What steps do I need to take before listing items on ebay? I plan to sell extra items I have, CDs, DVDs, sports memorabilia, collectables, etc. I am not looking to make a ton of money, and I will only do this in my spare time. I know how to list, how to leave feedback, how to offer payment options. But I want to take the correct steps BEFORE the auctions (packing supplies, shipping options, post office trips) so I can stay organized and on top of the transactions. What is the best way to do this?
2007-04-09 13:42:34 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Try and charge a flat rate shipping for most your items and keep your rates the same as Amazon might charge for shipping for a similiar item.
If you sell CDs, DVDs, they can ship Media Mail. You might want to buy some mailers for them but you can also just wrap them up securely in cardboard, then brown paper.
On other items, ship Priority Mail. You can get order boxes off the USPS website but the minimum is 50 so you might want to just pick up a few at the Post Office until you are more familiar with the size you might use.
Use Paypal's mailing label printing services for shipping also. You'll want Delivery Confirmations on all your items for your own protection and they are a lot cheaper when you go through the Paypal system. The Delivery Confirmation number will also be accessable off the auction item listing too for the convenience of the buyer.
Leave feedback when a person pays, not after they leave you positive feedback. Feedback really doesn't matter much to a buyer but certainly does to you as a seller. Mail the item within a day or so of getting payment also. I'm a full time seller and buyer and will not leave feedback upon receipt of an item if it wasn't left for me first.
Be brutally honest in your description of items. Watch your ending times too. Some days/times are a lot better than others. There's also lots of discussion boards you can access from the "Community" link on the top of your eBay page for quick answers to questions.
Happy ebaying!
2007-04-10 02:02:42 · answer #1 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The post office will supply you with boxes for priority shipping. They are free. The post office picks up my items at my house, I do not have to drop them off. Check out www.usps.com look under supplies and order what you need. Some are free some you have to pay for, but the boxes are free. Ask around for bubble wrap and peanuts. Put a posting on freecycle.com for them. Buy some shipping tape and a tape roller for about 5 or 10 dollars.
I always ship usps since it is easiest. Almost always priority, since then I can use the free boxes. Otherwise for parcel post you will have to find boxes.
Good Luck!!
2007-04-09 20:50:23 · answer #2 · answered by Lee T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi – I am an established seller on eBay. eBay has been my full time job for 4 years, and I have sold over 12,000 items.
I have a step by step guide that will help you. Please email me directly and I can share more information with you.
Regards-
suzanne@ebaysellingcoach.com
2007-04-11 15:08:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Griff host of ebay radio, if he can't answer your question no one can.
2007-04-13 14:20:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋