Do you sell on Ebay? ( I really need some help!) :)

[*Robin*]

Hi everyone, I know this has been covered, but I can't seem to mesh with the search times anymore...

I'm seriously considering selling some original artwork on ebay, but have no clue how to actually price and accomplish the transaction. I've got an account with paypal, but do I have to get something else to receive money? (ie: to accept credit cards) and is the cost of selling worth it?

Have any of you ever had disasters while selling?

I know I can read the fine print, but this board is a treasure of intelligence in so many areas, I figured those of you that have experienced it will know so much more.

I'm really excited about this, and want to get going, but there's that gnawing fear that goes with something as huge as ebay, and getting into all that.

Thank you all so much!

 

[Cindy B]

There is a huge discussion on Ebay on the Budget Board.. there are many seasoned ebay sellers there, that could answer your question.


Go to the Budget Board, find the Ebay thread, and post it there..you will get answers from some very knowledgeable Ebay experts.

 

[MosMom]

Before I list anything I research the price by searching the completed auctions of similar items. If the going price seems to mesh with what you are hoping to make, go for it!

There are a few different ways to list your item..

~ List it at the price you want for it (more fees the higher you list)
~ List it for $9.99 and let it ride (you risk it not going high but cheap listing fees)
~ List it at $9.99 and set a reserve (extre fee for reserve)

You can weigh your options but, people tend to bid more if an item starts out low. They like to THINK they are getting a deal even though they end up bidding it high anyway. Seems silly I know but that is the way it seems to go.

Take GREAT pictures so people can see detail and that will increase the chance of your artwork being sold

Use GALLERY when listing. It is an extra .25 but well worth it. Especially useful when listing something that people don't know what it is just from reading the title. If they can SEE a thumbnail of the art while just surfing through all the listings, you are much more likely to get a bite.

Paypal requires you to sign up for a PREMIERE or BUSINESS account in order to accept Credit Cards. You just upgrade your account and it allows you other perks as well. They charge .30 + 2.9% per transaction on a Business account whether it comes from a credit card or not.

After many years of selling and experience on eBay, here are some tips to avoid selling disasters and scammers...

Put a delivery confirmation on everything you send. If someone wants to scam you out of your money & your art, all they have to do is tell Paypal you never shipped the item and Paypal will do a chargeback on you. Never ship to an UNCONFIRMED address (Paypal will notify you if an address is unconfirmed). In order for Paypal to protect you as a seller, they require you to ship to a confirmed address & put a delivery confirmation on the item. This excludes international bidders since Paypal cannot confirm international addresses.

Don't offer partial refunds & state in your auction that you don't. People will claim problems with the item and request a partial refund just to get $$ back. Tell them to ship it back to you and then you will refund their money. I doubt you would have this problem with artwork but you never know.

Since you are selling artwork, I would REQUIRE insurance be paid in case of damage during transit.

I can't think of anything else. eBay makes it really simple and the checkout process is step by step. I don't think you should have any problems and if you do, just ask!

Have Fun & Good Luck!!

 

[Melora]

DH and I sell on Ebay (though we are taking a break right now). We have a rating over 1300 (w/ 100% positive). We accept Paypal (always a good idea, makes paying for the buyer easier, and receiving the money for you easier too). We have had our share of irritating, irrational buyers, but my DH (who handles public relations) is always diplomatic and accomodating and we have always been able to head off any problems in the past. Your best bet is to ALWAYS describe what you are selling very very well and never leave anything out. I have seen many people get negatives because they have not accurately described their product. Always be prompt in returning Email and always be nice and never demanding (no matter how stupid, ridiculous, out of line the buyer may become). This is rare as most people who buy and sell on Ebay are nice ordinary people who just want to make some money or buy something you've got, but as in life, you've got to prepared for those odd few who just want to make a problem... if you deal with these people in a kind rational manner you can usually get around any problems they might bring up and therefore avoid a negative comment on your rating. (I've actually seem people leave some HIDEOUS insults on the feedback page, immediately followed by the recipient of those comments shooting back an equally degrading comment.. childish at best)

Basically I love to sell on Ebay and we have made some good money and have had many positive experiences.

Any more questions? Feel free to Email me....

 

[*Robin*]

Wow you guys, thanks!! I knew I'd get great information here!

And that's exactly the kind of stuff I needed to know...(verified addresses, paypal stuff, and requiring insurance are excellent points, and I plan on using it all, thanks sooooo much!)

Would you care if I pm'd the pic page before I post it just to get input?

Thanks so much once again, I'm heading over to the budget board right now to check out the other thread.

Have a great day!!

 

[Robinrs]

Robin, you got some EXCELLENT advice here, heck, even I learned something!!

Good luck on your sale. The best advice I can reiterate is to start low and set a reserve for the lowest you will accept, always use DC and insurance and keep those fingers crossed.

I'd love to see your item. Pictures make or break an item, especially a work of art.

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[*Robin*]

Robin, I'll PM you with a link as soon as I get a page done, I'll be greatful for the input!! ...

I got signed up to sell yesterday, and have to deal with paypal today...(figure out how to sign up to get cards) and I should be set. I hope it's as easy to get the page on as everyone says...

Did I read somewhere a while back that someone has a program that tells you how many are watching? If somebody knows, could you pm me, or let me know the program?

Thanks so much!