Essential things to know before you sell on eBay
By Kim Komando
Are you looking for a new hobby that includes making money? Well, eBay is a great place to sell goods or crafts. But it's not as easy as it looks.
Many retirees have written me about their eBay experiences, and claim several advantages. Retirees can go to shipping offices when lines are short, can hit yard sales any day of the week to find hidden gems, and have more time to address customer questions.
Before you begin, here are some things you should know about eBay:
When you list an item, eBay will charge a fee. This runs from 25 cents to $4.80, depending on the starting or reserve price of your item.
If the item sells, you also pay a final value fee. This starts at 5.25 percent for items $25 or less. The fee rises with price.
The description should include the item's condition and other relevant information, such as size and weight. Be honest about defects. Buyers will rate you. You don't want to be accused of misrepresenting goods.
Check your spelling. A search for "teddy bear" will miss your listing for "teddie bear." Also, proper grammar and correct spelling will garner greater trust.
There are two ways around this. You can set a reserve price; if bidding doesn't meet that price, you can refuse to sell. Or set a Buy It Now price; a purchaser can buy the item without bidding. Set the Buy It Now price slightly above your hoped-for auction price.
When shipping the item, ensure that it can be tracked. For added protection, make the bidder sign for the package, to protect you against claims that it failed to arrive.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
