You HAVE to try this!! EBAY your way to DISNEY Part 2!!!!

[DMRick]

I don't think you can do an online label for FPO..since you can't have delivery confirmation. I hand write mine.

 

[DMRick]

not flashy enough. Should I get more creative with colors and fonts?

Flashy makes me hit the back button!

I think the items that went for .99 went for .99 since those items (beanies) haven't been selling well on ebay in some time. It's a bummer, but the market is nil for those. Most of your other items went for what I would think was reasonable prices.

The craft items you sold have a pretty limited audience (by that I mean most people would buy them for themselves, not for a gift) so I think you did well on those too. If they had been actual vintage signs you would have seen much higher prices. IMO, the disney pajama's, once you pay the shipping, aren't much cheaper than buying direct from the online Disney store during an end of year sale, or during one of their special sales (a pooh nightshirt is $14.99 right now and they have had codes for free shipping)..so for myself, I would buy them direct. However, I know nothing about what clothes go for on eBay, since the most I ever buy are used jeans.

For me, the 7 day payment is a bit close too...I would be afraid my payment wouldn't get there in time, and the item would be relisted...not everyone can get right out to get a money order, and not everyone pays via paypal. I usually only entertain 10 day payment schedules, (and prefer to not see "rules" on the auctions at all) although now I pay exclusively PP, so it wouldn't affect me.

So all in all, I don't think you are doing bad at all.

 

[tarmand]

Originally posted by DMRick
[For me, the 7 day payment is a bit close too...I would be afraid my payment wouldn't get there in time, and the item would be relisted...not everyone can get right out to get a money order, and not everyone pays via paypal. I usually only entertain 10 day payment schedules, (and prefer to not see "rules" on the auctions at all) although now I pay exclusively PP, so it wouldn't affect me.

So all in all, I don't think you are doing bad at all. ]

DMRick,

Thanks so much for your feedback. Now, can you elaborate on what you mean by "rules". Please, be brutally honest. If something in my auction needs to be changed, I would love to know. I will definitely change the terms to 10 days. I really don't go by that rule though, I would probably give someone longer than that if they asked as long as the communication is open.

By "rules", do you mean you don't like to see how payment needs to be made, or my shipping terms? I figured that needed to be in there to cut down on people having to email me. I usually won't bid on an item if I have to email the seller for too much information. However, I bow down to all of you professionals and I will certainly try different things to get my auctions noticed more.

What is your opinion of having the links to more pictures? It is free versus paying Ebay for extra photos.

As for the Pajamas, I bought them on impulse thinking that they would sell well on Ebay. However, once I got home and calculated what I paid for them plus tax and fees I will just barely break even if they sell for what I have them listed for. I just listed them anyway since I can always return them if they don't sell or even save them for Christmas gifts.

As I have mentioned before, I am not really Ebaying my way to Disney since I recently won airfare and accomodations (off site) over the radio. I am using all of my extra money from selling on Ebay for diapers and formula for my little 3 month old sweetheart! That is my Ebay goal. She's my Ebaby! My husband is out of work right now, but we can make it okay on just my salary as long as I make enough money on Ebay to pay for her needs (which at 3 months old are mainly just diapers and formula). I love the fact that he can stay home and take care of her instead of sending her to daycare and they are forming such a wonderful bond. He is the greatest dad! Okay, now that I have bragged on my wonderful husband and adorable daughter, any further constructive criticism is welcomed!

 

[DMRick]

I'm sorry..I didn't mean you had a lot of rules..I just mean, I don't care to read rules. The only one you had was the 7 days..I don't think that is enough time. I actually took off all reference ot time on my auctions, after discussion on another list. Some people list so many "rules" I feel like all my time is spend reading the tos, and being afraid I might make a mistake.

I understand about the pj's..and thinking they would sell. I have returned a few things to the Disney discount stores myself after thinking wow! this will sell great, only to fall on my face LOL. I'm about to spend a large amount of money on buying something wholesale to sell at Christmas time on eBay...and if I fail, everyone in my family and all my friends will know what they are getting for Christmas LOL!! It's something that I buy myself each Christmas time, so hopefully others will see it's appeal!

I think your auctions are fine, and you are getting the going prices on the items you are selling (from looking at completed aucitons). When you see that someone has something that closed for $100, you have to remember they may have $75 in the item, or it may just be one of those "lucky" buys from a garage sale. Besides my regular items I sell everyday, I'm finally getting around to unloading the attic from my husbands grandmother's farm..so not only do I get to sell some higher priced items, those items bring more people to my auctions, to help sell my "regular" stuff!

Keep bragging on that baby..just married my last child off, and finally, I have hopes for another one of those babes (please God, as they say in Ireland where he lives) in my life! Nothing better in my book..I even give up time on eBay to spend with grands!
Doris

 

[CajunDixie]

If they have good feedback, then I would take it. A returned check is so much worse for the buyer- $30 a shot! It doesn't make sense to send a small $$ check for NSF.

Depends on if the check really belongs to them. My Ex-S-I-L used some checks from a closed account to "pay" for some stuff before she moved to FL. Granted there is a warrant for arrest but since its for check fraud the county that wants her doesnt want to spend the $$$$ it would take to get her back up here. So basically she's gotten away with it unless she comes back here and someone turns her in to the police.

 

[Donna]

Just an FYI, i took my FPO package to the post office and he told me that anything under 16 oz. does not need the customs form. Just one less thing to do, lol. thanks for all the help and info!

 

[CajunDixie]

arghhhhhhh!!!!! ahhhhh that's better. I have had 2 problems receiving items I bought on Ebay. The first seller said they had mailed the item the day I sent payment (PayPal) but since I never received it they would send out another set....those I received. The second item I paid for on March 24th (PayPal) and that seller said the same thing...they mailed the item on the 24th. That seller too is resending the item this week. I find it totally strange that these people just happen to have extras of these items to resend yet their feedbacks are very good. Is it possible my mailbox is being "robbed" or is it just coincidence these last 2 items I've bought on Ebay have failed to arrive?

 

[DMRick]

Just an FYI, i took my FPO package to the post office and he told me that anything under 16 oz.

I guess it depends on who owns the keys to the PO that day LOL. They always make me fill out a customs form..unless it's under 1/4" and goes as a letter. Yesterday I sent what I thought would be a letter with hubby, and he had to fill out a customs form. The item weighed under an ounce and was in thin bubble envy. {{sigh}}

 

[Donna]

Doesn't it just figure, regarding the customs form! I had wondered if this was a "depends who you ask" kind of thing. He did show me how it said that on his screen though. This guy IS very lenient with me. One time, I was under by .50 and he said, let's let it go, i doubt that will break the PO"!

 

[DMRick]

Just an FYI, i took my FPO package to the post office and he told me that anything under 16 oz.

Aha..I just found this on the Post Office site..maybe they meant (when they told you no customs form needed) just for APO and FPO, since they wouldn't have duty owed? All of my items go as merchandise and may have duty.
On the po site:

A customs form is not required on the following categories of mail:


Non-dutiable letter-post items that weigh less than 16 ounces.

Non-dutiable letter-post items that weigh 16 ounces or more when they are tendered by a known mailer (tenders volume mailings through a Business Mail Entry Unit or other bulk mail acceptance location; completes a statement of mailing at the time of entry; pays postage through an advance deposit account; and utilizes a permit imprint as an indication of postage payment. International Surface Air Lift and International Priority Airmail customers and federal, state, and local government entities are considered to be "known mailers" for this purpose).

 

[Donna]

That sounds almost word for word what he said! Thanks for taking the time to research it!

 

[Atreyu]

I have a newbie eBay question. What exactly does adding insurance do? If I'm selling something and I have an option to add insurance and the buyer adds insurance, is that just for me or do I do something at the post office or what? Thanks.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Originally posted by Atreyu
I have a newbie eBay question. What exactly does adding insurance do? If I'm selling something and I have an option to add insurance and the buyer adds insurance, is that just for me or do I do something at the post office or what? Thanks.

If you want to offer your buyers insurance and they choose to add it, then when you go to the post office, you fill out a little form and pay extra to insure it. It's 1.30 for items up to $50 and 2.10 for items $50.01 to $100. Over $100.01, it's 2.10 plus $1 for each $100.

Then, you hold onto your insurance receipt (I usually staple mine to the auction print-off I do for my own records). This proof will allow your buyer to be reimbursed by the post office if the item is lost or damaged in shipping.

HTH!

 

[threeboysmom]

I just had my first buyer unsatisfied with an item I sold (a pair of boy's Teva sandals). She is requesting a partial refund. What would you do in this instance? I listed them as in used, but good condition. Her complaint is that the treads are worn smooth in some areas. But she has already left me positive feedback, so I'm confused.....

Anyone ever have this happen to them before? I feel bad. I certainly never wanted anyone to be unhappy with the items I have sold..........

 

[Stepharoonie!]

No, do not give her a refund of any kind. You posted in the auction that they were used and in good condition, she bid and paid for the item, and THEN left you positive feedback.

 

[jgates]

tarmand - just vague thoughts - take offense at nothing please as I am 'trying' to find things to help. If I were just out shopping I would think nothing of most of this stuff. And just because I suggest -doesn't mean it is a good idea!!! You have 100% feedback - nice!!!

On things like the pj's, offer regular shipping like DM suggested in a tyvek envelope. Make sure you add enough of a handling fee to cover your envelope costs!!!

Along with fabric content I like to list the washing instructions. (look under my completed auctions - jgates - I have none going right now).

One thing I tried before Xmas that worked well on a couple of items was 'Free Shipping with Buy It Now'. I wanted to get the auctions done quickly and out the door and that was a nice feature. You just have to make sure your BIN price will encompass the amount you want, the shipping you will have to pay and ebays final value fees (plus potential of credit card fees if they use your premier account).

On Beanies, list the tag generation on your auction. I sold about 40% of my beanies last month. A few 'special' ones went higher, others could not give away! When I get ambitious I will bundle all the rest as a bulk lot and sell. I would be concerned with 5 beanies in a flat rate envelope being smushed beyond repair - I probably would not bid on that type of shipping.

Up your mailing costs by about .50 so you at least cover your auction expenses. Otherwise, on a .99 auction with ebay listing, paypal and fvfees you are probably making .25.

Auctions this weekend are ending on Easter Sunday - no idea if that will affect things adversely or not.

If you want more photos, consider sparedollar or another listing service. Nice backgrounds, templates etc. You can list close to 12 photos and be paying no extra. They have free month trial and then $4.95 per month, so if you use a lot of photos that will pay for itself in a big hurry. (That's what my auctions are created on - you can PM me if you want any more info). Something like the lighthouses would benefit with close-ups of each one.

So that is my 2 cents worth, but I would say you are doing ok.

 

[tarmand]

Originally posted by jgates

(plus potential of credit card fees if they use your premier account). ........


........ If you want more photos, consider sparedollar or another listing service. Nice backgrounds, templates etc. You can list close to 12 photos and be paying no extra. They have free month trial and then $4.95 per month, so if you use a lot of photos that will pay for itself in a big hurry. (That's what my auctions are created on - you can PM me if you want any more info). Something like the lighthouses would benefit with close-ups of each one.

So that is my 2 cents worth, but I would say you are doing ok.

jgates,

Thanks for your feedback. My sister just told me that my having the two Paypal accounts would turn her off as a buyer. I think I agree and it is turning out to be too much of a hassle. What do you think?

I will definitely look into sparedollar. I was trying not to get involved with a listing service until I make sure I would list enough things to cover the cost. I have been trying to find things to list that are new, but I think I make more on used items. I guess I need to hit yard sales instead. It looks like the pajamas are going back to the store. I think I'll offer free shipping with BIN on those since I'm not getting any bids on them anyway.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by tarmand
jgates,

Thanks for your feedback. My sister just told me that my having the two Paypal accounts would turn her off as a buyer. I think I agree and it is turning out to be too much of a hassle. What do you think?

I will definitely look into sparedollar. I was trying not to get involved with a listing service until I make sure I would list enough things to cover the cost. I have been trying to find things to list that are new, but I think I make more on used items. I guess I need to hit yard sales instead. It looks like the pajamas are going back to the store. I think I'll offer free shipping with BIN on those since I'm not getting any bids on them anyway.

I wouldn't not bid on an auction because of the two paypal accounts. It's really not that hard to pay to different accounts.

 

[zurgswife]

Do you mail items parcel post or priority most of the time....my first few things I sold were media so I made a small amount on shipping (.50) but now that I've got clothes and stuff....just mailing on some of the clothes will be $5.85 (priority) not adding in packaging cost, delivery confirmation.

Would you be turned off with with $7.00 shipping on 3 boys shirts.???

 

[tarmand]

Originally posted by zurgswife
Do you mail items parcel post or priority most of the time....my first few things I sold were media so I made a small amount on shipping (.50) but now that I've got clothes and stuff....just mailing on some of the clothes will be $5.85 (priority) not adding in packaging cost, delivery confirmation.

Would you be turned off with with $7.00 shipping on 3 boys shirts.???

I would think that would be kind of high. However, since I ship Priority Mail, I use their materials and I print my postage on USPS.com so delivery confirmation is free. I never add for handling - I prefer to charge actual costs since I don't really have any packing costs and the post office is only a couple of miles from my work and I pass it every day at lunch.