How do I get started on Ebay?

no_debts_no_more

Idiophreak wrote:

I'm thinking about starting to list stuff on ebay too and have a couple more questions. I think I'm ok with the site itself, it's more the general process I'm unclear on:

1) Is there anything *too* pathetic to bother listing - I've got *loads* of stuff from childhood etc that should sell, but is probably not in great condition (worth 50p?) - is it worth listing this stuff, or am I better off carbooting it?


You'd be surprised what sells, especially childhood stuff which people buy for nostalgia reasons. See if anyone else has sold one. So long as you don't lose money on the whole deal, by the time you've paid listing fees, final value fees, Paypal fees (if appicable), and not charged too little for P&P, then you at least inch up the feedback score, making it easier to sell more worthwhile stuff.


2) Is it possible to get the buyer to pay the paypal fees instead?


This is a bit of a no-no. People try and do this, but it's a bit dodgy. Makes you sound a bit dodgy, and ebay can pull the auction.


3) Can someone give a general guidline of the *whole* process, from deciding you want to sell, through to posting the item? When do you get a postage quote? How do you decide how much to charge for p&p? What stage does the paypal payment have to be in before you ship the payment, when should you communicate with the buyer? Or does the ebay site tell you all this stuff?

I'm sure there are more steps:
1) Find likely item
2) Research item - figure out likely value, start price and postage cost. PO homepage has a postage calculator. Look at what others have charged for similar items, and what delivery option (1st class, parcels, recorded, etc), others use.
3) Clean it up, take clear photo, on a plain white background if possible.
4) Create listing, using info from above and poetic license.
5) Watch listing - F5 becomes a habit.
5a) Answer any questions asap.
6) Hopefully it sold. Send invoice from ebay page.
6a) If it didn't consider relisting at an opportune time.
7) Wait for money.
7a) Prod tardy payers gently. Some people take a while. Not everyone is on ebay all the time.
8) The money is in your account! (When a Paypal payment is "cleared" it's in your account. Beware echeque Paypal payments - they take weeks to clear.) Wrap item carefully. Go to Post Office. Send.

nearlyrich

HazelEyes wrote:

There is a forum about Ebay etc located here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=40

Good luck - it is very easy to get started although like most other things it helps to have some good advice in advance

As Hazel eyes has pointed out there is a dedicated board for ebay so I am going to move this thread to that board, you will probably get more specialist advice over there, good luck it is quite daunting at first ( horror stories abound) but if you persevere you can make some money and clear your clutter all in one fell swoop.

peskie_pixie

Idiophreak wrote:

1) Is there anything *too* pathetic to bother listing - I've got *loads* of stuff from childhood etc that should sell, but is probably not in great condition (worth 50p?) - is it worth listing this stuff, or am I better off carbooting it?

I sold some toys recently and many of my buyers were from overseas eg europe and the USA, and paid more than i was expecting.

With regards to P&P for overseas, i put in P&P for domestic but on my listing i ask any overseas buyers to contact me before bidding so i can confirm postage. Although some didn't but still won and were happy when i e mailed them to confirm the postage (which surprisingly isn't that much more)

Try listing domestically until you're comfortable and then try a few with the option for Europe and North America/Canada.

I use my small local post office rather than the main one and find they're really helpful with advice on best postage methods and are happy to check and weigh your items and give you a price if you're not too sure what P&P to charge

Always get a proof of postage certificate if you're not sending the item by recorded, special etc

Seaxwyn

Idiophreak wrote:

I

1) Is there anything *too* pathetic to bother listing - I've got *loads* of stuff from childhood etc that should sell, but is probably not in great condition (worth 50p?) - is it worth listing this stuff, or am I better off carbooting it?

It depends whether you value your time. I sell on Amazon and soon decided not to list stuff to sell under about £3 - the time spent on admin, packing, walking to and queueing in the post office would be better spent elsewhere.