eBay newbie - basic questions!

[Rainatnight]

I'm just about to start a massive clear out and have some decent things that should do ok (Whistles dresses, Hobbs coat, that kind of thing). Could I ask you seasoned eBayers for some help with the basics?

First, should I list a Buy it Now price or not bother?

Second, should I use myhermes or RM? Views here seem to differ... Do myhermes come and pick it up from you? That would be a HUGE advantage...

Thanks, all.

Another bit of advice is this -Take another look at items all over before auction end - check for any loose threads, or buttons, check the hem doesn't have any unstitched bits. Check any fluff lint or hairs have been removed - (wrap a bit of light packing tape around your hand and dab over item to remove). It is amazing how many times you can find a little issue such as a loose sequin/button etc just as you are packing up an item and it's better to sort those out slightly earlier - obviously most things are spotted before listing and I have learned to double check all the usual suspects but occasionally you see them on that last packing bit and have to secure a button or snip a loose thread then. Have another once over before the auction ends - potential problems or delays in posting can be averted.
Good luck Rain sounds like a good sale!

Really good idea, thanks. I checked it all fairly thoroughly before photography and have been really upfront about flaws - there's a missing sequin in a strategic position on a Whistles cardigan, unfortunately! - but I'll give everything another once over.

As a buyer I prefer delivery by Royal Mail as hermes can be very unreliable. If it's a large item I will use hermes but mainly RM 2nd class signed for. Oh and I only post to the UK and paypal only. I post within 1 day but I'm a sahm. and try for evening/weekend ending.

That's helpful to know, thanks. Would an alternative like Collect+ make any difference? Royal Mail is pretty much out for me as I'd never make it to the post office.

Hermes is terrible, speaking as a buyer. The worst. They regularly deliver my parcels to my neighbours (to whom I'm not close), get signatures from them (wtf!) and then - insult to injury - don't always bother to put a card through my door saying where my parcel is. DPD, on the other hand, are brilliant from the PoV of a buyer. When I sell on eBay, I just use Royal Mail, however. Easier for me as I live near the PO.

Oh dear. Ok, too late for this batch but I'll know for the next time.

I've never had a problem with hermes touch wood but favour sending most things RM for speed of delivery. I used to send things 1st signed for but do 2nd mostly now as it keeps postage under £4. I don't add anything on for packing and would refund difference if item manages to go for less than I estimate eg it ends up as a large letter instead of parcel. RM gets way too expensive for larger items as they have specific sizes whereas hermes goes more on weight of item - for a bulky coat it is a lot cheaper. Other couriers are probably as good or better but hermes is offered as a drop off at my local co-op so I find it convenient.

Worth letting seller know if hermes has not delivered properly as the seller may be able to specify when they book that items are not left with anyone else. I think there is a space to fill in on the order with instructions for delivery.

I've had good experiences with CollectPlus, but don't know if I've just been lucky - anyone else?

I have used Hermes for a long while and never had a problem with them. I much prefer them to RM, so much easier too.

Does anyone else find that if you relist an item several times it gets fewer and fewer views? I have read comments on a forum about this before, and definitely noitice it myself? I listed a lot of baby and toddler Items and all my maternity stuff as I had free listings in January and february. I started everything at 99p and sold over 200 Items. I figured it was more than I would ever get at a carboot sale and I wanted to shift quantity not get a few big sales. I suppose it depends what you're happy to get for them, and iuts surprising what people will pay for and what they will pay. My tip is to start your listings so the end on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night for maximum bids.

But other times you can relist something that hasn't sold, and it will go for more than the previous starting price.

There's no particular rhyme or reason to it, other than I find things that are going to be popular (Boden clothing for eg) sells well at auction, whereas more niche things that won't get so much traffic are better on BIN.

My auctions are over and I've made £171! Really thrilled, thanks so much for all the tips. Going to have a root around for more shortly!

For more things to sell, I meant. Not root around here for more advice! Though that's incredibly welcome.

Congrats Rainatnight! Ebay for all its faults is a fairly straightforward way to sell and I have managed to clear out plenty of things over the years and put the money towards Xmas or holidays. You will be hooked now!

Thank you, I think I will be! And thanks for all your advice, much appreciated.