Need help with how to sell on eBay!

[Band_Groupie 3]

I want to sell some of our packrat "stuff" in the basement on eBay (some small antiques, books, and lots of my kids stuff now that my youngest is 13 and they've moved out of the toy stage). I've been planning this for a year, but I'm afraid to get started because I don't know what I'm doing. I've been setting aside stuff in boxes and the mound is growing. We've got a verified PayPal account we've been using for years to buy...yep, more "stuff". I've watched some of those video training things on eBay awhile back, but I know they changed some of their costs, etc. the past year. I've been collecting small boxes, bubble wrap and peanuts for a year. I'm afraid I'll make major beginner mistakes that will end up costing us money. Do I start a new eBay account just to sell? Is it safe to have this tied to our bank account when you're selling (even though we're verified we always us a credit card to pay now). I'm most confused about the shipping part as I know I've combined items often when purchasing on eBay so how do you know what to charge for shipping and also if they combine items. Do I bundle inexpensive things like board games together or is it better to sell everything as single items? I'm not sure about some of it even being worth anything (no broken stuff, but stuff that I wouldn't think is worth the shipping cost...so is there money to be made?)? :confused:Do you pay for all those extras always- extra pics, etc. I've got a digital camera, but keep in mind I've never put a pic on the internet so I'm not a techie but I'm eager to learn...haven't even figured out how to do an avatar yet. I've heard Sun. night is a good time to end...are their good months to start selling?...is now a bad time of year? How did you start and what mistakes have you made?:cool: Please share your tips!

Now that I'm working toward getting banded next summer I'm motivated to start this so I can cover whatever the insurance won't...including years of fills. Thanks so much for ANY advice:smile:!

[MTBiker 1]

You've got quite a lot of questions in your mind, so I'm sure you'll do fine once you figure out what works for you. I've seen Video Professor (I think) offered on TV that has different learning packages, including one for ebay. The first one is usually free, so you might start there.

[Carrie_C 9]

I have been selling on ebay for a few years now. It is not hard at all. Buy a small scale and weigh everything so you will know what to charge for shipping. You can also buy envelopes and shipping supplys cheap on ebay. The fees are not that bad. The first picture is free. Once you get started, it is not hard at all. The best thing to do is have good pictures. Sunday night is a good time for you auctions to end and this time of year is the best time to sell. The worst time to sell is during the summer. It is a great way to make some extra money. If you have any more questions, please feel free to send me a private message. I have been selling for years and have almost 800 positive feedbacks. Good luck!

[Band_Groupie 3]

Thanks all. Carrie- thanks for all the tips. It helped a lot. I bought the scale. Just what I needed...you made me feel like I can do it. Thanks so much!

[Carrie_C 9]

No problem. Good luck!

[Daisalana 33]

I sold stuff on ebay occasionally, but once craigslist took off, I never used ebay anymore.

Have you looked at your local craiglist.org? You can sell everything you've mentioned there, and NO listing fees, and you can have up to 4 pictures (or more if you know how to use photobucket), and you don't have to do shipping (which is a headache and cuts into the cost you can charge for an item).

I sell everything Cash Only & Pick Up Only. I was cleaning the house this week and sold a few things on there, normally things go in a day or two. The only drawback compared to ebay, is you can't do auction style. You just have to set a price.

[Band_Groupie 3]

Thanks Laura...I'll take a look at Craig's List!