Have you ever sold something for someone on consignment?

[robinb]

My friend's mom just died last week and she had large collection of Precious Moments figurines. My friend's family wants to sell the figurines and she asked me about how to do it on eBay. She then asked if I could do it for her. I have the time and experience to do it since I sell books on Amazon. I know that I would have to take pictures, price the figurines (they have a computer program from Precious Moments to help with that), pack them up and send them. I know that between eBay and Paypal they would take about 15-20%.

Have you ever sold stuff on consignment for someone? How much of a cut of the price would you take for the service? Can you think of a better place to sell the figurines?

 

[johnsontrio]

Years ago my DSIL sold some high end clothing for me on eBay. I paid her 30%. It netted way more money than selling it elsewhere would have. I thought it was a great deal for both of us. She'd have a hard time finding buyers for Precious Moments another way.

 

[Agri]

I would look for an online resource for collectors - maybe there's a forum out there?

I would also try looking for local collectors on craigslist before going to ebay. Ebay just changed their policy again - you'd have to check the averages to see if after taking out the ebay fees then a percentage for yourself if they'd get more doing that or if trying to sell locally would be better.

If there is a forum, you might be able to sell directly to collectors and just do paypal directly instead of dealing with ebay's fees.

 

[MickeySP]

Yes I have, be careful. I sold some things for a friend who didn't want the party she got them from to know she was selling them. He found out anyway - made my life complicated. I know this is not your case.

I would def have it in writing. Treat it like a business deal, money & friendships are a funny mix.

Show her all the paperwork before you list, price etc... make her aware of fees by Ebay & Paypal. Try to do all your shipping costs through PP to make the expense trail easier. Let her know there are listing fees even if they don't sell - that is a biggy.

Just keep communicating with her.

 

[robinb]

*bump* for the evening folks .