selling your stuff on Amazon...part 2

klondyke

mike55 wrote:

thanks for that reply klondyke. i think the sad thing is that pple don't realise how many books are actually binned by charity shops.

i didn't feel 'right' making a profit from charity book sales, and neither did my wife. but apprentice tycoon put it into perspective for me. i'll find the post when i've got more time.

the way i see it now is - over the years, the family have bought thousands of pounds worth of books, at full price. these were always recycled by passing them on to family.

then greenmet offered a small but worthwhile opportunity to donate a 'very small amount' to the woodland trust. it's not my choice of charity, but its a charity. i don't donate 'rubbish that don't sell' to charity shops, but i do donate books that are best sellers and are in excellent condition. not that any kid in Africa would appreciate it if i sent them direct.

i've no idea why you quoted me, but for the record, later today i'm meeting someone else that helps to run a charity shop. he has lofts full of books and hasn't a clue what's what.

i've told them that although i'll pick and choose what i want, for reading or resale, but that they'll get a sizeable sum in return if the books are worth it and make a profit.

i might be an 'enterprising person' in my own right, but books, reading and recycling them, is now the biggest hobby and stress buster i can think of.

and for what it's worth, most local charities give me more than the time of day. and i don't donate a book thats not worth reselling. just like i'd never donate a tatty old blanket, or a fur coat, to some helpless kid in Africa.

but good luck with the pontificating, if thats what it was. if not, i apologise.

Sorry I quoted you - there were several bits of text I could have used to try to make the point that, many books are binned by charities, so why not try to help save them, if the (the charities) are agreeable?

No suggestion that you, in particular, or anyone on this board donates rubbish - but if you get the chance to have a look at some of the stuff that comes in, you would see books covered with scribble, coffee, pages torn out - and worse. They obviously go straight out - but with them go the unsolds which have been on the shelves too long for comfort but may be saleable on Amazon/ Ebay etc.

I was talking about whether all charity shops would 'give the time of day' to someone making the request I suggested , though I personally see no reason why they shouldn't. Of course we give the 'time of day' to both regular and casual customers and donors (even of rubbish - as we probably won't know till they've gone:) )

Anyway, sorry you think I am uncharitable by spending several upaid hours a week helping to raise funds (rather than make profits for myself.)

Still, I reckon the feeling is mutual now - I hope we never meet in the shop I work for:)

purplepatch

carol_a wrote:

I've done that before loads of times on light items. The only problem is you won't have a COP as you say but as it's low value take a risk!!

Took the risk and hubby posted it on his way to work this morning. Checked my email just now and overnight I've sold a ten quid dvd, so I'm going to have to go to the PO anyway now :rolleyes:

apprentice_tycoon

Well..... in the last few days I have been viewing the Amazon marketplace from the buyers point of view. Not all easy or good.

The worst problem being with a seller that my daughter bought a book off for her brother's crimbo present, it was ordered on the 9th and still hasn't arrived. I emailled the seller a week ago, days later I was asked for details (now, would I have contacted them without details???), then we were told that it had been posted and would we like a refund, I replied yes, that would be fine, then they asked for the same details again....and now it's 2 days later and still no refund.

I have been through the Amazon procedure and it seems that tomorow we can apply to be reimbursed through Amazon so that's what we'll do, but that's nearly a month from the purchase date.
The seller was one of those bigger ones with lots of listings so I don't know if they are so big they are a bit cumbersome and lumbering but it's a bit off the mark to be honest....

The second snag whas when I tried to buy a book for myself, the payment didn't go from my card properly, and it came back asking me to re-submit, I tried - I tried again - I added a new card and tried again - and again and again.....it was going around in circles and in the end I emailled the seller and told him that I was stuck in goundhog day and to re-list the book - I was at the other side of a pending sale - now I know how they happen!
Luckily it was a 1 penny book so I chose another with a different seller and the payment went through without a problem

larmy16

klondyke wrote:

Sorry I quoted you - there were several bits of text I could have used to try to make the point that, many books are binned by charities, so why not try to help save them, if the (the charities) are agreeable?

No suggestion that you, in particular, or anyone on this board donates rubbish - but if you get the chance to have a look at some of the stuff that comes in, you would see books covered with scribble, coffee, pages torn out - and worse. They obviously go straight out - but with them go the unsolds which have been on the shelves too long for comfort but may be saleable on Amazon/ Ebay etc.

I was talking about whether all charity shops would 'give the time of day' to someone making the request I suggested , though I personally see no reason why they shouldn't. Of course we give the 'time of day' to both regular and casual customers and donors (even of rubbish - as we probably won't know till they've gone:) )

Anyway, sorry you think I am uncharitable by spending several upaid hours a week helping to raise funds (rather than make profits for myself.)

Still, I reckon the feeling is mutual now - I hope we never meet in the shop I work for:)

Klondyke it was very interesting to hear the subject from the charity shop perspective and I don't really understand but I think there has been some misunderstanding over your post???? Well done for doing the charity shop volunteering - its not easy for them to get volunteers this day and it is great you give up your time. Just keep marking those books nice and cheap eh?

Yorkielass

Sold my third thing this week yesterday - a pilates video, hadn't even been on for a week so that's good for me - really pleased as I grabbed it from my parents house before we left as I had forgotten I'd left it there. Posted it off today and that's another thing out of the spare room and some more money towards the wedding rings :j

seabiscuit_2

woo hoo

at last started listing little bits this morning - that i had lying around since before christmas (its surprising just how a credit card bill can motivate you)

and something has sold already - woo £1.90 before postage

so i have a very quick question?

is it okie to reuse a bubble envelope or do amazon marketplace buyers expect brand new ones? ive only got 2nd hand ones in the house and was hoping to get it all to the postoffice in the morning

thanks guys

apprentice_tycoon

Well done both of you - little pennies make big pounds

I don't think that anyone will expect brand new wrappings, just make the best of what you've got

jo_b_2

Having sold 12 books, I've received my first feedback today! I've also received really good feedback from my first ever sale on Ebay.

I tend to use new packaging, but did reuse an envelope over xmas when I had run out of new stuff. So long as the package is secure, I don't suppose it would matter that much.

seabiscuit_2

thanks

i will use the best looking one i have, but make sure its securely packaged

ive never had problems with stuff ive sold through ebay but then again they tend to expect lower things :-]

Cath_S

Packaging.......I've been using bubble wrap from Tesco's fruit & veg and a cheap roll from ebay (15 metres for about £2.79 I think) when I run out of Tesco's own brand . I then just pop item in a value envelope and tape the edges. Not had any negative feedback yet and have sent about 40 ish items off this way.