Hey there! So, I’ve been on this eBay journey for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. I’ve scored hundreds of items, from camera gear to vintage books, all in the name of providing you with the best reviews possible. After I’m done checking them out, I usually just sell them locally.
Now, when it comes to bidding, I’ve got a pretty good track record – over 97% success rate, baby! And you know what? I’ve never ended up paying more than I wanted to for something.
So, here’s the deal with eBay: it’s like a treasure chest of cool, old stuff. You can find all sorts of unique items there. But if you’re looking for brand-spanking-new stuff, well, eBay might not be your best bet. You’re better off hitting up regular stores for that.
Now, let’s talk about bargains. Sure, I’ve snagged a few killer deals here and there, but they’re pretty rare. And sometimes, I’ve gotten some real duds, especially from sellers with low feedback scores. I mean, you gotta remember, you’re buying used stuff from strangers here.
Oh, and speaking of deals, don’t expect to find any crazy steals on eBay. With so many people bidding, prices usually end up being pretty fair. It’s not like those garage sales where you can haggle your way to a bargain. And forget about getting that Leica camera for 25 bucks – it ain’t happening. If eBay isn’t for you, there are other sites for making money.
As for selling stuff on eBay, yeah, it can be a good way to make some cash. But if you’re looking for bargains, well, you’re better off looking elsewhere and then flipping your finds on eBay.
And let’s not forget, eBay is a big ol’ corporation making bank off seller fees. So yeah, they’re definitely in it to make money.
So, bottom line: if you’re set in your ways with eBay, hey, that’s cool. But if you’re up for trying out some strategies that have worked for me and other eBay pros, stick around – I’ve got plenty of tips to share.
The Basics of Selling on eBay
let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of eBay selling, shall we?
First off, let’s talk about the art of underpromising and overdelivering – it’s like the holy grail of eBay success. When crafting your listing, think of it as a legal contract, not just some casual ad. Words like “pristine” and “mint” might sound nice, but if you can’t deliver perfection, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Instead, opt for terms like “almost” or “nearly” to play it safe. And those photos? They’re your best bet for showcasing every tiny flaw – the more transparent you are, the happier your buyers will be.
Now, onto the buyer – yep, they’re always right, especially in eBay’s eyes. The days of pulling a fast one on unsuspecting buyers are long gone. If there’s a hitch with your item, you better believe you’re footing the bill to make it right. eBay’s got strict policies in place to protect buyers, so honesty and integrity are non-negotiable.
Presentation matters, folks. Big, clear photos can make or break a sale, so don’t skimp on the details. And for the love of eBay, keep those hands out of the frame – unless they’re adorned with pristine white gloves, of course. Oh, and one more thing – never, ever dismantle anything for photos. It’s a major red flag for savvy buyers.
Auction Closing Times
Let’s talk strategy for closing your eBay auctions. Forget about Sunday nights – that’s amateur hour. Sure, eBay might say it’s the busiest time, but trust me, the real action happens on Monday mornings.
You see, us savvy sellers know that Monday is when the real deal hunters are online. None of that Sunday night TV mentality here – folks are back at work, scouring the web for their next purchase during their coffee breaks and lunch hours.
And let’s face it, Sundays are for relaxation, not online shopping marathons. Plus, who wants to compete with a zillion other auctions closing at the same time? Not me, and probably not you either.
So, why Monday? Well, it’s simple – people haven’t been glued to their screens all weekend. They’re fresh, they’re focused, and they’re ready to click that “bid” button. Plus, research shows that Mondays are prime time for online sales across the board.
So, do yourself a favor and schedule those auctions to close when the buyers are at their desks, itching for a little midday retail therapy.
Listen up, sellers – ending your listings on weekends is a rookie mistake. Sure, folks might have some downtime, but let’s be real – weekends are for family time and fun, not online shopping sprees. The big spenders, the ones with the real bucks to drop, they’ve got lives outside of eBay. They’re out there enjoying themselves, not glued to their screens.
And let’s not forget about those buyers living under mom and dad’s roof – they might have all the time in the world, but they’re not exactly the high rollers we’re aiming for here. Trust me, I’ve crunched the numbers – office hours on Mondays are where it’s at. That’s when the real action happens, folks are back in the grind, and they’re ready to make some serious purchase decisions.
Now, I’m not saying you need to overanalyze every little detail. There’s an element of chance to it all, sure. But here’s the bottom line – aim to close your auctions when people are actually at their computers, not off catching Z’s at 3AM. It’s just good sense, folks.
Trust me, you’ll thank me when those bids start rolling in.
The Buyer is Always Right
Let me clue you in on something: eBay has wisened up. They’ve realized that it’s the buyers who keep the lights on, not us sellers. It’s no secret they’re gunning to be the next Amazon, and with that comes a zero-tolerance policy for sellers who try to pull a fast one.
Gone are the days when you could stretch the truth a bit about what you’re selling. Nope, nowadays, honesty is the best policy, my friends. Because if you try to slip something past the buyers, eBay won’t hesitate to come down on you like a ton of bricks.
Take it from me – if you ship out something that doesn’t match up to your description, or it gets banged up in transit, or the buyer discovers a flaw you missed, guess who’s on the hook? That’s right – you, the seller. And you’ll be footing the bill for return shipping, too.
Remember the old adage? The buyer is always right. And eBay? Well, they’re firmly in the buyer’s corner. Try to stonewall or argue your way out of a return, and trust me, it won’t end well for you. All it takes is a few clicks from the buyer, and eBay will swoop in, ruling in their favor faster than you can say “refund.” So do yourself a favor – keep it honest, keep it straightforward, and you’ll save yourself a world of hassle.
Ship ASAP To Keep Good Reviews
Listen up, folks: when it comes to shipping, don’t procrastinate. Ship it today, not tomorrow. It’s as simple as that.
As a seller, it’s your responsibility to know exactly where that item is and have it boxed up and ready to roll. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself scrambling to locate some promised accessory after the auction closes. That’s a recipe for disaster.
So don’t drag your feet – be prepared to drop that package off at FedEx or UPS pronto. Delaying shipping is a surefire way to earn yourself some seriously sour feedback from unhappy buyers.
I get it – being a seller ain’t easy. But here’s the deal: we buyers expect nothing short of the best, just like we would from Amazon. So step up to the plate and deliver.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t forget to include a packing list. It’s as easy as printing out a PayPal summary page with all the deets – item number, eBay listing, your name – you get the drift.
Trust me, nobody wants to receive a mystery box with no clue what’s inside. So do us all a favor and make sure that packing slip is in there. Otherwise, you might find yourself fielding some not-so-friendly inquiries from confused buyers wondering where their stuff is.
How to Make Millions Selling on eBay
Selling on eBay is a whole different ball game. Let me lay it out for you straight: you will not make money buying stuff on eBay. You won’t make money reselling things bought from eBay on eBay. The same products you watch, other people watch too. Trying to buy something low and sell it high on eBay? Yeah, good luck with that.
Let’s face it: there aren’t too many hidden gems to be found on eBay these days. If someone’s trying to sell you some secret formula for scoring big bucks buying on eBay, they’re living in a fantasy world.
So how do the real players make their money on eBay? It’s simple: they know where to find the good stuff at bargain prices, and then they flip it on eBay for a profit. The real secret sauce is finding items elsewhere that you can flip for substantial returns. We’re talking big money, 2x, 5x, 15x the price you paid. If you need help thinking about the right kind of items, we already have a handy guide for that.
eBay might fetch some pretty penny for items, but that doesn’t mean you’re gonna strike gold every time you hit the “bid” button.
Now, if you’re wondering where these savvy sellers unearth their treasures, well, I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve. Here are some places they often look:
Garage Sales and eBay
Let’s talk about a goldmine: garage sales in upscale neighborhoods where the older generation is passing on. Sounds morbid, but hear me out.
When it’s time for the heirs to clean house, they’re usually just looking to clear out the clutter, fast. They don’t care about the value; they just want it gone. That’s where you come in.
Picture this: Saturday morning, you stroll in and find gems like Nikon F100s going for a mere $100 or D1Xs for $75 – prices that would make any photography enthusiast drool. Rich folks, they’re not bothered about the value; they just want grandma’s stuff out of the house pronto. You might even get paid to take away that Leica film gear. Reselling shoes on eBay is another huge hit.
Estate Sales and eBay
Then there are estates – the big leagues. There are folks whose entire livelihood revolves around liquidating the estates of the deceased.
These pros swoop in and buy everything in one fell swoop – the good, the bad, and the ugly. They make their money by offering a convenient solution: they’ll take it all off your hands. But here’s the kicker: they’re banking on the valuable items outweighing the cost of hauling away the junk.
Think you can waltz in and cherry-pick the treasures? Think again. This is a serious business, not a casual stroll through store aisles. These folks have honed their craft – from scanning obituaries to greasing the wheels with local authorities – all while navigating the delicate terrain of dealing with grieving families. Learn about identifying the winners at estate sales, and flip those on eBay. Believe it or not, you can sometimes make a few grand from visiting ONE good estate sale. Stack up your estate sales, and you can see how that can come out to millions over a few years.
Municipal Public Auctions
Governments really drop the ball when it comes to promoting themselves. Their auctions? They’re held in the most obscure locations, at bizarre hours, with rules that could stump Einstein. It’s not intentional; it’s just how governments operate – more concerned about convenience than maximizing revenue for us, the taxpayers.
Because they’re clueless about promotion, these auctions are like hidden treasure troves for those in the know. Bring your truck and a wad of cash, and you’re golden.
I’d be all over these auctions (you know me, always on the lookout for a bargain), but governments being governments, they’re about as good at advertising as a fish is at riding a bicycle. Unlike their incessant mailers for every other civic project, they keep mum about auction details.
Your best bet? Hit up your local law enforcement – they’re usually in the loop about auctions for recovered stolen goods. Check with city and county offices for intel on auctions for retired cop cars and ancient typewriters. As for federal auctions for expired munitions and presidential limos? Your guess is as good as mine. (True story: Camp Pendleton had a nightmare unloading a stash of expired napalm.)
But be wary of the well-oiled publicity machines behind events like “ART LIQUIDATION” or “ESTATE SALE.” These are pro operations, slickly marketed affairs. Sure, you might snag a steal, but the real treasures often get reserved by the auctioneers themselves to hawk on eBay later.
Storage Unit Auctions
Some people rent storage units to hold their unused furniture. When they realize that the cost of the storage is more than the value of their old clothes and furniture, they stop paying the rent. Storage units then auction off the contents. These are auctioned off only letting you see from the door; you don’t get to pick through it until after you’ve bought it. When you win, you sort it out, and the good stuff goes up on eBay.
