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

[nuke]

You're right Doris, there really is not rhyme or reason to ebay buyers.

I put up my Elton John box set from 1990. The previous auctions ended in the $40 range. I haven't gotten one bid and only 12 looks. None of the others up have bids either. I will relist it when it goes off but if it doesn't sell, I'll just wait a month or so.

 

[poober25]

Just thought I'd let everyone know how I'm doing this week. I put up 42 auctions on Sun. So far, 4 have sold buy it now, I have bids on 13 others, and I had to end one because I realized I listed it twice. Just small items mostly, though, nothing big this week.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by poober25
Just small items mostly, though, nothing big this week.

--------------------------

You know what my Dad always used to tell me? "If you don't save dimes, you'll never have dollars... " Even if you only make a profit of a dollar or two, those dollars add up quick!!

 

[DMRick]

Even if you only make a profit of a dollar or two, those dollars add up quick!!

You are tops as a cheerleader CAnn, and you know I'm certainly an eBay fan..but I have to say, that eBay is work also, and I hate to see people come on and think that it's just about making lots of money. A couple dollars of profit isn't always enough ..especially when you are taking care of kids all day, or outside working, and are tired : ) It has to be worth it..and you have to use some caution to what you put up. If you list everything you have laying around your $2 profit on some items may end up paying the listing fees of items that don't sell.

Is a smalll profit worth it? It depends on how much time it takes to clean your stuff up and get it ready to sell, take pictures, time to put stuff up, pack it, ship it, shipping materials (don't forget that gas to the post office), etc. That is why it often is really worth it to group the small stuff..so that you can cut down on some of the "waste".

I love the enthusiasm you have brought to your thread. I love that you have gotten people up and at 'em..but I'm also seeing my private mail, where people are wondering, just where is the actual cash after expenses.

Please everyone..pay attention to the bottom line too...although some of us have been very successful at eBay, we don't want you to think that everything will sell (most will if it's inexpensive enough, but it has to be worth it to YOU, after expenses!), and be disappointed if it doesn't...or you if aren't making enough for the magical trip.

If you have a lot of stuff you just want to get rid off, then lower prices may work for you..but if you sell something for $3.00, and the fees are (worse case scenerio..you may or may not use all of these..and yet they may help you to get the higher price..it's a crap shoot):
.30 to list,
.25 for gallery
.10 10 day auction
.05 buy it now
.16 end of auction fee
.86 total, plus shipping materials and gas, and time to list, pack, ship, etc..you prob only cleared $1.50-$2.00. If you set it up to start at another time, or use auction watch, or pay for extra pictures, that all has to be considered. For me, as a business, I also pay 28% income and self employment tax..wow does that eat into my profits! Of course I get to "take" off my expenses, but all that means is that part of my business I don't pay income tax on.

I'm just saying, take it all into consideration...some of your items may do better at the garage sale or 2nd hand shop..or even as a tax deduction. I'm all for eBay..but I know lots of you have little kids and time is precious...so you have to think about all the sides. I'm retired from my "real" job, work at home on my computer, so it's pretty easy to just put up some stuff. I guess what I'm saying, bottom line, is don' t feel bad if this isn't for you right now..take it all in, learn from it and do it when you are ready.

 

[DMRick]

and I had to end one because I realized I listed it twice.

Just in case you didn't know, you can get your fees back from ebay as a credit.

Doris

 

[C.Ann]

I don't know - maybe it's just me - (or my overflowing enthusiasm) - but I don't find doing this eBay thing all that much work.. Granted, I have no young children at home anymore - and I only work 3 days a week - but I see it as more of a hobby that I really, really enjoy.. "Work" is a dirty word - if I felt like I was "working", I probably wouldn't be doing it! LOL

I get such a kick out of making $12.27 plus S&H for two videos that I paid a buck a piece for to begin with.. Or $8.50 plus S&H for 4 paperback books that would go for 25 cents a piece in a garage sale (if that).. Or $18 plus S&H for a beer stein I picked up in a yard sale a few years back for a dollar.. I've held many a garage sale in my day and I would NEVER, EVER be able to ask - or get - those prices any place BUT eBay.. Even when items sell at a low price, the ones that sell for way more than they should tend to offset the differences nicely enough that the "profit" is still there..

I don't think the "fees" are as much a profit-drainer as are the supplies - but - like anything else, you have to shop around for the lowest prices and get whatever supplies you can for FREE.. Because I usually sell a lot of books - and need the HUGE bubble mailers - I found a place where I ordered a case of them (at considerably less than any place local) and they threw in 6 rolls of tape for FREE.. My stepdaughter is involved with a home party type business so she saves all of her boxes and bubble wrap for me.. Gas isn't really a consideration for me because I pass right by the post office on my way to work every day and even if I wasn't working, the P.O. is right around the corner from my bank and where I buy my groceries and gas, so I'm down there all the time anyhow!

Of course as many of you already know, I'm a TERRIBLE pack rat (
) so I have TONS of stuff packed away in boxes (lots of it brand spanking new - you know, those birthday and Christmas gifts that you open and say to yourself, "WHAT were they thinking???" LOL) so I don't have much "prep" involved.. When I take a box of stuff out, I use a two-step method.. First I take a picture of it, then I weigh it and slap a sticky on it so I know what I need to charge for shipping.. I load the pictures and I'm all set to go.. Descriptions are easy for me and I can type pretty darn fast, so that helps too! LOL

Now the reason I'm up so late tonight (or would that be this "morning" ) is because I was "playing" with my eBay money (and those delightful little envelopes I have - LOL) and found that I already had a big enough chunk of change (and all strictly from eBay - aside from those pennies I rolled last week - LOL) that I could go ahead and decide on a hotel, so I did.. And I booked it! Am I worried I won't be able to pay for it? Not in the least.. If push comes to shove and I have to sell 800 items that I only clear a buck a piece on, then that's what I'll do! My goal is to pay for this trip entirely with eBay money and that's exactly what I'm going to do! It's become somewhat of a "game" with me and I am going to win !!!

Maybe my philosophy is different when it comes to this eBay thing but to me, money is money - whether it's pennies, silver, or dollar bills - and if you want to give me a buck for something I would have to pay the trash man to take away, well - then I'm one dollar closer to getting to Disney!!

In closing, I just want to say that in some respects, I agree with DMRick.. You can't go into this eBay thing thinking that you're going to make a million dollars overnight (unless of course you have your own stash of diamonds you're selling) but if you take into account your fees & shipping supplies - and start your bid within reason, I just don't see how it's possible that you will make LESS (in the long run) than if you threw the item out (which would get you a big fat zero) or "gave" it away in a garage sale for 25 cents (and even at that, some people would still haggle with you over the price!!)..

Set your own personal goal - and then strive to acheive it.. I've set mine - and I'm WELL on my way to...................................

Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay eBay!!!!!



P.S. I booked the Holiday Inn Fun Suite tonight for 13 nights - Dec. 3rd through the 16th.. Had been looking at cheaper places, but this "Grandma" is an "easy touch" (the place looks SO awesome for kids!) and I got the entertainment rate for my dates so I figured, what the heck?? Already have enough in the "envelope" for 3 nights - not a doubt in my mind I'll have the other ten taken care of by December!!

 

[C.Ann]

Oops! Almost forgot something..

If you want the easiest possible way to keep track of what you're bringing in - and what you're putting out - in terms of eBay sales -then do what I did..

I have a checking account (with a debit card) that is STRICTLY for eBay and NOTHING else.. All the money that is IN there comes from my sales that go through Paypal (checks and money orders are cashed and deposited in my "envelopes") and ALL of my expenses for eBay come OUT of there (supplies, eBay fees, postage, etc.).. The only thing that isn't factored in is "gas" - because it doesn't apply in my situation.. Makes it very easy to see how much I have "really" made because all I have to do is look at the bank statement, look at my statement from Paypal, count my cash, subtract the outgoing from the incoming - and there it is!!

 

[wdwpluto]

Don't forget to take those PayPal fees into account if you're a premier account holder! But I recently got the PP debit card which gives 1.5% cashback, so that helps.

You're right DMRick, eBay is work. But for me it's fun work! I work full time, so I don't need the money but I enjoy the photographing, listing, etc and it provides us with extra Mickey Money. Also by working full time I'm able to scrounge free boxes and packing supplies from things that have been mailed to us at work

I look at it this way - if I weren't selling on eBay, I'd be spending all my time buying and that's not a good thing!

Lori

 

[Robinrs]

C.Ann, I LOVE your enthusiasm! Shoot, there are cheerleaders at losing games, too!

I, too, am a pack rat and so is my son. We moved late last year and he still has stuff, good stuff, in boxes he has not unpacked yet and doesn't care about.

I have boxes and boxes of stuff from my parents' estate that I don't have any more room for.

I lost my job a few months ago so I have LOTS of time. I worked in a radio station so I have boxes of promotional items I've accumulated over the years, all brand new stuff I have no use for.

Ebay is totally found money to me. I live less than five minutes from two post offices and a UPS store. I spend two nights a week packing and two days a week shipping. I am starting a new job next month so I want to do as much as I can now because I know my time will change soon. Everything I've sold was either a gift or a promotional item or something I had no more use for so even after the fees, it's pure profit.

I do agree that ebay is work. My Mom taught me that nothing good comes easy. If it didn't involve an investment of time and sweat equity I wouldn't appreciate it like I do. I was up until midnight last night getting stuff ready to be photographed and set up on the site today. I thought to myself that this is the cost of a small business, but it's for ME only. I used to work this way for someone else, it's not a problem when it's for me.

My son is 10 and out of school so Im having him help me out with my packing and shredding paper for our packages. He's big enough to help me with the shipping and he's got nothing but respect for the "job" I'm doing.

We all serve our purpose here on this thread. Some are here for information, some for encouragement, some give expertise, links and advice. There's a purpose for all of that here. No one will agree with or enjoy everyone's point of view here or in real life but we all have a right to post things without having to explain why we do.

So, today is Thursday and I have a day of work ahead of me. I see it as an investment more than work. I actually look forward to it every week!

Have a great day, ladies!

 

[wdwpluto]

Also, I try to stick to Priority shipping so that I can get free boxes, tape and labels online. Then I only really need to worry about bubble wrap and/or packaging peanuts.

I agree with C.Ann's method of keeping everything separate as being an easy way to keep track.

Robinrs - I get lots of promo items at work too

 

[Robinrs]

What kind of promotional items do you get, wdwpluto? I get LOTS of books, and spent some of my time last night putting them up on Half.com.

I also just checked my accounts. I, too, keep a separate account for eBay.

C.Ann, I agree about the shipping supplies, they can be expensive. The UPS boxes I got have been a LIFESAVER, and work for most of the things I sell. As for filler, I've started using shredded newspaper. I "inherited" my Mom's paper shredder, which I almost put up on auction when I got the grand idea that the newspapers I get can be used as package filler. It works like a charm.

Also, I frequent my town's Dollar Tree and yesterday asked what they do with all their boxes. They told me they break them down and throw them away every day around 2pm. I asked if I can have them and they were more than happy to let me! They have lots of smaller "books" boxes and they flatten them so they're easy to store.

I thought of investing in a scale but think it will eat into my profits too much. Soooo, I use one of the two Post Offices near me to weigh. It's a bit of a hassle but it's alot cheaper than a $30 - 45 scale! If anyone knows where I can get one cheaper please let me know!

 

[wdwpluto]

Originally posted by Robinrs
What kind of promotional items do you get, wdwpluto? I get LOTS of books, and spent some of my time last night putting them up on Half.com.

Lotsa books and I just got a NWT Disneyland Mickey Mouse bowling shirt which is up now. It's very cute, just not me. I have my books on Amazon, but I was thinking of switching to half.com because they seem to take less in fees BUT then I read somewhere that half.com is going outta business by the end of the year?

I got my postal scale at Staples. I think it was $20-25 and it does up to 5lbs. Most of what I sell is less than that. Also, try looking on eBay for postal scales - I've heard people say they've gotten them cheap there.

Gotta run - time for my real job!
Have a good GREEN day all!

Lor

 

[DMRick]

I get such a kick out of making $12.27 plus S&H

That kind of money is worth it to most..it's the $2-3 range that to a lot of people isn't. The people that I have heard from have thought they were doing something wrong, when they have been listing everything..but nothing was going for over $2-3. But others are making money galore selling that price range...enough for the vacation they want to go on..but it isn't happening for them. Some things aren't selling at all. Ot they hey hadn't taken expenses into account. Also, if you paid $1 at a garage sale for a video and sold it for $10, that's a little different from paying $10 and selling it for $1.00. If you get free promotional items from work, and are making $10 and up for the item, again, that isn't what Im talking about here. I'm talking about the person who comes on the board..takes several hours going through the messages, then their closets, comes up with 10 items and clears $20 after the "work". For some it's fun, it isn't work...so I'm not hearing from that person. But I am hearing from the person who wonders what they are doing wrong. And I want to tell them they aren't doing anything wrong...they may just not have the items others have, that are making money.
I think this thread is wonderful..it's given that boost to people who didn't think they could do it...but I also am a realist, and know that I've taught eBay to enough people, that it doesn't mean instant money to all. Not everyone can get the supplies for zero or next to nothing, not everyone already has the camera or scanner..and not everyone will make money from just household items you already have. That's all I'm saying...please don't feel bad if you aren't seeing the same profit as others.
CAnn, you know I was your biggest booster..but I also knew you had tons of stuff, and lots of time. Hey, I'm all for eBay..I have done very well for myself, as have many on this thread, but I don't want other's to end up so discouraged, that they quit, when they find out that not everything sells for a reasonable (to us) price...or that this is actually work. Just want them to realize that you can be successful at eBaying, but it does take planning, thought and work (as well as saleable items).

No one will agree with or enjoy everyone's point of view here or in real life but we all have a right to post things without having to explain why we do.

I think that goes without saying...I happen to love CAnn's enthusiam and cheerleading. I did however think that this was also a thread about learning eBay..so why am I finding myself having to "explain" why I'm posting that not everyone will end up being able to pay for a Disney trip by selling on eBay LOL? If people would rather it only be a "positive" thread about success, just say the word, and I'm out of here.

 

[poober25]

Originally posted by DMRick
Just in case you didn't know, you can get your fees back from ebay as a credit.

Doris

I can get my listing fees back? I thought we could only FV fees back for NPBs? If I can get my listing fee back for that items, please let me know how. Thanks.

BTW, I am making a little bit of money. I am selling mostly pins right now. I start my bidding at just a little bit over break even counting in all fees, etc. and most of my stuff sells for more than the min. bid.

As I posted in an earlier thread, I sold some cookware a few weeks ago that I don't use anymore and I was floored by what I got out of it. I don't sell anything that I don't think would make money. I have tons of kids clothes to sell, but I haven't sold any yet on Ebay, because I do often miss stains, etc. on clothes and don't want to risk neg. feedback. I sell the clothes at local consignment sales and they take 30% of the sales. (But, I get to be one of the first buyers at the sale.) Last round of sales, the amount I made was $2 over the amount I bought for this season for my kids. Isn't that wonderful!! Anyway, I got off track a little bit. I agree with both C. Ann and DMRick. Almost anything WILL sell, but it's not necessarily always worth it to sell it. Do your research, etc. and then go for it.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Thank you for this thread, and DMRick thank you for balancing the enthusiasim with realism. There is a happy balance going on here, which is what I am looking for so that I can make an informed decision before leaping into E-bay selling. Please everyone keep it coming, I am finding it helpful (even though I am still very confused by the whole process LOL).

 

[DMRick]

If I can get my listing fee back for that items,

Yes, eBay forgives us our errors. Of coure you can't wait until the auction almost ends to request the fees back LOL!

Hopefully this will take you where you want to be..and then click on account concerns..and pick whatever is the closest. When you get to where you can type something..just give the auction number and tell them you accidently listed it twice.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/basics/select-RS.html

Doris

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by DMRick
I did however think that this was also a thread about learning eBay..so why am I finding myself having to "explain" why I'm posting that not everyone will end up being able to pay for a Disney trip by selling on eBay LOL? If people would rather it only be a "positive" thread about success, just say the word, and I'm out of here.

---------------------

Hey - don't you even THINK about leaving this thread!! Your opinions and expertise are way too valuable for us to let you leave.. We would have to "come find you" - LOL!

You don't need to "explain" why you're posting things that you're hearing from others - you're simply passing along info that you have recieved elsewhere, and that's great! No two people are ever going to have the exact same experience on eBay and that's part of what makes it so interesting - don't you think?

Take last night for example.. I was talking to my sister-in-law and she was telling me about an item she was looking at on eBay that she happens to have one of in her home - which weighs less than a pound... If you bought this item new in the store you would probably pay $3 tops.. The "seller" had it up for 99 cents - and was charging $17 for shipping & handling!! Now maybe I'm not knowledgeable enough about eBay to make a snap judgement, but there is NO way it could cost that seller $17 to ship that item - even if they had to MAKE a box themselves.. To me, that is someone who definitely will NOT make a go of it with eBay because it's totally unrealistic.. I often see the old "Macy"s Garage Sale" scenario going on quite often too - you know, the one where someone has a dress they're trying to sell that they've worn numerous times but they put it up for $50 because "that's what they paid for it "ten years ago.. Being realistic applies to both keeping track of your outlay AND being realistic in terms of what you can reasonably expect to get for an item..

There's an old saying about working that applies to my particular feelings about eBay - "Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life.." But - that's just ME - others may find it boring, too time-consuming, too much of a hassle.. Find your comfort zone and stick to it.. If working a second job is better for some (and less stressful) then that's the way to go in order to achieve your goal of a trip to Disney.. But if you WANT to go the eBay route, then take every bit of advice here, sift through it, and take what applies to you.. If you have a great week of sales - please share! If you have a bad week of sales, share that too! We're all here to help each other - and no one is leaving unless...............they're going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay eBay!!!!

 

[PatriciaH]

After telling my parents and sister what we were making on Ebay, they gave me a ton of stuff to take back from our last visit to NY and sell. I get 50% of whatever sells I have several auctions ending this Sunday- they all have pretty good bids and I am hoping they go up closer to the end.

I also ship only Priority Mail (Media Mail for books, mags) because they send free supplies right to my door. We still have boxes and tape from a year ago! The buyers pay for it and they love that the items get to them in 2/3 days. My post office is a 5 minute walk so I do not even have to drive unless the item is heavy.

I find that we had a lot of suprises on what sells so well. We had a box of Plasticville (for train sets) that DH wanted to throw out. I told him- just list it someone may want it- and it went for over $400! Name brand clothing like Betsey Johnson (my sister loves her stuff) sells really well, but last week I had NO bids on some nice items of clothing with the tags still on. They were "no name" so people probably could not even find them. Things like this may do better at a consignment shop.

I really think you have to do searches and see what things are going for before you list to see if it is even worth it. Disney pins do really well. Old toys, Boy Scout stuff does well too.

I think you have to go into it with NO expectations but make sure you do not loose $$. My parents set their reserves WAY too high on 2 items I am selling for them and I told them they will not sell-oh well...

 

[Robinrs]

I agree PatriciaH, the only thing that leads to disappointment is expectation.

I expect nothing and get something!That's a GOOD thing!

I only put up one thing that did not sell and I thought it was THE thing that would! It was an awesome lamp I brought from Tuesday Morning. I thought it was a nice lamp but not me. I deliberately put a pretty high reserve on it and alas, no one came near it. Sooooo, it's sitting in my bedroom, pretty as can be!

My sister and I are also going halves on her stuff. She told me she doesn't want to do it so she wants me to do it for her. She has some incredible stuff. I plan to put her stuff up next week.

 

[mom2smjn]

Originally posted by PatriciaH
.

I also ship only Priority Mail (Media Mail for books, mags) because they send free supplies right to my door. We still have boxes and tape from a year ago!

WHOAH what an I missing? How do you get free supplies to your door PLEASE tell!!!