Ebay - how do I start?

SuzySu

I read so much on here about all of you ebaying this that and the other and making some decent money from it all that I was wondering whether I should try it too?

What sort of stuff do I look for - clothes? what sort? I have a couple of 'designer' dresses (from the days when ex paid for everything), but what about everyday stuff?

How do I photograph it....do I need to photograph it?

I am selling my car soon....can I ebay that

Please please please can someone who knows tell me where to start in everyday terms. I can work a computer and a digital camera, but haven't a clue about techie-speak so it will have to be basic.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

bargainbird

Hi,

I've just started too so i'm in the same boat, Take pics on your digi camera download onto pc.
You'll need to set up a paypal account, so will need either bank account/debt or credit card.

At the mo i am being charged 5p for each listing, the first photo is free, extra photos cost more .



You will have to weigh each item for its weight to calculate the p & p.

Also there is everything you need to know on Ebay, they also have a forum.....

Not much help i know, but it's quite a big subject ....

good luck

IWantToBeFree_2

I have sold and bought loads on ebay, here are my tips:

Items sell better if you can accept payment via paypal, so as the above poster said, I would recommend that you open a paypal account so that you can receive payments. As with everything, paypal has its draw backs, you have to pay a fee when you receive money in most cases, and if you withdraw under £50 you have to pay a 25p withdrawal fee which is not much in the grand scheme of things.

If you are selling high value items, only send if the paypal address is confirmed and the item is marked as eligable for protection, if not, they buyer could do a chargeback and there is little you could do to get your money/item back. Also, for hiigh value items, only use special delivery as it gives you more protection against things getting lost in the post etc.

Plenty of pictures are a must, but join photobucket and host them from there to avoid paying ebay.

Good descriptions are a must also, if there are any faults, defects etc, state them, saves the buyer complaining when they receive an item and its not perfect.

Offer postal discounts for multiple purchases, don't overcharge on postage, check on the royal mail website how much it will cost and then add a bit for materials etc, remember, its postage and packaging, not just postage, and also, if you have a drive to the post office, factor in a bit for fuel etc, you shouldn't be out of pocket on the postage. But don't go overboard or people just won't buy from you.

I always state that my items come from a pet and smoke free home also.

Timing is key, best time to end listings is on a Sunday evening (from experience) you need people to be putting in last minute bids etc and if you end at 4am in morning or 11:30am on a tuesday morning your not going to get the best price.

Use Turbo Lister to compile your listings as and when you please, and then just upload it at the optimum times.

I know its obvious but if you accept cheques, don't post until the cheque has cleared.

SuzySu

Oh my gosh.....there's a lot to learn all at once isn't there. Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. I'm sure it will mean a lot more once I start, but things like "turbo lister", "paypal" don't mean much at the moment. I will have a look over the weekend and see what I can do.

What sort of stuff sells best or is it just a question of 'one person's tat is another person's desireables'?

IWantToBeFree_2

Its exactly that, you would be amazed at what some people buy!

There is a lot to take in, I've been doing it years and still fall foul to the odd scam, ebay is getting worse for people who want to just rip people off rather than complete a genuine transaction so I would approach it with caution and probably read around forums specifically dedicated to ebay before you jump right in so you at least know what you are dealing with and what to look out for.

blueforyou

Hello, I was daunted by ebay initially, but I recommend joining! Try one item first (following the detailed advice from the earlier post) and then you see how easy it is.

People do buy anything - BUT don't be disheratened if something doesn't sell..just keep doing it.

themagics

SuzySu wrote: »

I read so much on here about all of you ebaying this that and the other and making some decent money from it all that I was wondering whether I should try it too?

What sort of stuff do I look for - clothes? what sort? I have a couple of 'designer' dresses (from the days when ex paid for everything), but what about everyday stuff?

How do I photograph it....do I need to photograph it?

I am selling my car soon....can I ebay that

Please please please can someone who knows tell me where to start in everyday terms. I can work a computer and a digital camera, but haven't a clue about techie-speak so it will have to be basic.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Hi suzy su, I have had an auc:T tion just end on ebay its been a while since I sold anything but i emptied my kitchen cupboards of teapots and milk jugs etc stuff i bought when i got married and i made £150 which has paid of half of arrears on car finance yipee get ebaying you'll feel so positive once your items start to sell what i do first is a search for items similar to my own then i can work out what price to offer it for and what psotage to do keep your listing very basic don't be temtped to make your listing look bold and pretty as it costs I upload just 1 picture of the items as its free and they still sell god luck let us know how you get onhttp://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/smilies/action-smiley-033.gif

flutterbyuk25

Hey,

pop over to the Ebay board on here and you will find a sticky will all the info you need to get started. Plus you can ask questions/read stuff and all the lovely people on there can answer all your queries.

Good luck

x

SuzySu

Oooh...another board to join. Will have to do that another day I think. Off to watch more of the BAFTAs. Thanks for the advice.