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There are people who sell other peoples stuff for them on eBay for a living (I think)...

I don't have any ideas, but good luck buddy. It can be done. A young enterprise group from my sixth form found some way to securely and easily tie or connect wire fencing - something like that anyway. They actually managed to sell it, and the company that makes them is doing really well now. I expect the sixth formers didn't get a whole lot, but they'll have got something out of it, and it's quite something to put on your CV!

I'd start by trying to find a niche market - what do people struggle with, what could be made significantly easier etc. and work on that. If you just make bits of c*** (not the best) jewellery/hair bands to sell at break times and school concerts like the most of the Y.E. teams, you will FAIL

On a magic related note, I bet there are loads of little simple, self-working tricks that everyone knows how to do, but would be easy and cheap to make and could be put out at pocket money level - say, £1 or £2. *NOT* something that's simple but powerful/effective - I don't want to be blamed for encouraging you to sell knock-offs! Perhaps a couple of easy rubber band tricks with printed instructions, or the little cardboard chinese wallet (himber wallet principle) that makes a penny disappear. Get good at your showmanship then set up a stall and away you go, rake in that tweenage disposable income!

How about creating a website geared towards affiliate selling? There are magic sites with affiliate programs. All you have to do is sign up and put their banners, links, etc. on your site. I know a few guys making a full-time living from affiliate marketing. The overheads are really low, you should make a profit after a couple of sales. You won't make a killer-profit but will have proved what you made (website) sells and makes a profit.

JackWright wrote:Mandrake, I would be intrested to know if you have experienced difficulties with mousetraps (micetraps?), and if there is a huge gap in the market.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Build a better moustrap and the world will beat a path to your door" implying that if you make something of quality, everyone will want one. (or at least I think that's what he meant, he might have been being literal I suppose; it would be an interesting experiment to try.)

Exactly what I was referring to. I haven't actually had any problems with mice for many years but squirrels are a different story!

JackWright wrote:mousetraps (micetraps?)

I think it's 'mousetraps' as each trap only catches one mouse. Having said that, I suppose a 'micetrap' might, by definition, catch several mice in one go therefore making it better than a 'mousetrap'.

So there you go, invent a 'micetrap' and, if Ralph Waldo Emerson is on the money, you should be sorted!

lol
Never heard of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I guess bulilding a better mouse trap may be an intresting thing to try. If I ever get stranded on a desert island without a deck of cards then I might consider giving it a go!

And yes, I think mousetraps is right. That's of it's only designed to catch one mouse. If it's designed to catch more than one then it's definatley mice though...

Cardza I think you're right, people do do that.

Farlsborough, thanks for all your good ideas, you have certainly set some ideas rolling round in my head! Also, I'm sure you'll be relieved to know that I was not dreaming of becoming a jewellery/hair bands salesman, but thanks anyway for the advice, it's very useful. And I'm sure it will be a good thing to put on my CV, ASDA here I come....

Speaking of squirrels, I saw this on ebay a few days ago...


it was accompanied by the line 'Taxidermied squirrel, ideal gift for someone who likes squirrels and motorbikes'
Don't know if it sold.

Thats just...... whats the word........ weird!

I love those... have you seen the one with the squirrel and the weasel playing pool? Hilariously tasteless.

yes, sheer brilliance. I'm a big fan.