Any tips on the basics for a possible new EBay seller? A friend has asked me

[pinto]

to handle the on-line aspects of selling some inherited items - mainly household goods, some crystal, some antiques and 'collectibles'. She would handle the money/shipping end, but I am clueless to the basics of selling there. Any pointers would be appreciated before I commit to helping her out. Thanks.

[zabet]

1. I hope this helps....

First, do a little research on what you are selling.
You can search ebay's completed auctions to see if any
have sold recently and what it sold for. Search the
current listings also.
When you get ready, Start selling
with your lesser expensive items until you get comfortable using Ebay.
Do not leave feedback for a buyer until they receive their item
and leave feedback for you first. Some less than scrupulous buyers
will try to threaten you with bad feedback for various reasons in
attempts to get a full or partial refund and keep the item.
I would not waste the added expense of an Ebay store. Ebay also has
a few tutorials and tips on selling.

[demgrrrll]

2. I would agree with everything that you said. I have had some buyers

say that not giving feedback first is like holding the feedback "hostage" but I disagree. I think that you should know the item is received and accepted before you give feedback. I am thinking about putting my feedback criteria in my description so there are no misunderstandings.

[grasswire]

3. I don't mean to be bold, but you did ask for advice...

...and I'm wondering if someone totally new to eBay can get the best results for your friend. If you don't get the best bid on your own stuff, that's one thing. But for someone else's stuff -- you are likely to make some mistakes in the beginning. Be very clear about your friend's expectations and possible level of disappointment.

That said, here is my main tip: Describe EVERY flaw on every item. Everything.

And I can tell you one thing that annoys me in a seller to the point that I will not bid on the item, and that's those long big bold printed pages of rules for the bidders. What's with that?

[Whoa_Nelly]

6. Not only describe it, but also photograph the flaws to show them

Or, show the more major ones. I always invite emails with questions.
And if there are no major flaws, play that up.
(example: no cracks, chips, breaks, repairs or crazing)


And agree! Those big lists of rules for bidders are a turn off. It really comes acoss as a negative in the online persona of the seller.


I do always add a note that is more for information, and I keep it short and sweet.
(example below)

**PLEASE NOTE**

All items I have up for auction are in found and/or as is condition.


SHIPPING:
An invoice with the winner’s total amount, including shipping, and optional insurance will be sent via eBay email within 3 days of auction end.

All items will be sent USPS Priority unless the winner wishes to have the item shipped via Parcel Post to defray the total shipping cost.

I will combine shipping for items won whenever possible.


PAYMENT:
I accept PayPal, personal check, money order or cashiers check.

Personal checks will have to clear at the bank before item will be shipped.

Payment must be received within 10 days of winner's receipt of invoice.

[pinto]

4. Thanks all. Good points.

[Vinca]

5. Make sure everything you sell is spotless. Be sure to describe

even the slightest damage. Whatever you do, don't "puff" descriptions. Buyers are a whole lot happier if what they get is actually better than what they thought they were getting. Take the best photos you can. Sell internationally for more bids. Take advantage of free packing boxes, tape, etc. from the post office. Check out local stores to see if they put their used packing peanuts out for recycling. (I get all mine from the local natural foods store.) Shredded paper also works well for packing. If someone pays me right away and fulfills their end of the bargain, I always leave feedback right away. So far it's worked out for me. I also make sure to contact people right away, let them know when I've shipped something and I include a little thank you note with the purchase that has my email address on it. Another thing I do that seems to impress people is wrap glass/china items in a piece of tissue paper before wrapping in bubble wrap. The stuff is cheap from the dollar store and seems to make an impression. Be sure to price realistically. The fact is, ebay has devalued many items. Hummels come to mind. Things that used to be rare are now available 24/7 in great numbers. Good luck.

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. Your friend may get better bids re: household goods

if there are items that are a natural grouping, especially if these are items that if sold individually would not bring in as muchor much more than what it costs to list the item.

A an example, a few years ago, I sold a silverplated tea set where none of the pieces, or the tray I sold with it, matched. However, the eclectic mix looked good together, and when first tried selling as separates, it was a no sale. As a group, lots of bids.

Hope you do all right re: the photography of the items. Some items photo well/better in shade outside, using indirect natural light, while others you need more direct lighting and no flash for things such as close up of a pottery mark. (use a tripod or level surface for steady closeup pics ;) )

[ariesgem]

8. If you have a lot of items to upload,

I suggest downloading Ebay's Turbo Lister. As a seller, it makes my work much easier. The program is free, user-friendly and you can upload all of your items in bulk.

You can find it here...http://pages.ebay.com/turbo_lister/