HELP I am an eBay virgin

fastrudy · March 9, 2007 8:10AM

I have never sold anything on eBay. I have purchased items, but never sold them. Does anybody have advice as to the BEST way to get started as a seller. Any links to this would also be appreciated. Go slow, I really am a virgin.

2bucks · March 9, 2007 8:15AM

<< <i>I have never sold anything on eBay. I have purchased items, but never sold them. Does anybody have advice as to the BEST way to get started as a seller. Any links to this would also be appreciated. Go slow, I really am a virgin. >>

Try the HELP section on eBay's site

COINB0Y · March 9, 2007 8:15AM

1.) Get EBay Verified, You get an Icon next to your name that says you are you.

2.) Start buying things to build up feed back,

3.)you will do better selling off line than on line untill feed back is built up,

4.) offer up a Bio about yourself even if you do not have large breasts like Shawna (I'm serious)

5.) If you sell anything, ship fast, get signature confirmation (Restricted) as you sell

6.) Pray you aren't singled out by scammers

7.) do not answer any email in the account until you know how to recognize a spoof from the real thing.

That's a start.

flaminio · March 9, 2007 8:16AM

Sell some cheap stuff first. List a few $10-$20 items to learn the ropes -- if you screw it up, it won't cost you too much.

TAKE GOOD PICTURES. Bad pictures kill the eBay experience. Furthermore, always list with pictures. Even the most mundane, routine item needs a picture.

Don't go crazy with auction terms and restrictions. Pages and pages of rules are a turn-off. A few simple lines about which payment types you accept and if you take returns is really all you need.

Try to take as many payment types as you are comfortable with. Each one broadens your bidder base.

Russ · March 9, 2007 8:17AM

Use large, clear, accurate images and honest descriptions.

Russ, NCNE

fastrudy · March 9, 2007 8:20AM

Thanks, guys!

Bochiman · March 9, 2007 8:30AM

Don't L@@K in your auction.
Don't keyword spam.
Don't type novels.
Don't type all CAPS.

Do use very clear pics.
Do use at least a front/back (obv/rev) picture if appropriate.
Do offer a return policy (don't screw yourself with it though).
Do make insurance mandatory (whether or not you say so...if you charge for it, use it) so there are less problems.
Do try to be crisp and clear in your auction.
Do stand on your head and spin around hoping for snipers when there is less than 2 minutes left and the bid is still at $0.99

Take a look at sellers you respect and like and steal their ideas from them

TwoSides2aCoin · March 9, 2007 8:32AM

Meg likes virgins. I'd suggest an e-condom.

LindeDad · March 9, 2007 8:45AM

Down load the eBay Turbo lister to your computer. That way you can build and edit your listings without putting anything on eBay until you have it like you want it.
Turbo lister is a free download from the ebay seller tools.
And as mentioned it helps to start small and build up. And 99c no reserve auction of cheap items are fun to watch.
I would also add that having and accepting PayPal is almost a must. Plus you can link a shipping label program in paypal if you want to.

GullibleNewb · March 9, 2007 8:46AM

I can tell when Russ hates my coins by the auction descriptions he writes

.

Russ · March 9, 2007 8:50AM

<< <i>I can tell when Russ hates my coins by the auction descriptions he writes >>

Hate is such a strong word. I think "likes less than others" sounds better.

Russ, NCNE

GullibleNewb · March 9, 2007 8:58AM

<< <i>

<< <i>I can tell when Russ hates my coins by the auction descriptions he writes >>

Hate is such a strong word. I think "likes less than others" sounds better.

Russ, NCNE >>

Thanks for being gentle with my feelings. I'm very sensitive.

Coinlearner · March 9, 2007 9:08AM

As an "experienced" seller of about 10 items & a few weeks on....... anything on-line , I have to echo what others have said. I sold cheap mint , proof sets, etc. I have moved up a little to a PCGS64 DOLLAR. Still not comfortable selling a thousand + coin there. Other venues like teletrade seem more safe. With more experience it may/maynot be easier to sell large value coins .

cmerlo1 · March 9, 2007 9:38AM

If you want your item to sell, start with a low starting bid. If you need to make a certain amount of money on the auction, set a reserve. Too many dealers on eBay forget that they are running an auction, and set the opening bid at what they want to get for the coin. More times than not, those auctions end with no bids. Also, use good photos- a lot of times, the photo kills the hammer price because it just isn't clear enough...

Hope this helps!

--Christian

Coxe · March 9, 2007 2:19PM

I cannot believe nobody replied with the innuendo about picking his cherry on eBay. Whoops....guess I just did.

barbershopper · March 9, 2007 2:38PM

Just be sure to set up your "My eBay" page.
Makes it really easy to keep track of both buying and selling.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 9, 2007 2:55PM

On a more serious note:

Short descriptions or say "GRADE it for yourself". Rendering a grade on raw coins on ebay is like playing Russian Roulette. Unless you absolutely know how to grade, it's better to let the coin speak for itself, in my opinion.

The more you try to hype a coin, the more B.S. you are selling and a lot less coin.
Many continue to be hugely successful with colorful fonts, pages of pictures, and words, words , words.
But, unless you are a seasoned pro at it, I would highly recommend steering clear of trying to yank a numismatists chain on ebay. That will always bring trouble.
It's like our early school years. Remember "Show and Tell" ? More show, less tell.

Kindly,

Joe

holeinone1972 · March 9, 2007 3:14PM

You could always consign a coin of value to a member here who has a great ebay rep, and knows what to sell. I am assuming you are gonna sell your 2006 w plats correct?

If so I would not make your first auction a high ticket item like that.

garsmith · March 10, 2007 10:08AM

Start all your auctions with a $.99 BIN

Louis · March 10, 2007 10:10AM

longtimecollector · March 12, 2007 4:41PM

Poor Louis

HELP I am an eBay virgin

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