Worth upgrading my account for a month?

GRM

I've been an occasional private user of eBay for 12 years, feedback is 370 and 100%. 27 transactions in the last 12 months; 23 purchases and 4 sales.

However, I might shortly have the opportunity to sell 22 'BNWT' items that sell for roughly £110 to £130 each. To open a shop would cost £15 for a month and save 22 x 20p in insertion fees so no saving overall.

However, are there other advantages to opening a shop that I'm missing? Enhanced protection, final fee discounts?

TIA.

soolin

GRM wrote: »

I've been an occasional private user of eBay for 12 years, feedback is 370 and 100%. 27 transactions in the last 12 months; 23 purchases and 4 sales.

However, I might shortly have the opportunity to sell 22 'BNWT' items that sell for roughly £110 to £130 each. To open a shop would cost £15 for a month and save 22 x 20p in insertion fees so no saving overall.

However, are there other advantages to opening a shop that I'm missing? Enhanced protection, final fee discounts?

TIA.

There are very few advantages of a shop short term. However , remember that whatever you do you will need to upgrade to a business account and won't be able to revert back to a private one again.

As a business seller you will need a cast iron refund policy and will need to show your geographic address on your listings

Just remember to check out your postal options to make sure you have full coverage and insurance

GRM

soolin wrote: »

whatever you do you will need to upgrade to a business account

Why? I have been gifted these items.

lindseykim13

GRM wrote: »

Why? I have been gifted these items.

Good luck explaining that to ebay when they force you to upgrade and of course the tax man if needs be.

RFW

GRM wrote: »

Why? I have been gifted these items.

First there's a difference between being a business seller on Ebay and one for HMRC.
You have to be a business to open an Ebay shop.
For HMRC I believe you still need to be registered as a business, it's immaterial what the items cost (ie nothing). If you aren't sure, check with HMRC, chances are it won't make any difference to you but always best to be covered, especially with the transparent nature of Ebay and the fact that HMRC have a team looking for non/under declarers on Ebay.

GRM

RFW wrote: »

You have to be a business to open an Ebay shop.

From http://sellercentre.ebay.co.uk/shop-subscribers-insertion-fees-fixed-price-listings

"Insertion fees for private sellers with a Basic Shop"

This was what led me to believe I could pay the £14.99 for a month if it was worthwhile.

The HMRC point is moot as I'll still be under the income tax allowance threshold.

soolin

GRM wrote: »

From http://sellercentre.ebay.co.uk/shop-subscribers-insertion-fees-fixed-price-listings

"Insertion fees for private sellers with a Basic Shop"

This was what led me to believe I could pay the £14.99 for a month if it was worthwhile.

The HMRC point is moot as I'll still be under the income tax allowance threshold.

Yes you can have a shop as a private seller but as above I think some buyers may well avoid you as you will look like a business seller wrongly registered and that does not make you look honest to some.

As for being a business, I think you're explanation as to being given goods and with the intention to resell to make money is a grey area and once again I believe you will be 'noticed'. It is also worth remembering that al businessess need to be registered with HMRC regardless of your other income. If you have no other income whatsoever then yes you would pay no tax, but accounts are still required. If you do have other income then tax would be payable.

However, re your original question. You only have 22 items to ell and I see no way that a shop will benefit you. 22 BIN items @ 40p a go =£8.80, against £14.99 for the shop plus insertion fees of £4.40, so a shop is much dearer.

GRM

Thanks Soolin and others, much appreciated.