16 replies to this topic

[Mad Mark]

Never sold anything on eBay and wondering if there's anything I'm missing. Seems its pretty much:

Use eBay calculated shipping.
Weigh box and packing material and add a little extra weight.
Use the calculated shipping for shipping price.
Once item is sold, print label and take to USPS.

Anything I'm missing? Should I put a disclaimer in the description like some people do?

[Jay Guard]

1) Take and post a lot of pictures of the item you are selling to show the true condition, sometimes adding a ruler next to the item really helps to show the actual size.
2) Give a full, and above all honest description of the item. If you don't know the true condition of the item you should indicate that and say "sold as is" as a disclaimer. On high value items you may want to consider giving a guarantee of some kind.  This will give some confidence to a prospective buyer, especially true if your bio shows that you haven't sold many items before. I also like to add a statement that says the item needs to be paid for in a certain time frame; three to five days is pretty customary.
3) I like to set the starting price of an auction at the minimum amount I would like to receive for the item. Some people like to start with a super-low price to attract attention but you could get stuck if there aren't many bidders so beware of this.
4) Set the auction for a longer rather than shorter time frame. That will give more potential buyers the chance to see your item.
5) Set the ending time at a time that most people would be at home. I like to use Sunday night around 7 PM EST but do be aware of the time zone differences.
6) For shipping, state a fair shipping price. I don't try to rip-off anyone in this area as some sellers do. I like to use the eBay shipping as you stated above.
 
Note: This really isn't a totally comprehensive list of how to sell items on eBay but should at least get you started.  I'm sure others will add in something I've missed.  

 

Good Luck!

[Mad Mark]

Great advice, thanks! Do you wait to ship until you’ve received payment?

[Jay Guard]

Yes, absolutely! But once it's paid for, I try to ship ASAP.

[Mike Patterson]

Make sure none of your items or shipping materials smell. No smoke, pet, or human odors.

 

Don't ask me how I know.

[Martin]

Good luck with that, Mark.

 

I have not sold on eBay for some time. Can anybody tell us what percentage eBay takes and keeps these days?

 

Thanks.

 

I remember I used to figure about 10 percent; what is it now?

[Mad Mark]

Is 13 percent now! Sheesh!

[Cheater]

That's why you guys should consider selling your stuff on Slotblog. 

 

We just ask for 5 percent...

[Pablo]

... and it's much easier. Plus you know the people you are dealing with.

[Rob Voska]

I believe they tax you on shipping cost also.  Friend sells stuff for $10.  After shipping he makes $5.80.  Cost him 42% to sell. 

[Martin]

That's why you guys should consider selling your stuff on Slotblog. 

 

We just ask for 5 percent...

Best deal around and it helps Slotblog :good:and that is good for us all.

 

I kinda wish there was a separate category for vintage sales. So it does not get lost with modern stuff.

[Sloter]

I have been selling for 20 years on E-bay. I could write a book. I stopped doing auctions years ago and so have most sellers. I use Buy It Now and Make an Offer. I research the selling prices and on occasion, list it for more. Pretty much use a Flat Shipping price. You have cost, It takes time - your time is worth something, packing material, tape, boxes, some boxes from post office are free and reuse shipping boxes. Take lots of photos,  describe item accurately, note any defects or damage. If the item has a serial #, take a photo and post it in the photos, keeps you from getting returned buyers junk items,. Spend the time with packaging the item(s) correctly, with plenty of packing material, tape and sometimes, double boxed. With all the new fees, it's about 15% and that is why, I make some on shipping to recover my cost and to make sure the buyer gets the item(s) in as shipped condition. I have a perfect score and preferred buyer rating. 

 

Bob

[Bill from NH]

With so few auctions now, the people with snipe programs have little opportunity to use them. They were once used on premium items but today they'll snipe any auction. I never was a big buyer but when I started having $2 items sniped a few years ago, I stopped using eBay for anything.

[Lone Wolf]

20 years plus on Ebay here.

 

Most important as stated here, be absolutely as honest as possible and ship carefully and quickly.

 

Like anything else, good and bad points.

 

I can't do shows anymore so it's my only outlet.

 

They want you to offer free shipping ala Amazon and punish you if you don't

 

Remember, as of 2023 you will be receiving a 1099 for taxes from Ebay for sales over $600.

 

Talk to your accountant before you dive in.

 

May have other implications.

[Mad Mark]

Thanks guys! got two cars on there now well see how it goes when I ship and get feedback.

[Vay Jonynas]

That's why you guys should consider selling your stuff on Slotblog. 

 

We just ask for 5 percent...

 

Ahhhhh, of course, the Racer Swap Shop forum!

 

[Gil Aubin]

Be ready for every sob story on the planet to get a discount or free stuff.  The most recent was "I just got a felony and I really need rear tires" LOL