Selling on eBay

Colin & Helen · Post by **Colin & Helen** » Mon May 19, 2003 12:09 am

Has anyone views on those who bid but don't buy using the eBay system... I thought in my case it may be a good selling tool as I live in the country a long way from the states arts selling center..... my story is .....

I listed a three dozen or so items on ebay au and received bids on over 90%..this was very pleasing my first thought was I could be on a winner, and at the end of the bidding process I dispatched invoices ...but only received replies from seven this is way under the amount of people who made final bids.......I realize that some may have changed there minds.. and that is there right not finalizing the purchase....but is this high drop out rate normal??? I was also advised keep the starting price low and don't use any reserve price.. guess what all but one were at the rock bottom starting price way under the true value... my first venture into eBay selling looks like a total flop....

lauren · Post by **lauren** » Mon May 19, 2003 12:45 am

that high a percentage rate of nonpayers in really unusual, in aprrox 200 or so auctions i've done i haven't had any ppl flat out non pay...3 or 4 ppl took 2 weeks or so, but i kept on them and they eventually paid. keep emailin them, remind them that payment is due, if there's a problem at least let you know that they are aware they owe you payment...give em a deadline of two weeks or so, if they don't respond to you by then post negative feedback. ebay ppl are kinda maniacal, you start wavin around the threat of negative feedback and somehow the money just appears

i couldn't recommend starting your auction out at the 'rock bottom' price. i start mine at my wholesale price. given, there are some that don't sell (but a lot do the second time around, and that listing is free if they do) that way, i'm at least insured of making it worth my while even if there's only 1 bid, and if there's more...well great!

i've also had 3 galleries/artisans approach me about carrying my work based on stuff they bought off me on ebay. and i don't just cuz i don't have one, but a lot of other ppl use ebay to pad their mailing lists.

putting not a lot of effort into it (talkin like an hour or two a week) i can make like $300 - $500 bucks a month on ebay. nice chunk of change, and it keeps inventory a movin...

peace
- l

Carolyn Ledbetter · Post by **Carolyn Ledbetter** » Mon May 19, 2003 2:54 am

I've had fairly good results with ebay, but only on certain types of items. For example finished jewelry has too many listings and doesn't seem to sell well. But individual beads and components do. My inexpensive and moderately priced items sell, but not the high dollar ones.

I try to find a niche and fill it. There are many different types of collectors. Target your buyers - Art Glass collectors, paperweights, dichroic fans, etc. I made custom Christmas items and they sold extremely well. Use key words that will make your items pop up in searches.

Folks want a bargain/good deal, but don't start at less than you are willing to take for an item. It also takes a little while to build up a following - folks who are checking out the other items you are selling.

Also, a good photo and description go a long way in making a sale. Check out the competion and see if there are any comparable items listed at the same time.

If I have a special design or technique that I don't want others to copy and knockoff, I won't list that item. There are many glass hobbists and various levels of craftsmanship or lack thereof.

It is understood by most bidders that once you place a bid, and especially if you win, that you must pay for the item or risk receiving negative feedback. I have had to work with several bidders to make payment arrangements, but I have never been burned on any of my auctions.

I enjoy the quick turnaround (and cash) and the nice emails I get from folks all over the country. If you have the right product at the right time, it will sell. Good Luck!

(Sorry this is so long winded, but I thought this information might be helpful)

Colin & Helen · Post by **Colin & Helen** » Tue May 20, 2003 7:30 pm

Many thanks for all the help....I used the 'send payment reminder' mode and received some response. Colin

lizzy_d · Post by **lizzy_d** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 1:09 pm

Could the different country be causing the problem? Many buyers may not know how to pay you so you may want to send more than the generic payment reminder and list payment options they can use. Also, if you don't have a paypal account, get one!!! I absolutely hate buying something and then having to get a money order or something; are you taking US checks? The easier you make it for people to pay, the more payments you will get!

Or could the shipping charges be higher than the item price? Make sure that shipping is estimated up front and isn't too high.

Also, I have seen nice stuff go on ebay but some people are wary of blowing more than a couple hundred bucks on ebay as they are getting something sight-unseen.

Another good tactic is to put what you would charge in a gallery for an item - that gives some people an idea of the deal they are getting (I have seen some interesting "retail" prices on objects - I would try to stay within the bounds of sanity)