Good luck, misskittin! I just listed a large easel on craigslist today.
To eBay or not to eBay - what do I do with the stuff meanwhile is the question?
(145 posts) (25 voices)
Overall Rating: 3 votes
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Posted 1 month ago #
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I've had really good luck with Craigslist. I always have the item in my garage so I don't let strangers in my house. I use Craigslist for large items like furniture and appliances and anything I don't want to mail.
Half.com is the best for selling books.Posted 1 month ago # -
This is all so very useful! I am formulating a plan here.
So next question? Do you gather up a bunch of stuff and then list it all at the sanme time? Or process as you go? And do you gave a set place / pattern for taking pictures?
I know some of you have said it gets easier, so I'm wondering if having a process and SOP, as my husband always says - Standard Operating Procedure - is what makes it easier? I feel like it's this ragtag thing I'd add on to the other 7 million things in my life and what if - gasp - I don't ship on time or something and I get slammed with negative feedback!
It's funny - because I'm a huge, regular eBay buyer. I show there for the girls' stuff (new mostly but sometimes used if it's not personal stuff). just ordered some handmade Barbie dresses there today, in fact! You'd think I'd be more comfortable about selling there.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Alexa, I'm having the same problems. Several people have said to just start with one item to practice on and then increase as you feel more comfortable.
So... My husband has a day off tomorrow. I'm going to get him to sit with me while I post my first item to eBay. Aren't I a big baby! LOL!
Have you read the information, posted on eBay, about selling items there? You can also find some videos on youtube that explain. Just do a search on Selling on eBay.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Claycat, good luck! You can do it! I have read the stuff but it's not the listing that gets me - honestly it's:
a) the storage of the items - I've had stuff in a box yo sell for over a month and it's sitting on the floor of my living room bc then I'd HAVE to sell it bc it would be in my way and unsightly. Yeah, right.
b) taking the pictures for the listing, especially because I'm a perfectionist.
c). The shipping. I got no supplies & not much time to run back and forth to post office or ups.But, I'm tech skilled and money is money! I can take clothes to consignment but I get a sinking feeling when it's something I know is worth more!
P.s. (by the way, if you have a website or any hosted site, you can store pictures there and then they are free when you list instead of a fee. I wonder if you can use bit or tinyurls and track views?)
Posted 1 month ago # -
For those of you debating your first listing on eBay or another place...my suggestion is to list so your listing starts Sunday evening, that's a prime time for auctions to close and many people peruse eBay then. If you are selling items that can be used by businesses, such as computers for parts or for use, electrical equipment, office items, then beging your listing during a weekday so it ends on a weekday.
Sometimes I wait and then list 4 or 5 items at one time. Sometimes I list one item. I've got about 5 more items to list and then I should be caught up. I've resolved to get most of them on this weekend. I've got two sets of china and am thinking of getting a quote from replacements, inc...they have rock bottom prices but will buy the entire lot and after you've shipped it, you are done.
I live in Houston, Texas and if anyone wants listing assistance on eBay, you can email me at kim@drawerbydrawer.com and I will be happy to help you accomplish your first or second or whatever listing on eBay. You can check out my ratings and some of the items I've recently sold. My seller name is rosehilllady. I have one active listing now and as I said, will list some other items Sunday.
Another thing I do is write the listing whenever I feel like it and then use a feature to have the listing start on Sunday evening. It costs $0.10 more. However, on Sunday, I just go in and change that feature to list it immediately. This saves me the $0.10 fee and more importantly, the listing has been written and I am not overwwhelmed by having to do all my listings at one time.
Thanks, also, to those of you on this blog who have been reading and responding to my other one at http://drawerbydrawer.wordpress.com/. I still have lots of little items to clear out of my house, some of which will be listed on eBay, and others that I am going to donate.
Posted 1 month ago # -
akcorcoran - As far as packaging goes, save the packages from the items that you purchase for yourself. I buy CDs pretty regularly, and also ship CDs regularly, so I reuse the packaging that is in good shape. I have sold hundreds of items on ebay and only purchased a box ONCE. You would be surprised what you can use for packaging - you can make so many things work well! (And I get many compliments on my careful packaging, so it's not like I make a mess or anything). Can you or your husband bring boxes home from work? I am able to take home old supply boxes, etc. My co-workers will bring me in boxes to use from items that they have purchased. Let me know if you have any questions!
Posted 1 month ago # -
@themusiclivez, Gotcha. Thanks - that makes me feel better about the whole shipping situation.
And, duh, my husband works for a company that sells refurbished battery units of all sizes. They actually even have a machine that makes CUSTOM molds to hold things in place - right there in the warehouse. I'll just have him bring some home. And, he ships out everyday but I should see which carrier.
It's funny how this forum is helping to find the most obvious solutions that already exist in my life - from storage solutions to box supplies! No wonder I have clutter - I couldn't connect the dots before! :-)
@Claycat, be sure to tell us when you've listed your item(s)!!! :-)
Posted 1 month ago # -
Great advice!
@themusiclivez Thanks for the packing tips! I have some boxes ready. My SIL is giving me some, too. Some people dump boxes at the local paper recycling, so I can check that occasionally. I did packaging and shipping for an art gallery in the 90s, so I'm not too worried about that.
@nellieb I've checked you out at ebay already. :) Thanks for your posting tips!
@Alexa Thanks for the info on using a webhost for the photos. That makes a lot of sense/cents. LOL!
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! You are becoming the wind in my sails! :)
Posted 1 month ago # -
You're very welcome! Glad I could help :o) It saves so much money on shipping supplies, that's for sure!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Okay, the item I was going to put on eBay tonight? There is another cream pitcher just like it at a starting bid of $9.99. Dang! I was just going to go weigh it. I've already got it packed. Should I put it on at a starting price of $4.99, or put it aside and put something else on?
Added: I just noticed that their shipping charge is $14.90 priority mail. That seems like a lot. Maybe I can ship much less!
Posted 1 month ago # -
It's a delicate balance between shipping costs and item costs. Buyers often consider it as just one price. However, often times auctions with a higher start price and "free" shipping sell better. It's a psychological thing as is listing items at the .99 roundoff price since 4.99 looks smaller than 5.00.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Thanks, misskittin! I'm going to go weigh it and figure out which way to do it.
Posted 1 month ago # -
This thread has been so helpful! I get intimidated by all of the "professional" sellers and always feel like I will just twist in the wind.
Here's a question for the experienced sellers. How often does an item go unsold? I look at items that I am interested in and it seems like no one has bid on most of them at any time in the listing.
Posted 1 month ago # -
@Claycat, will it fit (well packed) in a flat rate shipping box from USPS? Per the posts in this thread, that would definitely be less. And on price, I do know sometimes slightly lower might entice bidding but just like any business, don't sell yourself short! Is yours in same condition or new - look for differentiators and point that out in your auction. Plus, as an avid shopper, the pictures do make a difference.
You could start slightly lower and then add a buy it now which is the price that you'd accept to get 'er done. I'm a lazy buy it now eBayer bc I hate to have to deal with auction pricing.
I actually use a free auction sniper called Gixen that bids with 6 sec remaining so I don't drive up the price - not illegal at all but certainly not eBay's favorite thing. Anyway, I only do that when I *must* bid so I always look for Buy It Now pricing.
Let us know what you decide!
Oh, and to the group on this post, hubby is fully on board with all sorts if boxes and access everyday to FedEx and UPS doing pickup at his business (and USPS obviously). Hey, maybe I'll love this and become a professional seller!!! Not likely - but thanks for helping me connect the dots!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Oh, and I had 6 eBay packages arrive today is US mail (my daughter's bday is next week) - and guess what? One item arrived in a Frosted Cheerios box!!! So I guess you can ship in
anything!Posted 1 month ago # -
Went through the same dilemma. I did a few auctions, and while they do get easier, I found it was not worth the hassle. Photographing, boxing, listing, weighing, emailing, shipping, waiting for people to pay...it is only worth it if you really enjoy the process. I found it a total pain in the butt. And that was with a friend who had an eBay Business helping me out.
I have a wonderful thrift store that supports a charity I believe in. I am very comfortable having more time and less money and donating the items for pittance of profit I might have made on eBay. But everybody has to make that call for themselves.
(Incidentally, my friend quit her incredibly successful eBay business because the lack of rights given to sellers. Pretty much sealed the deal for me.)
Posted 1 month ago # -
Another tip that I thought of today while at work: I take the cardboard backs of notepads and use them to package trading cards I send as well as CDs. It gives more support to protect the item and is something that I would ordinarily throw away at work!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Even if I think I can get a few bucks for an item, I first think if it is worth more to me in trade. This most often happens with books.
Also, the new rules on eBay make it easy for a seller to get ripped off. I've migrated to Bonanzle and eCrater.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Abeline, since I'm trying to start posting items on eBay, I would appreciate it if you would clarify what you said about the new rules on eBay. I guess I haven't read them yet.
Thanks!
Posted 1 month ago #
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