Selling on eBay: I'm going to assume that some of you have done this. My wife wants to unload some figurines and ornaments that have modest value. I see them posted on eBay. Are there...

therwol Loc: USA

I'm going to assume that some of you have done this. My wife wants to unload some figurines and ornaments that have modest value. I see them posted on eBay. Are there any pitfalls? How do you determine how much to charge for shipping? I went to the UPS site and found table after table of figures depending on this and that, and I'm wondering if there is a simpler way short of taking the merchandise to the UPS store and getting a quote before posting it. What is the best way to receive the money?

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

therwol wrote:

I'm going to assume that some of you have done thi... (show quote)

I'm watching this thread, since I am also interested in selling some stuff as hassle-free as possible.

Heavy things like a vintage Stanley #9 Plane or such are out of the question for me (and for a buyer, I imagine) shipping cost-wise, but for small knick-knacks I'm thinking that USPS (Post Office) Flat Rate Prepaid boxes are what I'll try, giving a price to quote for the eBay ad.

And as an eBay buyer I have been satisfied with using my PayPal account, so I may require that from a buyer.

This whole process may be more trouble than it is worth, and I'm interested in hearing some real world responses.

Marshall

therwol Loc: USA

bluezzzzz wrote:

I'm watching this thread, since I am also interest... (show quote)

We have one hand-made, signed Disney figurine that's going for around $700 on eBay. It weighs just short of 6 pounds. Then there are some Hallmark ornaments that go for $50-100. I do wonder if people will actually buy this stuff. We'll give it a try. I've read too many horror stories about Craig's List, so we won't go there.

JacksonHD Loc: NorCal

When you make a listing as a seller on eBay, part of the process is calculating the shipping charge. There is a listing of all available shipping methods. You enter the package size and weight, select the carrier you want to use and the shippimg category and hit the "calculate shipping" button.
Payment thru eBay used to be PayPal as standard, but now is done thru eBay directly. PayPal is still accepted, but not standard.
You can find all the info on the eBay site, but it is not easy to find (and not necessarily up to date). I use the default payment and have not had any problems.
Be aware, you have to set up a bank account directly accessible (for payment and withdrawls) by eBay (and PayPal). I suggest you make this account separate from you main accounts).
eBay is kinda fiddley and not always inyuitive. And just when you (finally) get things figured out, they will change something.
I hope it all goes well foy you.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

bluezzzzz wrote:

I'm watching this thread, since I am also interest... (show quote)

The flat rate Priority Mail boxes are available for free at your local P.O. or by order from the USPS website and available in various sizes. The charges vary depending upon size but start at $9.00 for the small size and the price for each stays the same regardless of weight up to 70 pounds.

Sizes are listed at the website.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

I’ve bought maybe half dozen items on Craigslist, some camera and computer equipment and some exercises equipment. I only buy from people living around my neighborhood in the suburbs. I’ve never had an issue with any aspect of the purchase. You just need to be smart about it, e.g. avoid someone selling the Nikon D9 for $1200.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

If you let Ebay handle the shipping cost they automatically adjust it to the zip code of the prospective buyer looking at your add. I've found that letting Ebay do this is cheaper than doing it yourself because they get volume discounts. It also takes the guess work of trying to figure out the best shipping method from you to them.

nmw1004 Loc: Dresher PA

I have sold cameras on Ebay. There are links on the web site to help you with the whole process. They are just suggestions but it gives you an idea of how to go about the process.

therwol Loc: USA

JacksonHD wrote:

When you make a listing as a seller on eBay, part ... (show quote)

This is useful information, but I'm not sure I want the hassle of setting up another bank account to receive money. I researched the shipping info on their site this morning, and it is a relief. Thank you.

therwol Loc: USA

joehel2 wrote:

I’ve bought maybe half dozen items on Craigslist, some camera and computer equipment and some exercises equipment. I only buy from people living around my neighborhood in the suburbs. I’ve never had an issue with any aspect of the purchase. You just need to be smart about it, e.g. avoid someone selling the Nikon D9 for $1200.

I've had success selling on Craig's List in the past, however it involved people coming over to my house. Now that I live in a rural area on a private road with neighbors spread out, I'm not sure I want to take that risk. Every once in awhile you read some horror story about what can happen.

therwol Loc: USA

tomad wrote:

If you let Ebay handle the shipping cost they automatically adjust it to the zip code of the prospective buyer looking at your add. I've found that letting Ebay do this is cheaper than doing it yourself because they get volume discounts. It also takes the guess work of trying to figure out the best shipping method from you to them.

I checked this out. Thanks for the information. I think the best way to go about this is to pack everything up after taking the pictures and before the listings to get the proper shipping information from their site.

Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT

therwol wrote:

I've had success selling on Craig's List in the past, however it involved people coming over to my house. Now that I live in a rural area on a private road with neighbors spread out, I'm not sure I want to take that risk. Every once in awhile you read some horror story about what can happen.

This is a little off topic, but when I use Craig's list, I always meet the buyer at the police or fire station (if they're not too far from you). There are surveillance cameras in use and you are less likely to be at risk.

Sandi

MrMophoto Loc: Rhode Island "The biggest little"

I haven't sold anything on eBay for a year or so, however as for shipping charges, I would calculate the charges to the furthest place I would ship to, since I'm in southern New England, that would be southern California. I would add that cost to the cost of the item then list it as "free shipping". Someone I knew years ago that did almost all their business on eBay told me that buyers like to see free shipping because they know exactly what the item will cost. Just a suggestion.

BebuLamar

joehel2 wrote:

I’ve bought maybe half dozen items on Craigslist, some camera and computer equipment and some exercises equipment. I only buy from people living around my neighborhood in the suburbs. I’ve never had an issue with any aspect of the purchase. You just need to be smart about it, e.g. avoid someone selling the Nikon D9 for $1200.

I would avoid anyone selling a D9 for whatever price because I don't think the camera exists.

blumoon722

A way to save a few bucks on shipping with USPS is to order free boxes on their website.
They'll deliver them to you for free too.
For heavier items you can save a lot on shipping if you order Regional Rate Box A and/or B
I have been selling on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. I don't have people come to the house.
I meet them at the gas station nearby.
Ebay makes shipping easy with discounted rates
For other sales I've been using PirateShip.com which also have discounted rates.