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Style and beauty

Ebaying - is it possible to make a complete moof of it?

19 replies

kenobi · 08/08/2011 16:58

I've bought stuff from Ebay right enough, but never sold. I've got a totally unworn (still with label in) Phillip Lim 2.1 dress that I will never, ever fit into (preggers, haven't been a size 12 in two years) and I wondered, are there any special, magic words that will make people realise it's fabulous, flattering and generally magnificent? I bought it for the summer, got pregnant, never lost the weight, got pregnant again. It's all over for me but the dress deserves to be worn.

Also someone told me that if you don't put a minimum on an item, more people bid and you get more money in the end. That's all very well but I'd be gutted if I sold a £200+ dress for a tenner. I'd rather give it to charity.

Any words of wisdom? Is it like a google advert where if you get the right combo of words it comes to the top of the search choices and people notice it? Or is there no voodoo word magic and I'm making a mountain out of a molehill?

OP posts:

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nocake · 08/08/2011 17:04

Think about the words you'd use in a search if you were looking for that dress and use them in the title, making sure you spell them correctly. Also look for other similar dresses, see what category they're in and put yours in the same category. That may sound obvious but it's not always clear what category things should go in.

If you really can't bear to let it go for less than £10 put that as a starting bid. If it's fabulous then you will get lots of bids.

And good luck

EdwardorEricCantDecide · 08/08/2011 17:17

Definitely put a higher starting price as apposed to a reserve as buyers get annoyed(at least I do) about being told you still haven't "won" even when there's no other bidders.
IME things only tend to go for a few qui over starting price as no one bids until last minute so its harder to get into a bidding war.
I recently sold and Amanda wakely dress with matching jacket for £20
it broke my heart but like you I knew I'd never wear it again.

EdwardorEricCantDecide · 08/08/2011 17:18

Sorry that was meant to say £10

kenobi · 08/08/2011 17:22

It's this one if you're interested. Would you buy it? Or should I just tuck it away as an (ahem) heirloom for my DD?

OP posts:

kenobi · 08/08/2011 17:24

Wow EdwardOrEric, that's criminally low...

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kenobi · 08/08/2011 17:24

Also, what's the difference between a higher starting price and a reserve?

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Katisha · 08/08/2011 17:41

Gosh that's a nice dress kenobi.

Mumelie · 08/08/2011 19:19

What about putting it on as a Buy-It-Now price of what you are prepared to accept for it? Maybe with free p&p to tempt people to buy. If I have something of any value I tend to do this, esp if its new.
Or you could start the auction off at the lowest price you are willing to accept. This is more costly than starting at 99p (which is free), but worth it.
Remember to add lots of photos, on a mannequin if possible to really show the dress off. Maybe even cut and paste the photo from that link?
Make sure key words are in the title - the make, thats its BNWT (brand new with tags), the colour, size.
I would say:
BNWT Phillip Lim 2.1 Orange Silk Dress size 12
Then really sell it in the description.
Good luck with your sale.

fergoose · 08/08/2011 21:39

Make sure you use the words Tuck Fold Dress in the title if that is what it is known as

Take as many photos as possible

Also ensure the listing ends at 8-9pm if it is an auction

Remember to send special delivery if it sells for more than £46 to cover yourself against fraudulent buyers or loss.

levantine · 08/08/2011 21:41

I would put it on as a Buy It Now at a price I would be happy with and if no one bought it relist it with a starting price that wouldn't make me cry.

fergoose · 08/08/2011 21:42

or Buy it now with a best offer maybe

miche8 · 08/08/2011 21:54

its beautiful you should keep.

musttidyupmusttidyup · 08/08/2011 22:01

I always think that I'd rather give it to a good home than sell for peanuts so I usually use Buy-It-Now, with open to best offers if I think my asking price is a bit cheeky.

bellavita · 08/08/2011 22:04

Beautiful dress!

EdwardorEricCantDecide · 08/08/2011 22:05

A reserve doesn't tell buyers what ur minimum price is just that they haven't "won" until they reach it. Whereas buyers can see starting price or buy it now price.

Mine was from Amanda wakely's elements so it wasn't quite as expensive as the couture stuff but think the set was around £200 and had been worn once £10 was my starting price but I put the jacket as main pic I think that was my mistake still its done now.

memphis83 · 08/08/2011 22:10

Wow that is lovely, I would be buying it off of you if I had the funds! I would suggest a buy it now price, with a make me an offer added, also get a friend with a great figure to wear it and take pics of them minus the head to show it off to its best!

kenobi · 10/08/2011 16:27

Thanks so much for your help everyone, I'll put it on at Buy It Now. If it doesn't get sold maybe I should get people to nominate a mner who deserves it and give it away.

mumelie is it ok to put BNWT even though it's not from this season? It is totally unworn just not brand-new, if you know what I mean.

OP posts:

kenobi · 10/08/2011 16:28

Ugh Eric, yes done but still gutting - that's what I don't want.

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mippy · 10/08/2011 17:53

Make sure you include relevant measurements and some good pictures.

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