Finally taking the plunge, advice needed on best way to list

handymanni

Ok have finally decided that I am going to go for it and start an ebay business.

What I need from you guys is a bit of advice on the best and most economically way to list.

Basically I am selling a sort of crafts item and will be listing around about a hundred different items with each one having at least 20 of each for sale.

I would like each auction to be a fixed price. Whats the cheapest way for me to do this?

Do I just list a hundred B.I.N? Do I setup a shop? Is there some sort of business listing discount that I don't know about.

Also as a business can I list things for an indefinite time or just the 30 days?

Guys I know this is a lot of questions but I really dont wanna be stung with a huge ebay bill before I have even sold anything.

Thanks guys look forward to your help.

holland405

Im no expert but I would setup a shop £15 a month and put them all up for Goods till cancelled (wont end until sold).

Charge is 0.20p a item per month.

handymanni

Would it still be 20p even without the shop? I assume you couldnt do goods till cancelled without a shop.

soolin

handymanni wrote: »

Would it still be 20p even without the shop? I assume you couldnt do goods till cancelled without a shop.

Only a shop gives the discounts and the ability to do GTC listings.

OP have you researched your items on ebay to sell if they are likely to fetch the sort of price you want? If you start off with the shop and 100 GTC BIN auctions that is going to cost you £35 per month in listing fees alone. You will also need some auctions running just to get some visibility to get people into your shop, so you will have those listing fees as well.

chancesare_2

With GTC don't think you pay your 20p and that is it, on the 30 day point, you will be charged another 20p. People think GTC is a one time list fee, it isn't, it is on a 30 day cycle which is automatic.

handymanni

Hi there

Yes I have researched and they are selling very very well.

My only sticking point was trying to find the most economical way of listing.

So it is no good just to have a shop, it gets you no visibility when people are just generally browsing through ebay, is that what you are saying.

My items wont be more than a couple of quid each really, so my main focus would be in turnover, and people not being able to see me is not quite what I am looking for, lol.

soolin

handymanni wrote: »

Hi there

Yes I have researched and they are selling very very well.

My only sticking point was trying to find the most economical way of listing.

So it is no good just to have a shop, it gets you no visibility when people are just generally browsing through ebay, is that what you are saying.

My items wont be more than a couple of quid each really, so my main focus would be in turnover, and people not being able to see me is not quite what I am looking for, lol.

A shop will not always be as visible as an auction until you have a lot of feedback and TRS status, so you will need auctions to drive people to look at your shop. Also with an auction you can add a signature to your emails saying something like 'thank you for your purchase please see my further range in my shop here' and give them the details.

Also though if your items are only a couple ofpounds a go you will need a hge turnover just to get your listing fees covered and you may want to work all the figures out properly before you commit yourself to a shop. When you first start you will be paying the full FVFs, they will be reduced in a few months if you can get TRS status but for the purposes of your calculation work them out at 10%, then add in the paypal costs as well to work out your exact net profit (on which tax will be payable).

I would also suggest two paypal accounts , a micro account for smaller payments and the full premier for larger payments, however you will have to opt for one or the other when listing as you can't change it once someone has bought unless they ask for a combined invoice and you then have the ability to change the paypal address.

Crowqueen

Don't forget you have to register as a business seller and adhere to all tax and consumer legislation. The DSRs are particularly important for sellers of fixed price, non-customised items - see http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/oft698.pdf.

handymanni

Crowqueen wrote: »

Don't forget you have to register as a business seller and adhere to all tax and consumer legislation. The DSRs are particularly important for sellers of fixed price, non-customised items - see http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/oft698.pdf.

Haha no worries.

I am already self employed and am aware of having to pay tax on my profit.

Ok so let me see if I got this clear.

At the moment I would be paying 40p to list a BIN listing (if I have no shop), + FVF of approx 10%.

Then paypal take their bit plus 20p, is that correct.

So a micro account, what are the real benefits of it? I always assumed that if you were a business you would have to have a paypal business account.