Selling on ebay

nwcs

Just listed my very first item on ebay for sale. Been on ebay for nearly 4 years and never sold a thing. But I'm not selling my coins yet. Selling my minerals and other collectibles. Then I'll sell my coins. Although I may sell a few from time to time. So it got me thinking, how many of you collectors sell your coins on ebay? How many of you are thinking of doing it? Any words of wisdom or observations from selling?

1960NYGiants

I've been buying for nearly 6 years and selling for about 4.

DHeath

I sell quite a bit there, and find it very convienent. 400+ transactions and no negs. I'm sure some of the bigger sellers will offer their approaches, but this is mine. Good pictures are important, and I try to make sure they fairly represent the coin. I try to describe the coin the same way I would describe it if I just got it in the mail. If it is weak, or has flaws, I try to describe them. I don't use reserve much. I usually just set the opening bid at what I think the absolute minimum I would accept would be. I set shipping at between $1-$3 on items up to $100, and include insurance. I don't state a return policy, but I will refund anything a buyer has a legitimate complaint about. I believe the feedback system really is important to bidders, and I always post positive when a buyer pays. I accept paypal or moneyorders, and both are pretty convienent. I won't link to one of my auctions on this forum, but here is the text from one I currently have up on ebay. Hope this helps.

This 1976-P Type II Ike is average for the year and grade. The surface is fairly mark free, but the coin has some hazing and some spotting. It is an average MS65. The 1976 coins are exceedingly tough to find "nice". I am selling this one because I found an upgrade for my collection. Paypal or moneyorder only. Insured shipping is $3.00. Thanks for looking.

TWQG

Let me start by saying I'm pretty new to ebay selling, about 6 months into it. I like what Don has said but would add that a stated return policy may increase bidding activity while few are likely to exercise it, especially on <$50 coins. Just state 'full refund minus shipping charges'. Listing in two categories on some items (proof silver eagles for example) can be well worth the listing fees. Leave feedback once payment is made, buyers HATE the seller feedback hostage game. I've had best success with no reserve 99c starts but on the real cheap stuff, $7.99 starts work well (1 bid and you're in the black). I see no problem with putting a link to your auctions in your sig line here as long as it is kept current. I'm curious Don, have you been burned on too many personal checks to take them anymore?

BigD5

I try to keep 10-20 items up for sale every 10 days or so. Certain stuff sells well on Ebay, other stuff doesn't. You have to find what works for you. I won't ship anything uninsured, so the cheapest I'll mail anything is $3.00. A return policy is a must if you want quality bids. I take checks, money orders and paypal. Never had a problem. Checks can be a nuisance only in the sense that it can take a little while for the check to get to the seller, then the seller has to wait for the check to clear (10 business days is what my bank told me is safe), and then the shipping time out to the buyer. Heck, that can be a month, and then if the buyer wants to return the item.....it can be a nuisance. As a buyer, I prefer to send checks, so I will always take checks. As long as everyone involved is willing to wait. Descriptions are important. I've only had 5 returns in approx. 3 years, and I think it's because I describe the coins properly, good and bad.
I'd be curious as to why you don't want to link an auction to the forum DHeath?

eminem

Ebay is a shippers dream for low end stuff.....1.00 for a 72 proof lincoln and 2.95 shipping....get the package and it's 83 cents padded mailer.....oh yeah....the handling....how much to label and stuff it in the mailer.....didn't even have to lick the envelope....pre glued
AMERICA >>>>>>>>>>WHAT A COUNTRY!!!!!

DHeath

TWQG - Checks just take too long, no real bad experiences. If I get mailed one (which I occasionally do), I take it anyway and just email the buyer saying I'll ship when it clears.

BigD5 - I wouldn't want to billboard the US coin forum. I think the sig line approach is a good one. Maybe I'll try it.

Petescorner

didn't even have to lick the envelope....pre glued


eminem, be careful with the pre-glued envelopes. It is real easy for someone to open them and re-seal it before it gets to your customer. I usually put a piece of packing tape across the seal after it's closed.

edited to add: sorry I thought you were the seller but sound advice for others

darktone

nwcs- I have been selling on ebay for about three years. Here are my tips- Have two ebay ID's one for buying and one for selling( it's nice to leave a deserved negative when you buy a bad coin and not have a retalitory negative to show up for bidders on your coins to see). Take nice big pictures! let the buyer see how good your coin is and use the supersize option. And as a buyer I alway's like to see a return policy. mike

BigD5

Gothcha DHeath!