My ebay experiment Year One

Okay last year was the first year I sold on ebay........Two accounts over 600 positive feedback with 5 neutrals and no negatives.........That was one of the most frustrating things I have ever done in my life........As of this year I have yet to list an item on ebay.........I needed a break as I felt my heart wouldn't handle another year of the stress it caused me.............Ebay has its place in biz and I am happy to have secured both of my accounts with this type of feedback for use perhaps at a later date........Near the end as my inventory was running slim it was practically a break even enterprise..............Oh well any other experiences???

probably the most frustrating was the fact of the amount of time I would spend testing item.......Packing the item (with plenty of bubble wrap)....shipping item then buyer gets item and it is broken or not working........Also the amount of time it consumed to acquire all packing materials and supplies needed......Must have spent 1000 bucks in shipping tape alone.....(perhaps not that much but alot)............I agree to break down sell then repeat but some things do not need to be scrapped.......I am more content selling computers locally (can offer immediate support if their is a problem) and scrapping.........I have some things to put on ebay but have just not been in the mood

My 150+ blood pressure prevents me from using E=bay for all of the above stated resins .

Ya know..I had a big post written up, about my thoughts on eBay but being one of the few voices against eBay here on the forum, I tend to get beaten up an told I'm a fool. I'll just say I have my reasons, an I'll send you a PM so this thread isn't filled with how much of an idiot I am for not using them.

I will say this, not everyone has the same experience there, YMMV. An Yes I'm a fool at times, but not when it comes to eBay. Been there, done that, got the t shirt.

Sirscrapalot - Somebody was telling me about the French Army rifle that was being advertised on eBay the other day - the description was, 'Never shot. Dropped once. - Roy Blunt

I agree......it was a good experience overall but after a few low dsr (as described low ratings) they started to hold my money after 400 positive feedbacks........I called them and cussed out the operator (who didn't deserve it) just to make myself feel better......I also filled out a long survey online about how much some of ebay's policies suck but never hear back from them (probably went straight in the trash)

Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot

Ya know..I had a big post written up, about my thoughts on eBay but being one of the few voices against eBay here on the forum, I tend to get beaten up an told I'm a fool. I'll just say I have my reasons, an I'll send you a PM so this thread isn't filled with how much of an idiot I am for not using them.

I will say this, not everyone has the same experience there, YMMV. An Yes I'm a fool at times, but not when it comes to eBay. Been there, done that, got the t shirt.

Sirscrapalot - Somebody was telling me about the French Army rifle that was being advertised on eBay the other day - the description was, 'Never shot. Dropped once. - Roy Blunt

It takes a certain kind of person to deal with the e bay thing. I for one am not one of them. and my efforts to find a person to handle my E bay stuff has been fruitless, which tells me we are probably in the large majority for what ever resion.

I don't mind consignments as much because I have nothing invested in those items.........Was getting alot of laptops on consignment last year but the fella that was bringing them has gotten sick and lost alot of his contacts

Craigslist, computer forums, and many other places you can sell goods.

I know what your saying, but..eBay is not the only option for people. Yes it's the most known, but there are other places one can sell their product.

Each to their own. Your not wrong for using eBay, nor are mike, me and Olddude or others for not using it. One may have to work a bit harder, but one can still sell for far more then scrap value if they look hard enough.

I'm glad it works for some. Others just don't want the headaches involved. YMMV



Sirscrapalot - There's more then one way to skin a cat, or in this case..sell an item.

Mike, you may have heard me refer to it as evilbay in the past. Nothing you have written here changes my opinion.

Sirscrapalot, I will NEVER be one of hose telling you how foolish you are for not using eBay.

Here's the only way I will use eBay today. I will list an item as local pickup only. I will list the starting price as the lowest amount I am willing to let it go for. No matter how much they beg plead or cajole I will not ship. This eliminates the claims of the item not being as described.

I love the pie chart about using PayPal because you have to. In my listing I state I will accept PayPal as a form of payment. (This is a lie.) Because I have to. I would offer the option of cash paid at pickup, but evilbay will not let me. (May they and seven generations of their progeny burn in hell!)

Then when I have a winning bidder I make arrangements for them to pay cash at pickup. Most people are fine with that. No one has refused so far. If they did I would cancel the transaction and refund them anything they have paid via PayPal. With no PayPal transaction they can't f&$) me demanding a refund.

In this way I also avoid the bottom feeders on CL.

Best of both worlds. You attract only more serious buyers and there is less of the fear from buyers about dealing with someone on CL.

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

I agree......it was a good experience overall but after a few low dsr (as described low ratings) they started to hold my money after 400 positive feedbacks........I called them and cussed out the operator (who didn't deserve it) just to make myself feel better......I also filled out a long survey online about how much some of ebay's policies suck but never hear back from them (probably went straight in the trash)

"DITTO"... I even apologized to the 'operator' for being rude 'n crude.. BUT... "that's the job you are being paid for". Been selling on there for about a year now I guess, I think there is certainly a learning "curve" in dealing on/with ebay.... I'm 'bout mmmmm... half way round that bend

Originally Posted by CTscrapman

Ebay has its advantages you just have to pick and choose what you sell, some things cant get neg feedback and usually gets great feedback like hard drive magnets. people seem to love those freakin things!!
Lot s 70ct Neodymium Hard Drive Magnets | eBay
Lot A 40ct Large Neodymium Hard Drive Magnets | eBay
also where else could you get $80 for a scsi hard drive thats worth $3 as scrap. It definitely has its place.i will agree testing and listing is a PAIN

CT, just can't see myself dismantling 70 hard drives to make 22 bucks.

Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

Mike, you may have heard me refer to it as evilbay in the past. Nothing you have written here changes my opinion.

Sirscrapalot, I will NEVER be one of hose telling you how foolish you are for not using eBay.

Here's the only way I will use eBay today. I will list an item as local pickup only. I will list the starting price as the lowest amount I am willing to let it go for. No matter how much they beg plead or cajole I will not ship. This eliminates the claims of the item not being as described.

I love the pie chart about using PayPal because you have to. In my listing I state I will accept PayPal as a form of payment. (This is a lie.) Because I have to. I would offer the option of cash paid at pickup, but evilbay will not let me. (May they and seven generations of their progeny burn in hell!)

Then when I have a winning bidder I make arrangements for them to pay cash at pickup. Most people are fine with that. No one has refused so far. If they did I would cancel the transaction and refund them anything they have paid via PayPal. With no PayPal transaction they can't f&$) me demanding a refund.

In this way I also avoid the bottom feeders on CL.

Best of both worlds. You attract only more serious buyers and thre is less of the fear from buyers about dealing with someone on CL.

Nice burly!!!!!!!
Ebay fishing. get them hooked then reel them in off site.

Brilliant absolutely Brilliant!

Eh, for now it's brilliant. I'm sure the demons will find a way to kibosh this eventually... ;-)