Always use Delivery Confirmation to verify the item did arrive to the buyer. Visit your Post Office/ UPS, for updated rates. If you do not include Insurance in the shipping, make sure to allow the buyer to add at their option.
Package everything as though it will be run through a ringer. Include your return address on the inside of the package in case the shipping label is destroyed. Also, note to potential buyers that various monitors can vary in color, do your best to describe and add as many photos as possible.
I have sold a few items that were used/worn for almost 6 weeks, then returned and they were fully refunded. I have found that selling items close to Christmas has not been a good idea, people tend to over shop, buyers remorse and lots of returns. Even if you state this is not buy upon approval, no returns; eBay will side with the buyer. I hope this helps.
Source: from personal experience, eBay Power Seller
By Missy from OH
When trying to get something via an online auction, it is best to set your max bid in your mind and stick to it. On eBay you can do a search, then save that search to alert you if any items get placed for bid that meet your criteria.
For example, I really like the Buck knife 360. It is now fairly rare. When it was new, it sold for a little under $60. EBay notifies me when these knives are placed for auction. I view the auction and determine if it meets the criteria that I am looking for, and I make my bid. If I think I might be able to "snipe" the item, then I add it to my favorites as a "watched" item and EBay notifies me when the bidding is about to end. If I don't think I will be able to be online at the end of the bidding then I make my max bid.
I have been able to buy 3 of these knives in the past year. I even found out about a version of the knife I didn't know about and won the bid on one of those too (a baby version of the knife). It's fun to have, but I'm happy with just one of these.
By Suntydt from Tazewell, TN
By Nancy from Salem, MA
When my daughters were younger, I loved to dress them in very traditional smocked dresses which were definitely out of my price range. However, by researching online the names and prices of clothing brands I knew to be reputable, I was able to decide if an eBay listing was worth going after money-wise.
I also loved to have my girls in long wool church coats in the winter and was able to do so thanks to eBay. I had one beautiful plaid Rothschild wool coat that was older or "vintage" that was in wonderful shape and always inspired positive comments, and I only paid fifteen dollars for it on eBay!
Other things to be aware of are shipping costs, bidding wars (don't get sucked in to one of those!), and the seller's feedback rating. With a little research and planning, I think eBay can be a wonderful way to stretch your budget!
By Kristen from Grand Rapids, MI
By Marty from Tell City, IN
If I list something, I go into great detail about it and its condition. I do not overprice or add extra money on the shipping price for supplies and or handling fees. I feel like handling fees are not necessary. I will skip items I really want because the fees are outrageous.
So in order not to get burned:
Lastly, I got burned on a deal. It was a wedding dress from China and the wrong color was sent. The dress was returned and they refused to send us an exchange. They asked us to remove our negative feedback and say we were at fault. We refused. They claimed they never got the item back from us, but the claim form had been signed in China stating they did get it back. The PayPal time had run out on the claim for the dress so we contacted the bank and presented them with documentation and emails from the seller. After a full investigation (about 3 weeks), we got our money back and bought a dress that was just like the first one but cheaper.
By gem from Gordonsville, VA
Also, be sure to check the shipping cost. Some "bargains" make it up this way. Like anything else in life, there are good people and not-so-good people, so think before you bid.
Source: I'm a long-time eBay purchaser and have learned some things the hard way.
By Leslie from Mesquite, TX
I understand how eBay works, but how do sites such as Bidz.com work? I don't quite understand. If someone could explain in simple language, it would be nice. Thanks.
By megc
By dse7709/12/2012I agree with momma30. These sites that make you buy bids to bid are ripoffs. Avoid them at all cost!
I'm thinking about trying to sell on eBay, but I need complete written instructions on what to do as I have never sold anything online. I can't seem to find anything out, i.e., how to start, what to do, what to buy as far as supplies, etc.
They use to send a kit, but do not now. Please help.
By Marilee M.
By T&T Grandma04/04/2013There might be someone in your community who does ebay selling. My neighbor does and I take things to him, rather than mess with things. I save my boxes and packing I get from things to share with him, allowing him lower costs.
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Posting an Online Auction on Ebay