eBay Selling

Tips to a Friend

2010-02-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I would just cut and paste a question and response from a friend.

How are you? I know you do ebay...I never win my bid. I am new at this. Help! I tried to sell a really nice coach pink bag, I bought because I thought it was the same one I had,it is huge. I am bidding on a few things now but need need help. Thanks

Oh, that's a few good hours to tell you how to sell things. So many people ask me I started a blog but I haven't really done enough work on it to recommend it yet.
One thing is for sure - people do not buy expensive items that have a lot of fakes from buyers with low feedback (ie designer purses). So if your fdbk is under 100 or even under 500-1000 for Coach, you will either not be able to sell your item or get a much lower bid than an established seller. Plus there is the whole marketing aspect. There are tens of thousands of purses being sold with Coach as possibly the most popular. For buyers to pull up your item when they are searching requires knowledge in online marketing. The key is the title being used specifically for search words. Forget 'pretty, LOOK, and, with' and don't use commas, apostraphes or other punctuation. For a purse you want to use all the words people call them: shouder bag handbag purse and then the type: Tote, Hobo, Clutch. For newer Coach you would include the style # in the title. Use all of the spaces provided. Don't worry if the title doesn't make sense. It does not have to read like a sentance. There are certain words that the abbreviations will pull up the item even when someone searchs uses the full word - like VTG for vintage but only in a vintage category. This helps you squeeze in a few more words.
There are a lot of tips and tricks. There are others things like timing, placement, start prices, shipping costs and that is just to get them to look. Then your description and pictures have to convince them to buy. Check out my Coach bag I have listed as an example of description for that type of item. It is much more detailed then when I am selling a tank top. I have one listed that I really want to keep so it is over priced. If I sell it for that price fine, otherwise I want to keep it. However, you can get some ideas regarding pics, title and description.
You need to start by selling low-priced items that are easy for you to ship. Used clothes are the best to start. Forget children's clothes. It is hard to even get a $1 and you end up paying more in fees when you include the ones that don't sell so you lose money. The best option for children's clothes is to do a lot of all one size and gender. You still won't get much but it controls the fees from selling them individually. You can build up your feedback which increases buyer's trust and also gain the knowledge needed before selling things with a lot of competition, expensive items, items you are not as familiar with compared to other sellers (vintage, antiques, jewelry)and items hard to ship which often leads to under quoting shipping costs and losing money.

As far as buying.. bidding as soon as you see an item is a newbie mistake. You can watch the item. But for me I always forget to go back and place a bid before it closes. If I am buying a book or shipping supplies it is not an issue and I just use the Buy it Now or place the maximum bid I want to pay. However, if I am buying a Coach bag or a pair of $200 jeans, I don't want to get in a bidding war. In these cases, I prefer to use a bidding service that will place my bid just before closing. You can usually use the service a few times for free. Here is one: http://www.auctionsniper.com/

Well, I could go on and on.

Silly Questions

2009-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

Some interesting questions I have received on my items:

I have a shed that is 10x12, will your 200ft. string of lights go all the way around? For a moment I thought I was in grade school math class facing a dreaded word problem.

Do you know where I can buy batteries for this item? Is this the first time this person has needed to purchase batteries?

My waist measures 34", will these 28" pants fit me?

Crazy Things Sold on eBay

2009-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

When I get together with family or friends, I usually end up reporting the strangest item most recently sold. It is a theory you can sell almost anything on eBay, with the implicit understanding that the item is legal and within eBay guidelines. Therefore, I am starting a list. This is not only for entertainment but also to broaden sellers' viewpoints on what can be reused-recycled through eBay. Please make sure to provide an accurate description in your listing. This is not an attempt to take advantage of on-line buyers. There are buyers looking for a good deal that may enjoy fixing items or have the skills to repair it to save money or re-sell it themselves.

A friend gave me a broken juicer. At first, I listed the item for repair or parts. However, the motor was broken and was heavy, incurring high shipping charges. Therefore, I offered each piece individually and discarded the motor. The sale of the parts yielded more than the same model of blender new. I read a story once that the first item sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer. I am not sure if this is true, but I believe you could sell a broken one today. I have sold so many damaged items to the tinkers across the country; broken items deserve their own list. Just insert the work 'BROKEN' in front of each item:
Jewelry, watches(broken jewelry and watches even have their own category on eBay), cameras, cell phones, printers, frames, dolls, Christmas ornaments, a wall clock, a sink faucet

Numerous damaged clothing items have sold that had stains, holes, broken zippers, ripped seams, loose hemlines, or snags.

Other:
Recipes, catalogs I obtain free in the mail, stickers received in the mail as promotional items, children’s fast food meal toys (usually sold in bulk unless it is older. Sales are better when item is sealed), used hair barrettes, empty-used ink jet cartridges

Other strange eBay sales facts: I tend to sell more holiday decorations the week after the holiday than the total amount sold the month preceding the date. This is especially true for Halloween and Christmas

I will update as I sell other interesting items.

Shipping Services

2009-12-07T02:18:00.000-08:00

For most items, the U.S. post office will offer the lowest cost and often most convenient shipping services.

If you have very large, heavy, and/or odd-shaped items, it is advisable to check the services of other transit companies like UPS, FedEx, DLS and any regional services you can find. Make sure to verify the measurements, weight as packaged to ship, and if it is odd sized. There can be substantial surcharges if the item is a nonstandard shape or oversize. There are even surcharges for large items that do not meet a minimum weight. Try not to estimate the packaged weight. Underestimating can cause substantial differences in the shipping charged and the actual cost. You do not need to package it. Just weigh the item, and packaging material required, and add them together. Make sure the box is the correct size and sturdy enough for the weight and fragility of the item you are shipping. Consider if double boxing is required and what type of protection will be required to prevent damage from crushing or moving around in the box. Bubble wrap, peanuts, and air pillows reduce shipping costs but you usually need to purchase them. Sometimes it is a cost savings to use newspaper, tissue, or other supplies on hand and pay higher shipping fees rather than purchasing the materials.

For items you do not want to attempt shipping, then you can offer them for local pick-up only. Post them to other boards like craigslist.com. Yet, even if you have them listed on Craig’s list, you can still list the same item on eBay. Just make sure and note in the listing the item is for sale elsewhere and subject to possible sell before the item ends. If you do sell the item using a forum other than eBay, make sure and end your item on eBay. You do not want to sell something you no longer own. When using local pick-up only, I usually list the item in my store only. Due to the limited buyers within driving distance it usually does not justify the cost of sending it to auction
You can sell cars, machinery and other high-priced, large items on auction and offer pick-up only. It is advisable to use auction listings for items that the buyer is willing to drive a greater distance or pay a third party to arrange shipping. If you are selling your basketball hoop or dog kennel, then you might want to list it in your store inventory with local pick-up only. See paragraph above.

eBay Holiday Shopping

2009-12-07T01:55:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of December go to the post office website, usps.com, to verify the last day shipments can be mailed to reach customers by the 25th using First Class, Parcel Post and Priority Shipping options for domestic shipping.

Make sure your items that weight more than 13 ozs., and cannot be sent by First Class Mail, end prior to the deadline for parcel shipping. Do the same for the First Class Mail deadline and in the last week of shopping make sure everything in your store ends in time to ship it by the Priority deadline.

You may want to hide your store inventory if you do not make changes to all your inventory shipping options. You can hide your inventory items, and keep your auctions active, by setting your store to vacation mode. This is found in the Managing Your Store section.

Physical Inventory

2009-12-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

You want to store your physical inventory so that it is accessible for shipping and protected from damage. As your sales increase, so will the time you need to spend shipping. You want to manage this time since new listings are the way to generate additional sales - not searching for a lost item. Plus, if you cannot find an item you sold, or it is now damaged, you will need to refund the buyer and risk negative feedback and/or low star ratings. When you start out, you may just need to set aside a shelf in a closet or garage for your items. As your inventory grows additional organization will save you time.

Consider using clear storage bins. You can stack the bins or line them up on a shelf. This helps protect your inventory from dust, moisture and damage. It also helps to organize items by type for faster retrieval.

Label the outside of the bin with the category of the item.
Since my categories tend to increase and decrease in storage requirements I tape a post-it to the outside that can easily be replaced/updated.

Put individual items in clear storage bags (ziploc style) inside the bin.
This may seem reduntant. However, when you are looking through the bin for a specific item it helps protect the other items. For instance, you do not want to snag clothes or get items dirty. Using clear storage bags makes it easier and faster to sort through the bin.

Taxes

2009-12-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Talk to your tax adivsor/financial consultant regarding taxes - hobby or business, possible tax deductions, income, and sales tax guidelines for your state.

Dress Measurements

2009-12-05T02:23:00.000-08:00

When listing a dress include the following measurements:
Length: from shoulder seam to hemline. If the hem is varied provide a range.
Bust: measure across from under the armpit seams and double. Do not stretch.
Waist: usually the smallest width area between the bust and hips
Hips: usually at the end of the zipper. Measure seam to seam and double
Sleeve Inseam: measure the inside seam to the sleeve hemline.

If it has a tapered hemline then include the width at the hemline.
If is a tank dress include the width of the strap

Brand Awareness

2009-12-05T02:16:00.000-08:00

You want to increase your brand awareness and traffic to your store. Brand awareness helps develop confidence in your buyers.

Design a logo - you can pay someone to design one or even use software you may have on your computer that offers painting, font design, etc.

Take advantage of social networking sites like myspace and facebook
Set up a page for your store and include eBay widgets. eBay makes this easy with a few clicks and then copy and past the code they provide. Examples are on this blog. Have your friends become fans or friends of the site. Include a link to your store and a picture of your logo.

Use the logo everywhere you can on eBay: your store headliner, invoices, automated emails. You can do this through preferences and the Manage Your Store area on eBay. Also use on social network pages, tissue logos, packing slips, and return address labels or shipping labels.

PACKAGING

2009-12-05T02:06:00.000-08:00

When your package arrives your buyers have their first impression. Then they will likely post feedback. You want that first impression to be positive.

Wrap your items in tissue paper
Pack your items to arrive safely. Ship fragile items in a box.
Use bubble, air pillows, packing peanuts and double-boxing as needed.
Print your labels online using labels or white paper

Consider logo stickers to seal the tissue paper and increase brand awareness
Include a packing slip of the order
Consider inserting a coupon to increase repeat buyers

Support other eBay sellers. Purchase your packaging materials, tissue, and logo stickers on eBay.

NOT ANOTHER GET-RICH-QUICK GUIDE

2009-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

This blog is not a get-rich-quick scheme.

I provide basic information and insight on selling on eBay. Tips are especially useful for the beginner. If you are looking to clear out your closets and supplement your income then these guidelines will be helpful. If you have a brick and mortar store then opening up your market to the world is a great idea.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of people who have made a lot of money on eBay. Using these tips you can even make enough to consider quitting your 'real' job. Then again, maybe you will be one of those people that becomes a titanium seller instantaneously. I hope you do. I just want to make it clear that you are earning extra money and that requires some work.

eBAY HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS

2009-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Ideally you want to be building your inventory all year. Any items that don't sell on auction should be relisted in your store. Starting in October, or at least November, you should focus on preparing for the holidays.
Order your shipping supplies and review what you are going to sell.

From Thanksgiving, until the last shipping date to arrive by the 25th, almost all your time will be spent on shipping and maintaining your listings.

However, if you get a late start do not worry. You can still actively list new items. Your volume should still be higher for most categories than the rest of the year.

SHIPPING SUPPLIES

2009-12-03T02:37:00.000-08:00

The USPS offers free shipping supplies for items shipped Priority or Express Mail. You can order these at usps.com. I only get an order to ship Express about once a year. Therefore, I pick up the supplies at the post office when needed.

A basic starter kit to order for priority mail.
Flat Rate Envelopes
Paper style Envelopes - for items not requiring a box
Medium Flat Rate Boxes - this size box fits most items
Shoes boxes - a great size box for shipping many items.

For smaller, lower-priced items you might find buyers are not willing to pay for Priority shipping rates. I purchase poly-bags for 1st Class shipping. You can buy them in bulk on eBay and save substantially over purchasing them at an office supply store.
Starter Kit: 2 sizes: approximately 6x9 and 10x13
I usually buy 100 each from the same seller to reduce the per item shipping charges.

Another option is the bubble manila envelopes. I have had bad luck with these. The seams tend to split. Plus, they have a higher per item cost and most items do not require bubble protection.

Bubble Wrap: I try to buy it by the large roll. I have found the shipping charges make purchasing this item at an office supply store the better deal. I try to find it on clearance after the holidays and stock up.

Boxes: most items that require a box can be shipped in the free priority mail boxes. The shipping for the 1-2 lb. rate is very similiar using Priority or Parcel. You will likely only need a few other boxes to start. Boxes can be pricey. I recycle ones I get from items I buy and if I am running low I ask my friends to save them for awhile. The boxes that electronic items are shipped in are a very good quality. I do ask my friends to save all of these. Just pick them up promptly or they might not want to continue saving them for you.

What Used Items to Sell on eBay for the Holidays

2009-12-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

If you are selling items from around your house and would like to take advantage of the holiday shopping season here are a few ideas. Some are obvious but others may surprise you. You may also be surprised that people gift used items too.

Holiday Ornaments and Decorations - these sell all year
CD Music
Holiday Sweaters
Party Dresses and outfits - plus New Years and prom season
Warm Weather Clothing and Accessories
Sporting Equipment - all seasons
Gaming Electronics
Games - board, computer, gaming systems
Stocking Stuffers - hot wheels, Barbie clothes...
Toys and dolls including collectibles
Collectibles
Books
Holiday Color/Theme fabric and craft supplies
Serving Dishes
Unused Gift Cards and Certificates
Catalogs - Neiman Marcus and Victoria’s Secret
Jewelry - costume, vintage and fine
Princess Costumes - All year, not just at Halloween.
Children’s Stationary
Art and Craft Supplies
School Supplies
Formal Dresses and Gowns - Parties, holidays, New Years and cruises
Swimwear, Cover-ups - for tropical holidays
Cell phones and accessories - sell your old one. Clear the info!
Shoes
Christmas Pajamas
Frames and other photo supplies
Summer Clothes - it is not cold everywhere
Recipes - Read eBay’s guidelines. Basically, you need to mail it.
Unused Christmas Cards and wrapping supplies

Well those are just a few ideas off the top of my head

JEANS & PANTS MEASUREMENTS, MEASURING TO LIST OR BUY

2009-11-28T16:56:00.001-08:00

HOW TO MEASURE JEANS AND PANTS TO BUY OR LIST ON eBAY

Measuring Guidelines
Jean sizing varies by designer. It is recommended you also review measurements.

Waist and hip measurements can vary, in the same size jeans, based on where the pants sit. (high-waisted to super-low rise). To compare a pair of pants on eBay to a pair you own, match the rise first. When you find a pair you own with the matching rise measurement, then compare the hip and waist measurements to see if the fit is the same. Lastly, check the inseam length to verify a correct fit.

Many designers and boutique lines are labeling the fit of their pants by a style name. Become familiar with the fit you like and the corresponding names for the designers you prefer. The usual differences are where the jeans fit in relation to the waist and hips (low rise, mid-rise), the hip and leg fit (straight, skinny, loose, relaxed) and the leg opening (Boot Cut, flare, tapered).

How to Measure
Rise: Start at the center seam where the legs meet. Measure the distance to the top of the waistband. Note the length to the bottom of the waistband and including the waistband.

Hips: Fold the pants over at the end of the zipper. Measure the back width at the fold. Double the measurement.

Inseam: Measure from where the legs meet to the end of the inside-pant leg.

Leg Opening: Is the bottom of the leg, measured across

Thigh: Measure and double the widest point of the thigh area of the leg.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/WANDERLUST-BARGAINS

Making more money on eBay

2009-11-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

My brother is a plumber and he calls it 'laying pipe'. You can get distracted by revising your items, checking the number of watchers you have on auctions, organizing your store. However, the maintenance of your site should only occupy about 10 percent of your time. Adding new listings is what generates income. So stay focused and 'lay some pipe'.

What to Sell on eBay when you are first starting

2009-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

What to sell on eBay:
When you are new to selling on eBay it is best to start with lower priced items that are easy to ship. If you have large items, collectbles, electronics, jewelry, or expensive items, it is better to hold off listing these items until you gain some experience in listing, selling, shipping, as well as building your feedback. You may want to wait to buy inventory until you gain some experience too.
One of the easiest items to sell is used clothing. The old adage is if you have not worn it in a year then you likely do not need it. You can clean out your closets to find some items to list.
We will be providing other posts on how to measure your clothing, how to describe it, categories to consider, shipping and other useful tips. Please check back.

5 Free Listings a Month

2009-11-09T03:07:00.001-08:00

Did you know that eBay waives the listing fee on the first 5 listings a month?

This is a great way to start selling without worrying about incurring fees without any sales.

If you are already selling on eBay, it is an opportunity to save money on listing more expensive items.

Power Selling on eBay

2009-11-09T02:58:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am a Power Seller on eBay and have been selling on eBay since 2003.
I would like to share some of my tips with you.