New to online selling

trolleyrun

There are probably several threads about selling online but I thought I'd ask anyway. I'm new to selling online. I've never used Ebay, Gumtree or any other site before. I do however, have to sell some stuff like clothes and a few other things.

How do I calculate postage?
Do these auction sites charge to list stuff?
Should I always send recorded delivery? (I've read horror stories of things not delivered)
Is it best to only sell to buyers in the UK?
Is Ebay better than Gumtree or other sites?

So many questions, sorry. I just can't afford to mess it up. If anyone can help I'd be ever so grateful.

forgotmyname

Weigh the item + packaging and the use the RM site or your couriers site to work out the cost.

Ebay charge depending on the price, and paypal charge, your going to lose approx 10% in fees right away (inc postage fees) so add 10% onto your postage when working out a starting price.

Advertise something you thinks worth £50 for 99p start and there is a risk it may sell for 99p.

But the customer base is massive, i was at a farm in the middle of nowhere where the old guy was working on a classic LandRover, I said i wouldnt mind one he said ebay...

You will mess up.. Ive sold an item I bought for £40 for 99p, I even delivered it. Undercharged postage also.

Dont forget than a buyer may say they dont like it and return it. You can say no returns but i think that attracts scammers who know you have NO choice but to accept a return.

Flyonthewall

trolleyrun wrote: »

There are probably several threads about selling online but I thought I'd ask anyway. I'm new to selling online. I've never used Ebay, Gumtree or any other site before. I do however, have to sell some stuff like clothes and a few other things.

How do I calculate postage?
Do these auction sites charge to list stuff?
Should I always send recorded delivery? (I've read horror stories of things not delivered)
Is it best to only sell to buyers in the UK?
Is Ebay better than Gumtree or other sites?

So many questions, sorry. I just can't afford to mess it up. If anyone can help I'd be ever so grateful.

1. Weigh and measure the item and use the Royal Mail/courier site to get a quote on the price. Do not guess or assume, be sure or you may under or over charge and neither is good.

2. Yes. Fees vary. Ebay is 10% for final fees and Paypal is 3.4% plus 20p on the total price (item cost+postage cost). Sometimes ebay have offers but Paypal remains the same. You get 20 free listings each month on ebay which means it is free to list 20 items but final fees still count.

3. Check the postage sticky thread on here. You don't have to always send signed for (previously recorded), it depends on the value on the item.

4. Up to you. Some countries are bad for posting to. Ebay has the GSP though so you can go through that.

5. Depends on what you're selling. Gumtree is cash on collection, ebay has Paypal and delivery.

Make sure you read about selling on the ebay FAQ/help pages and read up as much as you can on here about selling.

When listing write good, clear, honest descriptions and take good quality photos. Under settings you can set buyer requirements, be sure to do so. Also be sure to block other countries if you don't want to send there.

Remember no returns is only on change of mind and does not apply to not as described cases.

soolin

Every site is different, every site has its own rules and problems.

You mention ebay and Gumtree- two very different places to sell although both owned by the same parent company. The other posts have offered some very good advice , I would add that if using ebay- buy a little first and get the feel of it before you launch into selling. If using Gumtree, watch out for scammers and remember it is supposed to be a face to face cash site.

If selling online postage is important so read this:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3146680

also if using ebay and wanting to sell larger items that people might want to collect, read this:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/65282064#Comment_65282064

Remember though that 99.999% f people are good and honest, unfortunately as a new seller you might well attract the 0.00001% that are dodgy- so make sure you sell as securely as possible. Don't start off by selling your new phone upgrade!

Lastly, if you plan to do this as a business, ie buy things to sell on, or to sell things you have made, then start off by just selling household odds and ends first as a private seller. then upgrade to a business and do all the HMRC stuff once you know what you are doing.

McKneff

Why not try some local selling sites first.


Just go on facebook and search selling sites and auctions near xxxxx


Look at a few local ones and see which ones have the most members.


No posting that way, people come to your door, hand over the cash and hopefully go away happy.


Much easier that ebay etc.