my experiment is failing.?..

For last three weeks, I have been buying vehicles at 8c lb or little higher. I have been dismantling them and listing parts on eBay. I'm not having any luck selling any parts whatsoever. I was a mech for years, so I have a fair idea what is good and bad. I actually have more luck locally selling parts. On eBay no dice. But from what am I selling I'm barely breaking even. But for ****s and giggles I have been listing computer parts and they are selling. I don't get it. Im listing things much cheaper than the other places. Like for a example, I have a awd transmission from a Venture. Kinda rare. Tested and good. Everybody else wants 800, I got mine listed at 400 with 150 freight. No bites, bids, etc. I'm at the point where after trailer rental, fuel, labor, its just not profitable. Their is far easier work. Like buying and listing laptops on eBay. Any ideas!

You mentioned in another thread about a new ebay account. I'm wondering if that might be the issue.

Ya I'm wondering that too.

It could be your new account or it could be that people are not using ebay right now for car parts. There is a local business close to me that does what you do. They started about 20 years ago and now grew into a multi-million dollar company. They started off selling local and then with word of mouth they started to spread.

I think when it comes down to it, computers and electronics will always well better then anything else unless you're able to get vehicles for cheap and turn them around to make a profit at the junk yard. In my own experiences with ebay, people are picky(and sometimes aren't afraid to tell you so). Just my 2 cents on the matter.

I for one wouldn't ever buy a high dollar, heavy car part on EBay. return shipping would be killer should it need to be returned

This is true smashing.. But some of the units are hard to come by. Mostly I'm sticking to smalls. But nothing is selling. I made like 49 bucks since yesterday and it was all computer parts. Most of the heavy iron is being sold locally.

You ever consider core buyers?
I know we have at least one here.located in pa.
Don't know where your located.

Maybe try to get better insight into your (potential ) customer base ? Figure out better ways of marketing to them ?

I'll offer myself up for experimentation. Maybe it will help ? Maybe some of the others here could offer their view as well ?

I'm a shade tree mechanic. Here are some of my characteristics.

1: I tried buying used parts on line years ago and that didn't work well at all. The seller was completely useless. I had to threaten him with legal action and when he finally did send the parts they didn't fit.

2: I don't have a shop so all of my work is done outdoors. The working conditions are horrible right now ( -15 F. with the wind chill ) so any repairs that can be put off till spring will wait till then. Definitely won't get into and major repairs like a motor or transmission.

3: Money is always tight this time of year. I won't be in the " mood " to spend on anything but the bare essentials till spring. It's entirely different in the spring. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Better days have returned and i'm eager to take on projects.

4: I generally aim to get five years out of a used car or truck. It's expected that common repair parts will need to be replaced but i only want to do the job once. It's hit or miss when buying new parts because the quality of the stuff at the parts store isn't what it used to be. If i were going to consider buying used parts the price would have 50% less than new with shipping included.

5: I'm not that patient. I'm looking for the parts to be available the same day that i need them. I will tolerate next day delivery if it's something that generally isn't a stock item.

6: Definitely don't want to fiddle dub around with all of that bidding nonsense on e-bay. That could drag on for days and you still wouldn't get the part you need. Complete waste of time.

7: Keep It Simple Sam. No games with the price. Buy it now along with shipping costs let's me decide whether or not i want it.

8: If i were looking for used parts on line i would be more likely to choose a web site that specializes in that one thing. There are a few that have the ability to tap into the stock available in recycling yards all across the country.

9: My first priority is to get the job done right the first time and then move on to the next thing. Not everyone is like me though. Some guys at a lower level of income are really tight with the bucks. Cost is the first and only concern so to market to them you have to keep the price really low.

10: I generally buy the most commonly available vehicles (Ford & Chevy) because they're the easiest to get repair parts for. There's little or no need for rare -or- hard to find parts.

~ Just a few thoughts for whatever they are worth ~

Ok good advice. Thanks guys. I do have a core buyer, bbut why sell a 50 used alternator for 3 bucks?? Only thing i sell to the core buyer is cats.

Maybe yall can go through my auctions and let me know you what you think

Lot of DDR 2 RAM 5 2 Gig Sticks 1 4 GB Stick PC6400 Laptop RAM | eBay

Also I hear ya on weather. It was like 10 degrees yesterday in a snow storm and I was ripping a motor, trans out. Had to to get done, because buyers coming for engine and trans monday. Still got to seperate the bell, pull harness, and stuff like the alts, etc. But minus 10 stopped me today. Been playing on ebay all day. Tomorrow got to git r done lol. No more car stripping till spring for me. Last one.,

Descriptions could be better

needs more info in description..take a look at simialr sold items for best wording of title and tweak it into your own words

pictures - need more pictures and better quality pictures. listings with more photos will be listed towards the top in search results. Also better quality of photos so buyer has a clear visual representation of what they will receive

better description - give all necessaary info pertaining to motor size, year,, and other important info ( was it removed from running car, was it tested) as well as items current condition

space out listing so its not a big run on sentence. easier to read = more sales

make notice of hassle free returns


most importantly get the feedback up. with a low number you have to pay your dues and build up buyer trust. you can help do this by buying several .99 ebooks. most of the time you get immediate positive feedback. could be money very well spent in exchange for higher feedback. Everyone has to pay their dues

You're low feedback is killing you. There is no way that I'd buy a $400 transmission from someone with a feedback rating of 1. I agree on buying feedback. It doesn't make you any more reputable, but it will make people more confident. On eBay, that's huge.

Two: Descriptions. They need to be longer. I have four lines of description on my RAM listings.

Three: Picture Backing. I switched to taking photos on my woodgrain desk, and sales went up. I kid you not. The dark background may be hurting there.

Computer parts can definitely sell on eBay. I listed 38 items this month, and 36 of them sold for my price. I actually think that a BIN adds value. People will pay for auctions. When I bid on anything, I will only bid up to the BIN amount for the cheapest BIN listing.

Just my $0.02

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

I actually need those sticks of memory....I sent you an offer and message thru ebay if you want to sell immediatly

I responded with a counteroffer of 55. If you want it, I will redo the auction. Thanks for the advise. Will play around and see what I can do.