I am proud of my kids. They just finished filling 3 huge garbage bags with toys and stuffed animals that they do not play with anymore to donate. This came after I told them that they needed to make room for Christmas! Even though those old toys are being donated there is plenty of other stuff in my house that can be put up for sale. You know the saying, “One man’s (woman’s) junk is another man’s treasure.”
I have been selling on eBay for a few years although I am certainly no power seller. I used to post items quite often when it was time to upgrade my technology. I have sold old cameras, cell phones, and other electronics. It is also the first site that I head to when I need accessories for cell phones.
When I attended eBay on Location with the eBay Parent Panel in August we gained a wealth of information about successful selling on eBay. There are some users that run their primary sales business from eBay stores. Others make a good penny reselling items found in thrift stores. Then there are those of us that just want to clean out our houses when they are overrun with things that we no longer need.
Whatever you are selling, there are some tips to keep in mind when you decide to pursue selling on eBay. Here are my top 5 tips:
1. Be a buyer first: Why? Because people like to purchase items from sellers with positive feedback. Even if you have not sold any items yet, each successful transaction that you complete as a buyer shows up in your Feedback score. And it shows that you know how eBay works and appreciate the system.
2. Take good photos: When potential buyers browse eBay looking for items to buy, the ones with the best photos will go first. Take clear photos and post more than one to each listing if necessary. Make sure that there is enough light. But, not too much light. It will wash out the actual color of the item. The first photo listed is free. Additional photos are very cheap.
3. Research before selling: Search eBay and see if the item that you are thinking about selling is a good bet. If there are way too many of them and there are no bids, you might want to think about not posting yours. If there are a few that have sold for a good price, then selling is probably a good idea.
4. Create a package: Depending on what you are selling, bulking it with other similar items may make it a better deal than some other listed items. For example, bulk more than one video game together.
5. Don’t give up: If your first item does not sell, just try again! Sometimes items might need to be relisted for the right eyes to see them.
(BONUS) Make sure it’s worth it: Take into account that there will be a fee associated with selling an item, so make sure that it is worth listing, paying the eBay and Paypal fees, and shipping. Also, be sure to calculate your shipping ahead of time. And if you can for some items you might want to offer FREE shipping which eBay buyers love. And by all means do not charge inflated shipping prices!! That turns buyers off.
Disclosure: This post is posted as part of my involvement with the eBay Parent Panel. Although compensated, all ideas and opinions are my own.
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