Ever sold anything on eBay?

GA Russell · 04-22-2010, 12:29 AM

I am planning to sell a few fairly expensive items on eBay. I recently bought The Complete Idiot's Guide to eBay and read it. The author has some opinions that differ from those of friends on another board.

The author suggests that one first conduct a few trial auctions to learn from one's mistakes before offering the expensive items. So yesterday and today I have started a couple of auctions of magazines.

If you have ever sold anything on eBay, what length of time do you think is best for the auction? When is the best time for it to end?

Here are the links to my two auctions. I plan to put up a third tomorrow that may be of interest to jetBook Lite owners. I would appreciate your looking at these two auctions, and giving me any constructive criticism to make them better.

Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALFRED-HITCHCOCK...item1e5b8a5990

http://cgi.ebay.com/CIGAR-AFICIONADO...item1e5b8e4de2

SneakySnake · 04-22-2010, 12:38 AM

Your ad looks fine. Although I would be worried about purchasing an expensive item from an ebayer with little or no feedback. You may not get many bites because of this. Do you need to purchase anything?

I have found that anything longer than a week is a waste if its an auction. I would only use longer terms if I had multiples of the item to sell at buy it now price. Most action on auctions usually happens in the last hours.

HarryT · 04-22-2010, 02:52 AM

I've bought and sold many items on eBay, and have never had a problem of any kind. I generally run my auctions for a week.

As has been said, many people like to wait until the last minute to bid, so it's a good idea to time the auction to finish in a "popular" time - say early evening, in your local time zone.

GA Russell · 04-22-2010, 12:08 PM

For some reason both ads state on the upper right that I intend to sell to the US, when in fact I wish to offer the items to the world. Anybody know how to change that?

HarryT · 04-22-2010, 12:46 PM

When you create the ad, there's a screen that says what parts of the world you'll sell to. Although you can of course edit the text and say "I'm happy to sell to anywhere", it does mean that, for example, your items won't show up in a search for me on "ebay.co.uk" since the system now thinks they're US only. I don't think you can change that once the auction's started.

GA Russell · 04-22-2010, 12:55 PM

Harry, I didn't click anything when it asked for where in the world I wouldn't ship to. For my next auction I'll say that I won't ship to Africa, and see if it makes any difference.

Are there any places in the world that most eBayers don't ship to?

GA Russell · 04-22-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

For some reason both ads state on the upper right that I intend to sell to the US, when in fact I wish to offer the items to the world. Anybody know how to change that?

Never mind! I figured out how to be listed as "worldwide".

I think the suggestion to practice on a few small auctions was a good idea. I know a lot more than I did 48 hours ago.

Katti's Cat · 04-22-2010, 10:22 PM

All good advice: run the auction for a week - I usually end mine on Sunday's early evening. But check the forum what the best time for your items is. Always depends who your buyers are.

Make sure that you describe very accurately what you are selling, the conditions of the item and the conditions of sale. Cover your butt - there are some buyers out there who love nothing more than to get a freebie.

If the items are really expensive - would you consider other form of payment? I had some negative experience with buyers (thank god there aren't that many) who received the item and the lodged a claim with eBay & Paypal and got the money back. The items were as described and there was no fault with them (I am too honest to be rich

). The buyer ended up with the item AND the money back. It wasn't much but it taught me a lesson.

As you are a seller with little feedback (something I always check) be very diligent with any queries you receive. Make them public so other prospective buyers can see that you are honest.

Make very clear that the shipping costs have to be paid by buyer (if that's your intention) and that any prospective buyer should contact you before bidding about the costs (if it is outside US). Again - some buyers bail after they found out what the shipping costs are.

Do your research on similar items on eBay and other sites. If you have an expensive item buyers will research what they would have to pay for it elsewhere. Not much point trying to sell something that you can get elsewhere cheaper.

Also: include the costs of eBay and PayPal in the price - it's rather expensive and has to be carried by the seller.

Otherwise: good luck

GA Russell · 04-23-2010, 12:56 AM

Thanks KC. I will be offering out-of-print jazz compact disc box sets which usually go for around $200. I have internet friends who have done this, and they are giving me advice regarding the best days and times to end the auction. They don't all agree! I am willing to sacrifice some money to avoid hassles.

My first auction listed above has a bidder! If no one else bids, I think I will make a profit of 40 cents! What's important I think is getting the positive feedback.

HarryT · 04-23-2010, 02:31 AM

Yes, positive feedback is THE most important thing you can have on eBay.

GA Russell · 04-23-2010, 04:09 PM

Well, now I need your help again.

I've just started a third auction, the purpose of which was to display a number of photos. But instead of getting the photos displayed below the text, which I have seen in other auctions, the photos are all over by the main photo, and you have to click on them to see them.

Please take a look at this, and tell me what you think. I suppose it's not asking too much of a buyer to click on a photo, but I would prefer the photos to be right there where you can't miss them. Does anyone know how to do this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-AA-BATTERY-CAS...item1e5b96e883

cheerio6414 · 04-23-2010, 10:13 PM

I sell all the time on ebay if i can not sell it locally to make more money

carlobee · 04-24-2010, 04:04 AM

Hope you'll make out a good deal.

GA Russell · 04-25-2010, 01:53 AM

Thanks Carlo.

I get the impression from my friends on other boards that eBay has changed, and nobody bids the price up anymore. Everybody waits until the last moment, and then makes his single best offer, and then time runs out before anyone has the chance to make a second bid.

shopintheusa · 04-25-2010, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

Well, now I need your help again.

I've just started a third auction, the purpose of which was to display a number of photos. But instead of getting the photos displayed below the text, which I have seen in other auctions, the photos are all over by the main photo, and you have to click on them to see them.

Please take a look at this, and tell me what you think. I suppose it's not asking too much of a buyer to click on a photo, but I would prefer the photos to be right there where you can't miss them. Does anyone know how to do this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-AA-BATTERY-CAS...item1e5b96e883

If you copy the picture>>>than revise your item>>>you should be able to paste that picture in your item description.

04-22-2010, 12:29 AM	#1
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Ever sold anything on eBay? I am planning to sell a few fairly expensive items on eBay. I recently bought The Complete Idiot's Guide to eBay and read it. The author has some opinions that differ from those of friends on another board. The author suggests that one first conduct a few trial auctions to learn from one's mistakes before offering the expensive items. So yesterday and today I have started a couple of auctions of magazines. If you have ever sold anything on eBay, what length of time do you think is best for the auction? When is the best time for it to end? Here are the links to my two auctions. I plan to put up a third tomorrow that may be of interest to jetBook Lite owners. I would appreciate your looking at these two auctions, and giving me any constructive criticism to make them better. Thanks! http://cgi.ebay.com/ALFRED-HITCHCOCK...item1e5b8a5990 http://cgi.ebay.com/CIGAR-AFICIONADO...item1e5b8e4de2

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04-22-2010, 12:38 AM	#2
SneakySnake I'm watching you! Posts: 6,113 Karma: 22344652 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sunny Coast Qld, OZ Device: Sony PRS-900(unused lately) iPadAir2, want me Kindle Oasis	Your ad looks fine. Although I would be worried about purchasing an expensive item from an ebayer with little or no feedback. You may not get many bites because of this. Do you need to purchase anything? I have found that anything longer than a week is a waste if its an auction. I would only use longer terms if I had multiples of the item to sell at buy it now price. Most action on auctions usually happens in the last hours.

04-22-2010, 02:52 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I've bought and sold many items on eBay, and have never had a problem of any kind. I generally run my auctions for a week. As has been said, many people like to wait until the last minute to bid, so it's a good idea to time the auction to finish in a "popular" time - say early evening, in your local time zone.

04-22-2010, 12:08 PM	#4
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	For some reason both ads state on the upper right that I intend to sell to the US, when in fact I wish to offer the items to the world. Anybody know how to change that?

04-22-2010, 12:46 PM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	When you create the ad, there's a screen that says what parts of the world you'll sell to. Although you can of course edit the text and say "I'm happy to sell to anywhere", it does mean that, for example, your items won't show up in a search for me on "ebay.co.uk" since the system now thinks they're US only. I don't think you can change that once the auction's started.

04-22-2010, 12:55 PM	#6
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Harry, I didn't click anything when it asked for where in the world I wouldn't ship to. For my next auction I'll say that I won't ship to Africa, and see if it makes any difference. Are there any places in the world that most eBayers don't ship to?

04-22-2010, 10:22 PM	#8
Katti's Cat Wizard Posts: 2,259 Karma: 175640 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Australia Device: Sony PRS-600	All good advice: run the auction for a week - I usually end mine on Sunday's early evening. But check the forum what the best time for your items is. Always depends who your buyers are. Make sure that you describe very accurately what you are selling, the conditions of the item and the conditions of sale. Cover your butt - there are some buyers out there who love nothing more than to get a freebie. If the items are really expensive - would you consider other form of payment? I had some negative experience with buyers (thank god there aren't that many) who received the item and the lodged a claim with eBay & Paypal and got the money back. The items were as described and there was no fault with them (I am too honest to be rich ). The buyer ended up with the item AND the money back. It wasn't much but it taught me a lesson. As you are a seller with little feedback (something I always check) be very diligent with any queries you receive. Make them public so other prospective buyers can see that you are honest. Make very clear that the shipping costs have to be paid by buyer (if that's your intention) and that any prospective buyer should contact you before bidding about the costs (if it is outside US). Again - some buyers bail after they found out what the shipping costs are. Do your research on similar items on eBay and other sites. If you have an expensive item buyers will research what they would have to pay for it elsewhere. Not much point trying to sell something that you can get elsewhere cheaper. Also: include the costs of eBay and PayPal in the price - it's rather expensive and has to be carried by the seller. Otherwise: good luck

04-23-2010, 12:56 AM	#9
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Thanks KC. I will be offering out-of-print jazz compact disc box sets which usually go for around $200. I have internet friends who have done this, and they are giving me advice regarding the best days and times to end the auction. They don't all agree! I am willing to sacrifice some money to avoid hassles. My first auction listed above has a bidder! If no one else bids, I think I will make a profit of 40 cents! What's important I think is getting the positive feedback.

04-23-2010, 02:31 AM	#10
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Yes, positive feedback is THE most important thing you can have on eBay.

04-23-2010, 04:09 PM	#11
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Well, now I need your help again. I've just started a third auction, the purpose of which was to display a number of photos. But instead of getting the photos displayed below the text, which I have seen in other auctions, the photos are all over by the main photo, and you have to click on them to see them. Please take a look at this, and tell me what you think. I suppose it's not asking too much of a buyer to click on a photo, but I would prefer the photos to be right there where you can't miss them. Does anyone know how to do this? http://cgi.ebay.com/3-AA-BATTERY-CAS...item1e5b96e883

04-23-2010, 10:13 PM	#12
cheerio6414 Addict Posts: 210 Karma: 36 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Kindle 2	I sell all the time on ebay if i can not sell it locally to make more money

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04-24-2010, 04:04 AM	#13
carlobee Fanatic Posts: 535 Karma: 972 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: The new iPad	Hope you'll make out a good deal.

04-25-2010, 01:53 AM	#14
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,674 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Thanks Carlo. I get the impression from my friends on other boards that eBay has changed, and nobody bids the price up anymore. Everybody waits until the last moment, and then makes his single best offer, and then time runs out before anyone has the chance to make a second bid.