How to start selling on ebay.

furndire

Right to many of you out there, this is stupid question. I have not sold anything on ebay, but have loads of stuff which I stacked in boxes (years ago, I was in 2ndhand trade, anything interesting came home with me and got boxed). I have now decided to clear it all out. Where do I start, what sort of scams etc to watch for (I've seen the Nigerian ones mentioned), and above all what the heck does it cost - this seems to be the minefield. :eek:

Joolzr68

Hi,
It's not nearly as complicated as it first looks. Just set aside a couple of hours when no one will disturb you make yourself a cup of cofee and dive in.
If I can do it anyone can. I was completely computer illiterate until 2 years ago, and have now sold over 100 items on ebay.

You will need a digital camera or camera phone if you want to have a gallery picture to show off your item. It's best to have all your items photographed and down loaded to your comp before you begin. You will also need some good scales for weighing your item for postage, and packaging items.

First step is to register if you've not already done so.
Then just follow your nose after hitting that 'Sell your item' button.
It may take you a long time the first time you list but the more you do the quicker it will get.

Each section has a help button that describes to you exactly what the feature is. There are alot of features that as a novice you will not need or indeed an experienced ebayer. Just keep it simple and you will also keep your costs down.

At the end you can preview exactly what your listing will look like to your customers, this is the time to look carefully at each section to make sure you've got everything you want. It's easy to go back on yourself and correct things.

Be brave and bite the bullet!

I hope this helps you a little. Just take it slow and you'll soon wonder why you thought it would be so hard.

Good luck.

furndire

Thanks Joolzr68 for the advice. I will start getting some stuff out tomorrow and have a go. I was starting to think that I wouldn't get a reply to my question, so am very pleased you replied. It all looked daunting when I looked on ebay. One other thing do you get people to pay via pay pal? When I looked a month or two ago, charges seemed to add up quite quickly and I wondered if you could actually make any money - but as I said I will start tomorrow.

victory

I agree with Joozl, use everything that ebay offers you like the FAQ, the Help section, the step by step guide, it is all there clearly listed on ebay, download turbo lister so you can put in your listings off-line.
Camera vital, don't forget tomorrow is 10p upload listing day.
If you sell anything, you will be charged a FVF-final valuation fee, that is clearly listed in the HELP ebay pages of the prices.
Turbo lister is definetely a godsend, once you have got the hang of it, you can upload mutiple repeat items,etc it is a very good tool to have.
Ebay is very user friendly and there is also a chat register forum you can ask questions on or just chat to fellow ebayers about the probs you have.
Nigerian scammers are scum, delete all emails from them or simply forward it to ebay@spoof.com and they will deal with it.
I wish you happy ebaying xxxx

kiwigirl

Hi firstly good luck, maybe start a few things first and then build up your feedback but if your used to selling this may not be a disadvantage to you with a lower feedback, otherwise it's bite the bullet time. I started around 6 months ago and now got 38 feedback mainly from selling with another on way by weekend (hopefully) and 3 items for sale currently.

furndire

Thanks for all help - must start tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

soolin

You either love paypal or you hate it..and you will get both views on here.

Personally my stuff tends not to sell whenever I have tried *not* using paypal, so for me the costs are outweighed by my final sale price.

If you do use paypal do make sure you know how to keep yourself safe. Send everything covered against loss by the Royal mail, for items under £32 a certificate of posting is sufficient as if an item goes astray you can refund and reclaim from the Royal mail. For items over £32 it must be special delivery. Actually, this applies regardless of payment methods really, as any buyer can ask you for a refund if their item does not arrive.

Good luck with your sales

Soo

Joolzr68

How did it go Furndire?

Did you list today? I hope you did!

furndire

Didn't do it, but I will honestly. Did a mystery shop instead - first one. Can't tomorrow, going to NEC and granddaughter here Saturday. Accounts to do Sunday, so Monday it is definitely. A good way to start the week I think.

Joolzr68

Ok never mind.

If you need help on Monday just ask and I or someone else on here will gladly try to help I'm sure. :wave:

furndire

Thanks for your kind offer Joolz, I'll certainly bear in mind your offer.