ChatterBank6 mins ago
E-Bay Selling Guide
23 Answers
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.
Thanks.
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by DSJ. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.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.
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) 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!
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
Related Questions
Sorry, we can't find any related questions. Try using the search bar at the top of the page to search for some keywords, or choose a topic and submit your own question.