Selling on Ebay - Watertown,MA

I have been selling on ebay since May of 2001. I LOVE IT!

If you want to PM me, I can give you tons of tips and dig into why your items didn't sell. One of the many reasons could be brand (for example wal mart or target brands don't sell nearly as well as baby Gap, Janie and Jack, etc), your low feedback if you've just started or recently had a negative, the condition of the items, the way you listed them (ie not in a lot or as a set).

I have the best luck with my kids' clothing. I can list a lot of my son's jeans, accurately describe them, and almost make what I paid for them, and that is after he got 6 months of wear out of them!

I also sell tons of other items - perfume I bought but only used once, my own clothing I barely wear and it just taking up space, books, DVD's we no longer watch - there are so many possibilities!

Be sure to be honest about the condition of the items, and take TONS of pics - most of the time up to 12 pics can be listed for free, I believe. Also be sure your title is a good one and use words people will search for.

Example: "LOT Baby Toddler Girl Janie and Jack Dresses Size 3T NWT NEW"

That indicates your item is a lot, so more than one, and are new with the tags attached. I added the actual word "new" because people will search that. Sometimes I will also throw in a few other key words, like "skirt" even if most or all are dresses. A mom could very easily get on to search for a "skirt" and end up on my dresses and like them just as well. Leave out words such as "cute" or "fun" - those words aren't searched for nearly as much as "dress" or "____insert brand".

Pm me if you want to chat more! I love this stuff!

ETA: I am not sure ebay allows you to say "like new" any longer, so just be aware that may get you a note from them saying you must revise.

Selling on eBay is my job. I sell my own things, but most of my listings are for other people, and I make a commission on the sale.

When I first started, it was selling baby/toddler clothes, toys and gear. Those things are consistently good sellers, assuming they are in a condition worth buying.

Is your eBay profile new with a small number of feedback? This can make a difference, particularly if something is on the expensive side. That is a temporary issue though. It will resolve itself the more you sell.

Listing details matter. Do you have large, clear photos? You you take the time to write a detailed description? For example, I see auctions that have one photo showing clothing tossed in a pile with a one line description like "4T boys clothes 5 shirts and 2 pants." Few people are going to bid on that. List each item, including brand, condition and measurements when necessary, and show the items clearly in the photos.

In the listing title, don't waste space on words people do not search for, like "great" or "pretty" etc.

The most important piece of equipment you must have is a digital scale. Don't guess on postage costs. You'll either go too high and scare off bidders, or go to low and cost yourself money.

One more hint, groups of things can be a great way to sell.. 4 pairs of shorts with tops. 6 puzzles, 3 blankets. Or put together things that go together. A hooded towel and bath toys that have never been used.

The only things I sell on ebay are things that I am going to make a good profit on. Photographing, listing, Packing, shipping, going to the post office, take up a lot of time. My time is valuable.

Instead I sell on Craigslist if it is a profit of under $40.

Ebay tips, Photos must be really good. Take one afternoon and take good photos of everything so you can just sit down and focus sending time just listing, without having to stop and take a picture.

Photos taken in the day Light outside tend to look really nice and fresh. A well manicured hand holding something can also help make the item look nice and well cared for.

Description helps with honest words . Never used, like new. Still in package. Very lightly used. No pets, no smoking household.

I am honest, if it has a scratch, I show it. If it has the label, I photograph it.

We have been selling for years. I am about to list some items for clients, but I need to find the time to photograph all of it. I do enjoy selling things I just want to make sure I am not giving away my time.

G.:

It's not about "luck". It's about having what people want and pricing it right. Then the picture(s) have to be good as well as the write up.

now that shipping is included in the overall FVF (Final Value Fee) - you MUST make sure you are packaging and weighing BEFORE YOU list. Make sure that when you do list - you list shipping according to zip code instead of a flat rate fee - that will turn people off who live a state away from you.

Pictures: Your pictures MUST be good, clear and clutter free. if you have other stuff like plants, etc. in the background - it will distract from what you are selling. Have a sheet hanging up behind what you are taking a picture of so that ONLY the item(s) you are selling can be seen.

LISTING PRICE - do your research BEFORE you list. If there are 2000 other listing for baby clothes - you need to start LOW - and make NO RESERVE on it.

TITLE - Posting "baby clothes size 6 - 12 months" does NOT tell anyone anything different than the others.

6-12 months baby clothes GAP CARTERS SESAME ST Girl (or Boy) UNISEX

LARGE LOT 6-12 Months GAP CARTERS SESAME ST DISNEY GIRL pants shirts onesies sleepers PJs

Your title doesn't necessarily have to "make sense" it has to capture KEY WORD SEARCHES.

Your best bet is to list items in groups or lots and get GREAT pictures. Price accordingly - for some lots - $9.99 starting price is great for 10 items - make sure your shipping is CORRECT.

I hope this helps!!

For the baby/ toddler things, there's a children's consignment store in Belmont called Growing Up on Common Street in Cushing Square. You can gert the money up front , may not be alot, but you don't need to wait for it to sell.

Good luck

I always found that baby things wentike hot cakes!
Check that your prices are in line.
eBay--use for "good" brands, ask more.
Craig's--use for low priced play clothes lots, bulky baby gear, household goods

Updated

I always found that baby things went like hot cakes!
Check that your prices are in line.

eBay--use for "good" brands, ask more.
Craig's--use for low priced play clothes lots, bulky baby gear, household goods

Hi G.,
Have you attempted to sell your items in what is known as a "LOT"? This is selling a bulk of the same size and gender items for a set price. I used to sell on ebay when my children were younger and this way was the most helpful. If you have appliances I find Craig's List to be better (sell it locally with no shipping issues). Safety Tip:If you decide to sell via Craig's List make certain you are not alone when they want to pick up this item.

Good Luck!

I can't be bothered with figuring out accurate shipping costs, so I stick with Craigslist. Sometimes it takes a while for more expensive items to go on Craigslist - hiking backpack carrier, swing, high chair, etc - if you want a reasonable price. But it doesn't cost to repost, and so about every 2 months, I would take down the last post and repost again. Eventually everything went.

Do you have a local selling site you can use? I know I couldn't be bothered with eBay, and dealing with shipping and the payment options. We have a local site called Kijiji that I use for buying and selling. It is simple, no shipping, no paypal etc. When I price my items I check to see what everyone else is asking for the same items. If I want it gone fast I will price mine below the others. Also check on facebook. We have several local garage sale facebook pages that are popular in our area, some specifically for baby/toddler items.