how do i sell on ebay

[ElFenix]

i've never sold anything on ebay and have not really the first idea how to do so for the lowest scamability. how do i best protect myself from that? should i use my buyer id or create a new one? set up another paypal account?

i've got a main board from a tv to sell so my first choice of selling it here is an unlikely proposition.

 

[Baked]

1) Don't do it.
2) Post on craig's list.
3) Bring a friend (armed).
4) Cash only.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

That won't sell on Craigslist or here. eBay is the only option. Fwiw I've used eBay for a few years without issue. When posting ad try to put as many restrictions as you can on the sale like U.S. only and whatever other options are available.

 

[SKORPI0]

I'm in the same quandary. I've accumulated lots of stuff from Hot Deals that I don't really have a use for/need. But if I end up selling/trading, I'll use this....

1. As is condition of item.
2. Local pickup only.
3. Fixed price, cash only.
4. Sales are final. No returns

 

[Paladin3]

No financial transaction will ever be 100% foolproof. You can bring a gun and only accept cash in person and something can still go wrong.

I've sold ~60 items on eBay and never been scammed. I sell there rather than craigslist because there are more buyers and I get a better final price for my item. My local craigslist is full of idiots trying to get retail + 10% for their old crap, but that's another story.

Limit shipping to the U.S. or Canada, stick to PayPal or check/MO with sufficient time to clear. Don't do business with anyone who has zero or poor feedback. When it doubt, email your potential buyer to ask questions.

Most people are basically honest.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I have some standard language I include in all my auctions. A few things to include:

1. If you accept returns, make it very clear that you will not refund shipping and the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
2. I sell quite a bit of old computer gear, so I do try to post links to drivers and manuals but I do state that I don't offer refunds for incompatibilities and it is the buyer's responsibility to make sure it is compatible before buying.
3. I reserve the right to cancel sales to buyers with low, negative, or no feedback.
4. I expect payment within 48 hours of auction end.
5. I always make a note of exactly what is included and in some cases, what is NOT included.

I've bought and sold many things since the late 90s on eBay and have never been scammed. The only odd sale I add was a motherboard, CPU, and RAM combo to a guy and he emailed me saying it wouldn't work. I emailed him back saying it worked when I shipped it but I'd be happy to refund the purchase price minus shipping. He emailed back and said, in broken English, that it was working and he was glad I was so honest.

 

[dualsmp]

List in the continental US only, don't even consider Canada it can just be more headaches because of customs. I personally don't even mess with Alaska or Hawaii, APO/FPO, or PO Box. You can also limit the people bidding who only having a certain amount of feedback.

 

[ElFenix]

thanks for the info guys

 

[BUTCH1]

I also use "delivery conformation" when using USPS so I know they got the item..

 

[0roo0roo]

ebays the perfect place to sell something like a fixit part.

just ship promptly, i've had no problem getting parts and stuff off ebay fast.

 

[dud]

Ebay has changed the "rules" over time to the benefit of buyers and the detriment of sellers. That, and the steady increase in fees (including PP) have made selling on eBay muc tougher than it used to be. I personally stopped seeling in 2005.

Recommend taking an alternate route ...

 

[Old Hippie]

I also use "delivery conformation" when using USPS so I know they got the item..

If it's a high ticket item I always go for signature confirmation for the extra 2.50.

Between Ebay & Paypal it'll take 10-11% of the selling price.

It's easy but use common sense and limit the bidding/shipping areas.

I've never had a problem buying or selling but as usual there's always a coupla scammers that will try to get over on ya if you let 'um.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Ebay is safer if you are a seller, so I would not worry. It's always a given that you have to pay first, then get the item shipped to you, so people will expect this and know that they have to pay you before you ship. Just make sure you see the payment come through then ship the item.

I do find it's a pain in the butt though. It's not something I'd want to do as a living, but once in a while I do sell stuff..