Advice from the Seasoned Ebay'ers

[Mom2Madi]

Hello - me again!

Thanks again for all of the posts to my message yesterday about the missing School House Rock DVD - still didn't arrive today - but haven't given up hope!

Now, onto number two!

I have 9 items listed on eBay - all girls clothing - all with no bids and they end in approximately 5-6 hours....

I'm wondering what I did wrong??

Can anyone shed some light? (Maybe check out one of the auctions to see if I listed incorrectly?)

I'm pretty bummed about now... I had such good luck with my wedding china - then posted clothing and nothing (I BUY lots of girls stuff on eBay, I can't be the only one!!)

Thanks for any advice!

Melissa (mom2madi) - here and on ebay

 

[nuke]

The only thing I can see is that you may have started the auctions at too high of a price. For single outfits I usually will start at .99 or 1.49. Just a thought.

 

[jwfla422]

I don't think your items are high priced. But, you might want to think about shipping First Class instead of Priority. It's much cheaper and most items will take about the same amount of time to be delivered (1-3 days)- (the item needs to be under 13 oz to qualify for this rate).

I don't believe in starting items much less than what you are starting them out unless they're in "playwear" condition. Certain clothing sells well and others don't. Boutique brand clothing "usually" sell well when sold itself. Other brands like Circo I have found sell better in lots since it can be purchased cheap at Target when they have their sales. Brands seem to be very important to buyers on Ebay.

Summer selling season from what I've been told is starting to wind down right now, plus it is a holiday weekend. Many people are away our OUT shopping finding those last minute summer bargains. My auctions are pretty "red" right now too.

For more tips on listing children's clothing check out the Children's Clothing Discussion Board on Ebay, it's quite informative!! I've learned a lot there!

Wish my stuff would get more bids, need that $$$$$$$$ for our upcoming WDW trip!!!

GOOD LUCK to you!!

 

[ceecee]

The only thing I can see may be the brand names. Usually I group a lot of them together if I don't have a name brand such as Gymboree, Tommy, etc. I have never done well with brands from Target, Kmart, or even Healthtex or Carters. I usually Goodwill or Garage sale them. I sold a "lot" 10 pieces (3 were NWT, 2 were new without tag) and only got $12.99. Probably would have done better at my garage sale considering the Ebay and Paypal fee.

 

[pegster]

I have been selling on ebay for 3 years this past Feburary. I think you should go with first class shipping also, usually children's clothes are pretty light. The other thing is I have noticed that in the warmer months saturday is one of the worse days to close on. I am not sure why, but i have noticed over the years. Also this is a holiday weekend a lot of people out of town.
anyways that is the only things i really see you might want to think about.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I listed a few of my DD's outgrown clothes last week and only one ended successfully. I relisted this past week and all sold. . I usually start aound $2.99 for a single item like a dress or maybe $3.99 if it's a set or an outfit. I have been using Priority Mail primarily, mostly because of the free packaging available at usps.com. I tried a different tactic this time and asked that bidders email me their zip code prior to bidding (only one or two did). I then broke down the charge for Priority and Parcel (depenedent on the weight) by using the ebay shipping calculator and included my handling fee. One item was light enough to go first class and another I gave the option of FC or Priority - the buyer chose Priority.

 

[nuke]

My thinking is why would I pay $3.00 for a used Circo outfit when I can buy it on clearance for $3-4 brand new?

I always do well with clothes but I sell boys clothes and I always sell in lots unless I have a stray piece of a different size.

Good Luck Ebayers!!

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I don't know how your auctions turned out, but I don't panic or second guess my stuff until it is time to relist Wait it out- I have sold over one hundred WDCC figurines and many of them don't get hot until the last couple of hours.

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[emersonsmom]

Hi

I've been selling on ebay for 4 years (ebay ID is emersonsmom) This is when it really slows down for selling. It picks back up towards the end of June, but typically this is always a slow time.

 

[summerrluvv]

It's Memorial Day weekend. A lot of people aren't on the computer and are travelling, having picnics, etc.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by nuke
My thinking is why would I pay $3.00 for a used Circo outfit when I can buy it on clearance for $3-4 brand new?

I always do well with clothes but I sell boys clothes and I always sell in lots unless I have a stray piece of a different size.

Good Luck Ebayers!!

That's my thinking too. With the price of 3.85 for shipping, and the 3.00 opening bid, you are up to 6.85 for something that was probably 14.99 (if you paid full price) or less new at Target and IME Target's children's clothing don't hold up all that great after washing and wearing.

In the future, I would list all non name brand items in a lot of the same sizes. You would probably do better that way.

 

[Mom2Madi]

As always - Thanks so much! I appreciate you guys taking the time to check out my auctions and offering your opinions.

Three of the auctions did sell, but I'm so glad I posted my question because I learned alot - and took notes! I guess the first is that "patience is a virtue" thing - I have to be the most impatient person there is!

I'm going to relist the remaing - offering first class or parcel post and maybe adjust one of two of the starting prices and combine a couple.

Thanks again!

 

[C.Ann]

I don't think the Memorial Day Weekend has anything to do with it at all.. I did quite well last year on Memorial Day Weekend (as well as Labor Day weekend) and I'm doing okay this weekend too..

You may get "last minute" bidders, so I wouldn't worry too much.. If the items don't sell, relist them and change your method of shipment and that may do the trick for you..

Best of luck!

 

[emersonsmom]

I have to agree on that it doesn't have a whole lot to do with the holiday. Its just slows down this time of the year, especially for clothing. Like I said, in the 4 years I've been selling..I always expect it this time of the year. Now is when I try and sell other items besides clothing, and then I'll start my fall listings up next month. We just wore this outfit to Disney last week..and yup, its up on ebay already.