Selling something (reasonably high value) on eBay - any hints or tips?

[KatyMac]

Selling 2 wedding dresses/gowns I have made - lots of great photos

I think I need to put a minimum on them (not sure I know how)

What is the safest way to send them? & how on earth do I pack them (assuming they sell - they might not)

I haven't really sold on eBay before, and I don't want to sell on Etsy - Folksy or Facebook as possibilities

[AwkwardAsAllGetout]

I agree with others, eBay is not going to be your best bet for these. If you do end up trying, wait for a weekend where they do £1 fees, and use buy it now rather than bids. I think people have changed how they shop, even on eBay. Back in the day propel didn’t mind bidding, and it was possible to get real bargains (terrible for the sellers though). Now, people want to buy things rather than wait for the auctions to end. I sell a fair amount each month, and only ever use buy it now.
One tip if listing clothes is to use all 12 pictures to really show every angle, and show measurements too.

[KatyMac]

Haha I don't have many mates and they mostly got married years ago!!

But yes I have a rate and I reduce it to what I'm happy with

[MikeUniformMike]

ebay is probably not the way to go, but you could try and either put a reserve or list them do that people can make an offer.

You'd be better off selling privately offering a basic style with fittings, alterations and options.

Be prepared, friends will expect a freebie or mates' rates.

[19lottie82]

They sound great, I’d definitely say there could be a market for them, but I don’t really think eBay is your best option for sales.

[KatyMac]

I meant @19lottie82 - sorry

[KatyMac]

Thanks @23:2219lottie82 - I seem to waver between "no-one wants to pay for my creations" to "actually they aren't that bad" to "some people think of them as art"

It makes me confused and insecure

Facebook it is!

[19lottie82]

I’d stick with FB for the moment. Reasons being

1. you can arrange viewings. If eBay get a whiff of this is their messaging system they can block your account.
   
   
2. sellers can share your posts with their friends
   
   
3. you won’t have to pay fees
   
   
4. you don’t have to accept returns which can leave you out of pocket.
   
   If you find the idea really taking off perhaps it would be worthwhile spending some cash on marketing and a proper website?

[KatyMac]

I have a fair amount of interest on fb (16k+ reach, 8+ engagement) so thought eBay might maximise my profit

But I'm a little daunted by the whole thing at the moment

I may put on fb asking for offers by a certain date and see how that goes

[19lottie82]

Sorry OP I read your post wrongly, they are handmade (not used).
I wouldn’t really say eBay is the best place to sell these. People use eBay because they want cheap stuff, and with a wedding dress they will want to try it on rather than buying one blind.

Will you accept returns if they don’t fit?

If you’re set on selling on eBay then list them as a buy it now price, it doesn’t have to be an auction.

[KatyMac]

Umm they are 'new' as in just made rather than secondhand (although there is a secondhand element as they are made from rescues/upcycled fabrics)

High value is over £200 - I have offers already for that price but I assumed I'd put a £150 minimum on them

Pick up is good

[PrimeraVez]

I would say recorded delivery, big box, stuffed full of packaging/wadding, with the dress itself in some kind of sealed bag, preferably waterproof.

You could also offer collection from your address if you're happy to do that.

But yes, I agree with a PP - be prepared for them to sell for far lower than you anticipated. I listed my (IMO of course!) beautiful, immaculate and $$$ wedding dress and only got silly offers. It's still hanging in my mum's wardrobe!

[StiffUpperQuip]

Sadly wedding dresses, no matter the original cost rarely go for much money at all. They really don't hold their value at all. I do wish you luck though.

IF you really think they will sell for a good amount then pick up only is a good option. Or any courier you use, make sure you have it well insured and proof of delivery by signature and gps even if it costs more.

[19lottie82]

What do you consider high value? To be honest, used wedding dresses are likely to go for a small fraction of their original price.