Ebay - who makes money from this?

jordylass

I tried to find something that ebay sellers would want, and as it is a small and cheap item it sells OK, but I'm beginning to think it just isn't worth the hassle. I'll carry on for a couple of months till I'm out of stock check the profit and decide from there.
I have made substantial amounts from odd things like old phones, but have started to freecycle most of my other stuff as mostly I just want rid and happy that someone else can make use of it.

MimiJane

I just make "pennies" on ebay for fun ... having the time to do it helps! I enjoy filling in surveys and normally auction off my "prizes". Also, I collect sim cards via a link provided on this site and, although ebay tends to be flooded with them, I normally make a decent profit if I sell in bulk.

Just about exhausted all my unworn clothes and decent second-hand stuff now, butI do tend to always think of ebay before throwing stuff out now. Recently made quite a bit of money on a decent but old fire we would probably have just chucked away if I'd not got into ebay.

Has anyone else been asked by friends and family to sell stuff for them? I've been inundated with requests and have made quite a bit of "commission" this way. Also, I've made money when reselling stuff I've bought from ebay which doesn't fit/isn't suitable, which of course is always a gamble.

It's become quite a hobby of mine but I could never make serious money and, like I say, having the time (and inclination) does help ...

nightswimmer

MimiJane wrote:

Has anyone else been asked by friends and family to sell stuff for them? I've been inundated with requests and have made quite a bit of "commission" this way.

Just curious, but how much commission do you get from friends and family? I have been asked to sell some stuff by people, and whilst they have mentioned commission, I always feel awkward at the thought of asking for any.

MimiJane

Don't feel awkward ... you're doing them a favour by making them some money and helping them de-clutter. I deduct the money for P&P, fees, etc. and let them know the total profit, then leave it up to them as to how much they wish to "donate", giving them a subtle reminder of the packaging materials (and time) involved.

I normally find that a figure is suggested that I consider a little too generous, then we settle on something inbetween. I recently sold 10 Pirelli calendars for my brother, made him £80 and he gave me £30 ... he was happy and so was I I enjoyed doing it, corresponded with some lovely people and got myself some good feedback.

cheets99

I have made quite abit of money on stuff i have found on the internet going cheap, but also lost money aswell.

My biggest profit was an Xbox 360, i know its not nice charging someone double but its business, i made £260 profit.

I just tend to look for Games (PC/Xbox/PS2) Also Dvds, once got hold of shrek boxset from a link on here for £6 and was selling it for £15.

I sell alot of my old stuff, old console. Sold all my Dvds 60 for about £4 a disc.

Its hard to make a living unless you are deicated and can get in touch with a supplier, too many big compaies are selling on there now and can undercut you.

nightswimmer

MimiJane wrote:

Don't feel awkward ... you're doing them a favour by making them some money and helping them de-clutter. I deduct the money for P&P, fees, etc. and let them know the total profit, then leave it up to them as to how much they wish to "donate", giving them a subtle reminder of the packaging materials (and time) involved.

I normally find that a figure is suggested that I consider a little too generous, then we settle on something inbetween.

Thanks for your great advice. I will use your method, as that seems a lot easier to do (and still feel comfortable with ) than trying to come up with some set amount beforehand.

MimiJane

Good luck and let us know how you get on

rizla01

Of course you can also increase the amount that you get for an item by having someone else bid on the item for you. You could get a freind or relative to do this.(Or open up a second account and do it yourself)

This is called schill bidding and this is totally against Ebay rules but I am just pointing out what others do.

And to good effect by all accounts.

rainbow12

There is someone on ebay selling tesco discount codes and they will then apparently tell you how to get more. That's how I found this site - I figured if they were getting them they must be easily found, so I did a google search and found this site - and it didnt cost me a penny!

Helen_from_yorkshire

Ebay often have bargain selling periods when you can list things for something silly like 5p. Unsure how this works in terms of the final selling price though. You've just missed one of these, I think it was a couple of days ago so hold off listing anything on ebay for the time being, I imagine it's chokka.