Selling on ebay

[Im a BusyBee]

i have a spareroom full of junk that really is too good to just throw away - lots of books, designer clothes, multigym etc etc. i have been talkin about selling things on ebay for months but just cant get motivated to get on there and find out how to go about it. Anyone any advice or guidance they can offer me please.

[pingping]

i've sold stacks of stuff on ebay. it is a great way to make some money off items that you no longer need, and to create some more space for new purchases!

some selling tips are:

1. always include a picture of the item you are selling - you are much more likely to get viewers then.

2. set a realistic starting price, and if possible avoid reserves as this can put people off.

3. you need to be very specific in your selling policy. include information such as:

* deadline after auction has closed that they must have paid by, or item will be re-listed.
* mention that you will leave feedback for them only once they have left some for you - you'd be amazed the number of people who don't leave any feedback.
* whether you are prepared to refund an item. if so, set conditions for refund, e.g. returned in same condition within 14 days. state whether you'll refund return postage.

sounds strict - but i learnt the hard way with a couple of buyers, and it's well worth covering your back. it is rewarding though when you get nice feedback, and the majority of buyers are v. good.

[Im a BusyBee]

thanks for your helpful info ping. how long do you let your auctions run for? what do you feel is the best length of time - or maybe there is no choice???

[ACB312]

I too have used ebay to sell and buy and usually put items on for 7 days (there are a few options for different listing times). Further to above it is useful to have an accurate price for posting your item(s). I use the 'price finder' feature on the royal mail website and add 25p or so for wrapping material. Another thought is to search ebay for similar items to yours and see what prices are reached. If you are only going to get say �1 then once ebay and paypal take their cut there's not enough profit to justify the time.
Hope this helps, Andy

[Im a BusyBee]

thanks andy, but dont you think you can caught out - either way - with tat that ends up at a high price and something you consider nice not making much at all. But i take your point and i am determined to get set up this evening (im at work now ssshhhhh dont tell anyone) and get somethings on there straight away. Its the nicest bedroom of the house wasted at the moment and this is my new years resolution to get it decorated and move into it.

[pingping]

i usually start advertising on a weekend, and let it run for a week. as weekends are when most people have the time to search. Think about the time you want your auction to end, so if you list the item at 5pm, it will finish at 5pm on your chosen end date.

ACB is right about postage - before listing anything i'd find a similar item already on, and use that as a guide to postage costs - people are put off by v. high postage, so keep an eye on yours.

i sold some stuff (which i thought were fairly cheap) for mega bucks, and some stuff i really liked but had no place for, went to disappointing amounts. they balance each other out though.

[Im a BusyBee]

Another thought....do you just post items by ordinary post or some more secure way? Is the post reliable?

[pingping]

i post everything first class (and state this in the selling information bit). the only items i've posted recorded delivery are those with high monetary value (like an ipod and gps)

[pingping]

sorry - forgot to say, have never had a problem with post (so far anyway!!)

[mamfa26]

hi there i am a power seller on ebay and also have my own shop i would recommend it to anyone there is alot of money to be made and lots of space!!! go for it and enjoy watching people fighting to win your items..clothes are a very good winner on ebay especially desighner and larger sizes,,have fun x

[Solarjunkie]

Bear in mind that for heavy lower value items, the postage cost can make it prohibitive to buy - eg if you sold a toaster for 99p, the postage oculd be �5, making the total amount spent by the buyer more than you can buy one in Tescos.
Those are only example figures, BTW!
So for times like that, where you just want them out of the way, what about Freecyle? There are groups all over the country, stuff is offered free, people who want it respond to your email and come & collect it, job done.
Excellent for larger things like furniture & kitcen equipment, if your fridge has a dent in the door it may not be saleable, but it still works & could be very welcome to someone whose fridge has just died.
Currently on our local group items offered include kid's toys, men's clothes, office furniture, crockery, plants, christmas tree, printer.
go to www.freecycle.org and get freecycling!