Ebay: Pre-Action Steps?
What steps do I need to take before listing items on ebay? I plan to sell extra items I have, CDs, DVDs, sports memorabilia, collectables, etc. I am not looking to make a ton of money, and I will only do this in my spare time. I know how to list, how to leave feedback, how to offer payment options. But I want to take the correct steps BEFORE the auctions (packing supplies, shipping options, post office trips) so I can stay organized and on top of the transactions. What is the best way to do this?
Try and charge a flat rate shipping for most your items and keep your rates the same as Amazon might charge for shipping for a similiar item.
If you sell CDs, DVDs, they can ship Media Mail. You might want to buy some mailers for them but you can also just wrap them up securely in cardboard, then brown paper.
On other items, ship Priority Mail. You can get order boxes off the USPS website but the minimum is 50 so you might want to just pick up a few at the Post Office until you are more familiar with the size you might use.
Use Paypal’s mailing label printing services for shipping also. You’ll want Delivery Confirmations on all your items for your own protection and they are a lot cheaper when you go through the Paypal system. The Delivery Confirmation number will also be accessable off the auction item listing too for the convenience of the buyer.
Leave feedback when a person pays, not after they leave you positive feedback. Feedback really doesn’t matter much to a buyer but certainly does to you as a seller. Mail the item within a day or so of getting payment also. I’m a full time seller and buyer and will not leave feedback upon receipt of an item if it wasn’t left for me first.
Be brutally honest in your description of items. Watch your ending times too. Some days/times are a lot better than others. There’s also lots of discussion boards you can access from the “Community” link on the top of your eBay page for quick answers to questions.
Happy ebaying!
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