Selling stuff to be debt free - a question

chevalier

Thanks for that Weller. I have thought about job lots, but then I think if there were 4 size 12 items and someone only likes one of them are they really going to bid, just to resell the other three? Maybe the way to go is to put up a big lot and see if I can get a shop owner interested. Ho hum off to bed now, will sleep on it!
chev

pariskate

Hi. It took me a while to get into ebay at first too - it seemed like too much hassle and I wasn't so keen about paypal. However, the reality has been far from my fears - I've had no problems taking payments via paypal and getting registered and verified was very straightforward (I needed to be verified to sell in the UK). I haven't always made a huge amount on things that I've tried to sell but always turned over a bit of a profit, all in all, for very little effort.

Give it a go - nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Seaxwyn

Hi Chevalier

I haven't had much luck selling clothes on ebay either and much prefer carboot sales. OK you don't get high prices, but you get rid of everything in one go and don't have to faff about packing and posting things.

I was also scared by the warnings of dealers crowding round you but I've done 5 sales and it hasn't been a problem. Yes they do swarm around but they all seem to be looking for one specific thing (eg books, records or perfume), and it's useful to get an expert eye cast on your stock early on. I would echo that you need another person to do it with so one can watch the customers while the other unloads the car. How old are your children? My 12 year old DD is the perfect carboot companion.

Another advantage of carboots is that you can get rid of all kinds of old junk - and once you've boxed it up and put it in the car, it's really easy to take any leftovers to a charity shop or the dump!

Good luck

Good luck with it

DawnW

most towns have what used to be called dress agencies, which take good quality second hand clothes and sell them for you, keeping a percentage to cover their costs etc. They are usually nice shops and people are happy to buy from them. Why not investigate in your area?

chevalier

Hi Dawn
Yes there is one of these. But boy is she picky. There are some things she won't take, like suits and what I call work jackets. Brand new no good to her though. I have managed to sell a few things through her, but I don't think her turnover is all that high. So I can only take her say 5 things every two weeks or so. And even then she may well not take any of them.

I have decided that I will go for it and upgrade my paypal account and give it 3 months. See what happens. It also occurred to me that whilst I want to make some money on it, what I really want is for my guest bedroom to look like a bedroom, not a bazaar! Or a clothes factory! So I shall plug away and see how we go!

Thanks for your input guys and gals
chev

Shineyhappy

I know what you mean about bootfairs looking scary if you do them on your own! My OH is going to come with me and sell some of his junk too. Have you got a friend or family member that would also like to raise some extra cash or declutter their house?

After all you dont need to tell them, you really need the money, you can explain you just want a tidier house!

joeblack066

Take a friend with you to the car boot. Either one who wants to sell and share the pitch fee, or one who is just coming along for moral support. Go first week and check it out, then get organised. Make sure that you have a float and old supermarket carrier bags, somewhere to put your money, and sticky labels to put prices on things so you don't have to answer every query about a 20p item! Have pre-decided minimums on any items of value, preferably written down so that your mate is aware of them too. And don't worry too much about the dealers crowding round. You will make some good sales then, and you can assertively say 'Please let me get my things set up first' if they get too much for you. Take a picnic so you don't spemd ridiculous amounts on tea/ burgers, and you're on to a winner. Good Luck!

save-alot

I do not think the Paypal 'issue' you describe will be the problem, with the things I have sold I have often found people bid without taking any notice of the payment options and then want to pay by cheque / postal order / cash etc when you have only had Paypal as the payment method.

Are you being sensible about postage costs, having a big profit margin on postage puts people off, make sure you have taken good pictures and describe the garment well, listing physical dimensions also helps as we all know the sizing of garments is often way off.

Storm

The other thing with clothes - are you trying to sell them at the right time of year? I notice you said you had a splurge in January 06, and as the weather is warming up now people aren't so likely to be buying jumpers, coats, boots etc.

Also, when I'm looking on Ebay for something, rather than searching for "black trousers, size 16" cos I know I'll get a ridiculous number of results I tend to search by brand name - also because I know what size I take in Next, M&S etc so it's easier to judge whether it's likely to fit. If their not a recognisable brand that could be part of the problem.