How difficult is it to get started on e-bay?

[Lounatik]

I've never sold anything on ebay before, is it hard to get started if you are a noob? The reason I ask is that a few people I've talked to have said that they dont buy anything from a person who has zero feedback for fear of getting ripped off. I guess just putting the stuff out there is the best way, huh?



Peace

Lounatik

 

[Hammer]

if the price is right, people will buy. you might not get as much as you would with a higher rating, but it will likely sell if you have a decent item and are asking a good amount.

 

[StageLeft]

Yep, you could even make it so that you send out the goods first and then receive money so that people feel more comfortable. start with a few small items.

 

[Nocturnal]

Don't buy anything from someone who has less than 1 feedback. Don't deal with people who live in another country besides the one you're from. I would NEVER send anything to another country. Just stating the obvious. Some people are dumb and actually believe that the seller's brother needs a transplant so they need the CPU by today shipped overnight with blah blah...

Be smart, that's about all the advice I can give you.

 

[badluck]

There are a lot of people in this world....if your price is good, somebody will buy it. Especially if if it a low $ item.

In addition, make sure you make a good looking description, including a picture of your item. If your auction layout looks nice, people are more likely to think higher of your item. In addition, make sure that you have your terms laid out in the auction. These terms will explain what you expect of the bidder once they bid on your item (you expect payment in so many days, U.S. bidders only, etc...).

 

[Lounatik]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! Helps me out quite a bit.




Peace


Lounatik

 

[RudeBoie]

I don't think you should avoid people with no feedback, but you should be careful too. Everyone has to start somewhere. Presentation of the auction is key to getting good results. Too many don't make a visually appealing ad. This doesn't mean you need fancy graphics, but something simple, like use paragraphs and proper English.

Haveing 0 feedback will probably not affect you as long as you present a good image of yourself from the auction. Look at other auctions, and see what you like and don't like, and try to emulate them.

Getting ripped off is very very rare.

Also, try to be as truthful as possiblle. When you exxag, it leaves the other party more likely to be angry at you, and that extra dollar or two isn't worth it.

 

[brigden]

Wow! You people are paranoid.

Look at it this way, Lounatik. Everybody had to start with zero feedback.

Starting up on eBay is easy, and you can make a good deal of money selling off items you no longer use. I recently sold a couple of old film cameras and made four times what I was expecting.

Here's a few tips when selling:

• 
  - Write clean and clear descriptions of your item.
  - Provide a clear image of your item.
  - Provide adequate terms and conditions for your auction.
  - Be honest.
  - Answer any questions sufficiently.
  - Take a look at other auctions and make note of their techniques.
  - Provide feedback accordingly.

When buying:

• ]- Be cautious, but not to the point of paranoia.
  - Ask questions.
  - Don't pay cash. Ever.
  - Provide feedback accordingly.

Remember, you're new to eBay and it might mean you're not going to be setting the terms in an auction. You might have to pay up front, or ship first.

In my opinion, the key to a smooth and successful transaction is proper and complete communication.

I've saved hundreds of dollars on eBay and I've been a member for less than eight months.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[edro]

Just start selling stuff that is laying around your house to build up your feedback.

 

[vegetation]

Just try to appear professional and you should do alright. This includes replying to valid questions, acknowledging payment, and shipping the item out the next day. Provide a tracking or delivery confirmation number in your email confirmation as well, it gives the buyer a warm fuzzy feeling. In your ad itself, have a clear photo of your auction item, provide detailed specs but don't go too overboard with a cluttered ad -- most people already know what they're buying. Finally, I can't say how important it is to have your shipping terms clearly specified, this includes the cost and method. If you lack any of these your bids are guaranteed to be much lower.