Archive for December 1st, 2010

Dear eBay Queen:

I woke up this morning to find that my account was suspended. The email I received said I was linked to a suspended user. I don’t even know what they are talking about!  When eBay suspended me, they ask that I fax all of this information in to verify my identity.  I have done that, but I have not received any other response from them.  I contacted them through eBay’s Help page and was told it was beyond their scope to help me with this problem.  They directed me to a link – I responded to that and get more automated responses. It's been 2 weeks with no word from eBay and no income.

I have sold over 125 items every month for the last two and a half years.  I sell handmade baby items. If you have any ideas on how to deal with this, I would love to know what to do. I don't live anywhere near San Jose so I can't go to their offices. I have started listing on Amazon.com, but it takes a while to build up a reputation and mine on eBay was excellent. I would really like to resume selling on eBay. Where should I go from here?

Sandy, Gardner, KS

Dear Sandy:

I am so sorry. I completely understand how frustrating this is.  In a situation like this, I would re-fax your information in and contact Jim Griffith (griff@eBay.com ).  He has always helped me out when I haven’t received the information I needed from eBay.

While you are waiting to have your eBay account re-instated, I would start listing items on Etsy.  Etsy is a great site for handmade items.  Since you are selling quite a bit of items on eBay, I would also consider creating a Website to sell your items on.  I hope this situation gets sorted out soon!

Dear eBay Queen:

I have come across what I feel is a really great opportunity.  This guy I know owns a salvage business, and has several large commercial and residential A/C units he would like to sell, among other things.  I’ve known him for a couple of years.  He and his wife opened up a Japanese restaurant I frequent here in town.  He’s a super-nice guy and he’s made me a really great offer when it comes to selling his stuff.  He wants to sell them on eBay, just to get them out of the way and wanted to split all profits (above his costs) with me fifty-fifty.  I have no problem selling something to professionals in the HVAC industry who are likely to know the meaning of "as is" in dealing with such purchases.

Here’s the problem:  He suggested I do it under my profile. Not because he wouldn’t be willing to have one, but because he really doesn’t want to fool with it he’s got his hands full with his busy restaurant.  For the profit margin, I’m more than willing to accept that I will make a handsome profit. That goes a long way in selling large items.  However, the cons are just as obvious.  Is it worth it to me to use my rating to make a sale that may or may not go wrong?  It’s worked well in the past, I’ve sold various items for friends (and did pretty well doing it, too).  I’m considering posting under my husband’s profile, an account he never uses.  Should I reference my own profile, or would this look amateur-ish?  It seems to me that going from the occasional baby outfit to $22,000 used HVAC units would be too much of a leap for some folks to grasp. Do you have any advice for me?

Hot N Cold, Topeka KS

Dear Cold:

Congratulations on finding a good consignor!  In a situation like this, I would make sure I had a consignment contract.  I found several by searching the Internet for “eBay consignment contract”.  I would also use my own eBay selling ID.  There could be a problem with any item you sell.  I would just make sure you let the buyer know upfront what the condition of the items are, and take LOTS of photos.  

Have you thought about shipping?  To alleviate headaches, I would say these are pick-up only or that the buyer is responsible for shipping.   I hope these turn out to be home runs for you and your consignor!

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 330496599332 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): It’s cold and you need a coat! Check out this Vintage Hercules Horsehide Leather Car Coat SOLD $861.00    http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Hercules-Horsehide-Leather-Car-Coat-Jacket-/330496599332  

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com