EBAY Seller Advice

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Posted By: jeff Prillaman (cavaliercards)

My advice

a) anything that has value list for 10 days -- two weekends of exposure as opposed to one - other stuff plan to end on Sunday or Monday evening - Saturday is a good night in the fall because you are competing with football on Sunday and Monday-- once Thanksgiving hits avoid Sat night due to Christmas parties and such. Avoid Thusday night for the most part.
b) sell worldwide -- don't freeze out buyers -- just factor in shipping costs and insurance --
c) accept paypal -- many buyers will only go to auctions that accept paypal because of the convenience. You will make up that fee easily in increased bidders. (You might not accept paypal on something that is several thousand dollars or in that ballpark -- but in the $50-500 range you are cheating yourself.) Research shows anywhere between 5-11%.
d) If an item has a firmly established price offer a BIN approximately 10-15% above what you expect to get at auction.
e) If you list a BIN with an opening bid of 99 cents you are wasting your money -- someone comes along and bids the minimum and messes up the BIN. For something that routinely sells in the $100 range. Start the bidding at 59.95 with a BIN like 109.95.
f) But don't use a BIN -- just start stuff at .99 and let it ride -- don't put a reserve on the item unless it is rare and you need x dollars -- however if that is the case just list with a Fixed price and the best offer feature (go 20-30% over what you actually want) and be prepared for stupid offers.
But the best way is to start at 99 cents -- it the auction online world there is tons of
g) clean scans - clear terms - quick shipping and Communication