Just sitting here

[tiggerblue10]

waiting for someone to come and pick up my old tv, dvd player and VCR. I sold it all on ebay but its to big to post.

This is the first time I've sold anything on ebay and I may continue rather than doing a car boot sale.

I have figured out how much to charge for postage via the Royal Mail website but what about the packaging? Do you buy the boxes, jiffy bags etc first and then add that to the price of the postage?

Sorry if I'm being a bit dim here!

[Ethel]

Yes, postage costs should include reasonable costs for packaging and handling. Don't forget to weigh the packaging as well as the item when working out your actual postage.

You shouldn't have to buy boxes - blag them from shops if you don't have any at home. Unless I was buying hugely expensive, specialist items I would not want to pay for a sparkly new box.

Remember, if you are allowing collection you do not accept payment by PayPal. You can have a signed receipt, a video of the buyer putting the goods in to his car and driving off. If he tells PayPal he has not received the item, PayPal will give him a refund because you cannot provide a tracking number to prove delivery. It really is as simple as that.

So, add the 75p 'signed for' charge to the cost of your p&p unless the item is under �39. �39 is the maximum compensation Royal Mail will give you for items sent 1st or 2nd class.

[tiggerblue10]

Thank you very much Ethel.

I'm just going to be selling stuff from my loft so I will need to go and get some packaging first and add the cost to the postage bit. I've got my small kitchen scales and my larger weighing scales so I think I'm set to do some selling. I've just got to sort out the photos now.

My buyer has been and gone and he gave me cash for the item and warned me about the PayPal charges.

[Ethel]

Hurrah! eBay is excellent when it goes well.

Good luck with it.

[DEN53]

Hi Tigger - I have been selling on Ebay for around 3 years - its a great way to make some extra money. I have sent parcels all around the world, with no problems.

Paypal is an easy and safe way for buyers to make payment - the only thing I would tell you to watch out for - this week I have had 2 spoof emails sent to me - saying they are from Paypal asking for my account pin number etc - I always get in touch with Paypal and report it and they do the rest.

I have also bought some great bargains on Ebay.

Good Luck

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks again Ethel.

I was warned about people coming to collect in person but my buyer seemed like a very decent person. I think a certain amount of wariness is still needed though.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks for the warning DEN. I never reply to any emails requesting bank details, pin numbers etc.

[Ethel]

Yes, tigger - I have sold lost of things on eBay collection only - tv, tumble drier, fridge, freezer, cabinet., cars...

I have the goods in my garage for inspection, and as I live alone, my neighbour is there to give the impression I don't.

I am probably over cautious but I always think 'better safe than sorry'.

[DEN53]

Another tip Tigger - if you want to buy grey plastic mail bags - I have found Wilkinsons are the cheapest - medium size around �1.45 for 10.

[tiggerblue10]

I agree Ethel. You can never be too careful.

Not sure if I have a Wilkinsons near me DEN but I'll check.