Selling on ebay

[Smithy]

Hi

Over the last few years I have been doing the craft markets and although I enjoy them they can be a bit hit and miss. In order to improve my chances of selling I am considering using eBay. Not on auction but buy now. I would like to know of anybody else's experiences. Or if anybody has any advice/words of caution.

Thanks

Mike

 

[RogerP]

I've been selling on eBay since 1999 and over the years in has changed dramatically but I continue in a small way.

Almost all buyers will want to use PayPal.

The combined cost to the seller of PayPal and eBay fees is about 15% of the total paid, including post and packing, by the buyer. (Yes, eBay and PayPal take their cut of the P/P).

Their are many "free listing" promotions so take advantage of these.

You'll have to register as a business seller so will be subject to all the distance selling regulations.

A great deal of my stuff is sold to overseas buyers. Don't limit yourself to just the UK.

 

[Smithy]

Hi Roger. Many thanks for the info. The fees don't seem to bad. When I consider the price I pay for a stand and the cost of transport the fees compare favourably. I don't intend to sell in a big way but will try my luck.

Mike

 

[RogerP]

Good luck Mike!

I was referring to eBay UK of course.
I know nothing about eBay France and there could be major differences.
You'll need to check.

 

[marcros]

I guess there is no harm or real cost in trying

 

[Baldhead]

Mike, Roger I don't want to hijack this thread but have either of you used Etsy? I know SWMBO has bought off that site, but I'm not sure about selling costs.

Baldhead

 

[RogerP]

I forgot to mention that really good photos and plenty of them help enormously.

 

[RogerP]

Mike, Roger I don't want to hijack this thread but have either of you used Etsy? I know SWMBO has bought off that site, but I'm not sure about selling costs.
Baldhead

I tried it. Cheaper fees but nowhere near the responses as eBay. Seems mainly US and sewing, knitting, clothing and that sort of stuff.

 

[Mike.S]

I understand that within the Eurozone, payments by Euro to domestic (within Eurozone) accounts are free, so may be worthwhile to offer that as an option (as well as PayPal) - it'll help your profit margins. However, this may negate buyer protection (I'm not familiar with Fench ebay rules).

Otherwise, endorse what others are saying - good pics and description.

Are you multi-lingual e.g. can offer different language descriptions?