ebay.com

[FrankSG]

Just want some opinions about ebay.com. I know that there are a lot of people who use ebay and like it very well. But I've also heard some bad comments about it. I'd like to try it next time I want to buy something, but I'm a little reluctant. I'd just like to know how some of the members feel about it. Thanks.
~Frank~

[Deagle]

I too have only begun using eBay for a short amount of time and so far it's great. Sometimes you can get good deals but other times you'll get rip, just use your judgement when bidding. Also look at the seller's feedback, sometimes its a good indication of how he handle transaction.
Last thing is treat others as you would like to be treated.:p
:cool:

[jeeza]

One thing which can be said for eBay, is that you can find almost anything there.
A few weeks ago I saw a sale of huge underground facilities (I don't remember how many acres) which apparently the U.S. Air Force had had no use for anymore. Judging from the description, it was everything one has grown to expect after seeing James Bond and sci-fi movies.
The selling price was of course in the millions U$ range (you were also required not to disturb people living on the land above the facilities with unwelcome enquiries).

[Vic 970]

I've used it quite a bit, there are some good deals to be had if you wait and persivere. watch the postage costs, as they can be more than what the item is worth. check the feedback and contact the seller, satisfy that it will be well packed.
(I recieved a printer in a single sheet of brown paper, which was ripped and fittings missing. also it did not work. I sent it back and reclaimed my money, but lost out over £20)

but have a good look first. in the end, you pay your money and take your chance, (but it's fun)

[killercow]

I both sell and buy from eBay and have had one bad experience which is a pretty good ratio (1 in 16). I bought something from a guy and his picture and description were deceptive and wasn't shippied to me with everything that was in the description. I told him I'd report him to ebay if he didn't give me my money back ($120 which was a good deeal for the item) and after a week of persistent phone calls he sent me my money back and I found the same item later for half the money NRFB!!!!!!!!! So Caveat Emptor, read the sellers reviews and be sure you know what you are bidding on.
And Jeeza's right, you can find anything.

[jabarnutcase]

I'm an eBay junkie with 126 transactions....Both bought and sold.
As mentioned, you just have to learn the ropes and it can be a lot of fun.

....you can find anything True........

....And what's even more fun, is you can sell anything too! ;)

Some people will tell you the "deals' you get are often not worth it in the end, and in some cases that's true. On the other hand, there are some amazing deals to be had.

But for me, it's more the thrill of bidding (or watching the bidder list and price grow on my items) thats exciting. :p

[FrankSG]

Thanks for your input. I may give it a shot one of these days.

[Budfred]

I've been ripped off a few times and I generally don't buy computer parts on eBay anymore, but I may still sell some there...

[FrankSG]

Originally posted by Budfred
I've been ripped off a few times and I generally don't buy computer parts on eBay anymore, but I may still sell some there...
My first try with ebay might be something not too expensive. That way if I get stung it won't cost me a whole lot. By the way, how are your dogs (Bud and Fred) Surviving this cold weather we're having?

[Budfred]

Buddy goes out as little as possible (he's the small guy) and Alfred tends to want to come in pretty quick, but still goes out a lot.... I sure don't like it myself!:p

[Whyzman]

Although mentioned, I would re-emphasize the importance of checking feedback!

If you're looking to sell items, my suggestion would be to establish some feedback by purchasing items first (cheap purchases would work)...especially, if what you are about to list is worth a few bucks.

Establishing reputable feedback is not all about the sale prices of items as it is about follow-through.

Just as you would be a bit suspect about bidding on an item where the seller had little or no feedback to check, you're likely to turn away potential bidders with little or no feedback yourself!

As someone mentioned regarding seller contact...always a good idea for clarification (save all emails) and, I've found it can reveal tons of information regarding the age of a seller...if u no wat i mene! ;)

You can even ask straight up for a phone number if the price warrants personal contact...you can also run a reverse directory check to see if things match up...

I would just encourage folks to be saavy and exercise caution as you would in any business transaction...

There are some great deals to be had...

[steveo]

All I can speak on is a couple of ex-customers of mine who deal in comics/cards etc. One had done over 1700 transactions on Ebay dealing with Silver-Golden Age comics and the other doing just more than 2000 transactions in Star Trek memorabilia. Both swear by Ebay and it has become their prefered way of doing business.

[Deagle]

Hmm since this is a thread dealing with eBay, thought I might as well ask this. How and what do I need to sell stuff on eBay? I tried to look at eBay FAQS but it was too confusing and gives me headache:(
Thanx very much to anyone that care to explains.:D

[PtBetsie]

Bid carefully but don't bid what you can't afford to lose. Sellers, even those with long histories, disappear overnight, (become unregistered). EBAY is of no help unless you spend large sums, and even there I hear their help is grudging and negligible. Make sure all payments go delivery confirmation for large sums, payments stamped POSITIVE ID REQUIRED Most money orders even through your bank are third party. I have never used them but the post office may handle their own money order claims. Western Union which funds many bank money orders charges 25.00 to trace lost or stolen money orders.

[jeeza]

If you feel like spending large sums, this is your chance.
There is a former Navy jet fighter for sale at eBay for about US$ 1,000,000.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/02/17/jet.fighter.ap/index.html

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Hmm, one mil unassembled. Here's your chance to own your very first 'ibuiltit' jet :p I wonder how upgradable it would be :confused:

I really DO want it, I do I do, I really do, but I'd have to wait for tax returns and the auction end's on Thursday... :(

[Whyzman]

Originally posted by Fruss Tray Ted
I wonder how upgradable it would be :confused:

I suspect It'll be quite proprietary!

I wonder what kind of mileage this bad boy will get...

[Rick]

I’ll add my 2 cents to this.
Look very carefully at any and ALL photo’s of the item you are bidding on

I Have noticed a growing number of sellers using stock photo’s of items

They neglect to state that the photo is NOT of the item .
You are bidding on.

In a few cases you can tell the stock photos by the symbol in the corner of the photo

What looks like a pristine item in a stock photo
May in fact be beaten and worn in reality

[Vic 970]

just the thing for taking the kids to school. :)

[Fatguy]

Fifty seven transactions without any problems and then this:

http://fortressoffreedom.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=238


I am still in the middle of problems with the credit card company.....so my credit rating may be compromised a little.....we shall see.

[gracious]

Deagle
First you need to register as a new user. Just follow the prompts.

We use Ebay quite a bit and yes you do have to be careful. Checking sellers feedback is very important. Also remember that you can email the seller for further info. If you are selling anything that you need to have a certain dollar amount for...make sure that you set the reserve so that if at the end of auction you don't get what you need then you do not have to sell the item. If you don't set a reserve then you have to sell the item for whatever the highest bid was. I had a friend who sold his truck on Ebay and didn't set a reserve and the highest bid came $5,000.00 less than what he needed to pay the thing off and he was lucky...the high bidder had a heart and didn't go legal on him but by all rights could have.

Also...make sure you post in your selling ad disclaimers about any or no warranties..shipping costs...who pays shipping...

[Budfred]

If you are selling a truck, setting a reserve may be a good idea, but for many items it can kill sales.... It depends on what you are trying to sell. When I am looking at computer parts, I generally ignore any that have a reserve and apparently a lot of other people do too.... More expensive items may need it, but cheaper items usually seem to sell better without it...

[Whyzman]

Or, don't set a reserve...just open the auction with your bottom line price... :cool:

[jeeza]

The strangest objects can be found on eBay.
In this case, a brand new raw potato :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2989711284

The lucky winning bidder got it for only GBP 0.99...

[apercen17]

I wanted to add another point to the photos issue. Whenever you go about buying an item intuitively I feel that it would be best if you could tell that it is a unique photo that has not been ripped off from some website OR from another user on e-Bay.

Make sure to check around to see if the photo is unique to that seller, and if it is not be a little more wary because it may be that it is their photo of the item being sold.

When it comes to buying I think that is also good to look for persons that have been ID Verified. I myself am ID Verified with 7 positive comments (100% feedback thus far) and I have had no problems as of yet. In fact I have already sold a item for $150 (a very high quality hoist which could easily have gone for $250+) as a result of my status of 7 Positive comments and being ID Verified.

I before tried to sell the same high quality hoist as low as $100 before getting ID Verified and having some feedback comments and I did not get one bid, question or nothing AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY GREAT DEAL!!!

Hope this helps.

[linus_lynn]

Im registered ok with ebay, who can suggest methods of increasing item views at ebay ?

[apercen17]

Linus, what I would suggest is that if you have an item you are selling and the price you are offering is better, it may be in your best interest to say the price and say NO RESERVE. When you say NO RESERVE on high priced items, this will incite curiosity in your item. In addition, if you have an item which is very popular, chances are there will be many of your item on-line. To stand out more I would suggest you use the Bold option for $1.00 extra. It is quite costly, but if your item is less expensive than others and above $20.00 or more then I would recommend using the Bold facing option.

You may also consider mentioning something in the subtitle too. If you are selling more than one item I would suggest that you mention that you will offer discount shipping if they buy more than 1 item from you. (ON EBAY there is an explanation of how you can do this) If you do not want to mention this maybe you can offer some "If you buy this you will get this with your order too when you Buy It Now". Another good idea is to say that you will accept returns (if it is not a cd, or video game that can be burned onto CD-R/RW DVD media). If the item is new make sure to mention NEW* or BRAND NEW in the subitile to catch attention.

One very helpful way to get more views is if you have a fair amount of feedback. I would say that if you have 10 or more positive feedback then you will be more on your way to getting more views. People will tend to want to buy from someone with a lot more positive comments for a slightly higher price than someone with few positive feedback comments for a lower price [in general]. This would be especially true of competitive items.

I would also suggest you use key words in your items TITLE. The key words you use is really up to you. I cannot suggest any specific key words to use but I would suggest using key words you might use to search for an item. If you are unsure I would attempt to look at other similar items to see if they have many hits and look to see what kind of key words and subtitles they may be using.

As Whyzman stated above "don't set a reserve...just open the auction with your bottom line price". RESERVES ARE NOT IN YOUR BEST INTEREST UNLESS IT IS A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGH PRICED ITEM (E.G. Greater than $100 in general depending upon how much demand there may be for the item).

Another option you have is to check the Featured Item option offered by eBay. This option is very expensive. I forget exactly how much but I imagine it is greater than $20.00 for each individual listing. This is an awesome way to get exposure if you are offering a very high priced item (i.e. greater than $500.00 or so).

And some other key ideas to keep in mind as mentioned by previous responses by members before me:

1) ALWAYS ALWAYS STATE WHO PAYS FOR SHIPPING COSTS AND HOW MUCH. (Make sure they understand that the costs for shipping is NOT ONLY postage but also for time, gas, and what-not; if you want to include that). Some people tend to have a problem with this because they charge $15.00 shipping costs for an item that a customer can "Buy" for $0.99. Its somewhat shady however entirely legal because it is the buyers obligation to review all information on the item before they buy.

2) ALWAYS STATE WHERE YOU WILL SHIP (i.e.: I Will only ship within the United States, I do not ship Internationally). (Take my word on this one, had a guy in Germany Bid and I didnt ship internationally.)

3) ALWAYS STATE THE PAYMENT METHODS YOU WILL ACCEPT.

4) ALWAYS STATE THE PRICE OF THE ITEM IN THE DESCRIPTION AGAIN SO THAT THE VIEWER IS CERTAIN OF THE PRICE.

5) ALWAYS BE SURE TO STATE THE CONDITION OF THE ITEM. If it is Brand New then make sure to mention it. People love new items entirely more than old ones when it comes to cd's, clothes, tools, etc.

6) ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO MENTION ENOUGH INFORMATION ON THE ITEM so that they will not have to e-mail any questions they may have about the item. People tend to find it troublesome/inconvenient to e-mailing people about items if there are other similar items that do have enough information about the item the description.

Well Im done rattling on and on. Good luck to you.