Ok trying Ebay

[samsid99]

Hello to all,

First and foremost, I love these boards! Thanks to all for your most helpful info!

Well I bit the bullet this am, and did my first ebay listings.
I listed several Winnie the Pooh videos, a disney store Jane wallet, a Spirit (the horse) small back pack, and new pair limited too size 12 jeans. Do you think these were good items to start with? I tried to start the bidding out very cheap, but I guess if they don't sell, I will relist and start it lower.

Also I went with the standard seven day listing is this a good call?

Thanks again for any tips!

 

[billwendy]

Hi,

would you mind telling me how you got started, and what you needed to start? i am curious, but need to hear some one's plan plain and simple. I am sending some fairy dust your way for good luck!!!

thanks, wendy

 

[samsid99]

I am definitely a newbie, but for what it's worth this is what I did:

1. I set a checking account that I will only use for ebay business.

2. I upgraded my paypal account so that I can accept credit card payments.

3. I registered at ebay ( I was already registered for buying) for selling items and took the tutorial.

4. I took digital pictures of the items being put up for auction.

5. Then I packaged my items and took the to the post office for an approx. shipping price.

6. On my selling page, I did go with the shipping calculator so that the buyer would know exactly how much from their zip code.
I also added in a dolllar handling fee for my shipping materials and time.

7. Then I listed my items, the approx. fee for me listing my items was about .50 an item, and of course if they sell additional fees apply based on final price.

My items are on auction for 7 days, so far I have had them listed for about a day and a half and not one bid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no idea if this is normal or not, I hopping they sell!!

In any case this is what I did, good luck with yours.

 

[Doodlebug939]

I just did my first auction last week as well. I put on there my sons Rescue Heroe Toys and I think that it did really well. I did the standard 7 day auction as well but didnt really start seeing bids until about 4 days prior to the close of the auction.

When it was sold I got paid for the buyer through ebay very quickly. I think it went pretty good. I am sending pixie dust your way!

 

[disneyatl]

I've been selling for almost a year now. I've made a little over $1000 since August '03. I usually sell for a couple of months and them take some time off. Anyway, I did want to let you know that I've done really well selling my daughter's used Limited Too clothing. I've made the majority of my money selling her outgrown clothing. Disney products sell really well too.

Good Luck!

 

[samsid99]

Thanks for the well wishes!

Whatever money I make is too late for this disney trip, leaving in 7 days.....but will go right into next trip!!!

Thanks again!

 

[fac]

I do not do too much selling on Ebay, so far I had only sold computer items but just some observations ..

I had seen discussion on the timing of selling an item, depends on the product, you may want to avoid the holidays as there may be less people buying on the net as they will likely be travelling.

I also noticed you said you will be travelling in 7 days, but have just listed a 7 day auction, I assume you give several days for the bidder to pay, hence you may not be able to ship the items as you may be in vacation. You probably may allow yourself a few days for shipment in the listing, and I am not sure how many days you go for vacation, but the buyer may not be too happy if they do not receive the item soon after they pay. It may affect your rating on Ebay.

 

[samsid99]

Thanks again for the advice,

I am leaving on vacation, but my husban is not. So he will be here to ship items out when payment comes in. I already have them box up and ready to go so all he will have to do is put the address on and drop them off. so hopefully this will work out ok.

As far as the 4th of July weekend goes, that is a very good point! I will have to pay closer attention to the dates when I list my items.

 

[LisaNJ25]

First buy youself a postal scale. This will avoid the need to make a trip to the PO to weigh your packages ahead of time.

You can also order free priority mail boxes at www.usps.gov


Another thing is you can print out your postage right through paypal and have your mail carrier pick them up for free.

You can also get the paypal debit card for free to use to pay for your postage at the PO.

You will never have to leave the house

 

[samsid99]

Awesome!!!

As I get more experienced I will def. try some of these options.

I am currently looking for a scale right now!!! thanks!