I started using Ebay two years ago being an avid collector of Royal Doulton Bunnykins a work colleague suggested I look on Ebay as bunnies were cheaper than buying from dealers and so my pilgrimage started. After a short time I realised I could sell as well as buy so here are the basics for learners to Ebay.
Buying The art after finding the item you want and this can range from houses to matchsticks is wait. Place the item in your watching list and do just that, if 1 min before the auction finishes you are still interested, loaded the item back up but still wait and wait until there is approx 30 secs left then bid and quickly. Nine times out of ten you win.
The next part is the basis of Ebay and that is trust. The seller emails you and asks for your address, they will then give you the final total including postage. If you want the item to go a specific way then they will advise costs for this. You then pay. This can be done by several methods.
Cheque
or Postal Order (most people will wait for a cheque to clear before sending the item. Electronic Payment this means using services such as Paypal and eBay Payments these are a way paying instantly from you computer using a Credit card or Debit card.
Bank Transfer: A swift and easy way to pay your seller is by Bank Transfer. Escrow Service: An escrow service acts as a neutral third party in a transaction, collecting payment for the item won from the buyer until the seller sends the item to the buyer. An escrow service can help ensure a safe and pleasant transaction between the buyer and seller, especially when a large sum is changing hands.
Credit/Debit Card: Some sellers accept Credit cards directly. International Money Order: When paying international sellers an International Money Order can be ideal. However, some Money orders do have charges attached. Services such as BidPay help you transact internationally using Money orders without needing to go to the Bank.
Personally I have only ever used Electronic Payment and Personal cheques with no problem.After payment has been received your new purchased is sent to you. If however you bid on something and suddenly changed your mind for a short time after the bid has been placed you can retract that bid.
If when you receive the item it was not as stated in the auction write up or the item is broken you email the seller and they should refund your money. I have had a couple of things broken in transit and have refunded the money no problem, sellers do ask for the item to be returned as some people can be dishonest and swap an item brought.
I.e. they a have a figurine called Elsie but knocked it off the mantelpiece buy a new one via Ebay and then tell the seller item was broken. Send back original Elsie that they broke some sellers do mark their items with invisible ink so they can identify if it is the right item being returned.
Now for Selling
First of all click on the sell button so that you can complete the sell your item form. This form is where you will create your eBay listing. You will find different sections to fill in but these are very straightforward.
The sections are: Choosing a selling format Most people choose the standard eBay one, I do anyway. Selecting a Category
This means if you are selling a piece of Royal Doulton for example, you would choose pottery and glass, it would then bring sections up including pottery and porcelain, along side would be another box where you would then choose Royal Doulton.
A new screen will appear where you can write the title of the item you are selling always make sure the spelling is correct and choose words people will use to search for i.e. if you are selling a Coalport figurine. The title would look something like this Coalport Figurine Elsie
Next is your description, again put as much information as you can and always include if the item is in Mint Condition or if it has chips or cracks. Also include if a box is with the item.
You can also add pictures at this point, I use eBays picture services. The first picture is free and then each one after that has a small charge Next is how much you want the auction to start from, also how long you want the auction to last for 3,5,7 or 10 days. Also you can choose the Buy it Now option or put a reserve price on the item, which means if it does not reach the reserve you do not have to sell it. You can the put your location in i.e. London
Enter Payment and Postage Information How will you accept payment from your buyer when your auction ends? Where will you post your item and who will pay? The more you fill out here now, the easier the end of your auction will be.
You are almost at the end of listing your item now, just check over the listing and finally hit the submit button.
Once the auction has finished contact the buyer by email to find out where the parcel is to be sent and give them the full and final amount payable this includes the item and cost of postage. Also let them know how you want payment made.
Pack up the item and make sure it is done well to avoid any breakages in the post and after payment has been received send it off to the new owner.
After everything is over you can if you wish fill out the feedback form, this is were you can give a short description of your buyer i.e. Fast Payment, Clear emails etc or if they were not very good you can also leave bad feedback but be warned they can leave bad feedback about you.
25.01.2003 20:23
That was an excellent review. Avril
25.01.2003 15:27
good review, really detailed. I've never used eBay to buy or sell anything but i often go and have a look. Lucy x
25.01.2003 15:11
Excellent review, jane - contains everything I would need to know as a virgin ebayer. :)