Buying and Selling on eBay: Tips, Tricks, Problems & Questions

Stewie · Apr 28, 2013

Quick question for an ebay listing to size...

shoulders 22"
pit to pit 23"

What size should this be listed at?

48?

It's a smoking jacket sized XXL

GMMcL · Apr 28, 2013

Brianpore said:
Shoe box is more expensive as it is based on weight, but they fit MUCH nicer. I have to assume you are using the 'top load' box vs the 'side load'? The side load is under 2.5" tall so I cant see how you fit them in without smushing and creasing them and the 'top load' box is only 10 long so actually you prob use the 'side load'?? Mind taking a picture next time you ship shoes?

I try to only sell higher end shoes $100+ so will spend the extra few dollars to ship.

I use the long skinny one. Side loader I guess. I've only had an issue once on really long shoes. And I'm pretty sure I'm shipping the same stuff as you. I wrap in a tyvek or plastic bag or two, which protwcts them and doubles as cushioning/fill. Sometimes the box distorts or has a hard time closing. But I've usually managed it.

Brianpore · Apr 28, 2013

GMMcL said:
Quote: I guess they would fit....

Stewie · Apr 28, 2013

Can you guys look at this auction and maybe get me some tips to get better results? I really felt that I would get better final price...retail on these is $595 and just missing the shoelaces. Better description? Poor title? Or maybe it was the dog?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151030262345?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1561.l2649

Thanks in advance!

Brianpore · Apr 28, 2013

Stewie said:
Can you guys look at this auction and maybe get me some tips to get better results? I really felt that I would get better final price...retail on these is $595 and just missing the shoelaces. Better description? Poor title? Or maybe it was the dog?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151030262345?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1561.l2649

Thanks in advance!

I am bias, but shoes IMO are extremely tricky to sell. Unless you have something like Shell Alden's or something where you know people are going to want them, its really a crap shoot how much you get, hence BIN OBO and wait for a fair offer.

It looks like you had a good mix of bidders so that is what the market said they were worth right now... would better pictures have helped.... maybe not 2x the price if that's what you were thinking.

nohio · Apr 28, 2013

Stewie said:
Can you guys look at this auction and maybe get me some tips to get better results? I really felt that I would get better final price...retail on these is $595 and just missing the shoelaces. Better description? Poor title? Or maybe it was the dog?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151030262345?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1561.l2649

Thanks in advance!

I don't know if affected the final price, but the listing looks bad. Comic sans (mixed with at least 3 different fonts)? Also, the formatting is very wide so that I can't fit the entire page on my screen. I would suggest just making it more simple or doing a major upgrade to a professional looking format.

Stewie · Apr 28, 2013

Brianpore said:
I am bias, but shoes IMO are extremely tricky to sell. Unless you have something like Shell Alden's or something where you know people are going to want them, its really a crap shoot how much you get, hence BIN OBO and wait for a fair offer.

It looks like you had a good mix of bidders so that is what the market said they were worth right now... would better pictures have helped.... maybe not 2x the price if that's what you were thinking.

Probably a good idea, the BIN...especially with new shoes. So do you start higher than you normally would and hope for a good sale with the OBO getting you the price you really wanted? Similar comps on these boots went for 2.5 times that amount so feel like I missed a good price on these.

Brianpore · Apr 28, 2013

Stewie said:
Quote: Yup.... its just a different way to sell... but list them high and wait for someone to make an offer.

Like said though, the listing itself its kind of all over the place with big font, etc

Stewie · Apr 28, 2013

nohio said:
I don't know if affected the final price, but the listing looks bad. Comic sans (mixed with at least 3 different fonts)? Also, the formatting is very wide so that I can't fit the entire page on my screen. I would suggest just making it more simple or doing a major upgrade to a professional looking format.

Hmmm...I'm using a widescreen monitor and formats nicely. Maybe that's part of it as well. Never thought of that.

So..would I have to change my monitor setting or could this be a Firefox setting?

Looks like this on my monitor:

Fueco · Apr 28, 2013

Here's a cool saga for you fine gentleman this evening...

I bought a pair of cycling shorts from an international seller that was advertised as in London, England.

The body of the listing contains this location:

Bernardettelaan 25
2806JL Gouda
Netherlands

The package arrived on Friday with a return address from Przemysl, Poland.

The item was misrepresented at best... I opened a case. Seller wants to settle instantly (duh!). What are the odds that I don't get my money back if I escalate and this idiot doesn't get banned from Ebay?

I really need to read listings more thoroughly when I buy...

Oh, and add strangehighways to your lists...

Fueco · Apr 28, 2013

So, here's the email thread from between 2243 and 2315 this evening (except the first... I opened the case around 1700 today).

Quote (Me):

Quote (Douche):

Quote (Me):

Quote (Douche):

Quote (Me):
Quote (Douche):

Quote (Douche):

Quote (Me):

Stewie · Apr 29, 2013

Fueco said:
So, here's the email thread from between 2243 and 2315 this evening (except the first... I opened the case around 1700 today).

Seems like he is being reasonable...remember you are dealing with an international customer with what looks like some language understanding differences as well...he is offering to refund full price...looks like he just needs for someone else to pay for an auction for him to pay you back.

capnwes · Apr 29, 2013

HansderHund said:
Greek brought up a good point...I'd be happy to see more questions like that. I had a question earlier in regards to identifying/labeling (can't remember at the moment), but I didn't know where to put it. This is an ideal place for all things ebay, whether you're trying to sell or buy.

Someone brought up sleeper brands quite awhile ago, and I don't know if it was mentioned, but Pal Zileri is almost always easy to buy. Most of their stuff is quality and it goes cheap most of the time.

Another question, how do you heavy sellers do it? I worked all weekend on getting pictures, measurements and descriptions, and I only came up with about 80 listings. I still have a number of things to list and it made me wonder how some people (Spoo, et al) can produce 150+ listings every week. Capnwes, I know you have another job, how do you find the time or is there some sort of process that you'd be willing to share?

Hans, 80 new listings in a week is nothing to be ashamed of, that's a lot.

Similar story to Spoo.

Sunday:
Sleep in a bit 8 or so. **** ton of photos and measurements. I have recruited my wife occasionally to write down measurements. Pull items that will sell that night for shipping.

Monday:
Leave for work by 6 (hour drive). Thrift for lunch. Any down time is spent making listings of the stuff measured Sunday. Hit a thrift on the way home. Process orders for 24 hour shipping. If there is any time left, which there seldom is, more photos and measurements. In bed by 1 AM if I'm lucky.

Tuesday:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Finish up orders for 24 hour shipping. More pics and measures. In bed by Midnight.

Wednesday:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""". Hit my Wednesday night thrift loop. Any straggler shipping orders. More pics and measures. In bed by Midnight.

Thursday:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""". Hit a thrift on the way home. Finish up 10 day listings for the week, all scheduled to start between 11-11:30 PM EST. In bed by midnight

Friday:...my favorite day!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""". Work half day. Go on a big ass crazy 8 hour thrift adventure. One or two of 4 different routes. Go out for dinner or something nice with the wifey, after I bore her to death showing her all my finds.

Saturday:
Sleep in a bit....maybe 8 or so. House/Yard work...if we are not travelling. Maybe a thrift or two with the wifey. Afternoon cool down with tons of pics and measurements.

Repeat!

Still have a pretty good social life on the weekends believe it or not.

tben · Apr 29, 2013

Fueco said:
So, here's the email thread from between 2243 and 2315 this evening (except the first... I opened the case around 1700 today).

I can't say that I am on your side with this one.

suited · Apr 29, 2013

tben said:
I can't say that I am on your side with this one.

Yeah, and I think in 90% of cases it's just easier to do what the buyer wants. As soon as a buyer messages me about a return I just tell them to send it back and I'll refund them. I learned that it's not worth the hassle to try and fight them, at least not on everyday, run of the mill items. If you sell them a $500 pair of NIB shoes and they want a return 3 weeks later, that's different. I kept my policy to no returns just to ward off people who might otherwise abuse the policy.

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