[mima]

I got my first yellow star on eBay today!I know it's silly but I'm so excited I've only bought items and I've only had positive experiences so far.
I'm seriously addicted and of course I automatically bought a really cute key chain I totally dont need. Maybe I should resell it and see how it goes.
Do you ladies have any advice for a newbie seller? I'm so scared of getting a bad buyer after reading all of the horror stories that you ladies have experienced on eBay lately.
TIA!

[HandbagAngel]

I'd say, take easy. You should give it a try on selling. Make sure taking good photos, giving complete and detailed description, and indicating your payment and shipping term clearly. I believe selling a key chain is a good start. Once you gained some experience, you could turn things you don't need into cash. Oh, lastly, check buyers' feedback and keep good communication with your buyers. Good luck for your sale!

[mima]

Thanks HandbagAngel! You're completely right, I think starting with low priced items is a good way to go so buyers arent turned off by a new seller selling high priced items, right?

[SusanMargaret]

Congratulations on your decision to become a seller! As a buyer I really like it when a seller sends me an email immediately following my winning bid along the lines of "Thank you for your purchase and speedy payment. I will be shipping your xxx today." Although not all sellers do this, it gives me a feeling that I am dealing with a human being and not a machine and gives me confidence that the item will, indeed, arrive shortly.

[jjyounger]

Originally Posted by mima

Thanks HandbagAngel! You're completely right, I think starting with low priced items is a good way to go so buyers arent turned off by a new seller selling high priced items, right?

I think you have the right idea. Once you sell a few lower-priced items and get good fb from your buyers, you can start to list more expensive things. There are lots of eBay buyers with tons of fb who have never sold an item. That matters to me as a buyer. At least I know that I am dealing with someone who cares about their good standing, obviously enjoys buying on eBay, and doesn't want to harm their account. As long as you take plenty of photos and disclose any flaws, you will do fine. Good luck with your sales!

[jjyounger]

Originally Posted by SusanMargaret

Congratulations on your decision to become a seller! As a buyer I really like it when a seller sends me an email immediately following my winning bid along the lines of "Thank you for your purchase and speedy payment. I will be shipping your xxx today." Although not all sellers do this, it gives me a feeling that I am dealing with a human being and not a machine and gives me confidence that the item will, indeed, arrive shortly.

ITA! Very good point. Communication is super-important when you are selling, IMO.

[Trocadero]

I am a long time buyer and a brand new seller. I developed eyestrain from reading all the great hints for buyers here. I think there is at least one whole thread devoted to the subject. I am hoping to, eventually, sell a few high ticket items, so with that in mind, here's what I did:
1. I set up a separate seller's account with a different ID.
2. I opened a small bank account to deal only with eBay sales.
3. I set up a separate PayPal seller account.
4. Practiced taking photos. (As a buyer you know that good photos have made the sale.)
5. Listed item measurments and used photos showing the item next to a ruler or a coin to give some perspective.
6. "Borrowed" the verbiage from experienced sellers to use regarding terms, shippiing etc.

I started the separate Seller ID/account because I have 100% feedback as a buyer and I didn't want some unreasonable/nut case bidder to ruin the repuatation that took me years to build up.

If you have a separate seller's account, you will begin with zero feedback - which makes it harder for buyers to have trust and confidence with you. If you do that, it should be helpful if you state in the "About Me" section that you have purchased many items on eBay over the years, have excellent feedback and offer to provide them with your buyer's ID, if requested. Whatever you decide, I recommend you start selling things that are inexpensive and easy to ship.

I am learning so much from the people who post here. There is a huge difference, IMO, between buying and selling. Selling is a lot more work! I've "met" some wonderful people on eBay and only hope that I'm half as good to deal with as 99% of the sellers I've worked with.

I am just receiving my first bids on a small item and I'm really excited - you would think I'm selling the Taj Mahal, LOL.

Good luck with selling efforts!

[jmcadon]

Selling can be just as much fun as buying. Try to inform you buyers each step of the way about shipping and send them the confirmation number. Always, always ship with at least delivery confirmation. I insure everything over $25. even if I have to pay extra (and I sometimes do) If you overcharge on shipping, you should refund. I do for anything over $2. Don't put anything in your listing about it being the buyers responsibility to pay for insurance...it is not! Insurance is for the sellers.

Have fun and start with lower price items, like everybody says. Unless you have bought high end items on e bay, then you can probably sell them as well.

[mima]

Thanks guys! Trocadero you REALLY did your homework! I'm impressed!!I'm sure I'll be back here asking you ladies for tips once I receive the key chain and am ready to list! Beware!!!