Archive for January, 2012

Dear eBay Queen:

I lost my job in March of 2011.  My mother in law sends me your column each week from The Ottawa Herald.  We live in Savannah Georgia and I always look forward to her envelope every week with your article in it.  I’ve been looking for a job since I lost mine, and haven’t had much luck.  I had this brilliant idea that instead of asking for gifts, I would ask for things to sell on eBay.   I think this was a pretty good idea, as I received several HUGE boxes from people containing new, used and some vintage designer clothing.  Now that I have this stuff, I’m not sure how to sell it!

I have purchased lots of items on eBay in the past 8 or so years I’ve been a member.  I was planning on using that eBay ID as it has 485 feedback on it. I did do a little research, and it amazes me how many sellers do not put measurements on clothing listings. A small in one brand is never the same inseam/waist/chest as the next small.  Do you have any pointers for me?

Laura, Savannah, Georgia

Dear Laura:

That was a great idea to ask for stuff to sell on eBay!  Clothes are pretty easy to list and ship.  Here are some tips to make sure you have good sales.

• Always include the brand name, size, style and color in your title.
• In the listing, make sure you have a photo of the front and back of the clothing.  The more photos the better.  If the item has a snag or some kind of problem, make sure you take a photo of that.
• If you can, model it on a person or maybe a mannequin or sewing form.
• When it comes to measurements, measure each item lying on a flat surface.
• Include the following measurements: underarm front, underarm back, waist, hip, inseam, rise and sleeve length.
• Use every item specific you can.  Item specifics help buyers find your items, by brand name, size, color, style and shape.

Good luck on your sales!

Dear eBay Queen:

I sold a rare game yesterday for over $380.00.  After the auction ended I sent the buyer an invoice.  They sent me an email back today, and it’s just my luck that they want to pay with a money order!  Now, what do I do?  They only have 4 feedback.  I checked out the second highest bidder, and they have over 490 feedback! The 2^nd bidder is the person that I *want* to  win this game.  I bet if he won, I would already have his money in my PayPal account!  How should I handle this?  What do I do it this person decides they can’t pay for it?  It’s just my luck!  DARN DARN DARN!

Burt, Olathe, KS

Dear Burt:

I think this will all work out.  If you don’t want to accept this guy’s money order, you do not have too.   You can let him know that you only accept PayPal.

It is a possibility that this buyer will pay, and send you a money order immediately.  You could be worried about this for nothing.  There are many sellers that have different eBay ID’s.  Your buyer with only 4 feedback may be a selective buyer who rarely buys on eBay, forgot his/her ID/password and it was easier to create a new ID. New buyers do not automatically equal someone who’s out to scam you. We were all new to eBay at one time.

If you decide to accept the money order, and you are worried it is fraudulent, I would take to the bank or Post Office and have them check it out.  No matter what happens, I would insure the package and put a signature confirmation on it.  That way you are protecting yourself in case something happens.  PayPal requires you to do this on an item over $200.00.  I hope this an easy worry free transaction for you.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 190604019372 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page. Looking for a good children’s book?  Maybe you have this one? At the Back of the North Wind 1992 Hardcover  SOLD $5,000.00 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Back-North-Wind-1992-Hardcover-Reprint-/190604019372

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul, Kansas.