Can I get some first time eBay seller advice?

[Taxel]

I can't believe I'm saying this after all the horror stories that I've heard, but I'm seriously considering listing my near complete G4 W1 blind bag set on eBay since no one here is interested and I really need the money. But I've never sold on eBay before and I'm terrified of getting screwed over.

1. Shipping is calculated by weight, right? I wrap everything individually and then tape the package a ton (we only have cheap tape and it worries me). Should I just put the ponies in the bubble mailer, weigh that, and add a bit to be safe? I don't want to get raged at for it ending up a bit lower than what's charged or something somehow.

2. What do I need to include in the description to make sure I'm protected? And how many photos can we upload? I'm really concerned about having tons of photos since we all know G4 doesn't have much quality control.

3. I'm really worried about the glittery ones, since their glitter can come off. I'm terrified some super anal buyer will get them and flip out over a few missing bits of glitter (not that Hasbro did a good job in the first place XP). Would a disclaimer that the glitter is glued on by the factory and can fall off be enough?

4. What do I need to do to make sure I'm protected? IE Delivery Confirmation, insurance, etc. And how do I make sure international buyers can't purchase? I need the money quickly and can't wait for international shipping.

5. How much would I need to mark up to cover eBay fees? The lot is $60 here, which is around what I paid for them. I couldn't find any similar sales to compare it to.

6. Are auctions or BINs better, in general? I know W1 isn't really sought after anymore, but I cannot loose much money on them. And if I do a BIN/auction, how much lower should the auction price be? I was considering a $50 start with a $70 BIN, since $50 is the least I can go. Does that sound reasonable?

7. I've heard horror stories about eBay/Paypal holding funds, including shipping funds. How common is that, especially for brand new sellers? I CANNOT afford to ship out of pocket, and would need the money by/in early October. If they decided to hold shipping money I'd be completely screwed and have absolutely no way to ship. What happens in situations like that?

8. Is there anything else I need to know/include/do/etc?

[Sarahlacewing]

1. Shipping can be done by weight or you can charge a flat rate. You can add shipping and handling to cover the cost of tape and whatnot.

2. (edited) Describe any serious flaws particularly eyes and symbols. Then maybe add a blanket statement about how there may be various marks or minor factory imperfections.

3. I wouldn't go that far.  If they have significant voids mention it but as long as they aren't rubbing together they shouldn't suffer glitter loss in transit and your photos should make it pretty clear if they aren't minty. Also just don't accept returns to avoid changed my mind returns.

4. When you make the listing you'll have the option to restrict. Delivery confirmation or insurance would be good. But since wave 1 is still largely available in the us you are less likely to sell.  We still have them floating around all overe here. But international tracking is very costly and risky without.

5. eBay takes a listing fee and a percent of final value ( they have a fee calculator) .  http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/news/Feecalculator.html
PayPal will also charge a processing fee I think 3% of final value.

6. Auctions are better for rare or highly desired items to get lots if interested folks bidding against each other. I doubt you will see that. Generally people want to snipe a deal on more common or less desired items by budding low. If you need to start high and set a reserve I'd just bin it.

7.it is very common for them to hold funds, especially with new sellers. I think my worst delay was 2 weeks. You'd have to ship out of pocket in this case or refund the transaction and start again.

8. Depending on your customization skills you might do better to sell a few custom bbs instead. They sell relatively well and one really nice custom might be able to make more than trying to sell them domestically. Just a thought.

[ponylady]

1. I would weigh up the ponies and packaging before listing. There is the option to choose calculated or flat rate. If you plan on shipping International my choice would be calculated.  And when you list you have the option also to charge a Handling fee so that is where you can add for your packing materials.

2. All pictures are free so you will not be charged extra, so I believe you can upload as many as you see fit to show your item. As far as your description, list all flaws even if they seem minor. If you are shipping International make sure to include you are not responsible for import taxes or fee's. Also make your payment and shipping rules clear.

3. Yes, it may save you some hassel in the long run.  It's always better to over describe than under describe.

4. First Class mail is fairly inexpensive and very rarely does a package go MIA.  I doubt I would list them with Priority because you are going to be less likely to sell them abroad with a high shipping charge.  I would also advise to print your labels through ebay.  If you are shipping domestic even first class there is a delivery confirmation included in the cost if you print your labels through them.  Also your customs number for International is uploaded, it will not track it but it will show acceptance at your PO. And personally it makes things alot easier.

5.Ebay takes a % on your final sale price+shipping.  So keep that in mind. Then Paypal takes their share which is 2.9% plus a $0.30 fee per transaction.

6. Yes, that sounds reasonable.  But the question is really are you happy with that?

7. They can and may hold your money for up to 21 days. They want to make sure that there are no problems with the order, such as disputes, claims, returns, or chargebacks. If they determine though that the order was fulfilled and the customer is satisfied, they may release the money earlier.

8. I will have to think about this, it's early. 

[Sarahlacewing]

edit: oo pony lady we get free unlimited pictures now? That is awesome! Sorry taxel my info on that may be dated.

[banditpony]

Since your questions are pretty well answered , then I'll say that. Don't be scared of using ebay. If it was so terrible, none of us would ever use it. It has it's goods, and it's bad.

There is a check box when you are putting in the price you want, is called immediate payment with bin. You want that clicked, especially if you need money faster.

[Ringlets]

It looks like you have some good advice here already     If I can think of anything extra I'll add it later. Wishing you all the best with your sale

[kakenterprise]

Don't be scared to sell on ebay once you do it a few times it's really quick and painless.

I'd put in a little disclaimer about the sparkles that should cover you against a super picky buyer.

[Taxel]

Thanks for the answers guys, but if they can hold the money for so long eBay is not an option. I cannot under any circumstance ship out of pocket. ): Its pretty screwed up that they expect you to be able to do that.

[Sarahlacewing]

I agree that it stinks, does anyone here have bill me later? Can you use bill me later in conjunction with the Paypal shipping tool to pay your shipping costs at a later date? I personally do not have bill me later but if it's a PayPal company and they offer a postal service perhaps there would be a way to tack that on to your bill and pay at the end of the month when you get your invoice.

[ponylady]

I have a Bill Me Later account and all it is basically is a virtual credit card. It is not set up for you to receive money through it or send packages.  It works and acts exactly like a credit card for purchases online.

[Sarahlacewing]

I have a Bill Me Later account and all it is basically is a virtual credit card. It is not set up for you to receive money through it or send packages.  It works and acts exactly like a credit card for purchases online.

I dont mean use bill me later to ship or send money.  Since you pay for the shipping fees for your transaction directly through your PayPal/ebay account, you cannot assign the shipping charge as a PayPal transaction on bill me later? I mean maybe not I just wondered when you print the label if it automatically takes the funds from your PayPal or if you can sign in to bill me later and charge it there.

[ponylady]

I honestly do not think so.  And really in doing so would be silly because you are going to be charged interest.

*edit* Sorry I didn't read your edited version.  Bill Me Later is not set up for that. It is a virtual credit card like I mentioned above.  It is to make online purchases without using an actual credit card, as it does not have a number associated with it except your account number.