New ebay seller - Pls can you help!!

Sunshine12

Hi everyone,
I know there is loads of information on this board re selling etc but Im finding it all a bit daunting and wonder if someone could answer the following for me:

Q. Should I sell everything recorded delivery to be on safe side?
Q. Am I best having an e-mail address set up just for e-bay transactions?
Q. Should I add on a bit extra for postage to cover envelopes etc?
Q. Do most people also sell abroad of just leave it at UK only until a bit more conversant with how it works etc?
Q. If I have new stuff that has demonstration, not for sale on, do I have to mention that (I have some stuff thats totally new but was part of a free gift set)
Q. Should I say paypal payments only?
Q. One of my items is brand new (has never been taken out of box but box is slightly damaged.) Do I have to say box is slightly bashed or doesnt that matter?
Q. Nearly everything Im selling is brand new (unwanted gifts etc, never used or opened). I was planning on just putting on for 99p each and hoping for the best. Is that the wise thing to do? (I know its difficult to answer without knowing the products but just generally wondered. Stuff is mainly make up, perfume, lipstick, candles etc, mostly designer brands)

I hope someone can help me. As I say, I think this board is great and Ive picked up a few tips already but the above questions I wasnt sure about. Ive only ever bought things through e-bay and am quite keen to get into selling. Thanks in advance.

soolin

You can start here for general tips:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1623183&highlight=tips+new+sellers

As for listing be honest, if a box is bashed, mention it, if items are marked demonstartion only, then mention it. Always best to give too much info about the product that too little.

NotQuiteNorbert

Sunshine12 wrote: »

Q. Should I sell everything recorded delivery to be on safe side? I do personally- due to having read of too many problems with Not Received disputes on items sent Standard, but it's not for everyone due to the added expense.

Q. Am I best having an e-mail address set up just for e-bay transactions? I don't, but it can get a little confusing. I'm just too lazy to set up another email account!

Q. Should I add on a bit extra for postage to cover envelopes etc? Definitely- you don't want to be left out of pocket for your packaging.

Q. Do most people also sell abroad of just leave it at UK only until a bit more conversant with how it works etc? I don't post outside of the UK. I used to offer it but had too many potential bidders disappear after being given postage costs. Couldn't be bothered with the hassle.

Q. If I have new stuff that has demonstration, not for sale on, do I have to mention that (I have some stuff thats totally new but was part of a free gift set) Put as much information in your listing as is available to you. Less chance of being caught out by nitpicking buyers.

Q. Should I say paypal payments only? It's up to yourself, really. I take Paypal only now, but used to offer postal order and cheque. Never had anyone ask to pay with them though, so I stopped offering.

Q. One of my items is brand new (has never been taken out of box but box is slightly damaged.) Do I have to say box is slightly bashed or doesnt that matter? Put as much information in your listing as is available to you. Less chance of being caught out by nitpicking buyers.

Q. Nearly everything Im selling is brand new (unwanted gifts etc, never used or opened). I was planning on just putting on for 99p each and hoping for the best. Is that the wise thing to do? (I know its difficult to answer without knowing the products but just generally wondered. Stuff is mainly make up, perfume, lipstick, candles etc, mostly designer brands) Like you say, that's hard to say without knowing the products you're selling. Do you want to risk your things selling for 99p only?

Have tried to give answers above, in bold. Just my personal take on it, but I'm sure other people will have different things to say. x

chja

Q. Should I sell everything recorded delivery to be on safe side? No point, but get the free proof of posting that insures you to £39 uk or overseas. If you sell above £39 then get Special Delivery.
Q. Am I best having an e-mail address set up just for e-bay transactions? I don't and see no reason to.
Q. Should I add on a bit extra for postage to cover envelopes etc? Yes, but don't take the ****. I tend to add 50p - 75p.
Q. Do most people also sell abroad of just leave it at UK only until a bit more conversant with how it works etc? I sell abroad and have never had a problem - proof of posting insures you to £39. I would not sell heavy or large stuff abroad due to the cost and hassle.
Q. If I have new stuff that has demonstration, not for sale on, do I have to mention that (I have some stuff thats totally new but was part of a free gift set) It is always best to be ultra honest with your descriptions to prevent problems and poor feedback
Q. Should I say paypal payments only? I do - anything else is a hassle (unless for collection then take cash) - cheques are just a nightmare for both sides.
Q. One of my items is brand new (has never been taken out of box but box is slightly damaged.) Do I have to say box is slightly bashed or doesnt that matter? see above
Q. Nearly everything Im selling is brand new (unwanted gifts etc, never used or opened). I was planning on just putting on for 99p each and hoping for the best. Is that the wise thing to do? (I know its difficult to answer without knowing the products but just generally wondered. Stuff is mainly make up, perfume, lipstick, candles etc, mostly designer brands) If you list for 99p you need to accept that it may only sell for 99p. Better to pay 15p or so and start higher if it's worth more.

martafdz

Q. Should I sell everything recorded delivery to be on safe side? Now you can keep proof of posting with any item, and first post has some basic insurance. Ask in your local post office before paying extra (and making people pay more). You can give this as an option (paying a bit more). I personally do not like when they send items by special delivery, because if I am not at home I have to rearrange redeliveries and i have to wait ages. It depends of what you are selling, unless it's something really expensive, the basic insurance with Royal Mail might cover you.
Q. Am I best having an e-mail address set up just for e-bay transactions?
If you are selling loads, this might be helpful to keep a track of all transactions. I personally have my normal address, as I don't have that much activity.
Q. Should I add on a bit extra for postage to cover envelopes etc?
I usually ask for less than 2 pounds, as I don't send heavy things. You have a calculator in the web of Royal Mail, to check weight / size and see how much the post is. Add for the envelope / package (it's really important that is well wrapped and it does not get damaged).
Q. Do most people also sell abroad of just leave it at UK only until a bit more conversant with how it works etc?
I sell at UK, and add a line in the description, saying that if they are buying from abroad they need to contact me to ask for price, that way I can check how much is depending of the location, but only EU or US; I don't know how protected I am with other countries, so I don't risk.
Q. If I have new stuff that has demonstration, not for sale on, do I have to mention that (I have some stuff thats totally new but was part of a free gift set)
Say that is a sample, or a promotion item, otherwise your description might be considered incomplete and you can get a dispute. There are loads of samples or gift sets, that does not make them less atractive, most of the time you cannot get them anymore, or it's a great way to try products in small quantities.
Q. Should I say paypal payments only?
I only accept Paypal, quicker, safer, you are protected, and almost everyone has Paypal if they buy on Ebay.
Q. One of my items is brand new (has never been taken out of box but box is slightly damaged.) Do I have to say box is slightly bashed or doesnt that matter?
As before, you should say it. If you don't put everything, the buyer might want to return the item or ask for a refund.
Q. Nearly everything Im selling is brand new (unwanted gifts etc, never used or opened). I was planning on just putting on for 99p each and hoping for the best. Is that the wise thing to do? (I know its difficult to answer without knowing the products but just generally wondered. Stuff is mainly make up, perfume, lipstick, candles etc, mostly designer brands)
I think that's the best way. If you put a reserve or a higher price, people just might go for a similar item a cheaper price and start betting there. Some people do not check the listings again, and keep betting on the items that appear in their account, even when the current price is higher than the price you have your item at.