After a few years of B&S on eBay...
laurentyvan
Posts: 4,243 ✭✭✭
A few thoughts in no particular order here- just as they occur to me. Not preaching to the choir either, I hope, just observations for Newbies.
Never let a spelling mistake (or typo) linger, go back and correct it when you see it. Do use ABC check every time you list; buyers may question your accuracy about what you're selling otherwise.
Take time with your images. Here's a fast spiel encouraging certain basics for newbies about taking pictures for ebay auctions I posted on another forum, understanding there are many valid approaches:
Disable the flash, set the white balance to on, make sure the camera is in macro mode, position it 4-6 inches away from the subject. Don't be afraid to hit the zoom to bring your subject a little closer. If it looks sharp in the camera screen it usually is and if in doubt take several pics, playing with zoom distance each time. Analyze results...
Make sure you buy a little tripod stand so the camera is stable and elevated about 8 to 10 inches (about $10 to $20 almost anywhere that deals with cameras).
Get a V-shaped, dark-smoked, plastic stand with flat base that elevates an open book for display at a 45 degree angle, (roughly 12" to 18" W x 10" to 12" deep), use that to position your coins for imaging with the camera tilted down the same 45 degrees.
Purchase a piece of black plastic foam about 1/8" to 1/16" thick for about .50 at any craft store and cut to fit the surface dimensions of the plastic stand in order to obtain a darkish, uniform background and so the coin (or book or antique picture, etc.) doesn't slide due to the tilt. Also helpful to support your subject from the bottom lip of the stand (which it will have) with an empty Airtite which may be cropped to eliminate when editing.
Obtain 2 goose-neck lights with GE reveal bulbs and believe what you see in the camera display- experiment with lighting position and wattage. Use the camera "delay" feature to take your picture so there's no shaking of the camera. Take 10 pics of 1 coin (choose the best 2 or 3), use Auctiva (free eBay auction service) which will give you up to 24 images at N/C.
I have found that scanned images prove (for the most part) to be poor versions of digital camera images, and do not trigger the "fight or flight"- wait, I'm sorry, I meant the "purchase or perish" instinct in "Homo Acquirens", a breed that needs biologically-responsive image triggers.
Answer your eBay messages immediately. "Homo Acquirens" loves this as it provides the warm, fuzzy feeling they require for full growth. Ignore eBay's inability to not beat you over the head with messages about messages you've already answered or checked and deleted twice already.
Try to interject a little of your personality into the auction description. Be precise as you can, providing supporting information as to condition, etc. which may seem like already-acquired basic information to you but maybe not to a prospective buyer. Don't hesitate to go back and drop the price on a piece slightly that should have (and didn't) receive watchers in the 1st 2 or 3 days or hesitate to incorporate new or updated information and description to refresh same.
Ship immediately, well-packaged and don't overcharge. "Homo Acquirens" are known for their lack of patience, tolerance and parsimoniousness. You will acquire foreign bidders as long as you realize you can ship almost anywhere for $1.25 to $2.75. Do use the "additional shipping services" option for various foreign countries- it will reward you.
NB- I've had to abandon Paypal shipping due to their long-standing problems- they owe me money and time!
Please do your "items sold" research on eBay, it will pay off! Also, feel free to disregard the results of your research if all the sellers provided poor images, poor verbiage, high shipping costs and no guarantees- you can always do better than the schmucks.
Be absolutely fair in your descriptions- you want both bidders and winners back and their feedback to you a winner!
Like it or not, take Paypal to sell to a much wider audience.
Never, ever hesitate to pray over your auctions daily. Now, go forth, prosper and add your selling tips and observations to this post.
Never let a spelling mistake (or typo) linger, go back and correct it when you see it. Do use ABC check every time you list; buyers may question your accuracy about what you're selling otherwise.
Take time with your images. Here's a fast spiel encouraging certain basics for newbies about taking pictures for ebay auctions I posted on another forum, understanding there are many valid approaches:
Disable the flash, set the white balance to on, make sure the camera is in macro mode, position it 4-6 inches away from the subject. Don't be afraid to hit the zoom to bring your subject a little closer. If it looks sharp in the camera screen it usually is and if in doubt take several pics, playing with zoom distance each time. Analyze results...
Make sure you buy a little tripod stand so the camera is stable and elevated about 8 to 10 inches (about $10 to $20 almost anywhere that deals with cameras).
Get a V-shaped, dark-smoked, plastic stand with flat base that elevates an open book for display at a 45 degree angle, (roughly 12" to 18" W x 10" to 12" deep), use that to position your coins for imaging with the camera tilted down the same 45 degrees.
Purchase a piece of black plastic foam about 1/8" to 1/16" thick for about .50 at any craft store and cut to fit the surface dimensions of the plastic stand in order to obtain a darkish, uniform background and so the coin (or book or antique picture, etc.) doesn't slide due to the tilt. Also helpful to support your subject from the bottom lip of the stand (which it will have) with an empty Airtite which may be cropped to eliminate when editing.
Obtain 2 goose-neck lights with GE reveal bulbs and believe what you see in the camera display- experiment with lighting position and wattage. Use the camera "delay" feature to take your picture so there's no shaking of the camera. Take 10 pics of 1 coin (choose the best 2 or 3), use Auctiva (free eBay auction service) which will give you up to 24 images at N/C.
I have found that scanned images prove (for the most part) to be poor versions of digital camera images, and do not trigger the "fight or flight"- wait, I'm sorry, I meant the "purchase or perish" instinct in "Homo Acquirens", a breed that needs biologically-responsive image triggers.
Answer your eBay messages immediately. "Homo Acquirens" loves this as it provides the warm, fuzzy feeling they require for full growth. Ignore eBay's inability to not beat you over the head with messages about messages you've already answered or checked and deleted twice already.
Try to interject a little of your personality into the auction description. Be precise as you can, providing supporting information as to condition, etc. which may seem like already-acquired basic information to you but maybe not to a prospective buyer. Don't hesitate to go back and drop the price on a piece slightly that should have (and didn't) receive watchers in the 1st 2 or 3 days or hesitate to incorporate new or updated information and description to refresh same.
Ship immediately, well-packaged and don't overcharge. "Homo Acquirens" are known for their lack of patience, tolerance and parsimoniousness. You will acquire foreign bidders as long as you realize you can ship almost anywhere for $1.25 to $2.75. Do use the "additional shipping services" option for various foreign countries- it will reward you.
NB- I've had to abandon Paypal shipping due to their long-standing problems- they owe me money and time!
Please do your "items sold" research on eBay, it will pay off! Also, feel free to disregard the results of your research if all the sellers provided poor images, poor verbiage, high shipping costs and no guarantees- you can always do better than the schmucks.
Be absolutely fair in your descriptions- you want both bidders and winners back and their feedback to you a winner!
Like it or not, take Paypal to sell to a much wider audience.
Never, ever hesitate to pray over your auctions daily. Now, go forth, prosper and add your selling tips and observations to this post.
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
0
Comments
FOR SALE Items
Great tips Laurent. Thank you.
Here is my earlier response to a thread started by JHF regarding comparison of NGC versus PCGS darkside coins on ebay (he was specifically referring to US-Phil coins). I think you bring up some good points, and there are certainly some proven winning techniques that can be employed on the 'bay
"Thanks for the report, I like seeing market trends on coin series. However, I think that the sample you used was too small to make any strong conclusions either way. IMHO, ebay is far more fickle than other "traditional" auction houses. It has been discussed many times on the US forum about the best way to get strong money for your coin, no matter the holder. It has been agreed by many (including myself from experience) that the following is key:
7 day auctions are usually best for maximum exposure
end the auctions on a Sunday evening around 7 pm Pacific time
have large, clear pictures of both the coin and the slab
provide accurate info on the coin, but not too much fluff
allow overseas bidders, as long as your comfortable with the countries involved
allow more than one form of payment
return policy is fair, as long as coin is still in slab
I don't think i'm alone in the fact that i've overlooked many coins because one of those aspects were missing. In fact, I try to go after darkside coins (NGC and PCGS) that end at funky times (maybe a tuesday at 2 am or something) as these coins won't have as many active viewers, and i've gotten some great deals because of this. If a person were to pull up a coin series like you've done, and factored in the above stated conditions, I think it would equate to more of an apples-to-apples comparison; or....i think "traditional" auctions may be a better barometer because the coins from the same country usually end on the same day, are presented the same way and cataloged together. Whether a "traditional" auction or ebay, we must keep in mind that there are always hard-headed "bidiots" out there, that will skew the numbers on a coin comparison because they are competing with another bidder and simply don't want to lose.
Lastly, I think that the whole PCGS vs. NGC comparison on world coins is a tough one due to the fact that there are simply so many more NGC world coins out there, many of them are rarities. A country to country comparison may be a bit easier than a flat PCGS vs. NGC assessment. For instance, Goldberg's 'Millenia' auction is coming up the first of next year to much fanfare. It is already being reported to feature some of the rarest world coins ever presented in an auction, and it is expected to bring the highest sales numbers of any world coin auction. ALL of the coins in this auction are NGC slabbed; comparing these rarities to ones in PCGS plastic (if they even exist) would be very tough at best. "
8 Reales Madness Collection
If you're dropping a 2x2 into a #10 envelope and waving farewell to it, yes, I suppose it's true but if you're mailing a slab and/or looking to insure anything, there's no way, especially with the latest round of USPS rate hikes.
A 3-ounce shipment to the UK costs $2.70 + packaging + insurance, plus $0.90 per ounce above 3oz. Pack a slab well and you're easily looking at $4-5 in postage costs alone.
When you're setting your postage costs in your auction templates, spend some time with the International Rate Calculator over at the USPS web site, and experiment with various countries and package weights. Also check out the various available additional services and which shipping methods they're available for. Insuring and/or tracking packages internationally can be a minefield to the uninitiated.
Remember: Registered Mail IS NOT "online proof of delivery" which is required to satisfy PayPal's seller protection policy. If you are sending Registered Mail internationally and think you're protected against a claim of nonrecipt, you are not. You will lose any claim filed against you.
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
f you're dropping a 2x2 into a #10 envelope and waving farewell to it, yes, I suppose it's true but if you're mailing a slab and/or looking to insure anything, there's no way, especially with the latest round of USPS rate hikes.
No, I'm not. A padded 6 x 9 with one or 2 coins in it (shrink-wrapped and additionally padded) will still go almost anywhere for a couple or three dollars.
This morning I mailed a package to Portugal which cost $18.00 registered. As you progress in selling sellers will move up to that level of cost and become familiar with it and do what has to be done.
Remember: Registered Mail IS NOT "online proof of delivery" which is required to satisfy PayPal's seller protection policy. If you are sending Registered Mail internationally and think you're protected against a claim of nonrecipt, you are not. You will lose any claim filed against you.
Well if you buy insurance that won't work because of the low level of insurance that the USPS provides on international shipments. For me registered is the best level of comfort for making sure it gets there, (other than without Ins. and Reg. which stands just as good a chance of getting there 99% of the time as any other method). How do you best like to handle that circumstance?
Doogy, good advice!
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
<< <i>Well if you buy insurance that won't work because of the low level of insurance that the USPS provides on international shipments. For me registered is the best level of comfort for making sure it gets there, (other than without Ins. and Reg. which stands just as good a chance of getting there 99% of the time as any other method). How do you best like to handle that circumstance? >>
Are you sure you're thinking of insurance or perhaps you mean the maximum indemnity available with Registered Mail?
For some inexplicable reason, when you ship internationally using methods OTHER THAN registered mail, you can insure the contents (varies by country).
For example, on a 5-ounce package, shipping to the UK, Priority Mail international costs $20. That comes with indemnity of $61.28 (whoop de doo), but you can purchase additional insurance up to $650.
The same package sent Global Express Guaranteed, can be insured up to $2,499 for a grand total cost of $67 for the shipment.
Not cheap, but there are options.
I still have yet to ever have someone explain to me why it is that, if you send a package internationally via Registered mail, supposedly THE SAFEST way to send it, you cannot insure it. In order to insure a package for full value, you have to send it via one of the less safe methods... it makes no logical sense whatsoever.
P.S. You *DO* want to be careful when insuring an international package, to read the fine print on what is or is not permitted to be shipped into the country in question. Many countries prohibit the importing of coins, bullion, or currency. While USPS and/or customs may not actually check, if you end up having to file an insurance claim and it was for prohibited goods, you're out of luck.
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
<< <i>I still have yet to ever have someone explain to me why it is that, if you send a package internationally via Registered mail, supposedly THE SAFEST way to send it, you cannot insure it. In order to insure a package for full value, you have to send it via one of the less safe methods... it makes no logical sense whatsoever. >>
Logic and the post office don't go hand in hand. It's cheaper to send a 1oz padded envelope outside the US than within the US.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
If you have a specialty clientele then I'd say it probably won't hurt you- they'll pay by any method you deem suitable.
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
great tips...
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
A big Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~
<< <i>coinkat, you don't need paypal to sell on eBay but if you don't offer it you'll miss out on a lot of business. If I sell say, 15 to 20 items in a week, only 2 or 3 will pay by money order or check, the rest use paypal.
If you have a specialty clientele then I'd say it probably won't hurt you- they'll pay by any method you deem suitable. >>
Just a point of clarification for prospective newbies (since you and I are grandfathered in): sellers who register with Ebay after January 2007 are required to either accept Paypal or have a merchant Credit Card account.
From eBay's policies:
To keep eBay a safe place for both buyers and sellers, sellers who register after January 17, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items. PayPal allows you to accept credit card and electronic check payments online from your buyers. You can sign up for PayPal before you list your first item for sale, or you can sign up when you list your first item.
Folks who sold material prior to January 17, 2007 are currently exempt from this requirement (it wouldn't surprise me if this changes at some point).
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
Great advice. I don't sell on eBay, but I have a few friends who do, and I am sending this thread to them. And I'm going to file it away in in my own computer, under Numis/articles for future reference. That item about answering all your e-mails immediately -- put that in bold. As a frequent buyer (through an agent who bids for me), I know this is important, both ways.
Thank you both, again!
Best wishes from Hong Kong!
Just Having Fun and tons of it,
<< <i>Logic and the post office don't go hand in hand. It's cheaper to send a 1oz padded envelope outside the US than within the US. >>
It's also cheaper to send a couple of ounces by first class than by parcel post!
<< <i>Logic and the post office don't go hand in hand. It's cheaper to send a 1oz padded envelope outside the US than within the US. >>
I'm curious- what postage rates are you using? The USPS online calculator shows a 1 oz. padded envelope goes for 80 cents mailed to a US address and 86 cents to an address in Canada.
Coinpictures- I had no idea, thanks! (sorry coinkat)
I'm curious- what postage rates are you using? The USPS online calculator shows a 1 oz. padded envelope goes for 80 cents mailed to a US address and 86 cents to an address in Canada.
If I'm sending a quarter-sized aluminum minor I can sometimes stay at 1 oz but generally I find I'm between 1.5/2 and 3 oz depending...
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato
I now require my international buyers to have coins shipped via Registered Mail. I charge $12.50 to $13.50 for this and don't make money on it. This said, I will not ship coins to China or the Russian Federation.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
<< <i>
<< <i>Logic and the post office don't go hand in hand. It's cheaper to send a 1oz padded envelope outside the US than within the US. >>
It's also cheaper to send a couple of ounces by first class than by parcel post! >>
Same with media mail up to 6oz or so.
<< <i>
<< <i>Logic and the post office don't go hand in hand. It's cheaper to send a 1oz padded envelope outside the US than within the US. >>
I'm curious- what postage rates are you using? The USPS online calculator shows a 1 oz. padded envelope goes for 80 cents mailed to a US address and 86 cents to an address in Canada. >>
That's one of those wierd things where half the clerks charge the retail flat rate, and the other half charge the retail parcel rate. It has to be sent the latter to be able to use delivery confirmation which Paypal requires, which again brings up another wierd thing....most clerks don't care about the 3/4" thick rule for delivery confirmation, but some do. I've taken to crumpling up a magazine page to stuff in there for extra thickness because when you get clerks that do care about the thickness on the receiving end, you start running into problems with returned mail or postage due to recipient.
<< <i>most clerks don't care about the 3/4" thick rule for delivery confirmation, but some do >>
This rule is no longer as long as it is sent as a parcel. A parcel can be sent DC even if it is < 3/4"
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
<< <i>
<< <i>most clerks don't care about the 3/4" thick rule for delivery confirmation, but some do >>
This rule is no longer as long as it is sent as a parcel. A parcel can be sent DC even if it is < 3/4" >>
That would be news to me. As far as I can still see, quote from their website: "All items (except Priority Mail) mailed with Delivery Confirmation must measure at least 3/4" at the thickest point, or be in a rigid box." I had one returned a little over a week ago due to this rule.
Shep
I use 2 types of mailers: the yellow 6 x 9 bubble mailers and the white 3M smart mailers (which are well-nigh indestructible), available at Walmart, these will cost you roughly .50 each. Thery are suitable and tough and weigh little more than air.
The yellow I use for domestic mail, the white for overseas. Sometimes the quality or quantity of the items require a small box. Now, I have all the time in the world (semi-retired) to raid the dumpsters in back of jewelry and gift stores (about once a month) to get all the small boxes and packing material I need; just make sure everything you grab is spotless.
A silver Proof US Mint (6 coin) set in its plastic holder in a cardboard box (small) runs me $3.50 which is what I charge for shipping.
The other day I shipped a double florin to Ireland. Total cost was $1.84. The coin was in a 2x2, shrink-wrapped, with a 3 inch strip of small bubble wrap taped around it and placed in the bubble-wrap mailer. If you calculate accurately based on weight/mailer cost, etc. and charge $1.85 to $2.50 for a coin or two or three you will find you have enough left over to pay for all or part of the mailer in most circumstances (there are always exceptions, sometimes many).
I also sent a Sudanese 7 coin set to Canada, same way, cost roughly $2.00. It is not expensive to send coins to Canada or Europe. When I buy on eBay I tend to shy away from sellers with high shipping costs.
I 've found that if I have a marginal but decent coin specific to a certain country, I'll add the seperate shipping service for that country and maybe decide to lose .25 on the shipping charges. Buyers from that country are now more likely to bid on the item (because everyone else is screwing them on shipping) which attracts more bids, etc. Now that .25 doesn't mean a thing, does it?
Please get an electronic digital scale! Spend a little more rather than a little less- it will pay for itself over a short period of time. You must go to USPS site and download "My Desktop Post Office" which will give you the exact shipping cost to any country.
What you want to develop is a reputation for being a reliable seller and shipper. You don't do that with exorbitant shipping charges or not spending time and effort in developing your enterprise.
A different set of rules I'm sure, for those who sell more expensive coins on a regular basis. May we hear from you?
is that you end up being governed by inferiors. – Plato