Sometimes I really ♥ Ebay!

[FourArms]

I sold 19 things last night. The last buyer paid at midday today. Most paid last night. All wrapped and posted by 2pm. Fab. If only it could always be like that.

Just the nervous wait for feedback now!

[FourArms]

That was meant to be a heart symbol! It looked fine on the preview ?!?!?

[sparklestickchick]

and the queuing at the post office lol whilsts everyone tutts - did u get any amazing bids?

[FourArms]

Well, there was a small queue, but the PO man likes me (I think so anyway it's a small one which was threatened with closure, so I always use it).

I always go to the PO completely organised. Certificate of postage filled out, and all parcels weighed (I've got some digital scales) and sorted into category (i.e. 251-500g, 501-750g...) so it's as quick as possible for them.

Few great sales, few mediocre, and a few went for 1p, but I just wanted rid! One thing went for £21.66, when new they're only £34, and I bought it second hand (for less than the sale price) a couple of years ago anyway.

[solo]

I've just sold my very first item on ebay and got payment through quickly, posted it this afternoon, but I don't know when you are supposed to leave feedback as a seller...you sound like a seasoned seller FourArms, can you enlighten me please? Sorry for butting in

[IdrisTheDragon]

I generally leave feedback when the buyer has left it, as then you know it's got there safely.

[solo]

Ok, good thinking ~ thank you ITD

[FourArms]

I agree with ITD. I send this email when I've posted something:

Hia,

Just a quick email to let you know that your item was posted today. Could you please email me or leave feedback on Ebay when your item arrives so that I know it has reached you safely.

If you have any problems, please contact me before leaving feedback, and I will do my best to rectify them.

Kind regards,

FourArms

I think it probably reassures buyers that their item has been sent, without them having to worry about whether or not they can email the seller.

HTH

[solo]

Ok, I sent an email saying that I'd posted it today and the type of postal service I used etc. Thanked them for prompt payment.

[solo]

Would it be a bit much to send another re leaving me feedback do you think?

[blueshoes]

solo, I would not chase for feedback.

Some buyers leave promptly, others take a while and do all their ebay feedback at a go and others never leave at all. I usually leave feedback. The only time I don't leave feedback as a buyer is when I am not satisfied with the item (ie felt the condition was such that the seller should not have sold it or should have put more health warnings in the desciption) but cannot be bothered to ask for a refund or discount. If you insist on feedback, you might irritate the buyer and end up hearing something you don't want to know.

Just take the view that no news is good news and don't leave feedback for them either. I only get feedback for about 2/3 of my sales.

[MrsMagooo]

Me too - always contact the buyer the day I've posted stating it's been sent & by what method (ie 1st/2nd class recorded) & their tracking number. Then once they've left feedback I leave feedback for them

You did blooming well FourArms, especially on that item going for £20+

I've got some NEXT babys clothes listed which normally sell super quick but not so much as a sniff

Really the extra dosh too - ho hum!

[MrsMagooo]

Agree with blueshoes I don't chase for feedback, it can be irritating as I like to know the buyer is happy but like Blue said - no news is good news.

I've often recieved feedback a good month or so after I sold the item!

[solo]

Ok, that's what I thought tbh...

I've got more ball gowns to sell and one is identical to the one I've just posted out and I don't want anyone to think I've re listed that one. Also got loads of Next baby clothes to sell, but if you've had no luck yet MrsMagooo, perhaps I'll wait a while...I wonder if there would be any luck with maternity clothes...I feel all despondent. Desperately need some money for Christmas or there just wont be a Christmas

[FourArms]

I wouldn't worry about the identical ballgown. You could mention it on the auction if you want to.

I also don't chase FB. If I get it, great, if not, I don't worry. However, that's easy for me to say at 1000+.

Maternity clothes often do well, if they are the right season. Don't list summer stuff now, or it will go for peanuts. If you really need to sell stuff now, then do Buy-it-now auctions (presuming you've got enought FB to do them. Think it's 5 if you've got a Paypal account, or 10 if not?).

Don't expect lots and lots for baby clothes. The smaller sizes especially can often sell for very little as people seem to prefer to buy new for their PFB's. In the end I just listed bundles and closed my eyes at the final selling price. It wasn't gaining me anything sat in my bedroom in boxes, so at least it was gone.

[solo]

I have 22 positive 100%, but they are all for buying, does that make a difference? Yes, I have PP.

Yes, the maternity stuff is for Winter. Might do that now then. Thank you!
I do want rid of the baby things, but I didn't really want to give them away for nothing iyswim. I have also had the thought that anything in my bank account is better than nothing, but I am also skint, so could do to have a good sale too.

[FourArms]

My tips for getting the best prices possible:

Clear photographs, nicely presented (good background and lighting). I crop my photos and reduce the file size so that the auctions don't take too long to load on dial up connections. However, this is only really an issue as I often add 5+ pics to to an auction.

I use Auctiva - then you can add lots of photos for no extra charge. You can also schedule auctions for free.

I list all week, and schedule auctions to start on a Thursday for 10 days. Then you get two weekends of potential viewers.

Add as much detail as possible about condition and flaws. I also say that if the buyer finds a mark or something that I haven't mentioned, then I will happily refund once the item has been returned.

Add that you are a pet/smoke free household if you are, and that all items will be freshly washed prior to sending.

Add a link to 'sellers other items' people often bid on a few things.

Offer collection in person as an option (don't accept Paypal for this though as it leaves you open to scams), and a reduction in P&P for multiple wins. You save 20p on all subsequent items if winning bidders pay in one transaction, so it's worth trying to get them to bid on a few things.

Make sure your P&P is reasonable. I would say an absolute max of £1 above the actual cost of stamps. Less if you are not using professional mailing bags (I buy these from Ebay), and posting promptly. I say that I will post the same day if payment is made before 12pm, so often make a few trips to the PO per lot of auctions ending. Hence the P&P charge is more than the cost of the stamps and packaging only.

22 feedback is OK. Not ideal that it is only for buying, but most people probably don't look that deeply. Paypal makes people feel a bit safer IMO.

Have probably missed lots, so hopefully others will come along and add some more ideas for you.

[solo]

FourArms! thank you! that's lovely. Good to get tips and things from seasoned ebayers. I'd never have thought of a 10 day auction to encapsulate two weekends!
I went 70p over the cost of Postage and used a used plastic postage bag. Thought that would be ok. Also did 2nd class recorded, then no argument over delivery!