Today I have been organizing some more items to put on eBay so I thought I would share with you what I do to prepare for this.
- Decide what I want to sell
- Check other completed auctions on eBay to see how similar products are performing.
- Take photos of the items I am selling and download them to my computer- sometimes if it is a like new item I may just download a photo from the Internet or off another same item already selling on eBay.
- If sizes or measurement are relevant I make a note of those while I am in the photo taking process.
- I also make a note of any imperfection or other details I may need to mention when filling out the description section of the listing form. (colour, material, capacity, brand name, model info etc). To save having to use too much imagination you can also download descriptions from supplier web sites and other similar eBay auctions. Cutting and pasting is easier than typing.
- I then decide what starting price I feel is appropriate and whether I want to use the auction format, Buy it now or both.
- Once I am satisfied that I have all the details I need I log into eBay and start listing my items.
- I usually double check that all the details are correct before hitting the accept button ei. location details, item description, price, PayPal details, payment address…
- For large items I usually opt for Local Pick Up Only because I don’t want the hassle of estimating or arranging delivery of large items
I have to admit that once the auction is under way I do tend to obsess over how it is doing and go back to check several times a day but that is half the fun of using eBay in the first place.
ITEM 134 of 365 LESS THINGS
While we are on the subject of eBay here is another of my ski gear items this one sold for $22.50
Do you have any advice on shipping? The part I stress the most about is being able to find packaging (e.g. boxes) for the stuff I want to sell on eBay. Consequently, I haven’t sold much.
Hi Carmen,
I work in retail selling furniture and decor accessories so I have access to and endless supple of boxes and packaging supplies that would otherwise end up in the recycling. Go to a retail outlet neat where you live and just ask they would save you some boxes in various sizes. if you live in America and there is a Joanns craft store near you they are a perfect target as they get one shipment a week from the main warehouse find out what day that shipment comes in and you will have houdreds of boxes to choose from every week. I alter boxes to fit my needs and use old gift wrap (in side out) to wrap them in.
Thanks Colleen!
I hadn’t sold on Ebay in a while. Your inspirational blog got me back into it. I’m delighted with what I’ve been able to sell and the prices I’ve fetched. Thanks for the needed nudge.
Hi Cindy,
good for you! Sometimes ebay does seem like such a bother but what are you going to do with the stuff you don’t want otherwise? Give it all away? Its nice to get something back.