eBay advice for Newbies

eBay advice - a notebook for eBay newbies

The following Ebay advice notebook contains a collection of notes gathered from personal experience or from fellow Ebayers around the world that will help you save time and money and earn higher profits.

The following additional notes are not in order of importance - scan and copy what you find interesting.

Before we go any further and because it cost you nothing, take a moment here to register at Ebay if you haven�t already done so. You can work more of the system if you�re a register user. Also, it would be beneficial as I guide you to a few Ebay sites to help you get use to the action, EBay register - it's FREE

then come back to this ebay advice page.

If you are just starting out and you�re deciding what to sell, the best eBay advice is to start with whatever interests you. We started by selling some unwanted items around the house. Don�t start with anything too expensive, as you have to build up your positive feedback before anyone will take a chance on a big-ticket item.
Ebay advice List #1:
One way of building your positive feedback is to buy a few inexpensive items. (consider this a development cost.) This is also a great way to see how Ebay works.
This is an important lesson � take a day to search Ebay.
Right now, think of some small item you would like to have and you know what it�s selling for at your local retail store. Now search for bargains on Ebay. If this is your first time, take a moment to read the �General Search Tips�. Ready? Go to EBay search - give it a go
Spend time on this search lesson, as you will likely be using this tool prior to all your listings. Research � know your item so you can write enticing descriptions. Remember you are competing against many other people.
Should you decide to get your feet wet and bid on several items. It's important to decide how much you're willing to pay � set a limit and stick to it.
Here is Ebay advice worth heeding. Too many newcomers get into a bidding war and they psyche themselves into a �win at all cost� mode � great for the seller but blows the bargain. There is no reason to place a bid at the beginning or middle � only at the end and only if the bid meets you limit.
I like to spend most of my time searching Ebay for bargains; therefore, I let Ebay handle my bidding for me by proxy � but even then, I only take this action with about five minutes to go.
Once I determine what my maximum bid will be, I let Ebay do my work by automaticaly increasing my bid while I move on tI let Ebay handle my bidding for me by proxy � but even then, I only take this action with about five minutes to go.
Once I determine what my maximum bid will be, I let Ebay do my work by automatically increasing my bid while I move on to other things.If you lose the auction, it simply means the winner had a higher maximum � win some, lose some, but at least you kept within the price range you set for a profit.

Learn more about Ebay proxy bidding � it�s a great,time-saving tool for the true bargain hunter. Here's a fun Ebay advice learning tool The FREE “practice bidding on EBay” site
This Ebay advice was suggested by a friend as we now deal with what they call �Sniping� � placing your bid at the very last moment. I don�t use sniping services simply because it�s not that urgent for me, however many Ebay friends do and they are impressed �their win rate is very high. You give Ebay the OK for these services to represent you, you give the service the item number you want to bid on plus your maximum bid and they take it from there � all at the last minute.
Another piece of eBay advice - if you�re planning to sell from home, as we do, set aside a dedicated space so that everything you need is nearby and organized. We use a room off our rec room that houses our computer, photo studio, inventory storage and packaging material. Being organized saves a great deal of time and frustration.
Here's some money saving Ebay advice. The majority of our listings are delicate English bone china items so attention to packing is vital. First, for sturdy cardboard boxes of various sizes, I talked with the produce manager of our neighborhood supermarket and he agreed to let me have a supply of boxes when needed. Then I arranged with a gift shop that when they unload supplies, to save me all the plastic �popcorn� stuffing and bubble wrap. Once a week I pick up three or four green plastic garbage bags full � big money savings. Therefore, the only expense I have to account for when figuring out my Shipping and Handling costs is the brown paper wrapping and, of course, the shipping charge.
Follow through on the packing note: We never ship the boxes �naked� � we always wrap with sturdy brown wrapping paper. It�s far better presentation to your customer � it shows you�re professional and caring. Just slapping a label on a used cardboard box indicates �amateur�.
This piece of Ebay advice can help you build a strong cumstomer base.
As noted previously, communication is what it�s all about. When shipping, we always enclose a note with our email and telephone contact numbers and a thank you note for participating in our auction. We also ask them to let us know when the parcel arrives and everything is to their satisfaction. We explain that once we receive that notification we will post a very positive feedback on their behalf and that we hope they will return the favor.
A picture is worth a thousand words so be sure you get a good digital camera with the best macro-lens and auto-focus features you can afford.
Produce great photos. This is the closest buyers get to the item. Don�t settle for just one picture. They want to see the whole item � top, bottom and sides.
Fill the picture with your item not background.
Our studio is made up of a coffee table placed beside the back wall of our den with adjustable lights on either side. We hang the background sheet high on the wall so the bottom half flows over the entire coffee table. When we place our item on the table and zoom in the fill the screen with the item so the background doesn�t take away from the item. Be careful of your choice of background - make sure the color compliments your item. Study the great photo and lighting tips on Ebay community boards.
When you ready to sell, what category will you list your item? Again, research � search Ebay for similar items. What category or categories are other sellers listing similar items? Wrong category � low, if any profits.
Work on your title. Be professional. Don�t use WOW or LOOK HERE. Put yourself in the buyers shoes � what keywords would you use in an Ebay search.
When writing your item description remember, BE HONEST. Example, we listed an old china cup and saucer purchased at a bargain price at an auction. Prior to bidding, I noticed a very tiny hairline crack near the handle. Nine out of ten times a casual observer would have missed it. We might have gotten away with not mentioning this in our description � no way.
Also, research to find out more about the background of your item, dates, manufacturer etc. Give measurements as an example. One or two sentence descriptions scare buyers away�.(what are they hiding)
The best Ebay Advice is to spend time learning the workings of Ebay � explore the site. Get comfortable and when you feel that Ebay has potential for you and your partner as a productive, profitable retirement undertaking.
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