topic Too scared to sell in Selling

Too scared to sell

opmania — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:25:16 GMT

After reading so many horror stories about scammers and refunds, mBG and so much in buyers favor I just can't bring myself to list and have let the last two lots of 100 free listings go by ,as much as I'd like to.
And now the talk of so few sales is it really worth the effort?

Re: Too scared to sell

phorum_junkie* — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:03:36 GMT

Only small percentage of members even know the discussion boards exist and only a small number of them actually post. As not many people come here to say I sold something and ever4ything was OK it does sometimes look like things go wrong a lot but the truth is tens of thousands of transactions take place every6y day without any problems at all.

I have been selling for a long, long, long time both in Australia and in the UK and I have never been ripped off, one person tried some years ago but I lost no money in the end. I have had to give a handful of refunds but that has come about because I have made a mistake.

You can start off small, sell some second hand, easy to post, low value items from around the house until ypou get the hang of it and you will hopefully find things go OK. Just make sure your descriptions are acurate and mention any faults and there you go.

Re: Too scared to sell

i-love-my-sheep — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:08:39 GMT

I know it's been different for some others, but me personally, never had a dispute opened, never been scammed and sales are good. I know my time will come when I get a dispute opened, cop a neg, get scammed or whatever, but at the moment, no problems whatsoever.

The few minor issues I've had, the buyers contacted me directly. I fixed the problem for them to their satisfaction and everyone was happy. 2 were genuine mistakes on my part. One buyer got a partial refund as she was happy to keep the items, the other got sent a replacement and got to keep the defective one. The other was clearly a change of mind, but she said the item was damaged. Again, no dispute, she sent it back and she got a refund. I resold it pretty quickly with no problems.

I think in the big scheme of things, what we see here is in our face, so it's more noticable when there are sellers having issues. I think you'll find that majority of the regulars here have had very few problems. It could also depend on what you sell as to whether you're an easy target for scammers. Clothing, DVD's books I believe are easier targets.

Someone buys a dress, she wears it to wherever she was going, can't possibly wear the same outfit twice, so claims there's a problem and wants a refund. DVD's, someone buys it, they watch it or record it, have no further use for it, so claim there's something wrong with it. Same as books to a lesser degree. Buy the book, read it, say there's an issue, demand a refund.

Re: Too scared to sell

saarzi — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:29:48 GMT

imo...

If youre in it purely for the money, and Ebay is the only platform you use, then no, its not worth it, the risk is too high.

If you use other platforms alongside Ebay (like your own website / markets / Facebook / etc), and factor ALLLL expenses into item prices, and ALSO factor the possibility of loss into your prices/ profit margins, then its worth it.

Its only scary if you dont have other solid selling platforms, and dont count your expense properly, and dont account for loss in your prices. This goes for businesses AND hobbies (no financial security per item also means no hobby).

as for only a few sales - depends if you want a business or a hobby?

if youre working on Ebay an hour a day, and only selling 5 items a week and only profit $12 off each item, no, its not worth it (unless youre factoring a personal wage into your expenses, and the profit is above this), when you can get a day job that pays double. If its a hobby, as long as you look after the expenses and loss per item, then who cares if you only sell one?

My advice would be, figure out what you want from Ebay and build a business plan. Plan for failure and you will never fail.

Re: Too scared to sell

davewil1964 — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:00:13 GMT

I haven't been affected, yet, by the MGB. Unfortunately 98% of my sales are here. Fortunately I have a day job.

I do have 2 defects, the oldest of which won't go away for six months, but that is on transactions > 500, so not too bad. Especially when you need 5% defects from at least 8 transactions to get booted as a seller. Forever, admittedly.

Re: Too scared to sell

expanded_perceptions — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 19:32:50 GMT

@opmania wrote:
After reading so many horror stories about scammers and refunds, mBG and so much in buyers favor I just can't bring myself to list and have let the last two lots of 100 free listings go by ,as much as I'd like to.
And now the talk of so few sales is it really worth the effort?

I agree with what others are saying, it is hard to see context on these boards sometimes. This is the place where you will hear the horror stories, and rarely hear the run of the mill experiences. But I also agree that it possibly depends what category you are listing in, no question that some things are targets for scammers.

But, I fully agree with you. At one stage, I actually had a fair amount of anxiety when I did sell an item, especially from buyers with low feedback or new accounts. If the sale was from a long term member than it would ease somewhat. Part of me being outspoken on these boards recently though is that, as agents eBay should be doing far more than they do in weeding out the scammers, and investigating fully when when a buyer opens a dispute. Yes, it would be time consuming, but surely safety is a part of what the high fees are for?

Re: Too scared to sell

cathyjoyjoy — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 21:53:28 GMT

It is true what many sellers have stated here; either its a 'hobby' selling items on ebay OR it cannot be your only avenue for selling items. Also, this forum does mainly highlight the 'difficult' transactions as sellers seek advice from those with experience on how to handle difficult buyers when ebay provides little consequences for them. I have had some wonderful feedback and additional private messages from buyers who have been more than happy with their purchcased items and the feedback wasn't enough to express how thrilled they were with their purchase.

You can include 12 free photos on listings and there's ample space to be honest about the condition and item specifics - that's the most important thing. I even will state in the description that I am "unsure about the working order" of the item. It comes down to honesty. For example, I'm not a clock or watch person, but I've listed a couple of pocket watches and a mantel clock. I had a expert watch collector and seller (he is not part of the bidding, but obviously keeps an eye on such listings) send me a private message about one of the pocket watches which I assumed wasn't working. I followed his instruction carefully and it worked !! So there are some very nice people out there ......... much like life generally.

Also, with ebay and paypal fees, for me it's not worth selling anything less than $5.

Re: Too scared to sell

opmania — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:08:19 GMT

Thanks for the encouraging replies everyone I have been selling clothes up until recently but as one poster said I do feel this is a line targeted by scammers . So far I have been doing really well and loving selling but have recently had a small taste of the trouble fortunately eBay have removed two lots of nasty unwarranted feedback but have said they will not do it again.
I am thinking maybe it's better to exit gracefully on a high than to slink out with my tale between my legs so to speak

Re: Too scared to sell

opmania — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:13:03 GMT

I especially love that cha ching on the phone when anitem sells what a buzz

Re: Too scared to sell

chameleon54 — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:56:35 GMT

Like sheep & PJ mentioned, we hear all the horror stories on the boards ( and most people including me occasionally get them ). But 99.5 % of transactions go without a hitch. I had a MBG claim last night which I got very grumpy about. I was sure I was being ripped off. After talking with the buyer and viewing a photo, it turned out to be genuine postal damage. I partially refunded and we parted on good terms with pos feedback exchanged. A mundane story about the system working as it should, that normally wouldnt make it onto the forums. ( Most MBG claims are probably the same )

As for sales, mine have been fairly consistent with a small decline over time which can be explained entirely by slow retail sales in general and consumer caution. This is reflected in the lowest intrest rates on record, even lower than when the financial crisis was at its worst. I still make a reasonable living selling from ebay and make slightly more dollars per hour than I used to make as a qualified tradesman.

I use the 100 freebie auctions on my private account and actually find they work very well. Two weeks ago, I had an item I purchased at a garage sale for $20 have over 50 watchers, numerous bids and it sold for $315. I currently have another item I paid $50 for, listed in latest round of 100 freebies. This has five bids, fourteen watchers and is currently at just over $170.00 with two days to go. These are real life examples of mundane succesfull auctions that happen everyday that you dont hear about.

As sellers we tend to not say too much on the forums about good sales as it just looks like we are bragging, often when others may not be selling a lot. This means the forums appear much more negative and less balanced then what is happening in real ebay life

Why not just try listing a few things. See what sells succesfully and what items no-one is interested in. Focus on the good selling items and dont waste too much time or energy on the slow sellers. Take lots of photos, give accurate descriptions of any faults, be fair and honest with your buyers. If you do have a problem, try to see their point of view. Often buyers claims have a lot of merit. When you do eventually get that difficult, obnoxious, nothing you do can help buyer, try not to take it too much to heart. Sort it out as best you can and just accept the occasional ding in your stars and defect. I,ve got fairly good figures, but they are not perfect. My stars all have a slight ding and I have a nice collection of defects spread over my selling accounts. You cant please 100% of the people 100% of the time.

Re: Too scared to sell

thecatspjs — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:58:57 GMT

I sell clothes on this ID.

I have had to deal with a handful of scammers over the years BUT this needs to put into context I have sold thousands of garments on this ID with no problems at all

Re: Too scared to sell

lane-ends — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 00:47:08 GMT

@thecatspjs wrote:
I sell clothes on this ID.

I have had to deal with a handful of scammers over the years BUT this needs to put into context I have sold thousands of garments on this ID with no problems at all

This^^^

As long as you are not selling high end low margin items, then the odd dodgy return/claim back is small in the big scheme of $$. Its only that it bugs you.

Biggest concern is that Ebay just seem to disrespect sellers, and they can change a policy that sends all your listings invisible or so it seems. Its the feeling of not being valued for effort spent. which in turn breeds a lack or respect for Ebay.

If its a sideline great, but the sales flow is not reliable.

Defects and negs get under your skin, but they are not going to cripple you. You just need a thicker skin.

Re: Too scared to sell

opmania — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:07:39 GMT

Very true Lane you have hit the nail on the head I do need a thicker skin but very hard to change a lifetime of skin lol
I have tried to give perfect service on here and know full well that if I was shunted of like many other good sellers that I have read about on these forums through no fault of my own I know that I would be devastated.

Re: Too scared to sell

opmania — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:25:01 GMT

I would also like to take this time to thank all the wonderful helpful posters on this sellers board for their valued opinions .
I have been reading these threads long before I ever posted on here and many times I have been fore armed when a situation has arisen
Not to mention the ever growing bbl LOL
And thanks to the people also who put up the free listings

Re: Too scared to sell

thecatspjs — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:26:54 GMT

I have yet to read about a "good" seller being shunted off eBay.

I have seen sellers go by their own choice.

I have read about sellers restricted due to too many cancellations - and I think they should be restricted if there is a pattern of cancellations in their trading activities - they do the whole trading community a disservice.

Re: Too scared to sell

chameleon54 — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:30:49 GMT

@lane-ends wrote:
@thecatspjs wrote:
I sell clothes on this ID.

I have had to deal with a handful of scammers over the years BUT this needs to put into context I have sold thousands of garments on this ID with no problems at all

This^^^

As long as you are not selling high end low margin items, then the odd dodgy return/claim back is small in the big scheme of $$. Its only that it bugs you.

Biggest concern is that Ebay just seem to disrespect sellers, and they can change a policy that sends all your listings invisible or so it seems. Its the feeling of not being valued for effort spent. which in turn breeds a lack or respect for Ebay.

If its a sideline great, but the sales flow is not reliable.

Defects and negs get under your skin, but they are not going to cripple you. You just need a thicker skin.

Lane ends makes a good point. It helps to sell things which have a very high mark up so that you can just absorb the occasional problem. If you are working on valuable items with low profit margins it really hurts when something goes wrong as the money comes straight out of your pocket. If you sell things that give very high margins ( several hundred percent or more ) it really only costs you your postage and a small amount for the item if things go wrong.

There are things everywhere to sell with large margins if you know where to find them. It can be by purchasing direct from overseas manufacturers or distributors, buying in bulk from closing down auctions, buying in bulk from existing businesses that need to clear surplus stock ( dealing with managers through the back door, not buying off of the retail floor ) or the humble garage sale. ( Still a great place to find valuable items that no-one else notices ). The $20 car part mentioned in previous post, sold for $315 was purchased on the second day of a garage sale, an hour before the owners packed up. Hundreds of people had walked past it.

If you can develop a broad knowledge of the value of items it helps. I regularly click on the advanced search function, top right of main search. Instead of watching telly in the evening I study "sold items" . I pick an item such as matchbooks, tins, comic books etc and see what is actually selling for good money and what is just junk.

One classic example I discovered a few weeks ago was tins. A 50 year old tea or biscuit tin might be worth $20. A two year old limited edition Anzac biscuit tin can bring $50. I went to my local op shop a couple of days later and found two for $2 each. Another example is magazines. I found one rare title online that had sold several copies for around $90. I was going through a dealers stock yesterday and picked up two copies in a bulk purchase for $1.00 each. I purchased 180 magazines from the dealer at $1.00 each as he needed the room and wanted to clean out some old stock. Many of these where rare titles or early editions and will bring $20-$30 each. A large number where new old stock that had been in storage since the 1960,s and 70,s. There is plenty of stuff out there if you know what to look for ( in fact it seems like the country is awash with it. ) I,ve just purchased a shipping container to store it all as I am buying way more than I can physically list and sell at the moment . .............Study, study and research, works for me......... Hope this helps some-one.

Re: Too scared to sell

i-love-my-sheep — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:45:43 GMT

I think I would have given up ages ago if it wasn't for these forums. Pretty much everything I know I have learned from here. I try to read every single post, even if it's of no relevance to me (like issues with stores for example) because you just never know. It's just a shame there is no way to get more buyers and seller into here, I believe there would be far less issues.

I know with things like issues with a transaction, the help pages tell you to open a dispute. There is no mention of contacting the seller first to see if they are willing to sort the issue out (which 99% will). When I send an invoice to a buyer, I usually say that if there are any issues whatsoever, please don't hesitate to contact me using the ask about using my item or contact the seller option. I think that works, because the few minor issues I've had, that's exactly what they've done.

If buyers, especially newbies, knew that the better option was to contact the seller first, then there wouldn't be anywhere near the "us and them" attitude that goes on. Of course, if the seller digs their heals in, I am all for recommending opening a dispute.

It's looking like I might have to open my first ever dispute against a seller. My husband bought a t-shirt a month or so back that was size XL and when it arrived, it would barely have fitted a 5yo. Contacted the seller, who immediately issued an apology and a full refund. She also said not to send it back (which I didn't feel right doing, but what choice did I have?).

5 days after buying the shirt, he bought some board shorts as a gift for his daughters boyfriend. They were posted from Sydney 3 weeks ago and by rights, should have taken 2 days to get here, 3 days at the absolute outside (I'm only 4 hours from Sydney CBD). They are still not here. I have sent several messages asking if she has a tracking number so I can chase it up with AP, but have had no response.

She has no active listings at the moment, so it's possible she's away for the school holidays, so will give her until next week. If I still can't get a response, then what choice do I have? I really don't want to do it as I don't want to give her a defect or anything else bad on her account, but if she won't return my messages, what else can I do?

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is, if it wasn't for these forums, I would have hit the defect button the day after the delivery estimate with absolutely no regard for the seller. I am also so grateful for the knowledge of everyone here and even more grateful that they are willing to share that knowledge with complete strangers.....for no money, just from the goodness of their heart.

KUDOS to all!!!

Re: Too scared to sell

i-love-my-sheep — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:52:53 GMT

Everything you say is 100% spot on. It's an eye opener watching that TV show "Extreme Collectors" to see how valuable some things are that are often passed off as junk.

My husbands boss hits the garage sales every weekend. He often rings up gloating about his latest finds. He collects Matchbox and Dinky toys and he will often get a mint in box car for $2 or $3. Ones that I've seen sell on here for quite a few hundred. Last weekend he got about 40 various Matchbox and Dinky toys, none in boxes, but most in excellent condition, for $5. He can barely use a computer, let alone know how to use eBay, but he could potentially make a small fortune if he tried to sell some of this stuff.

Re: Too scared to sell

opmania — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 02:08:19 GMT

Kudos to you sheep you are one of the very people I am referring to always helpful never seem to get flustered . I would have lost patience long ago
You are a credit to eBay among others if they put some of you on the payroll maybe things might run a bit smoother around here lol

Re: Too scared to sell

toysandthings12 — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 02:22:14 GMT

Yes, I know what u mean about too scared to sell.

High value, High usage, High abused products with low margins and high freight costs

are not really worth it any more. The threat of refunding used n abused products

with high freight costs being redunded as well both ways is too much risk.

I have had 3 such since november. All fixed up at my costs n still in one

of them I got a strike, as was an auto thing even tho customer very happy

n left great feedback.

I expect peeps will slowly increase prices to compensate.

Products that get cared for will still be worth while to sell.

Now have had 2 cancellations due to PO box n Northern territory,

and funny enough a customer bought and then said sorry

accident, and he has not done the follow thru on the cancellation

so now risks a strike as unpaid item if he doesnt do his end

of the cancellation. N that was a free freight item.

A lot of silly things going on so just ride it out n c how things go

in another couple of months.