Want to list my first item on ebay

mummyplus3

Hiya,

I'm thinking of listing my first ever item up on Ebay at the weekend and hoping I can get some hints & tips.

I've got an Oasis Dress and a Flip Video Camara to sell. I've got Paypal and I've heard of Auctiva or something to deisgn pretty backgrounds but other than that I am at a loss?!

So I have a few q's if anyone wouldnt mind answering a few obviously I'm not after your trade secrets just a few tips to help me get started!

What is the best day to end an auction?

What time is best to end an auction?

How long should I be looking at running the auction for?

I only have 11 feedback (100%) will that put people off from buying as its not much?


And just out of curiousty anybody know what size of clothing sells best on Ebay? I wondered whether it would be the larger sizes 22+ as people can be embaressed about going to the shops?

Thank-you '

soolin

Tips for new sellers here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1623183

One thing though, I wouldn't bother using sites that cost money for templates and fancy designs. A good basic but well laid out listing does just as well.

Obviously_the_best

And remember people don't like novelty fonts and colours, for text I generally stick to verdana font, about 14pt and very dark grey and red

Obviously_the_best

Oh, and people hate to pay anything other than the right postage, see the postage sticky or click the link https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3146680

forgotmyname

Decent photo's and a truthful description.

I dont want your life's story though.

Facts only....

Checkout whats selling and whats sold and for how much. Dont start it at 1p and free postage if your not happy selling it for that.

For some reason i prefer buy it now auctions with free postage.

Checking out all the different auctions, Which is cheaper 99p + £3.99P&P or £2.37 + £2.61P&P or £4.98 with free P&P

I bought the £4.98 one. It was the cheapest auction with a BIN and free postage.
I probably could have saved a few pennies bidding on several auctions but after looking at completed listings i would have been lucky to save 20p.

Took the easy option. Sometimes i do like to bid though, We all like a bargain sometimes and hope of finding that elusive one.

melliott1963

mummyplus3 wrote: »

Hiya,

I'm thinking of listing my first ever item up on Ebay at the weekend and hoping I can get some hints & tips.

I've got an Oasis Dress and a Flip Video Camara to sell.

I'd also check your listing very carefully before submitting it as I'm sure you want people to know it's a "Camera" you are selling and not a "Camara"!

Please don't think I'm having a go at your post as I'm sure you would take more time to be careful than you would just posting on a forum. Maybe get someone else to read through your description as I know it's so easy to read what you think you've written as opposed to what is actually written.

timmmers

Just a small idea, ask for feedback. PPal will hang onto your money until you get some for weeks. I recently had this as a new seller, and the buyer wasn't in a hurry to feedback until I asked her to. I will mention it in future listings or contact them when the item is delivered just to make sure until I pass the random barrier PP have for "new sellers". Nothing with PP is sure in this silly regard of getting paid...time they "may" hold onto your money is "up to 21 days" and so far I can't find the point this stops lol

timmmers

I made a booboo with my 1st item too. It was a 7 days auction, sold fine. The next week I saw another one listed in worse condition and obviously he had a lot more interest as it attracted a lot more bidders (nothing to do with feedback or the listing, just luck 'i think). IF I'd waited for that, I could have banged mine up with a Buy it now price when his had not long to go tom time them showing up together with mine cheaper than a bid on his and in new condition...got a fair bit more for mine if buyers saw them both.

theonlywayisup

timmmers wrote: »

Just a small idea, ask for feedback. PPal will hang onto your money until you get some for weeks. I recently had this as a new seller, and the buyer wasn't in a hurry to feedback until I asked her to. I will mention it in future listings or contact them when the item is delivered just to make sure until I pass the random barrier PP have for "new sellers". Nothing with PP is sure in this silly regard of getting paid...time they "may" hold onto your money is "up to 21 days" and so far I can't find the point this stops lol

Never ask for feedback. Feedback is optional and asking buyers for it can lead to you getting the feedback you don't want or deserve, you only have to read some of the threads on he where people have been hassled for feedback. Holds on your PayPal, for new sellers, is very usual and is not the buyers concern.

If you are selling clothing, include sizes and measurements. Launder your items and list any snags,holes or marks etc.

soolin

timmmers wrote: »

Just a small idea, ask for feedback. PPal will hang onto your money until you get some for weeks. I recently had this as a new seller, and the buyer wasn't in a hurry to feedback until I asked her to. I will mention it in future listings or contact them when the item is delivered just to make sure until I pass the random barrier PP have for "new sellers". Nothing with PP is sure in this silly regard of getting paid...time they "may" hold onto your money is "up to 21 days" and so far I can't find the point this stops lol

The 'silly' paypal rules are there to protect buyers from rogue sellers who set up accounts and then sell a number of items and disappear. WE need buyers to make sales- so anything that makes them happy is fine by me.

Also, asking for feedback will make you look like one of those rogue sellers, don't do it- ever.