To Meos, Irishmike, Coinfreak and to the others who pointed out that the prices werent right, pictures no good, etc.... Thank you. That was the advice I was looking for. Nice people who gave good honest advice. While I just started out with coins I was looking to sell most of the NGC slabs to get PCGS coins. As far as my feedback, take a look at who left them. People with negative feedbacks, people who are no longer registered, people who are scams. When you sell and buy items that are diverse you get diverse people; many who are kids and arent serious about buying. When you send a negative for no payment, you get one in retaliation. As for this site; what is this, a fraternity? Who cares who's new and who's old. We should all get the same amount of respect. Too bad the sophomoric children like Ksteel, Twgq and dthig don't seem to grasp that issue. Don't worry, dthig, I would never allow you to bid on ANYTHING that I would sell.
Hey Johnny, if I were you, I'd probably not be coming around very often looking for honest opinions, because you seem to not be able to take them. Either you want opinions, or you don't. I for one aren't going to tell you you've got great auctions when you don't. Maybe you like to pay listing fees just so you can log on and admire auctions without any bids.
My two cents worth Okay your pictures are pretty much worthless. As was noted before use a scanner or change your imaging technique. (Lighting is still a problem for me so don't think you are alone there). Elongated pictures do not do anything good for you - in fact they make you look "amateur" which lowers buyers confidence.
Your opening bids are way to high for "common's" so most "knowledgable" buyers - won't.
I don't generally mess with "reserve" auctions, although I have battled in a few over the years. Reserve auctions are just above "estate" sales which I never touch.
Whenever I see "no refunds" I AM GONE - it doesn't matter if it is the prettiest coin in the world on a computer screen, what matters is what I get in hand. I have gotten a few dogs and all went back.
I think your S&H is a bit high, do-able but high. There are sellers out there that charge $15 and more for S&H and none of them get my business. I've been on the Bay of E for a long time now, mostly as a buyer. I have however been a seller also. Time is a precious commodity, presentation is the key. There are more than 30K coins for sale at any given time, make sure your "pitch" is factual, clean and user friendly.
Watch your feedback rating - if you come across as a snot that is the way YOU will be thought of whether it is true or not. "Perception" is reality whether you like it or not.
Good Luck
"Any fool can use Power, but it is our wits that make us men."
Collecting Penguins, Named Ship Coins and other assorted goodies
<< <i>Hey Johnny, if I were you, I'd probably not be coming around very often looking for honest opinions, because you seem to not be able to take them. Either you want opinions, or you don't. I for one aren't going to tell you you've got great auctions when you don't. Maybe you like to pay listing fees just so you can log on and admire auctions without any bids. >>
You 're just TOO honest, Ken, and that 's just TOO much.
My opinion has already been stated, but I will sum it up again.
1) Your starting bids, especially on the 43S Lincoln, are way too high. That Lincoln can be had for well under that price in a PCGS holder. The reserves are also a turn-off. I do not use reserves. I used them a few times in the oast, but it was rare when I did.
2) As Russ stated, your Frankie does not have the date in the title or description. You modified your prices, but not the title. I would suggest doing that.
3) Regarding your feedback. It is not that great, but I have seen worse. Your responses to the negatives and neutrals would make me not want to deal with you. Here is an example of one you left for a postive feedback.
PositiveGood transaction - shipping wasn't as fast as I would have liked, but sufficient--Buyer lotze ( 145) May-25-04 10:13 Reply by johnny5126: Gee, you're right, should of read your mind and shipped it next day Saturday.
I do not know what happened in this transaction, but I could come back an say "why not go to the USPS on Saturday? They are open."
<< <i>I posted some common coins on Ebay up for sale >>
EXACTLY. These are not auctions. You even wasted time by providing four links. All you needed was ONE!
Now, before anyone bids (that would be incredible under the given circumstances) Take some new pictures with better lighting from straight on or the slabs just slightly raised (propped up) on one end towards your light source in an attept to replicate the approximate angle at which you examine your coins with your 5X under your lamp. You need a lot of practice with your picture taking. In the interim you may consider a flatbed scanner, however they tend to be brutally honest.
Get those together first and then go back and revise each and every last item. You have spent way too much money needlessly with high insertion fees due to your high starting prices AND needless reserves. Go back and start them, say...at $9.99 and drop the reserves OR start your auctions at approximately one fourth of your target prices, again with no reserves and just let the coins speak for themselves. Watch how much your fees to run these items drop! And the bidding will commence. Some set the starting prices in such a way that they themselves act as reserves, however most do not fare well this way either. YOU WANT TO GENERATE INTEREST AMONGST SEVERAL BIDDERS THAT HOPEFULLY WILL GET CAUGHT UP IN A BIDDING WAR. The way these are presented, I don't see this happening.
Around here you had better have thick skin or your stay will be a short one. You have wasted a lot of money thus far and at the present rate, with the # of hits you've had with no bids THAT ought to tell you someting! I knew you were in for it the moment you you posted here. As you can tell, this was perceived as a ploy to get us to look at your coins. (Spamming) Post your items in the BS&T Forum.
There is a plethera of knowledge here. While your intentions may have been true, they most certainly were not seen that way. Now, get in there, take better pictures and do as I've suggested ! One more thing, DO NOT cancel your items with under 12 hours to go. That's frowned upon and is even against eBay rules. Get moving and Good Luck!
Johnny50, Some great recommendations to improve your sale were given here. You also got some opinions both positive and negative. Use the ones you want and discard the rest. It's not to your benefit to be going back and forth about others opinions given. Take with a grain of salt and move on. A wealth of knowledge here! Good Luck, Lee
Your auction presentations are better than most. You should be able to offer priority mailing for $5.25, however. Appearances are you're trying to make a buck or two from shipping charge. Feedback rating is a bit low. I haven't investigated yours but if I were to, I'd be looking for a common reason why you've dropped to below 99%.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
On ebay, perception is EVERYTHING. As a seller, you want a common perception among the savvy buyers who might happen on your auctions that your efforts are always being directed toward their satisfaction.
Have a customer who leaves what you think is unwarranted negative feedback? Don't ever, ever "let the camel into the tent" by retaliating with a zinger of your own. Doing so can cost you more in future sales than you might think.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
Horrible pictures, take them head on, or spent the extra 0.15 to add them if you insist on the angle shot. All certified coins should have a return policy. I shy away from auctions that don't have them unless I've delt with the person before.
You need to learn the difference between the words honest and objective. You have just asked the "honest" opinions of a large number of Ebay buyers, everyone of whom has at one time or another been lied to, ripped off, overcharged for mailing, and otherwise abused on Ebay. If you want objective opinions on sales, ask at the chamber of commerce.
1) Get better pictures. You'll need to use a scanner or a macro lense. Watch the lighting so you don't have a glaring reflection off the plastic hiding the coin.
2) The combination of significant opening price and a reserve make me say why bother.... part of bidding is hoping to get a good deal. This sends the message no deals here.
3) Feedback is weak. You have 5 negatives, even if some are from questionable members. Start with a new identity and get 10-20 positives before selling. You also made a nasty reply to a positive feedback with a comment about slow shipping. This mainly draws attention to your nasty comment... no one would notice the slow shipping comment if you didn't highlight it.
4) Shipping is too high.... $5.25 for First Class which will only cost you about $1 plus $3 to insure, which will cost you $1.30
5) You are hoping for too much money. Check the Heritage auction archives for NGC MS67 1943-S cents. With the juice (15%) most go for $40 give or take $5. Starting at $50 with a reserve is a non-starter. I didn't check the others.
Not much for me to say but LISTEN to what the board members SAY, it's not always what you want to hear, but it's the best advice you can get. Potenial buyers don't wanna be called a @## I've gotten some of my best advice from here. Put on your thick skin and Listen. My Two and a half cents worth.
6) Do what "itsnotjustme" said. 7) Never pay more than the Heritage historical bid, so you can make at least 15% profit 8) Learn to grade and make your own coins inexpenively like Russ and friends. 9) Treat others like you'd like to be treated, even if they're assh*^&s
Comments
Okay your pictures are pretty much worthless. As was noted before use a scanner or change your imaging technique. (Lighting is still a problem for me so don't think you are alone there). Elongated pictures do not do anything good for you - in fact they make you look "amateur" which lowers buyers confidence.
Your opening bids are way to high for "common's" so most "knowledgable" buyers - won't.
I don't generally mess with "reserve" auctions, although I have battled in a few over the years. Reserve auctions are just above "estate" sales which I never touch.
Whenever I see "no refunds" I AM GONE - it doesn't matter if it is the prettiest coin in the world on a computer screen, what matters is what I get in hand. I have gotten a few dogs and all went back.
I think your S&H is a bit high, do-able but high. There are sellers out there that charge $15 and more for S&H and none of them get my business.
I've been on the Bay of E for a long time now, mostly as a buyer. I have however been a seller also. Time is a precious commodity, presentation is the key. There are more than 30K coins for sale at any given time, make sure your "pitch" is factual, clean and user friendly.
Watch your feedback rating - if you come across as a snot that is the way YOU will be thought of whether it is true or not. "Perception" is reality whether you like it or not.
Good Luck
Collecting Penguins, Named Ship Coins and other assorted goodies
Looking for Circulated coins of Papua New Guinea
stores.ebay.com/Grumpy's-Cave
<< <i>Hey Johnny, if I were you, I'd probably not be coming around very often looking for honest opinions, because you seem to not be able to take them. Either you want opinions, or you don't. I for one aren't going to tell you you've got great auctions when you don't. Maybe you like to pay listing fees just so you can log on and admire auctions without any bids. >>
You 're just TOO honest, Ken, and that 's just TOO much.
1) Your starting bids, especially on the 43S Lincoln, are way too high. That Lincoln can be had for well under that price in a PCGS holder. The reserves are also a turn-off. I do not use reserves. I used them a few times in the oast, but it was rare when I did.
2) As Russ stated, your Frankie does not have the date in the title or description. You modified your prices, but not the title. I would suggest doing that.
3) Regarding your feedback. It is not that great, but I have seen worse. Your responses to the negatives and neutrals would make me not want to deal with you. Here is an example of one you left for a postive feedback.
PositiveGood transaction - shipping wasn't as fast as I would have liked, but sufficient--Buyer lotze ( 145) May-25-04 10:13
Reply by johnny5126: Gee, you're right, should of read your mind and shipped it next day Saturday.
I do not know what happened in this transaction, but I could come back an say "why not go to the USPS on Saturday? They are open."
<< <i>I posted some common coins on Ebay up for sale >>
EXACTLY. These are not auctions. You even wasted time by providing four links. All you needed was ONE!
Now, before anyone bids (that would be incredible under the given circumstances) Take some new pictures with better lighting from straight on or the slabs just slightly raised (propped up) on one end towards your light source in an attept to replicate the approximate angle at which you examine your coins with your 5X under your lamp. You need a lot of practice with your picture taking. In the interim you may consider a flatbed scanner, however they tend to be brutally honest.
Get those together first and then go back and revise each and every last item. You have spent way too much money needlessly with high insertion fees due to your high starting prices AND needless reserves. Go back and start them, say...at $9.99 and drop the reserves OR start your auctions at approximately one fourth of your target prices, again with no reserves and just let the coins speak for themselves. Watch how much your fees to run these items drop! And the bidding will commence. Some set the starting prices in such a way that they themselves act as reserves, however most do not fare well this way either. YOU WANT TO GENERATE INTEREST AMONGST SEVERAL BIDDERS THAT HOPEFULLY WILL GET CAUGHT UP IN A BIDDING WAR. The way these are presented, I don't see this happening.
Around here you had better have thick skin or your stay will be a short one. You have wasted a lot of money thus far and at the present rate, with the # of hits you've had with no bids THAT ought to tell you someting! I knew you were in for it the moment you you posted here. As you can tell, this was perceived as a ploy to get us to look at your coins. (Spamming) Post your items in the BS&T Forum.
There is a plethera of knowledge here. While your intentions may have been true, they most certainly were not seen that way. Now, get in there, take better pictures and do as I've suggested ! One more thing, DO NOT cancel your items with under 12 hours to go. That's frowned upon and is even against eBay rules. Get moving and Good Luck!
Some great recommendations to improve your sale were given here. You also got some opinions both positive and negative. Use the ones you want and discard the rest. It's not to your benefit to be going back and forth about others opinions given. Take with a grain of salt and move on. A wealth of knowledge here! Good Luck, Lee
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
<< <i>asking for friendly advice >>
<< <i>jerkoff >>
kinda sums up the situation.
Mike
Have a customer who leaves what you think is unwarranted negative feedback? Don't ever, ever "let the camel into the tent" by retaliating with a zinger of your own. Doing so can cost you more in future sales than you might think.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
Apropos of the coin posse/aka caca: "The longer he spoke of his honor, the tighter I held to my purse."
K S
1) Get better pictures. You'll need to use a scanner or a macro lense. Watch the lighting so you don't have a glaring reflection off the plastic hiding the coin.
2) The combination of significant opening price and a reserve make me say why bother.... part of bidding is hoping to get a good deal. This sends the message no deals here.
3) Feedback is weak. You have 5 negatives, even if some are from questionable members. Start with a new identity and get 10-20 positives before selling. You also made a nasty reply to a positive feedback with a comment about slow shipping. This mainly draws attention to your nasty comment... no one would notice the slow shipping comment if you didn't highlight it.
4) Shipping is too high.... $5.25 for First Class which will only cost you about $1 plus $3 to insure, which will cost you $1.30
5) You are hoping for too much money. Check the Heritage auction archives for NGC MS67 1943-S cents. With the juice (15%) most go for $40 give or take $5. Starting at $50 with a reserve is a non-starter. I didn't check the others.
it's not always what you want to hear, but it's the best advice you
can get. Potenial buyers don't wanna be called a @##
I've gotten some of my best advice from here.
Put on your thick skin and Listen.
My Two and a half cents worth.
Smitty
7) Never pay more than the Heritage historical bid, so you can make at least 15% profit
8) Learn to grade and make your own coins inexpenively like Russ and friends.
9) Treat others like you'd like to be treated, even if they're assh*^&s