I found this review of his book and the comment thread to be interesting.

Not all foreign investment is leaving. Foreign companies and sovereign wealth funds are taking stakes in private equity firms and other U.S. companies, but Global Insight economist Nigel Gault says the foreign flight from U.S. securities means in the future credit will be more expensive and Americans will have to rely increasingly on their savings.

Ouch – as if I needed more reason.