Ebay - The Results

You may recall that I lost my Ebay virginity a wee while back. Fortunately, it wasn't painful, embarrassing, or regrettable - like so many other first times!

OK, so I haven't made mega bucks and it looks as though the latest items I've put on there aren't going to sell at all (boo hiss!). But, I have made the grand total of (drum roll please) £4.27! And, that's my actual profit after taking out sellers fees and postage! Not bad for a first timer selling a load of tat, eh? Seriously, the things I put on there really were tat - it just goes to show that one person's rubbish is anothers hidden treasures. And, if people want to pay for that who am I to stand in their way?

One thing I have learnt is that Ebaying is a lot of fun, and also supremely addictive. If you're one of those of people who simply has to check their email on a daily basis, then be warned you'll be equally drawn to checking your Ebay account!It does take a bit of time too, what with corresponding with the bidders and taking the items to be posted etc... But if you can handle that then why not use the Bank Holiday weekend to have a good sort out and see what you can get for your weird and wacky wares.

Sam's Top Ten Tips for Ebay Selling

1.) Read the Selling Guides, or watch the tutorial first
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/ebayexplained/selling/index.html

2.) Save any padded envelopes you receive in the post, they're easy to reuse - saving your mailing costs.

3.) Keep your winners well informed. Dropping a quick email to let them know the item has been dispatched is always helpful and should help with the feedback too.

4.) Set up a Paypal account, the easy way to take payment.
http://www.paypal.co.uk/uk

5.) Describe items honestly - otherwise brace yourself for the barrage of negative feedback.

6.) Do remember to subtract fees and postage from your selling total to come up with your true profit figure.

7.) Use the Royal Mail website and some kitchen scales to research postage costs.
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm

8.) Remember, there is a listing fee for all items - if you really don't think it's going to sell, then is it worth putting it on? You might end up loosing money.

9.) Take a look at auctions for similar items which have been sold. This will give you an idea of what to charge and how to describe the items.

10.) Don't fall foul of Ebayitis - once you make a sale, you may find yourself eyeing up all the items in your home and wondering what you'd get for them on Ebay. Unless you favour the minimalist look, stick to only selling your clutter!

Have fun x