Few life events are more stressful than helping a parent or loved one clean out their home and move into an assisted living home.

Crystal V., a San Diego resident and eBay seller, works to make the process easier for families by organizing their items, holding estate sales in person and on her eBay store, and finally helping seniors settle into their new homes.

For her, the work is more than a job, but a way to help her neighbors through a difficult experience.

“A lot of the seniors I’ve worked with have been in their homes for 30, 40 or even 50 years. It is their lifelong home, filled with memories,” she said. “Cleaning out is a very emotional process.”

Using eBay, Crystal has been able to support her family while assisting seniors and their families. At her store, Treasure Trove by Crystal, she sells everything from vintage Barbies and their accessories to antique Japanese woodblock prints.

Her eBay journey began six years ago when she first sold a commemorative Hot Wheels set on the platform, turning her initial $600 investment into $2700. Using eBay, Crystal has built and grown her business and even hired an employee. She now sells her goods to customers worldwide using eBay’s international shipping program.

“To me, eBay means opportunity. I filled out some information to open an account and I was in business overnight,” she said. “It’s usually an expensive venture for people to be able to begin selling globally. I did it overnight.”

eBay also means flexibility for Crystal. With her eBay store, estate sales and work with seniors, she’s able to set her own schedule, ensuring she can be there for her family. It was particularly important for her during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“eBay allowed me to be at home supporting my family during the difficult time,” she said.