How do you make money on ebay?

[jayally]

I have been working on ebay listing all day, it is very slow going with all their requirements. I am listing 4 clamshell muppet videos and media mail shipping is $3.94. Ebay won't let me list it unless I lower the shipping to $3.00 so now I can lose more on the shipping. Here is why:

In certain categories, sellers are required to specify at least one shipping cost less than or equal to a maximum shipping cost. The cost includes all shipping costs such as handling. It applies only to the first flat rate shipping service you offer within or to the U.S. There are no maximum shipping costs for international shipping services or additional U.S. shipping services. You can offer other shipping services, such as expedited or overnight shipping, and enter your own cost.

The maximum shipping cost for the category that you are listing in will appear under the area where you enter your shipping cost. You won't be able to list your item if the shipping cost you enter is more than the maximum cost.

The maximum shipping costs are determined based on what sellers are charging for shipping (according to recent transaction data) and what buyers say they consider reasonable. When buyers think that shipping costs on eBay are too high they may make their purchases somewhere else. The maximum shipping cost will help buyers find items with reasonable shipping and help you sell more items and increase overall sales.
Large, heavy, or multiple items

If you're selling large or heavy items, multiple items, or an item bundle, you can use calculated shipping. Your buyer will be charged actual shipping cost based on the package information you provide, the service you select, and the buyer's location.
International sellers

International sellers listing directly on eBay.com in the U.S. are also required to specify a shipping cost less than or equal to the maximum shipping cost on their first flat rate U.S. shipping cost.


what the heck....Sounds to me Ebay is getting too involved in the seller's business or maybe I am misunderstanding something.

 

[jayally]

Just venting...I am try to post something that says newer style as opposed to the older version and ebay won't let me proceed until I take out the word "newer" . Has anyone else experienced these types of things? It has been several years since I listed items and I think I remember why I stopped.

"Oops!
Before listing this item, be sure to describe it as "slightly used," "refurbished," or other similar words that make it clear the item isn't new. You can't use phrases such as "like new" because the listing will show up in search results for new items, which would not be right since the item is used

Make sure your listing follows our guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and your buying and selling privileges could be restricted.

For more information, see our search and browse manipulation policy or chat with an eBay Trust and Safety expert. "

 

[DaniB]

I have to say ebay sounds like a pain for selling items. I have not used it for selling, just buying.

All my stuff I sell through Kijijii or Craigslist. I have never had a problem. The person purchasing picks up the items. Sometimes, for larger or more expensive items, I have offered to drop off.