Going to try selling a few clothes on E-bay. Any tips?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

I've got some clothes that no longer fit me and lots that the boys have grown out of so thought I might have a go at selling them on e-bay.

What's the best way of going about it? Can anybody advise me about:

a) starting prices,
b) packaging,
c) calculating p+p costs
d) writing my description and other information required so that I'm not leaving myself open to problems.

Do your research - search for what you want to sell under 'completed listings' to see what other people sold similar stuff for and how they presented them. Their listings should answer your a) b) and c).

If what you're selling is popular, starting at 99p is good as people think they might get a bargain and also this often means lower or no fees if you're selling clothes.

As for your description, make it appealing but not inaccurate - people don't like it if your item doesn't live up to expectations. Say yes to returns 'if item is found to be significantly different from description' to cover your back. And say you don't take resp. for items lost in post but always keep proof of postage (and make sure you do).

I find ebay listing work intensive and not really worth the effort for basics, but for selling choice items it's a great way to recycle unwanted stuff into cash.

don't say you are not responsible for items lost - all sellers are responsible. Send anything of value by recorded - many sellers will only send this way to avoid fraudulent buyers claiming back money. Also all sellers do take returns, so saying you don't is irrelevant.

take clear photos - add measurements, be honest about flaws. End listings at 8-9pm of an evening. If you list for 10 days on a Friday you will have 2 weekends of browsers.

Use royal mail postage calculator site to get postage costs, buy cheap plastic mailing sacks on ebay - or even re-use clean packaging. Try to not overcharge on postage as this will annoy buyers.

Post items asap after auction ending - and mark as dispatched in ebay.

Thanks.

A bit of a disagreement about postage responsibility and returns - I want to be honest and realistic but not end up with anyone trying to be fraudulent or taking the mickey.

well, the seller is always responsible to get the items to buyers - that is in the paypal agreement and if an item is lost the buyer will claim back the money from paypal whether the seller says they are responsible or not.

also a buyer if not happy can open a dispute to return an item for a refund, and ebay/paypal will side with the buyer.

eBay community boards are invaluable for help also

Ok, so hopefully if I'm honest and accurate with the descriptions then I should be ok regarding the returns.

Nothing I'm going to be selling is worth very much so I think I'll offer recorded delivery if the buyer is happy to pay the extra p+p, otherwise make sure I have proof of posting and keep my fingers crossed!

Speaking as a buyer, I find it amazing how many sellers don't give enough information. I know it's time-consuming to list but if you don't give me information then I will just walk on by because there are plenty other items out there. I do not give the benefit of the doubt: if things are not specifically mentioned then I assume that they are left out for a reason i.e. assume the worst.
Examples of info wanted: what material is it made from, what are the dimensions, is it washable, is it from a smoke-free/pet-free home.

I wouldn't put that you aren't responsible for it being lost in the post either.

I always send 2nd class unless it's an expensive item for which I would send it recorded. Weigh everything with the envelope you are sending it in. I use this website for prices. I also add about 75p for p&p.

If you are selling clothes I would start them off at a price you would like to make from it. The likely hood is that only 1 or 2 people will bid for that item and the price won't increase much. Unless of course it is a much desired item.

Just write everything about that item, defects etc so there are no surprises for the buyer.

Oh and be warned it is addictive! I am starting to buy to sell as I would have ended up with nothing left from my addiction

Buy to sell that sounds like a lot of effort to me! Do you make much money from doing it

So for postage costs, you use that website then add on 75p?

It's shopping without the guilt

I am trying to sell Vintage and only set up a website etc 2 weeks ago. Mainly going to sell on ASOS tho and have not sold anything yet. Hopefully will pick up soon!

Yes after weighing I add on around 75p. I use pretty tissue paper to wrap items in and the extra money covers this and envelopes. It's pretty much the norm to add a little extra on just don't take the piss obviously.

Take into account on postage that the envelope/wrapping will weigh a bit, that you need to get to the post office and paying for the above. In times past it was the way posters made money but not so any more. I tend to add 50p onto the royal mail site postage costs - then if recorded del add 75p, this covers my journey to the post office (10 miles!) and all packaging.