I'm a chicken

[became4347]

Don't laugh, guys. But I am a big chicken. I am afraid to sell on eBay. I don't know why. I think I am just afraid of the unknown. I have been to the website and have looked at the tutorials, but I just don't know.

I have lots of crap I could sell, and Lord knows I could use a few extra bucks and the extra space. Can anyone out there give me their honest opinions? I would appreciate any advice on the good and bad.

TIA!

[bumplett]

If ebay scares you, why don't you try a free site such as craigslist?

Ebay isn't difficult, it walks you through the listing process step by step, but you will have to pay the listing fees regardless of if the item sells or not -

[JohnH]

I have sold loads of items on eBay. There is nothing to be afraid of.

I don't bother with reserve prices. If the item is valued then put the item in on a low starting price to bring in the bidders. Look at what price experienced sellers are selling similar items to yours.

Make sure the item is photographed well. Weight the item in its packing material so that you can give an accurate postal charge so that you aren't caught out when it sells.

Send items promptly and keep your buyers informed with e-mail. That will guarantee positive feedback and guarantee a 100% rating.

Sell some bankers to start with. Things that will definitely sell. People might be wary of a newcomer. If you sell easy stuff and sell it well then you will get a good feedback score and others will flock to your sales.

[C@rol]

Don't be afraid.
ebay is so easy.
Try one item at first to get
comfortable. But as suggested
craigslist is even easier.
Good luck.
Been an ebay seller for about six years.

[Jamauk]

I just sold 8 things last week (very very small things) and netted over $100.

Its very easy - and I admit I was intimidated at first as well.

That's good advice to pick one or two easy sellers (with low value) for your fist few sales. Once you get comfortable you can start listing bigger items.

If all else fails, just CLOSE YOUR EYES & JUMP!!!!!
Good Luck!

[lisettelovebug]

If you have books, cds, dvds, etc I would try selling them on Amazon.com, half.com, or even Barnes and Nobles online. These are similar to Ebay but you don't have to do as much work.

[tbs727]

I have had great luck with ebay. I agree with the poster that said just list one small thing first to get a feel for it. You'll be a pro in no time!

[ms. frugal kugel]

Don't laugh, guys. But I am a big chicken. I am afraid to sell on eBay. I don't know why. I think I am just afraid of the unknown. I have been to the website and have looked at the tutorials, but I just don't know

I'm the same way. I end up just giving the stuff away when I could be making a little $$. I have a lot of books to sell, too. I could do the "stuff" on Craigslist easy enough, but the books are a little more eclectic so I'll have to sell them on a larger site. I think in my case I'm just lazy and when I want it out it needs to go right away.

[lwlynch]

i have always been curious too, what happens at the end of the year do you have to file taxes on your sales?

[became4347]

Good question, lwlynch! What do you other experienced sellers do about taxes?

Lissettelovebug, good idea about Amazon.com, etc. Are there tutorials or something on that website? You know, I have bought books on that site and always wondered about the used book listings. So Amazon doesn't keep the inventory of used books? These listings are from individual sellers?

Thanks for the tips and support, everyone. I am going to get back into a good mindset about it and go review the eBay website again. Keep the tips coming though! I appreciate it!

[CristiK]

DH and I (he does all the work, hehehe) have been selling on ebay for awhile. One thing we learned is to accept paypal only. Waiting on checks and money orders in the mail is a drag and sometimes that check never does show. Also, take advantage of the paypal to pay for shipping and print out your postage....this way when you go to the post office, you sail right past all the people waiting in line and and in an "in the know" sorta way say,"these are ready to go." ( Try to ignore all the nasty stares from people who have to wait in line) Or better yet, you can skip the post office all together and just hand them to your postal carrier.

[lwlynch]

I also, don't quote me, but that you could get the shipping boxes and tape from the post office for free?????

[CristiK]

The shipping boxes are priority and express mail boxes and they can be ordered online and delivered to you. They don't give tape free anymore.

[lisettelovebug]

Good question, lwlynch! What do you other experienced sellers do about taxes?

Lissettelovebug, good idea about Amazon.com, etc. Are there tutorials or something on that website? You know, I have bought books on that site and always wondered about the used book listings. So Amazon doesn't keep the inventory of used books? These listings are from individual sellers?

Thanks for the tips and support, everyone. I am going to get back into a good mindset about it and go review the eBay website again. Keep the tips coming though! I appreciate it!

there may be a tutorial i'm not sure but it;s really easy. say you have a book to sell. I go to textbooks and look the book up by isbn number to see how much others are selling it for. I usually price it a little bit lower than the lowest price in the same category (new, like new, very good and good). Somewhere on that page is a link that says something like Sell Yours. click on that link, you will have to sign up w/ name, addy, etc. You put in condition of book, description and asking price, It's that easy, When someone buys your product you get an email. you have 2 business days to mail out. They give you a certain amount to cover shipping and of course take their share.

[became4347]

So Amazon.com sends the check? If so, that sounds like something I would do. Thanks for the info. I do have lots of books that I could (and SHOULD) sell.