help, ebay sellers

[Susie Dismom]

o.k. I finally got organized. I have a stack of 10-12 photos of kids clothes to list. I got registered with ebay and billpoint. I have read and read other peoples listing that are similar to mine. I have a slight idea how to do shipping without making the buyer feel ripped off. Now, do I list all my items at once? Or, do I take a shy step forward and put 2 or 3 up? I guess I wonder how anyone will ever bid from me when I just have a little positive feedback from people I've bought from. How will anyone ever trust me since I am obviously a new seller? And, since its obvious that I am a new seller, how do I know some Joe Joker isn't out there taking advantage of the newbie by playing bidding games? Also, as I understand it, I will be charged a listing fee from ebay for all listings even if they don't sell. Then Billpoint will charge me only on listings that do sell (not on those that don't sell). Is that right? I actually feel better asking questions on these boards than the ebay boards because this is a very friendly and helpful community. Thanks a lot. My goals aren't huge - I would like to bring in $200-$300 in the next 4 months for spending money for the trip.

 

[Tinkerbells2000]

Hi there! I have been selling on Ebay for over 3 years with over 2000 Positive feedback.. So, I will try to help a little. Yes, Ebay charges even if the item does not sell.. Billpoint will only charge if people use that form of payment. That's just a small percentage to cover the Credit card charge. For me I accept all types of payment since I feel I get more bids that way.
If you have low feedback, you might want to go ahead and get ID verified. This does charge a small fee, but it makes the buyer feel somewhat more secure in the transaction. However, I have seen many sellers with 0 feedback that do pretty well also.
Ebay is VERY slow right now, so don't be disscouraged if at 1st there are no bids... It should pick up in the next couple of weeks. (At least it has in years past) Kids are back in school, and families are back from vacations, people are therefore back on their computers.
At first I would list an auction or 2 a day. Especially if they are the same size clothing. People like to combine shipping. And with the postal increases lately, every little bit helps. Over the next 4 months it should be very easy to make what you are wanting to make..
Good luck, and I hope I have helped a little.

 

[ceecee]

Things are definately slow for me right now. Last month went well...I have only been doing this for less than a year. I've got over 300 feedback (have sold over 400 things, people don;t always leave feedback). I would start slowly so you can get the hang of it. Email and let people know when you get pyt and when and how you mail the item. I always look at seller's feedback-my friend has been buying on ebay for 2 yrs and never does, everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck.

 

[disneygals]

Hi,

I have bought from people with low feedback as I usually buy lower ticket items. I think most people would assume that you are on the up and up if you're selling low priced items. Why would anyone go through the trouble of taking pictures and listing something to rip someone off for $10, is how I look at it.

I sold 3 Tinkerbell items once and did very well. Two paid by paypal and I had to scramble to get them in the mail. If I start selling for real, I will decide on 2 days per week for mailing and put it in the info, so the buyers would know.


Good Luck!

Vivienne

 

[Susie Dismom]

I have mostly infant/toddler fall/winter-wear prepared to list now. I was thinking late Aug and into Sept would be a good time for these listings. I've seen others post that summer is a slow ebay time because people are out and about, vacationing etc. So, that means when the kids are back to school, fall, pre-holiday is a good time? What about the spring months? I assume folks are looking for summer clothes at this time. If I am successful with my "goal" I could see how I would want to do this off and on to clear space out and make some extra change. Do you usually preweigh your items then list a pretty general postage fee, or do you get the person's zip code then give the exact postage fee later? I am not looking to make money on postage as that is generally what sways me away from certain listings and mail ordering. It just seems that it is easier to list a postage right away, so the buyer can decide right away if it is appropriate for them. But, you don't want to always short yourself either. Thank you for your answers as always!!!

 

[plummer925]

For postage calculations I do two things: For light items (under 13 ounces) I always ship first class as it is cheaper than Priority. Priority now uses zones for 2 pounds and up. You can put in your auction "this item weighs APPROX. ___ pounds, and will be from zip code ____. Postage will be actual cost (or actual cost plus ___handling fee)." - this is a good way to do it as they can figure postage themselves.

good luck!!!

 

[nuke]

I have done well selling my fall clothes already this past month. I divide the clothes up by size and list them as a lot.
I also start my auctions at the lowest I would accept and hope for the best. If particular items are selling well, the auction price will keep going up whether you started at $1.00 or $10.00. Starting low gets some bids quickly and the more bids the more the "I have to have this" mentality kicks in. Then you get more money for your items.
I have screwed myself a few times with shipping costs so what I did was to print off the zone chart from the us post office website and the priority and parcel post charts. Then I put in my auction the price for shipping to the farthest zone and a note that shipping may be less if they live in a closer zone. I haven't had any problems since then.

Good Luck!!

 

[erinch]

so if you have, say, a lot of 6 pieces of clothing you want to sell, how do you calculate the weight? do you buy a special scale, or trust the bathroom one for generalities?

do you buy boxes, or get them from the grocery store?

i'd like to clear out the attic too, and would rather not do the massive hassle of a garage sale.

any advice on figuring shipping would be appreciated

thanks,
erin

 

[plummer925]

Erin;

Don't rely on your bathroom scale. I have a digital scale that I got free from stamps.com a few years ago. You can pick up inexpensive scales at a local office supply store (staples, office max, etc) - I personally prefer the digital ones. Don't go with more than a 5 lb scale - if it weighs over 5 pounds, have the post office weigh it for you.

Priority Mail boxes are FREE at your local post office, or you can order them at www.usps.com - but you have to get batches of 25 of each size online...Priority Tape is free too (you may have to ask for it...I know I do at my post office).

If you are shipping Parcel Post (which is by far cheaper than Priority when you're talking heavier items), get your boxes at your local grocery store. Please be aware that liquer boxes and cleaning supplies boxes can NOT be shipped through the post office without being wrapped in brown paper. I find that paper/plastic products boxes are the best (i.e. baggies, tin foil, etc) as they are a good size and sturdy...

If you have someone that want's mulitple items, what I do is this: Actual cost plus a modest handling fee (usually around 50 or 75 cents). If its a lot of items or high value, I don't charge a handling fee. I only do handling fees because I live in the country and the nearest post office is 10 miles away (round trip) so it takes me awhile....

What I did for shipping is went to www.usps.com and looked up their shipping charts and printed them out, and also printed out a zone chart - I personally HATE the new zoning that the post office uses - it makes life so much harder! In reality, Fed Ex Ground is cheaper than priority mail, but I have a personal problem with Fed Ex (they charged me for picking up an item when I dropped it off - it took me 6 phone calls to them to get the credit of $11!!)....

eBay has a forum that is great too - if you go to "site map" and on the right column (community column) about 1/2 way down is "community help" - and choose "Packaging & Shipping" - that will bring you to the chat board where they may be able to answer other questions of yours!

Oh...I personally do delivery confirmation on most orders over $10.00 - for my peace of mind (so someone can't say they never received an item)...

Good Luck!!

Crystal

 

[ceecee]

I used bubble envelopes for smaller clothing items....and I had to fiqure in the cost for those. Bathroom scales only give a rough idea, no ounces on ours. Generally try and keep them as low as possible, I mail priority or parcel depending on how close it is to the actual shipping that I charged. I also wrap in tissue paper if I use a box.

 

[plummer925]

I forgot all about mentioning bubble mailers!

I use bubble mailers for almost everything (but I sell mostly books, videos and small items). I used to buy them at office max, then switched to quill.com - then I ran out (again!) and found that by the case on eBay was the cheapest - with shipping!

I bought 100 #1 envelopes on eBay for under $20.00 with shipping - can't be beat (they are self-seal ones too!!).

Crystal

 

[erinch]

thanks so much for such speedy responses!