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[cleolinda]

Okay, quick but important question: I'm going to put a couple of things up on eBay. For those of you who have sold things there before, what do you wish you had known then that you do know now? Basically, I know that the procedure itself is simple enough and that the site will walk me through it, but I'm terrified that I'm going to to something

Comments

[mollyblack]

Well, I've sold low-ticket and high-ticket items and I would say this:

Good pictures are necessary. The more descriptive you can be the better. I would recommend not selling high-ticket items to out of the country. I've had two attempts at fraud, but have enough experience to see it and know not to do it. What they do is send money via credit card to your paypal account from either the Ukraine or a similar small country and then if you accept they pretend they never got the item and get the money refunded. I refused the payment since I never received responses to my emails and they even had the gall to still try to get the money I refused and it really was a mess. So be careful. You can post that only people that have more than a certain amount of feedback can purchase from you. Hrm. That's all I can think to add.

[outinthestorm]

I haven't sold anything on eBay, but as a buyer, I can tell you what I like to see on listings

[squishysquidgy]

* postage. I don't even mind if people round up postage to nearest dollar. and make sure that you can include different types of postage, like express post or everyday post.

I agree. i skip past items that don't have postage listed. I want to know how much extra I'll be paying (give or take) instead of bidding for something that has an extra looming cost.

[wumbawoman]

Be extremely careful about giving bank information. Hubby deals in fraud and just giving out your bank information and your name is extremely dangerous (at least in the US it is) With just those 2 pieces of information, you can feasibly have your identity stolen.

[outinthestorm]

I would have assumed that she wouldn't use her real name for her eBay identification, anyway. And when she gives her real name to the winner, she would be giving them her banking details anyway, if that is the way she wants to be paid.

[katels]

Like people have said, good pictures are a must, and hella cheap. Also be specific in your payment instructions, such as "Please make contact within 48 hours of winning this auction. Payment within 3 working days unless otherwise cleared with seller prior to winning auction." Or something like that. But make it clear that you expect good communication, and if you don't receive it you can't be responsible for timely postage.

Pack your items well, overdo the bubble wrap if necessary.

See how other auctions of similar items are going. If there're loads of bids (10+) you might as well start with a 99c starting price to garner interest. Buy It Now is a good option to try for a nice high, quick sale, since the option disappears after the first bid.

Be available to answer all questions.

Don't leave feedback until they've left positive feedback for you.

[anonymisty]

I've been selling on eBay since '98, and in addition to what everyone else has said, I'd recommend either not accepting personal checks at all, or putting a lengthy waiting period on them. The two times I had checks bounce, I'd shipped too soon, and ended up losing the item and the money.

Good luck!

[elyim]

I agree with above commenters. Decent photos are a must, along with a well layed out description (not just one solid paragraph of size 10, nor big gaudy red type). Although the winning bidder will be emailed details of how to pay, shipping costs, etc, you should also email them yourself. If you don't hear from them within a day or two, email them again. Email them when you've sent the item. Remember to keep track of and pay your seller fees, otherwise they'll build up and it's an easy thing to forget.

[elyim]

Oh, and get proof of posting.