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eBay

If you buy or sell items on eBay, you will find tips and advice on this forum.

Original poster

About to start selling on eBay. Am now scared. Any tips?

16 replies

WhatHo · 12/06/2013 10:58

I've got various clothes I'd like to sell, I know I need to take good pics and explain if there are any stains etc. However should I get all verbose and say things like, "this dress is very flattering to people with large chests" Grin or leave it to buyers to make up their minds?

I really want to eBay, I've got lots of lovely non-fitting clothes just sitting in my wardrobe, (plus I need the money) but I'm worried it's going to be stressful.

Someone told me that if I don't put a reserve on I'll get more bids, but I'd be gutted if, say, my £60 sequinned TopShop jacket went for £1. Do you just start the bidding at just under what you're comfortable with?

Also, if it's designer you need to say designer as well as the brand name, right?

Lastly, I've just read through Six's nutter thread (wow, just wow) and all the non-paying threads and I'm now terrified. How common are piss-takers?

OP posts:
fergoose · 12/06/2013 11:21

start at the minimum price, list on free listing weekend, send MyHermes or Collect + with online proof of delivery, end 8-9pm on a Mon or Tues night, list all measurements, get as much info into the title as poss, iron items and photograph on dummy or hanger on plain background, not laid on a floor or crumpled bed. Be honest. Take as many pics as possible, use recycled packaging and charge only cost of postage. If pet/smoke free home mention that in listing. Post asap. never ask for feedback - will think of more am sure...

Original poster
WhatHo · 12/06/2013 11:26

fergoose thank you so much. Any more tips gratefully received.

Also does it matter that I have only 10* feedback as a buyer? It's 100% positive but obviously have not sold before.

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PurpleFrog · 12/06/2013 11:45

Research prices that have been paid for similar items. Look at the words that sellers using in the titles of the most successful of these listings. Don't list your best stuff first - practise with some cheaper items to build up some good seller feedback. As fergoose says, list on a free listing weekend for the minimum you are prepared to accept for an item, and don't pay for any listing upgrades, so if no-one bids you haven't lost money. You can then make changes to your listing and perhaps drop the price a bit before re-listing on the next FLW.

Original poster
WhatHo · 12/06/2013 12:06

That makes total sense.

How do I know about FLWs? Just keep checking eBay?

OP posts:
PurpleFrog · 13/06/2013 09:38

I get e-mailed about FLWs. Actually, I have had an e-mail today about a Free Listing Day TODAY for a 1-day listing. That may be a bit soon for you. More info.

Original poster
WhatHo · 13/06/2013 11:04

Ooh, thanks PurpleFrog could be a good way to start.

And piss-takers - are they common on eBay? I really don't want to end up spending the kind of time Six has!

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Original poster
WhatHo · 13/06/2013 11:05

Also, is there such a thing as too much description with an item?

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olimogadoodle · 13/06/2013 11:08

Hi Fergoose, why should you never ask for feedback? I had a request for fb myself and thought it was a good idea and so sent one to a few I had not received any from (only yesterday-so wish I had seen this thread first) Now I am panicking, is it a complete no no?

olimogadoodle · 13/06/2013 11:09

Also to add I have only just started selling but I've noticed a lot of people put no returns and no overseas bidders which I've also down as probably cuts down on the hassle. HTH

fergoose · 13/06/2013 11:17

feedback is voluntary and not an integral part of the transaction, sellers who hassle for feedback can receive a neg or neut they didn't want.

You cannot state no returns, utterly worthless and makes you look awkward really.

olimogadoodle · 13/06/2013 11:24

Okay thanks fergoose, good to know :) doesn't stating no returns stop people asking to return an item because they don't like it? I assumed this was why it was worth putting. Am also picking up useful tips!

fergoose · 13/06/2013 11:28

if a buyer opens a case with ebay not as described they can return and get a refund - they can make up any reason tbh. Sales are never final so stating no returns is pointless and will just put people's back up I reckon.

PurpleFrog · 13/06/2013 11:47

Gah - why can I never spot mistakes in my posts before I post them!

It is free listing today for a 10 day auction, not 1 day!

I haven't come across that many piss-takers on eBay. They seem to have increased in the last couple of years, but that is maybe just because I have been selling more.

Reading the threads on this board, though, has made me aware of what can go wrong and I am a lot more "street aware" on eBay than I used to be.

Original poster
WhatHo · 13/06/2013 12:04

I suppose it's like real life - most people are normal and reasonable but you always meet a nutter/piss-taker or two.

fergoose very good to know about returns.

OP posts:
PurpleFrog · 13/06/2013 12:57

As a new seller I think you now have some initial restrictions placed on you. You should read up about them. (If you can find them in eBay's crap help pages!) I think you have monthly limits for listing and also incoming PayPal payments are put on hold for a while. I think you are also not able to sell internationally before you reach a certain number of feedbacks for selling.

Original poster
WhatHo · 13/06/2013 13:39

Ok thanks purple It's all much more complicated than I expected!

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