Part 2 (to view Part 1 click here)
Did you find an item that you can recycle into cash? Are you ready for step 3?
Step 3
List your item. In order to list your item you need to do the following:
* Take several quality photos insuring that you get all angles of the item while capturing any deficit or problem. Use white poster board in order to create a blank, non-distracting background for your item. If using the eBay application on your tablet, utilize the tablet’s camera.
* Log into your Ebay account and follow the prompts to list an item. I would list them here but as I stated earlier Ebay has solid, basic listing information.
* Fill most (or all) of the title line using detailed key words describing your item making it easier for people who are looking for your item to locate your listing.
*Take full advantage of the “details” section by writing a detailed description. More specifically I recommend that you:
- Start with a short background story so that the potential buyer learns something about you. If new to selling, begin with a mini narrative writing something like, “I am in the process of cleaning my house and since many of my friends have had success with eBay I am giving it a try.” Also, include a simple explanation telling why you are selling the item such as, “My husband and I decided to upgrade our phones”. This informs the buyer about whom they are dealing with and creates trust.
- Point out the features of your item highlighting your favorites. Be perfectly honest describing any rip, stain, chip or missing part. Not making a full disclosure will come back to haunt you!
Write in complete sentences double-checking spelling and grammar. Avoid texting lingo. When comparing sellers I tend to trust the seller who puts effort into creating their listing.
*Choose your format. I recommend listing most items using the auction format, lasting 7 days, starting and ending on Sunday night around 8:00 pm central time. Frequently, auctions create competition causing bidders to bid higher. I politely refuse “buy out” offers. I prefer ending auctions Sunday night because most people lounge at home on their couch, surfing the Internet and using websites like eBay. In general the more popular the item the more comfortable I am choosing a low starting price. I start less popular, yet valuable, items at a price closer to their value.
*Choose your shipping option. I recommend using calculated shipping. Getting burned by trying to guesstimate shipping costs hurts especially when the buyer lives west of the Rocky Mountains (assuming you live east of the Rocky Mountains if not reverse the scenario). Also, do the following:
- Find a box (before listing items), weigh and measure the item in box. Post this information under calculated shipping.
- Use priority mail because A: It is 2015 and folks don’t like to wait a long time for their stuff and B: Priority shipping includes up to 50.00 in insurance.
- Fill in any additional information, and hit submit! Be sure to check in daily, quickly answering questions about your item.
Step 4
Discover, the results of your auction. I love using the eBay app on my phone because it notifies me using a cash register sounding ring (cha ching) at the close of a sale. Love that!
- Once the item closes DO NOT print label or ship until the buyer pays. PayPal will alert you once the buyer pays.
- After the winner pays, pack their item while taking into consideration the following:
*Ship as soon as humanly possible (for sure within two days) because A: This is 2015 and people don’t like to wait a long time for their stuff and B: Your Ebay rating depends on it.
*Pack well! Be generous with packing tape, bubble wrap and box fillers (I try to reuse from my stash) If you are assured your package would survive and remain in good condition, after being kicked down your staircase, you are probably good. If not, package it better.
* Opt to print the shipping label directly from the eBay site (you will be prompted at the time of sale) using your personal printer. This allows you to receive a shipping discount and save a trip to the PO or UPS store.
*If necessary, add insurance. If the item sold for more than $50.00 add additional shipping insurance. Why? Remember what I said about kicking the package down a staircase? IF my item breaks in transit, I would rather file a claim than issue a refund!
What if the Winner Doesn’t Pay?
If you end up with a deadbeat buyer (sorry) follow the process of filing a complaint. If not resolved then follow the prompts and relist. Ebay will do the dirty work slapping the deadbeat with a strike. Don’t get discouraged. It happens. However, I have been using eBay for years and though I take risks, I win way more than I loose. Where else are you going to find thousands of people to consider buying your old stuff?
What if the Buyer Isn’t Happy?
I maintain the policy (even though painful) that the customer is usually right. The buyer may or may not have a valid point, however, I find a way to resolve the problem. I don’t have time or the desire for a cyber argument.
Finally, Enjoy the Rewards
*Money turns up in your PayPal account (don’t forget Ebay takes their cut). Spend your money directly using PayPal or transfer the funds into your bank account.
now…
You Can Pick Out Your New Windows Treatments!
Many years ago when I purchased my first set of custom window treatments I paid big bucks. However, with sites like Etsy custom window treatments no longer have to break the bank. In fact, the total price of my valances came in very close to what I made from selling my pair of phones. I bought mine from a talented lady on Etsy. Her site is called, The Trendy Nest and you can find her here. I love her work, and her prices are reasonable. Also, she has a very fast turn around time. I suspect this is because it is 2015 and people don’t like to wait a long time for their stuff!
I have sold a couple thousand items on eBay so please leave comments and feel free to ask questions!
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