I have some items and want to sell them, I have all the technicalities (registrations) set up, and now how do I become great?
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-Know your category. Chances are others are selling what you're selling, so find out how flooded the market may be.
-Nice listings are key. Use HTML, not just text descriptions. The more pictures, the better. Keep the pictures at a reasonable size though.. If i go to a listing that takes too long to load, im gone.
-Make sure you list your terms on your auction page. You dont want to get caught on some small detail (about exchanges, for example), later on.
-Nice listings are key. Use HTML, not just text descriptions. The more pictures, the better. Keep the pictures at a reasonable size though.. If i go to a listing that takes too long to load, im gone.
-Make sure you list your terms on your auction page. You dont want to get caught on some small detail (about exchanges, for example), later on.
Here are some keys to success! #1 is to include pictures! #2 start bidding at 1 cent or $1. I noticed that auctions that start low tend to make more money because you get a lot more potential buyers. Checkout some of my old auctions on ebay when feedback is posted for them soon for reference.
I recently started selling on Ebay because I have a garage full of stuff to clear out! All the above are good advice. I would add the following:
1) Make it as easy as possible for people to pay - some sellers have only one or two options and this always puts me off as a buyer.
2)Decide whether you are going to accept international bids:-
If you are then make sure you post clear info that they must pay ACTUAL shipping charges. Give a choice between air/surface as there can be a big price difference on heavy items
If NOT then say so POLITELY. As a non-US bidder it always pisses me off no end to come accross a warning off in BIG letters like I was some kind of no-good pariah for not living in the USA. I am proud of my country and I resent it when I get less equal treatment than any US bum who can bid.
1) Make it as easy as possible for people to pay - some sellers have only one or two options and this always puts me off as a buyer.
2)Decide whether you are going to accept international bids:-
If you are then make sure you post clear info that they must pay ACTUAL shipping charges. Give a choice between air/surface as there can be a big price difference on heavy items
If NOT then say so POLITELY. As a non-US bidder it always pisses me off no end to come accross a warning off in BIG letters like I was some kind of no-good pariah for not living in the USA. I am proud of my country and I resent it when I get less equal treatment than any US bum who can bid.
Personally, as a seller on ebay I exclusively ship only to US residents. I will also include Canada if a buyer really wants my stuff 
The reason that I only list US as the only place I ship is because of the fact that the transaction is finiched quickly. I like knowing that my product will get to my customer fast. Also, there are always horror stories of how products are damaged when shipped internationally. It is not that sellers don't like people outside of the US.
The reason that I only list US as the only place I ship is because of the fact that the transaction is finiched quickly. I like knowing that my product will get to my customer fast. Also, there are always horror stories of how products are damaged when shipped internationally. It is not that sellers don't like people outside of the US.
And things never get broken, go missing, etc etc in continental USA. The Internet is a global medium. Get into the 21st century. The world does not begin and end with the shores of the USA!
You are an idiot. Did you not read my reply you prick! READ THE WHOLE REPLY YOU ****IN' IDIOT! I just said that the transactins are easier. I never mentioned that Non-US Bidders were deadbeats
SO ONCE AGAIN SHUT THE FUK UP!
rn039: this is a warning. replies that that wont fly here. if you want to disagree fine, but there are more appropriate ways to get your point across. Lets all try and keep this place friendly.
I do not mean to be cruel. Just can't stand people who do not read and comprehend like they should. Hint Hint.
My apologies.
My apologies.
My father used to say that the use of obscenities betrays a weak vocabulary and a complete lack of imagination. Hint, hint.
An apology so obviously lacking in sincerity is no apology!! If you have to vent, go take it out on a punching bag, rather than inflicting it on our peaceful chat community.
Perhaps your initial post was misunderstood. So be it. That doesn't excuse your rude and crude response. Grow up.
(And changing your handle from rn039 to Rickdogg doesn't fool anybody.)
[This message was edited by star_trkr on March 02, 2002 at 02:07 PM.]
Perhaps your initial post was misunderstood. So be it. That doesn't excuse your rude and crude response. Grow up.
(And changing your handle from rn039 to Rickdogg doesn't fool anybody.)
[This message was edited by star_trkr on March 02, 2002 at 02:07 PM.]
Funny how an open forum does not allow real, true, and honest opinions Yes my anger was vented out very poorly; I will give you that. I am not using this as an excuse, but I cannot stand people who do not READ. I also cannot stand people that do not understand the fact that sellers have the right to choose who they buy and sell with on certain reasons other than hate upon another race or country.
Obviously the majority of transactions are done within the US because it is much easier. Buyers and sellers are well protected and not only that, EBAY is in CALIFORNIA for god sakes not ENGLAND.
BUT I TRULY APOLOGIZE TO OTHERS OFFENDED BY MY RUDE COMMENTS. I WILL REMEMBER TO KEEP MY COOL, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GREAT AS PEOPLE.
Yes my anger was vented out very poorly; I will give you that. I am not using this as an excuse, but I cannot stand people who do not READ. I also cannot stand people that do not understand the fact that sellers have the right to choose who they buy and sell with on certain reasons other than hate upon another race or country. Obviously the majority of transactions are done within the US because it is much easier. Buyers and sellers are well protected and not only that, EBAY is in CALIFORNIA for god sakes not ENGLAND.
BUT I TRULY APOLOGIZE TO OTHERS OFFENDED BY MY RUDE COMMENTS. I WILL REMEMBER TO KEEP MY COOL, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GREAT AS PEOPLE.
Still can't make your point without name calling, huh? 
Aggression stems from lack of self-esteem - as any psych major knows.
[This message was edited by Big-Louis on March 03, 2002 at 07:23 PM.]
[This message was edited by Big-Louis on March 03, 2002 at 07:23 PM.]
It seems to me that you are the one who cannot read and who grossly mis-interpreted the point being made by Big Louis!
I don't mind if someone is polite about not accepting international bids - say because there is no post office near or they are elderly or disabled. But I too have come across sites where the injunction forbidding international bidders was neither respectful not conciliatory but, in fact, downright insulting. In my experience of buying and selling on Ebay (and I am quite experienced BTW - this is just my "posting id") international buyers are often well-heeled professional people of good education and background - and no more likely to be deadbeat bidders than the average US citizen. Yet to imply that someone is less than desirable because they come from another country is scarcely democratic or enlightened. I can see that Big Louis, whose style of writing implies that he is a person of some education, would feel pretty p****d off at being forbidden to bid on a site where any deadbeat bum is welcome just because they happen to be born a US citizen.
And Louis is making another good point in his follow up. The Internet IS a global medium. Americans may have initially invented the Internet but it has now grown beyond the point where ANY country can claim to own it.
Finally, I think the fact that Rickdogg has been universally flamed here shows how very unwelcome his particularly foul-mouthed and semi-literate brand of personal abuse is. You just have to feel sorry for someone whose standard of education is so poor that they cannot even spell expletives (fuk???) correctly.
I don't mind if someone is polite about not accepting international bids - say because there is no post office near or they are elderly or disabled. But I too have come across sites where the injunction forbidding international bidders was neither respectful not conciliatory but, in fact, downright insulting. In my experience of buying and selling on Ebay (and I am quite experienced BTW - this is just my "posting id") international buyers are often well-heeled professional people of good education and background - and no more likely to be deadbeat bidders than the average US citizen. Yet to imply that someone is less than desirable because they come from another country is scarcely democratic or enlightened. I can see that Big Louis, whose style of writing implies that he is a person of some education, would feel pretty p****d off at being forbidden to bid on a site where any deadbeat bum is welcome just because they happen to be born a US citizen.
And Louis is making another good point in his follow up. The Internet IS a global medium. Americans may have initially invented the Internet but it has now grown beyond the point where ANY country can claim to own it.
Finally, I think the fact that Rickdogg has been universally flamed here shows how very unwelcome his particularly foul-mouthed and semi-literate brand of personal abuse is. You just have to feel sorry for someone whose standard of education is so poor that they cannot even spell expletives (fuk???) correctly.
There are a couple of valid reasons for restricting one's auction to bidders residing in one's own country. It's not always xenophobia (you're looking for education, right?); it can be just a matter of practicality. However, I entirely agree that a seller should be polite in saying "No international bidders, please" or words to that effect. After all, it's bad business to risk offending potential future bidders who happen to reside in other countries.
Steve your reply is so right on target!
I have made some great wholesale contacts from my international buyers.
In the spirit of trying to offer good customer service, I will ship anything anywhere, if the customer is willing to pay. I have become good friends with some of my international customers, and they often turn me on to great deals!!
Just a thought guys!! Do we really want to limit ourselves to only US customers when the world can be our marketplace? This is a numbers game, after all. The more customers, the more bids, and the more money we can all make!
Some of the items I sell bring more money from a European customer, because the price of living is higher there!!
I get upset with our rude sellers. It is not necessary to post negative statements in your adds. If you don't want international bidders, just state "No shipping outside of the US please." You don't need to say anything else. The rudeness of others drives my customers away also!!
Happy Snipping!!
In the spirit of trying to offer good customer service, I will ship anything anywhere, if the customer is willing to pay. I have become good friends with some of my international customers, and they often turn me on to great deals!!
Just a thought guys!! Do we really want to limit ourselves to only US customers when the world can be our marketplace? This is a numbers game, after all. The more customers, the more bids, and the more money we can all make!
Some of the items I sell bring more money from a European customer, because the price of living is higher there!!
I get upset with our rude sellers. It is not necessary to post negative statements in your adds. If you don't want international bidders, just state "No shipping outside of the US please." You don't need to say anything else. The rudeness of others drives my customers away also!!
Happy Snipping!!
Can't we all just get along here? Play nice now, boys.
The reality is this: sellers can sell to whomever they please. BUT, what really bothers me is when the seller rudely threatens ALL his/her potential customers in the item listing, e.g.: "ONLY BID IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY!!!", or "IF YOUR FEEDBACK IS LESS THAN 10, DON'T EVEN BOTHER BIDDING, IT WILL BE CANCELED", or "DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT MY S/H FEES AS THEY ARE DETERMINED BY THE POST OFFICE..." or "INT'L BIDDERS NOT WELCOME".
These statements are the equivalent of walking into a store and the manager running up and saying, "WE DON'T TAKE CHECKS!" or "HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A SHOPPER? OH, A MONTH? GET OUT!"
I do understand that there are issues with NPBs and such. They are the equivalent of the bad-check writers in brick and mortar stores (except we can't charge them $25 . These "warnings" should be included but there is such a thing as being POLITE. It is called "tact". For example, one could state, "Due to the extremely high cost of shipping this item internationally, I cannot accept int'l bids" or " Due to high bank fees, I cannot accept personal checks."
Better yet, and this goes to all sellers: set up a separate page with ALL your terms and conditions and put a link to that page in your listing. Then put a disclaimer in that says, "By bidding on this auction, you acknowledge that you have read my page of terms and conditions.
Simple. Polite. And no one has to "yell" at anyone.
These statements are the equivalent of walking into a store and the manager running up and saying, "WE DON'T TAKE CHECKS!" or "HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A SHOPPER? OH, A MONTH? GET OUT!"
I do understand that there are issues with NPBs and such. They are the equivalent of the bad-check writers in brick and mortar stores (except we can't charge them $25
. These "warnings" should be included but there is such a thing as being POLITE. It is called "tact". For example, one could state, "Due to the extremely high cost of shipping this item internationally, I cannot accept int'l bids" or " Due to high bank fees, I cannot accept personal checks." Better yet, and this goes to all sellers: set up a separate page with ALL your terms and conditions and put a link to that page in your listing. Then put a disclaimer in that says, "By bidding on this auction, you acknowledge that you have read my page of terms and conditions.
Simple. Polite. And no one has to "yell" at anyone.
...and is cut and pasted from an actual auction...
"PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BID!!! We only take PayPal and Billpoint. We DO NOT take any other form of payment EVER. We do leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK for non-paying bidders!!! We NEVER ship outside of the USA for any reason EVER. In order to keep our prices low, we do not give discounts on S&H or combine S&H costs. Payment must be received within 5 days after auction ends or we will relist the item and leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK...."
When I see this kind of stuff, I feel like contacting the seller and saying:
"I NEVER bid on auctions where the seller is an IDIOT and is HARASSING ME even before I've had a CHANCE to look at the item up for bid. You can be SURE that whenever I see YOUR ID, I will SKIP that auction!"
Would that be too much? Or am I being too sensitive?
"PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BID!!! We only take PayPal and Billpoint. We DO NOT take any other form of payment EVER. We do leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK for non-paying bidders!!! We NEVER ship outside of the USA for any reason EVER. In order to keep our prices low, we do not give discounts on S&H or combine S&H costs. Payment must be received within 5 days after auction ends or we will relist the item and leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK...."
When I see this kind of stuff, I feel like contacting the seller and saying:
"I NEVER bid on auctions where the seller is an IDIOT and is HARASSING ME even before I've had a CHANCE to look at the item up for bid. You can be SURE that whenever I see YOUR ID, I will SKIP that auction!"
Would that be too much? Or am I being too sensitive?
quote:
Originally posted by Big-Louis:
And things never get broken, go missing, etc etc in continental USA. The Internet is a global medium. Get into the 21st century. The world does not begin and end with the shores of the USA!
That is true, but I have had many interntional bidders back out of auctions they won because of the shipping rates, and that has never happened to me with a US bidder. I always get this attitude that it is me driving up the price of shipping, not the Post Office. Because of this I only sell paper goods like comics and magazines to internationals, and they must pay with Paypal, period. It just makes my life a lot easier.
International bidders are great. Usually anyhow, I hate it when they complain about shipping costs when the auction clearly states that it is ACTUAL costs from the post office. I never ever accept money orders b/c I want the money while I'm still young.
For international bidders, I only accept payment elecronically as well such as c2it, paypal, bidpay, billpoint, etc. That is more than enough options.
I've recently sold too many international bidders. Canada, Switzerland, & the Phillipines just to name a few & all of the transactions have gone smoothly.
For international bidders, I only accept payment elecronically as well such as c2it, paypal, bidpay, billpoint, etc. That is more than enough options.
I've recently sold too many international bidders. Canada, Switzerland, & the Phillipines just to name a few & all of the transactions have gone smoothly.