What? Selling coupons, is that legal?

Yes and no.

No you can not legally sell coupons. Yes you can provide the service of locating and then delivering those coupons.

This little-known niche service is currently very hot on eBay. While it will not make you rich, there is potential for part-time to full-time income is very good if your service is launched and operated properly.

I predict that the growth of this coupon service will mirror the growth of the general coupon industry. According to estimates from the Federal Trade Commission, 3,000+ companies distribute over 320 BILLION coupons each and every year!

Verifiable redemption rates prove that people really do use coupons. It's been found that approximately 77 percent of American households redeem nearly 8 billion coupons for a savings of approximately $4.7 billion yearly at grocery stores and other coupon issuing retailers.

In light of these strong, forward looking indicators, I have coined a new name for this little niche: "Coupon Location and Delivery Service".

As far as getting started, the whole thing is relatively easy to set up. Basically, all you need is an eBay account, a PayPal account and a digital camera. Access to information about starting and operating this service properly would also be beneficial.

Your coupon inventory can almost always be obtained free. Even the cost of mailing (delivering) the coupons is paid for by the client. In a new report I recently published, entitled "Coupon Location and Delivery Service Report", you will learn about several different sources that will keep you supplied with coupon inventory.

One strategy if you are a member of a group, club or church, is to post a circular on the bulletin board requesting coupons that others don't use.

The "coupon location and delivery service would be an excellent endeavor for retired persons, teens and young children (an excellent learning experience), and anyone looking to earn some extra income. Groups, clubs, and churches could even use it as a method of fund raising.

If you decide to participate in the coupon service niche, read and understand all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines before proceeding.

No doubt you will see many coupon service providers who are not adhering to stated and written rules and policies. Whatever you do, don't follow the crowd. Operate a client driven operation. Adhere to policies and regulations, and you will be around long after much of the crowd is gone.

Go to eBay and get familiar with the type of coupons that are in demand. Read and study the listing copy of the more successful coupon service providers.

In most cases, you are dealing with a perishable inventory. It is for this reason that the expiration date should always be the first thing you look at on any coupon. Never sell a coupon that stands the chance of expiring while in transit.

Display expiration dates prominently in you auction listings so that bidders know for certain how much time is left on a coupon.

Hopefully this article has answered some or all of your questions about selling coupons on eBay; or more accurately, operating a coupon location and delivery service on eBay.