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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
 Posted - 12/08/2006 : 09:14:24
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Anyone ever sell stuff on EBay? I've got a crap load of stuff (collectible toys, books, videos, etc.) I'd like to put up for auction, but have never done it. I really don't know where to start...I mean, other than following the EBay sites guidelines, I'd like to hear actual accounts. I have purchased many times, but never been a seller, and have a PayPal account. Any tips/suggestions/things-to-consider/horror stories/success stories?
Thanks, kind folk!
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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ObfuscateByWill
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1887 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2006 : 10:14:41
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Just be certain to ship your things quickly. Folks get antsy.
 *Release the bats! |
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Suicide_Samurai
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
431 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2006 : 11:49:34
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| Yeah, and just generally make sure to keep up to date with what's going on. Check emails/messages daily, be honest about the item's condition, package it well, get proof of postage, and start off with something relatively cheap as you may find Ebay and Paypal take a significant chunk of your money. Also, look at similar items in order to determine what you should set your starting price at and stuff. |
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Superabounder
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1041 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2006 : 08:19:52
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bait and switch is my motto
;-)
I'd rather be anywhere or doing anything |
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Visiting Sasquatch
= Cult of Ray =
USA
451 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2006 : 08:52:55
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| I've found that selling used CDs to a used CD shop will get you more credit than ebay would, unless you have a hard to find collectible. |
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HeywoodJablome
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1485 Posts |
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NimrodsSon
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1938 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2006 : 16:42:05
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The key thing is, as Samari said, be HONEST about the item's condition, and if it's something you don't know much about, be sure and make it clear in your description that you're selling it AS IS. And DO NOT overcharge for shipping. Weigh the item, calculate postage and cost for shipping materials and maybe just a very few cents for your time and gas for your trip to the PO, and don't charge a penny more. If you just have to make an extra buck, raise the price of the actual item, not the shipping.
The actual selling part is really quite easy and self-explanatory. It's generally a good idea to start your seven-day auctions on Sunday afternoons or Saturday evening. Keep in mind that there's a three-hour time difference between the west and east coast of the US. And one thing I can't stress enough is to accept Paypal. Anyone can set up a Paypal account very easily, and it turns so many people off to see "money order/cashiers check only," and you WILL lose bids if you do that.
ˇViva los Católicos! http://www.myspace.com/shadoplay |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2006 : 17:35:41
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you lose money though, paypal charge you to receive money.
i've sold gig tickets with ebay... to make money yup yup
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
Edited by - PixieSteve on 12/09/2006 17:36:39 |
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Jason
* Dog in the Sand *
1446 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2006 : 10:05:54
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I sell stuff on ebay from time to time. I pretty made my living selling CDs and records on ebay for an unemployed spell five years ago.
The first bit of advice I can give you is don't sell anything on ebay NOW. Unless you have something especially rare and sought after, this is one of the slower times for ebay sales. Wait until about mid-January, if you want to make the most money possible.
Sunday-Wednesday evenings are the best time for your auction to end, in my experience.
I agree with those who say don't overcharge for shipping. A lot of people are doing this (overcharging). It's annoying and I rarely consider bidding on these auctions. Charge the bare minimum (cost of shipping + packaging) and you'll attract more bids. I'd also suggest offering different options for shipping. For example, if you're selling a CD say that you'll ship Media Mail for $1.50 or Priority Mail for $4.00. Some people are happy with the low cost of Media Mail and don't mind the longer wait. Others are turned off by Media Mail shipping and will pay for something faster. Please both of these camps. MOST people will choose the lower cost option, but every now and then you get someone who wants something faster.
DO TAKE PAYPAL (along with money orders and, if you're comfortable with it, checks and concealed cash).
Yes, Paypal does take a small cut of every payment you receive from them, BUT many ebay bidders (like myself) appreciate the convenience of Paypal and are more likely to bid when PayPal is among the forms of payment accepted. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2006 : 05:28:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Jason
The first bit of advice I can give you is don't sell anything on ebay NOW. Unless you have something especially rare and sought after, this is one of the slower times for ebay sales. Wait until about mid-January, if you want to make the most money possible.
Really? But people are buying Christmas presents now, and in January everyone is selling unwanted ones.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Jason
* Dog in the Sand *
1446 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2006 : 11:22:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
quote:
Originally posted by Jason
The first bit of advice I can give you is don't sell anything on ebay NOW. Unless you have something especially rare and sought after, this is one of the slower times for ebay sales. Wait until about mid-January, if you want to make the most money possible.
Really? But people are buying Christmas presents now, and in January everyone is selling unwanted ones.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
Consider this. Any auction started this week will end the week before Christmas. Not only is the post office slow now, but you're also gambling with the seller's commitment to shipping quickly. The likelihood of receiving your item by Christmas doesn't look good, and I think people are aware of this.
Also, I think a lot of people (and I feel this way, too) would rather buy new merchandise or, if necessary, used merchandise that they can at least inspect the condition of before buying as a gift. With ebay, in most cases, you're never sure what condition your stuff is gonna be in until you get it.
By mid-January things go back to normal.
And, of course, if you're selling especially rare and sought after items none of the above really applies and you could probably sell it any time. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2006 : 11:57:28
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Well I am going off the fact that Nintendo DS's are selling for more than usual on there.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Topic |
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Selling On EBAY
