Ebay new seller advice - P&P vs collection only?

elsmandino

Hi there.

I am going to start selling off quite a few bits, over the next few months, and was just wondering whether there were any general guidance, from seasoned sellers, as when to offer postage or collection only.

Is there a general rule for, say, a certain size or item that should be collection only?

How much does collection only affect the eventual settling price?

Any tips would be much appreciated.

caprikid1

Depends on the item to be honest.

Often offering postage on big items will encourage bidders and push up the price but local people will still buy it.

Never under estimate how long it can take to send items and how much it will cost.

soolin

As above it is up to the seller to decide whether they want to post items or not. The one thing I would say though is that make sure you set the auction up right, you MUST use the correct postage settings to indicate collection only, I see too many sellers who mistakenly just leave the postage field blank which then shows up as free postage when the buyer views the listing.

FVFs remain the same, you pay those regardless of whether buyer brings cash or has it posted- it is also likely that buyer will pay online and bring a QR code to collect as you cannot insist on cash. 

elsmandino

Thanks guys - there is a serious risk that I could have fallen for the collection only mistake, as mentioned above.

At the moment, I am thinking of selling a guitar (not particularly expensive) and an old surround system (which is both big and very heavy).

I cannot quite work out whether the P&P would wipe out any money I might make (but then, as mentioned, I might get  better price in the end by offering delivery).

One other thing - is it better to include delivery for free, but build it in to the price?  Also, do you have any advice on what the opening price should be?

soolin

elsmandino said:

Thanks guys - there is a serious risk that I could have fallen for the collection only mistake, as mentioned above.

At the moment, I am thinking of selling a guitar (not particularly expensive) and an old surround system (which is both big and very heavy).

I cannot quite work out whether the P&P would wipe out any money I might make (but then, as mentioned, I might get  better price in the end by offering delivery).

One other thing - is it better to include delivery for free, but build it in to the price?  Also, do you have any advice on what the opening price should be?

Personally for larger items that require expensive postage I would show postage separately , but others might disagree. Make sure you check the postage costs before you add them, you need to cover the item for both weight and size, plus remember you pay FVFs on the postage option as well. 

As for start price, I would start at the absolute minimum you would take, if you start it low you might only get the one bidder and end up selling for less than you want. 

RFW

Do your postage research first. Check out Royal Mail, Parcelforce, etc prices via Ebay and also third party parcel companies like Parcel2Go. Check the size (and weight) limits.
Ebay isn't always the best place to sell. For something like a guitar you may be better trying Facebook marketplace or even a local sales group. A larger market isn't always the best option for certain items.

soolin

I would also add, check ebay completed sales for an idea of price. Don't look at listed prices, look at those that have finished either sold or unsold.

For some larger items the costs including postage make it too dear to attract much attention, and as RFW says a local facebook or neighbourhood group might be better. 

caprikid1

Never include postage on bulky items, it discourages local buyers as it makes it very expensive for your neighbour.

Always put postage as extra do local collection is then £10-£20.

If the item value is close to the postage be careful at posting it as when it goes wrong you will end up out of pocket.

elsmandino

caprikid1 said:

Never include postage on bulky items, it discourages local buyers as it makes it very expensive for your neighbour.

Always put postage as extra do local collection is then £10-£20.

If the item value is close to the postage be careful at posting it as when it goes wrong you will end up out of pocket.

Thanks for this.  

Just as an example - if I had, say, a very heavy clock.

What options would I use for the listing so that anyone could pick it up for free, if they want, but purchasers would need to pay extra if they want it delivered?

I cannot find a way of offering both options.

soolin

elsmandino said:

caprikid1 said:

Never include postage on bulky items, it discourages local buyers as it makes it very expensive for your neighbour.

Always put postage as extra do local collection is then £10-£20.

If the item value is close to the postage be careful at posting it as when it goes wrong you will end up out of pocket.

Thanks for this.  

Just as an example - if I had, say, a very heavy clock.

What options would I use for the listing so that anyone could pick it up for free, if they want, but purchasers would need to pay extra if they want it delivered?

I cannot find a way of offering both options.

You add postage as normal t your listing and then also click on the option that local pick up is also available. Depending on your ebay view, and ebay show different screens for different people, on my private accounts I have to set up postage options and can then add as many of my options as I chose to my listing. So I can for instance have 2nd class small parcel at £3. 1st class £3.60 or collection 'free', all by choosing from my pre populated options.

One other thing to be aware of, check your couriers carefully, so many limit what they will insure, clocks are often prohibited as are musical instruments.

I'd also suggest that you list a few simple and easy things to see how it all works, before going on to large bulky complicated things.

elsmandino

Thanks so much for all the information, guys - really appreciate your assistance.

Going to have a go this weekend and see how I get on.