Communication Breakdown
Communications from the world of, er, communications. And other stuff.
Tuesday 28 August 2007, 3:27 PM
Losing patience with eBay
We all love it for buying and selling general tat, but I've been driven round the bend recently by trying to sell a high value item on eBay.
I guess it's a reputation thing. If you're going to be asking hundreds of pounds for something, the buyer is likely to doubt you unless you're a powerseller. I know if I was a potential buyer at that kind of price I'd be a bit sceptical. But it's also the constant scamming and timewasting that makes eBay a right pain in the posterior when it comes to high value goods.
My first winning bidder was a straightforward fraudster and, luckily, a transparent fraudster at that. Then I tried again, and again the auction was won - but this time by a chronic ditherer who ended up being unable/unwilling to pay.
So now I'm selling my wares by word of mouth instead. It's the only way to do it. If I was flogging an old guitar pedal or something similar I'd have no problems with going back to eBay, but when it comes to the serious stuff, I've just given up.
Anyone else got similar tales of woe? Or is it just me?
PreviousComments on this post
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Buyers get dinked more often than sellers, making experienced buyers cautious. For proof, notice the abundance of new items sold on eBay as "antique," and refurbished items sold as "new," as well as fake designer items.
Nevertheless, in order to sell a high value item on eBay, you don't have to be a power seller. In fact, many buyers don't trust power sellers because they have special inside contacts that buyers don't have, making it easier for them to fob you off with shoddy goods without having to refund you for the return.
You need at least 100-200 feedback of 99.6% positive or more to sell your item at the best price. You must offer a money back guarantee, and allow buyers to pay with Paypal. Also, keep in mind that very rarely are you going to get top retail prices for your goods on eBay. Folks go there looking for a deal and generally won't pay full book price for something they haven't seen, touched or tried out themselves. One way to attract bidders yet protect yourself from giving your item away is to start the auction at a ridiculously low minimum, say 9.95, but set a reserve at a price you can live with. Your images must be excellent, or at least large enough and bright enough for buyers to know you are not trying to hide anything.
In addition, present yourself a cut above competitors by asking reasonable shipping prices plus choices in shipping--and list these prices in the auction, so buyers don’t have to ask you.
In fact, attempt to answer all possible questions in the auction description--size, color, age, manufacturer + everything you can think of about the item, things you would want to know before you buy online from someone you don’t know. Potential buyers won't often take the time and trouble to ask questions and wait for answers through the eBay message system. Keep in mind that most bids come in at the last minute when there's no time for bidders to get their questions answered. If you don't have all details in the listing, you won’t get those precious last-minute bids.
List your auction at the end of the month from October through early June. Forget late June, August, and most of September.
Hope this helps.
Rebecca Fransway
Enchantment Vintage Costume Jewelry
http:vintagecostumejewels.com
Thanks very much, Rebecca - a comprehensive package of advice, there.
But don't even get me started on automated last-minute bids... that's another frustration entirely!
