Do you feel it is worth it to sell on EBay?

Question

I'm interested in your experiences good or bad.

Diane

I won't be selling cars this was just the closest place to list my question.

Answer 1

I have been buying and selling on Ebay for many years. Every now and then you get a PITA buyer, but mostly they are fine. Ebay...just pay their fees and there's no problem there, basically it's cut and dry unless you are trying to circumvent the system. Paypal is about the same (it's run by Ebay anyway); however, I use a separate checking account at a different bank than where my personal account is...and I use that account just for Ebay and Paypal and I don't leave a lot of money in that account. I don't even order checks because I don't need them...the less paper trail that is available to the public, the better. This way, if I ever do get hacked into...it's a only a very small amount of money they could get without being able to access another account at that bank--because I don't have another account. Without fail I change my e-mail address and password often. As far as sales, as long as you don't try to fleece the buyer, you stuff usually sells without a problem. Ebay to me is like a hobby, I don't intend to live off of the profit I make, I just use it for spending cash or to help me save for something. Also, I don't accept personal checks or money orders...all payments go through Paypal and I print my shipping labels from Paypal so I don't have to go to the post office, they can just take the shipping cost out of my winnings....it's a slam dunk!

Answer 2

Your question is missing an important word.

"Do you feel it is worth it to sell on EBay?"

If you're just getting rid of old stuff you no longer want, sure, why not?

If you are thinking of starting a side business (or full-time business) on eBay, it really depends on what you're selling and what you can get it for. Most categories are already saturated with sellers. Unless you can offer a new product, or an existing product at a lower price, you will have a hard time turning a profit, and even if you do you may find it's not worth the time and effort.

Search the web for "ebay seller guide" and such things, you can find many real users who have shared their experiences. Don't waste your money on any of the books out there about it.

Answer 3

All my friends that have sold items on eBay, have done well. I have a couple of friends that have a small eBay "business" together as a sideline (mostly jeans) and they used to comb yard and estate sales for items to re-sell on eBay.

I bought an mp3 player recently on eBay and although I don't know what the sellers were paying for the model item I was looking for, I can tell you that a LOT of them were selling for higher prices on eBay than someone would have to spend retail....so when buyers don't do their research, sellers can really make some money.

I've bought a lot on eBay over the years, but never sold (although I have some things I need to list). I've had only positive experiences as a buyer and if you've got items to sell, you'll probably make more on eBay than you would a yard sale (if they have any value) and definitely more than donating to Goodwill.

Answer 4

Selling on EBay can be treacherous so be cautious. The biggest scam is for the buyer to claim they never received the item then paypal sucks the money out of your account and you are out the goods and the money so always - always get proof of receipt from the shipper or Post Office.

Answer 5

hi i have bought and sold on ebay since 2000 and i really didnt come out way ahead when i sold because all of the fees. you have to pay to list it then pay a final value fee when your auction is over so the more you get for your item the more you have to pay in a final value fee. also i have recently closed my ebay acct because i was hacked into twice in 48 hours so it just was very worrysome to me that that could happen. so even though i did have some good times on ebay i really didnt make a whole lot of money and then i had to go throught the stress of someone trying to steal my identity twice. so in my opinion it isnt worth it to me. hope this helps.

Answer 6

Hi,
You can find hundreds of products that sell easily on ebay and really good profits , use salehoo, http://www.salehoowholesalers.com , its a very big wholesalers list you will find cheap brand name products that you can sell very well on ebay and a prefect guides on what to sell and how to sell
Good luck

Answer 7

I've had alot of problems lately with eBay that I have stopped listing and buying altogether.

It's just a fraud haven now and no real bargains anymore....

Answer 8

I have had very good experiences I only deal with those that have a positive rating

Answer 9

I'd get a divoce. What were you cooking?