E-Bay Selling Guide

[DSJ]

Is it possible to buy a guide to selling on e-bay. I would like to start (I have an account already) but want to find out exactly what I'm letting myself in for first.

Thanks.

[CheekyChops]

You could try this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/eBay-co-uk-Dummies-UK-Jane-Hoskyn/dp/0764570595

[AB Editor]

Or you could ask your questions as they come on here. There's lots of clever eBayers on AB :)

[boxtops]

I was going to suggest the Dummies book - but yes, I agree with Ed - lots of us already sell on eBay. Their own guide to selling on the site is helpful, too.

[DSJ]

Many thanks to all of you. I feel confident to go ahead now. I have also ordered the Dummies book.

[andres]

Just go into the help section on ebay itself. You'll find all you need to know on there.Or go into the discussion site.

[heathfield]

One of the problems with eBay is that their formats are constantly changing, so that a guide on the subject can rapidly become out of date. That's where ABers who are regular sellers can help you out with sound advice on any help you might need.

[DSJ]

Thank you all.

[boxtops]

DSJ - a few initial hints:
1. Take good clear pictures - at least one pic is always free, and eBay won't accept listings without pictures these days.
2. Always describe your item in detail. If something's a bit wrong (scratch, mark, etc) say so - buyers can't then say you didn't tell them.
3. Weigh your items and potential packaging meticulously so you allow enough for P&P to charge to the customer (you can get a good leaflet from the PO or the Royal Mail site - you have to measure parcels these days as well as weigh them, to get them in the right category.
4. You can charge a little for packaging materials as well as postage, and for petrol/parking - a few extra pence on top usually covers this.
5. If you overcharge on P&P in error, you can always refund an amount to the buyer if you want to keep them happy. I do this if I have wildly miscalculated, or if a package goes (e.g.) as small rather than medium package rate.
6. Above all, make that description true and honest.

[boxtops]

...and
7. contact your buyer when you've posted the item, tell them it's on its way - communication is important
8. leave feedback and ask them to do the same for you - all helps your reputation (and theirs)

[boxtops]

..and

every so often eBay have a free listing day (or better still, free weekend) - when you don't pay anything to list items in auction format. Well worth saving up your items to list at this time.

I used auction formats, usually for 10 days for maximum coverage.

[jomifl]

Post pictures of any defects, above all be honest.

[237SJ]

1. One pic is always free? Damn, I didn`t know that. I`ve just listed three items today with 2 pics each. You live and learn, I guess.

[bert_h]

(boxtops) You don't need to send the buyer a message that the item has been posted - one of the drop-down options on your 'Sold items' page is 'Mark as dispatched', and when you click it, eBay sends an automated email to the buyer, 'Your item has been marked as dispatched'. This saves you quite a lot of typing!

[TWR]

As Boxy 19.27, give the byer the Date / Time / P.O. Session ID Number. be carefull of the so-called byers from Nigeria when they ask you to " First send them £££££££££££££ into their account, any offers from that area, DELETE. you will get to know in time & experience by the Scammers, ( People & friends bidding on your items. but as said, check ebay rules.

[EDDIE51]

As a seasoned eBay seller I offer these tips.
1, a really good clear in focus picture is VITAL it is the difference between multi bids and no bids. Up to 12 pictures are free now, used to be just the 1st one free, so use at least 3 good photos.
Do not use the 'stock photos' that eBay provide for some common items, people seldom bid on listings with just a 'stock photo' they think the item will be in poor condition.
Sell worldwide you get more and higher bids and as long as you check the postage cost carefully it is just as easy as selling 'UK only'
Any specific problems just put a question on here.

[EDDIE51]

Boxtops and others, eBay now offer up to 12 pictures free. I only noticed last week. They recommend you use at least 4 photos.

[boxtops]

Eddie, yes, I know more than 1 pic is free, but many of the things I sell are self-explanatory - you don't need more than 1 picture.

Bert - yes, I use the despatched icon - but it's only civil to contact buyers personally too. A dozen words typed is good customer service, I wouldn't not do it.

[jomifl]

Take Eddie's advice and sell as far afield as you think is safe. As a buyer in France I used to get a bit pi$$ed off with people who won't sell outside the UK or do collection only because the item is 'fragile'. Now I email to find out if they will accept bids from abroad and surprisingly about 75% will but weren't aware that they seemed not to..

[boxtops]

I find that's to do with changed listing templates. At one time I used to advertise the prices for UK and Europe and worldwide postage - latterly, I just give the price for UK mailing, but ask potential buyers to get in touch with me for details of the cost to their location. I still get buyers from outside the UK, and I'm happy to sell to them.

[boxtops]

PS - but - I will only accept payment by PayPal from people outside the UK. That way I don't have to wait for money to arrive and clear before I can despatch the item.