E-bay starter tips?

picklednut

Hi All

I want to start selling stuff on Ebay but don't know what "kit" I will need to set up. Eg I know I'm going to need several boxes / envelopes etc but where is the cheapest place to buy them? Also, how do I make sure I get the postage amount right? Do I need to buy scales etc?

Thanks in advance

bottleofred

Hi picklednut,

For clothes etc you may be better using the plastic style bags/envelopes. I bought mine off ebay and always used "cheapest first" as a search option, but be sure to buy the correct size. For clothes I think the size I bought was 12"x16" and it's always been ok, but it depends what you're selling. I have never bought scales and usually use what others are charging as a guide and have always just about been ok in that regard. Scales may be handy though and you could find out the cost per weight on the post office website.

Good luck

Red

dreamdreamer

You might get more responses posting this on the ebay forum here.

garagefairy

If you are an eBay starter, work on your "about me" page first or your profile. If it is your first post, give your product AUTHENTIC description and don't overprice it.

gldubli

You got bigger markets than ebay

PM me i can send you the complete list

Best regards

Hermia

I definitely recommend getting some digital kitchen scales for weighing parcels. Re: packaging, it's worth asking your friends or even your workplace if they have any used packaging they don't want. People who don't sell on ebay just regard used jiffy bags as rubbish and will be glad to get rid of them. I got tons of bubblewrap from my company who had no use for it.

BigCraigJohn

Dont list anything of value until youve got a few feedback and built up your feedback(as you wont get much for the item, people wont buy a £1000 item of a zero feedback buyer unless its collection only). Its worth linking your paypal account with ebay and getting everything confirmed asap. Its a pain but they can block you with any excuse, also ensure your fees are paid as soon as possible.
Bare in mind they will likely freeze the funds for your first few sales(especially higher amounts) until feedback is received and then if feedback isnt left they will need proof of delivery from you so send everything recorded delivery.

Be extremely careful with grading items condition and shipping times and make sure you respond asap. The new system in place will effectively limit you from selling if you receive low ratings in 1 of these areas so it really is 1 way fire.

Car boots are good for packaging, there are usually sellers around here who all sell on ebay and say they are selling for 40-50% cheaper on the carboot + you dont have shipping fees to pay.

Dont list anything junk, try and make sure everything you list will sell, you are imo better to sell something for £3 than to start at £5 and not get a sale then keep relisting at extra cost.

If you intend on buying to sell change to a business account, again ebay can and will be a pain in the backside if you do anything that is not 100% good for the customer and ebays image. In this case be careful with the distance selling regulations as buy it now sales are covered by this.

pleasedelete

Wine boxes from sainsburys etc are best for posting small/medium stuff and are free. I used them for years with no breakages. I now use professional boxes due to volume but not worth it unless you are selling enough.

I use blue posting bags for everything else. I also buy bubble wrap in 100 m roll and usually use that instead of padded bags.

Household scales are fine. I also add recorded Posting costs to my postage.