eBay novice, can you answer some queries please?

[theladylovescupcakes]

Re postage, I know that they recommend parcels are sent recorded delivery, but notice that a lot of items I've looked at recently have been normal parcel post. It would be my luck if I didn't send recorded and the item was lost. What's the general consensus from experienced ebayers?

Also re PayPal, do they charge you to transfer payments from your PayPal account to your bank account?

Any other hints/tips greatly received. Thanks.

Statistically, on average, it's not worth sending recorded. You can claim up to like £46 for non-recorded post (someone will state the exact amount). So in theory should only send recorded if value is above that amount (& send it insured, too).

But when you have to claim it's enormously annoying if you are certain that the buyer is lying & really did receive the item (sent unrecorded). I sort of have a £10 rule; I send recorded for items that cost over £10. You can guarantee item will go "missing" when buyer emails you the moment you mark it dispatched, demanding tracking info.

RM is very good, ime, never had them be difficult with claims.

Cancelling the transaction thru Ebay to get your fees back is another small faff, 70p for recorded might feel worth it to avoid that risk.

Not sure if Paypal charges or not now, I always spend my balance too quickly!

I only send cheap stuff (less than £46) and I send it second class with proof of postage from the Post Office.

Dont know about Paypal!

PayPal doesn't charge afaik

Thanks, Adventures. The items I'm selling aren't high value, so it does seem a bit OTT to send recorded.

Any other insider tips to maximise selling prices/minimise fees?

Research carefully what others charge for same sort of items.
Wait for free listing weekends (like this one!). Sometimes you have to fiddle the listing options to qualify for free listing.
Take your time to Design your ads using the schedule option & then wait until a FL weekend to send them live.
Bump up starting price if the postage category is limited to below what it will actually cost you to post.
Offer collection only, saves Paypal fees!
Also offer direct bank transfer for payment (also saves fees, but No Buyer has ever asked me to do this :( ).
Do not offer to post next day Unless they request it, maybe. Saves on trips to PO.

Good tips, thanks! Noticed they had a free listing offer on. Ta.