I have been wanting to sell stuff on Ebay and Etsy for a long time now, but I have been overwhelmed with fear about doing it. Why? (That's the same question
Auntie keeps asking me, and the same question I keep asking myself!) I am afraid of the shipping, and all the issues that come with shipping (lost package, broken items, dishonest customers saying the packages were lost or damaged, etc.).
Auntie has promised to help me through this
excuse fear, and help me list one thing on Ebay to kind of get my feet wet. I have a million and one things to list! Now the issue becomes...what to list!?! If I was running a garage sale or estate sale, I wouldn't hesitate one bit on what to sell, how to display it, what to price it at and what the minimum would be I'd take for any given item. So why is this so hard? Am I over
thinking worrying about it?
I'd also really like to rent booth space at a local antique mall and try my hand at that. I think it would be a fun way to support my treasure seeking
addiciton adventures, but there is always the fear of losing more money than I can make.
Are you an Ebay or Etsy seller? Do you have a booth in a shop or mall? How did you get started? Did you just jump in feet first, or do you have some tips and tricks that might help me out? I'd love any advice or tips you can give me!
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Hello there!I've sold things on Ebay and currently have a little Etsy shop.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot of work at the beginning and it gets easier with time. So far I've had only one 'lost' package and it was to Australia. The buyer was such a royal pain (really,really a pain) that I opted to shut her up and give her a refund; but really I think she was disappointed with her purchase and decide to claim she never got it.
If you want to start safe, ship only to the U.S and if you feel more at ease offer internationnal shipping.
I also try to buy low and sell high at what I think the itrem should be and not what the collector's guide decide, which is why I prefer Etsy. I find it more relaxed and less expensive!
Good luck!
Dive in.Dive in.You will have fun.I did Ebay for a million years although I will say that as their policies (i.e. incessant fee structure) changed, the economy tanked, etc. I gave it up for the most part. Etsy seems full of nice people - like Ebay used to be a hundred years ago. I don't get a lot done there but it has been an all around pleasant experience. You can figure it out. It takes a bit - be patient with yourself. As for pricing - with Ebay you've got to start low - WAY LOW - stupid low unless you have an item that is really going to command attention. I'm right there with you about getting a booth. That is one of my goals for this year - time to take the plunge. My husband keeps telling me it will be like getting a storage unit only with the possibility of actually making money while storing!! Go and have fun. You can do it. Some sales will be duds and some will knock your socks off. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement and comments!!! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.... :)
ReplyDeleteI sell on ebay, have an etsy shop and a Flea market booth. Whew. I am tired! I still love ebay event hough after ten years I got my first (undeserved and I am fighting it) Negative. For the most part, I think ebay buyers are honest. If you are good to them and disclose all the info about items (chips, missing parts, etc.) they will be happy with their purchase. Weigh your item and a box before you list it, then add a bit of weight for packaging and you should be okay. I received postal scales for Christmas, so that is making it easy for me. I printed outmy own shipping for the first time in over 1,000 transactions and sent the packages with my postlady. Easy!
ReplyDeleteI do have an Etsy Shop, but I really hate holding onto things until someone buys it. I prefer ebay - list it, ship it, it's gone. But, for lesser priced items, Etsy is a good alternative. My shop in on permanent vacation until I figure out if I want to restock it or close it up.
I'm no expert - but if you have any questions - we are here for you!
My advise to you: Do it!
ReplyDeleteI'm more than happy to help you and I think it would add just another layer to the fun we're already having going to sales...
Maybe I'll go in with you on a booth somewhere!
*Disclaimer for other readers -- yes, I'm THAT Auntie (and I wish you'd visit my blog, too)
I keep a quotation in a small frame on my desk that says:
ReplyDelete"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." --Seneca
We can't let our fears stop us. I felt just like you when I started selling on eBay, and I went through it big time over publishing my book. I can honestly say that every time I've done what I feared, not only did the fear go away but I also felt an enormous sense of accomplishment.
Do it!
Thanks so much for the encouragement! I'm gonna jump in and try it! :) I'll let you know how it goes! :)
ReplyDeleteI have had a booth which started to do bad in the winter so I got out. I will go back in the spring. we are a tourist area so more people around then. as far as ebay and etsy, i am with you why i do not know but I am afraid to sell on ebay. for your reasons. My daughter can not understand what the problem is, I guess it is just plain old fear.
ReplyDeletecathy