Ebay-A Waste of Time for Sellers?

Question

I've sold a few items on Ebay, but for the most part, I found it a waste of time and money. By the time I pay for the listing fees, the packaging and shipping, it has costed me more than I ended up getting for the item I sold. And I've always kept my shipping charges down due to complaints from people(and as a result, took a loss on the sale). What do you all think? I don't understand how some can make a living off of selling on Ebay?

Answer 1

always pass the buck. Charge the full shipping costs.

Answer 2

I've been selling for 7 years. Most of the time I make money, sometimes I don't. I try to learn from my mistakes since nothing is guaranteed. Here are some tips:

Start at a low price.
Do not use a reserve price.
Offer returns.
Sell items according to the Season.
Look on "completed auctions" to search for similar items & see how much they sold for so you know if it's worth it to waste your time.
Keep shipping fees fair but don't give it away either. Again, look at other auctions to see thier shipping fees.
Schedule your auction to end at a time when more people can bid since some wait to the last few minutes. Therefore, most people are home in the evenings so pick a good time. I usually end mine around 10pm EST. Remember that eBay is PCT.
Buy low and sell high, meaning you'll want to sell things you don't use anymore, or that you buy very cheaply at garage sales and thrifts. This wa y it doesn't hurt so much if it doesn't sell well.

You may want to join some eBay communites where you can ask these important questions to more experienced sellers. They are more thanhappy to help you. Just got the "communities" tab.

Don't give up. Learn from your mistakes. You will eventually realize how it works best. I did!

Answer 3

I have done very well on EBAY. Some people are just going to complain all the time. You need to charge actual shipping. Cost is cost. You can't control what the post office charges and you don't owe these people anything. They prey on people that will eat part of their responsibility, that is why they complain. they know the cost of shipping and there is no discounts.
As far as the EBAY fees, I agree they have turned a little bit on the high side in the past couple of years. I don't recommend selling items that you feel aren't going to sell for much. These items aren't really worth your time. On the other hand, you aren't going to find a larger customer base on your for sale items anywhere in the world.
Good luck and I hope I was at least a little help.

Answer 4

you need to charge more at the starting bid. My starting bid always includes the cost of the item plus a little extra that I want to make. If someone only bids the minimum, I still make money. The buyer is aware of my shipping charges that I tag on at the end of the auction...you shouldn't be paying for shipping!

If you are LOSING money on Ebay selling - then you are doing it wrong. I love Ebay - I buy and sell - contact me and I'd be happy to give you some pointers :)

Answer 5

ohkay ,
1. you have to sell something people want and cant get affordably anywhere else...ie dont sell clothing.
2. you dont cut prices cause ppl gripe about it.
3 . be accurate on your shipping info ... ie weight and distances.

i sell things on ebay and make a good living on it ... about 1500 a month ... just selling gaming supplies ... you gotta sell the things that people want and cant get anywhere else .. like clothing is only worth it if it is new and you got it on a really really good sale.
it all boils down to what you sell.
if you want you can check out my items ebay
( shookb1 ) seller name

Answer 6

the person that wants to but the item should pay for the shipping costs.that will help

Answer 7

i think ebay gives you some kind of price break if you sign up for their Power Sellers b.s. it has become a rip off over the last few years though. i sell my stuff on craigslist and amazon.