Archive for the ‘Detailed Seller Ratings’ Category

Dear eBay Queen:

I have a couple of questions about eBay/PayPal that I hope you can answer.

I bought an expensive large format color printer yesterday ($1,000) and paid immediately by PayPal (on my charge card).

About 20 minutes after payment was sent, the seller called me and seemed leery — wanted to make sure I was a legit buyer, etc. No worries there.

However, he said that PayPal has seized the money and he wondered if I had set up an escrow or something. He's a relatively new (or under-used) seller with 7 feedback, so I tried to explain to him that sometimes PayPal takes control of funds…but I didn't have an exact reason why and when they did that.

Can you explain that to me?

Why and when does PayPal decide to control the funds? Do they release the funds once shipment is complete?

At first, I thought it was because maybe he has limited feedback (under 10), but then I recall that this happened to me a couple of weeks ago on something I sold, but I have over 780 positive feedback and my amount was under $80. There just doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason when PayPal does this — maybe it's random?

I would think that this sometimes causes sellers to be very cautious, thinking that maybe they could lose their merchandise and their money — I know I would be thinking that.  Could you explain this to me?

I also sell on eBay. Currently, I have 12 live listings and all of them are re-lists. The items other than the cars have been relisted multiple times. I would like to move these items, but I can't stand to lose money on them.

For instance, the MTX subwoofers I have listed right now — I purchased them, for $129 EACH — I'm asking less than that for all 3. So, with that said…why have I had to relist them now 4 times and still no sale or best offers.

I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm doing better selling the cars than anything else, but I don't get the money for that because I’m selling them for a family member.

I appreciate any pointers you can give.

Shelia; Ottawa, KS

Dear Shelia:

I believe your seller was subjected to eBay/PayPal’s 21 day hold policy.  This policy started in 2008, and is being updated with the new “Spring 2011 announcements.”  (Here’s a great overview of those http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y211/m03/abu0283/s02 ) When the policy started it only applied to new sellers; in 2011 the policy can include everyone.  The rule basically has been put in place to insure that the buyer receives their item.  eBay can delay your  payments up to 21 days so that they can make sure your buyer is satisfied with their purchase.  Here is the policy overview: https://www.paypal.com/helpcenter/main.jsp?cmd=_help&solutionId=185413&t=solutionTab&bn_r=o

In deciding whether to apply payment holds, PayPal reviews many factors including:

·         Account tenure

·         Transaction activity

·         Business type

·          Past customer disputes

·         Overall customer satisfaction

Holds are typically placed on:

·         New sellers or sellers who have limited selling activity – until they build up a history of successful transactions.

·         Merchants selling in higher-risk categories like electronics or tickets, where we see higher levels of chargebacks and disputes.

·         Sellers who have performance issues, or a high rate of buyer dissatisfaction or disputes.

I’ve talked to quite a few eBay sellers about this policy.  Even the sellers that have been around for awhile are a bit afraid of this rule.  It’s understandable for the new seller you had to be a little freaked out about having to send the item, and not receiving the money.  You did the right thing reassuring them.  Once you leave feedback for the seller, they will receive the money you paid them. 

If this happens to you and you are the seller, the best thing you can do is ship the item immediately, include a delivery confirmation (and signature confirmation if it is over 200.00).  Make sure you enter the tracking number on the eBay site, so it will be on record. 

I know it can be pretty frustrating to not sell an item as quickly as you want too.  Some of the things I do when I have this problem are:

·         Check out what other sellers are trying to sell the same item for.

·         Would a higher price and free shipping make a difference? I know this sounds strange, but it usually works.

·         How do your pictures look?

·         Did you include the size, shape and shipping weight of the item?

Sometime there is no rhyme or reason to why an item does not sell.  Even when it seems the item is a “steal”, with this current economy sometimes it is difficult to move your merchandise.    

 

 

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 320701579621 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): Do you like vintage door knobs?  Check these out! Lot of 5 Sherle Wagner Door Knobs & Door Entry System. SOLD $522.65 http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-5-PLUS-SHERLE-WAGNER-DOOR-KNOBS-DOOR-ENTRY-SYSTEM-/320701579621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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? Email: questions@asktheebayqueen.com

Dear eBay Queen:

I’ve been selling for 7 years on eBay.  For the last few years I have consistently seen the same guy at auctions, estate sales and garage sales.  He is ALWAYS outbidding, me and sometimes I’m sure he’s laughing at me when he does it. Have you ever felt this way? 

Yesterday, I was standing in line at the post office and guess who walks in?  The Guy!  I smiled and he nodded at me.  I wanted SO badly to ask what his eBay name is, but I just don’t have what it takes to do this.   Is there a way to look this guy up without knowing his eBay name?  I do know his first and last name, can I do it that way? 

KKB, Gardner, KS

Dear KKB:

When I first started going to auctions, I felt the same way you do.  I have learned the hard way to decide before I start bidding what I will pay for each item.  I do it this way so that I don’t get caught up in that feeling that I am competing with someone standing across the auction ring.  When you get caught up in that, you will end up spending more than you want to.

There isn’t a good, sure fire way to figure out someone’s eBay ID.  If you were patient and knew what “The Guy” was selling, you could figure it out.  Here’s how to do it:

·         Put an item you know they bought to sell on eBay in the search box

·         Select “Distance: Nearest First”

This also works when you want to buy something close to you.  Good luck finding your nemesis’ eBay ID

Dear eBay Queen:

 I just found out in July that my Power Seller discount will be taken away. I also found out that I am going to be charged more in final value fees in July!  It is almost impossible to get the 20% discount as a Top Rated Seller since the requirements are ridiculous and so hard to achieve.  eBay keeps advertising these as NEW LOWER RATES!  It seems to me that my fees are going way up. Is there even a point to being a Power Seller anymore if you don't get a discount? I guess the only way to do this is to move all of my listings to free shipping, so that I can at least get better search engine rankings. I already have my absolute highest prices on eBay, but I guess this means I'll just have to raise my prices again.

This month as a fluke, I decided to list a few of my items on all of the eBay international sites. I had a buyer on eBay.de purchase a necklace from me. I don’t think she’s received it yet.  I shipped it in the beginning of May. This morning I received and email from her.  With my luck she wants a refund, and it hasn’t arrived yet!  Here’s what she said: Danke soviel für die schöne Halskette. Ich möchte ein anderes gerade wie es für meine Mutter bestellen. Haben Sie ein anderes, das ich kaufen könnte? Informieren Sie mich bitte bald, ich möchte dieses für mein  kaufen; s-Geburtstagfeier.

 Guess what? I can’t read a word of it. Somehow I'm supposed to respond to this on eBay.de what do I do?  

I've really about had it. When are they going to realize that these constant fee changes just mean higher selling prices for the buyers? I'm sure buyers aren’t crazy about it either.

Silver Seller

Dear Silver;

The good news about the up coming changes in July?  Everyone is in the same boat. All sellers are going to be raising their prices, not just you.  If you check your seller dashboard, it will show you how the new fees will effect your wallet.

How are you doing adding your items to other eBay sites?  I have not done that yet, and wondered if it was worth the fees.  I had no idea that eBay did not convert the emails into English.  There is an easy way to translate any email, or website language; go to: http://babelfish.yahoo.com/  I translated your email for you.  The buyer is very happy with the item, and wants another one! Here is what it says:

Thank you so much for the beautiful necklace. I would like to order another one just like it for my mother.  Do you have another one that I could purchase?  Please let me know soon, I would like to buy this for my birthday celebration.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 230624681772(enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): Did you watch the Royal Wedding? Check out Princess Beatrice’s Royal Wedding Hat by Philip Treacy SOLD $131,341.47  http://cgi.ebay.com/Princess-Beatrice-Royal-Wedding-Hat-Philip-Treacy-/230624681772

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? Email: questions@asktheebayqueen.com

 

Dear eBay Queen:

I have a couple of questions.  Well, I guess I have a comment and a question.  I was at an auction this last Saturday and was appalled at how rude the people were! I’ve been to plenty of auctions, but it seems lately people are just down right rude.  No one says “excuse me,” they just barge on through.  I was standing at a jewelry table in the rain, and instead of saying “could you hand me that box,” these people practically laid their body across me to get to a box of goods on the table, that I could have easily passed to them.  I had people shove their way between my friend and I while we were standing there bidding!  Recently, I was at another auction house that has “a seat for everyone”.  I was sitting in the third row, and there were people that were standing in front of the seats!  The auctioneer told them to sit down several times and they ignored him! What is wrong with people in 2011? 

I am trying to sell a vintage crystal aurora borealis pin/brooch. I can't figure out what the best title would be for my item.  I listed it on eBay, and when I run a search for the item, I can't find my own listing, by just browsing through crystal brooches, or aurora borealis brooches or Vintage aurora borealis pins! I can find it when I go to “My eBay”—but how can I expect to sell something if it can't be found by someone looking for it?  What suggestions do you have for choosing correct search terms to name one's product?

My title is:   Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal pin

Here is my description: Vintage AB Crystal brooch from the 40s or 50s, given to me by my grandmother in law. In good condition, 2 of the smallest stones missing (I couldn't tell until I looked very, very closely, a little bit of the gold tone on the back of the brooch is rubbing off. The brooch comes with vintage gift box. It is in bright, sparkling pink tones.

***Vintage—sold as is*** No Returns. I only accept PayPal.

Thanks for your help!

Jewels, Ottawa, KS

 

Dear Jewels:

Maybe we were at the same auction!  I’ve experienced the same things you have.  I don’t know why auctions have become a place for people to show their true colors.  My only thought about this is maybe people are in such a frenzy to buy stuff that they have forgotten the manners they were taught as a child.  When someone leans across me, I usually say “Would you like for me to hand that to you?”   Sometimes a simple “excuse me,” or “ouch! You just elbowed me!” etc.. will maybe shock these people out of their auction stupor.

When I search for your title: Aurora Borealis Crystal Brooch Pin, I came up with 59 items with the same words in the title. I would suggest using better keywords in your title.  What color is your pin? Is it marked? What year was it made?  When writing a title, make sure you use words that will describe your item.  Buyers search for the stuff they want using keywords. eBay gives us 55 characters to use to describe our items.  Did you know you only used 21 characters? eBay has a title helper, that might assist you in writing better titles.  http://labs.ebay.com/erl/demoto/to A better title might be: Vintage Pink Circle Rhinestone Aurora Borealis Pin.  I would make the following changes to your description: Up for auction is a Vintage Aurora Borealis, Crystal brooch from the 1950s.  This was given to me by my husband’s grandmother

• Rhinestones are a beautiful shade of pink
  
• Gold tone metal
• Pin back is in good working order
  
• Pin is 2.5” across and is circular
  
• 2 of the smallest stones missing (I couldn't tell until I looked very, very closely)
• A bit of the gold tone on the back of the brooch is rubbing off.
  
•     The brooch comes with vintage hinged gift box.

Your description is pretty good.  Make sure you put the positive things about the item first, then anything that might be negative. It’s important to remember to include, size, shape, color, age, and any damage. I would also remove “Vintage Sold as is, No Returns” While your policy is you do not accept returns, if your buyer is unhappy and opens a claim, you will have no choice but to accept a return.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 320662470743 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): All this talk about rhinestones, I thought I should see what was selling. Check out: Vintage Sherman Pin Brooch Taupe Rhinestone SOLD $411.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-SHERMAN-PIN-BROOCH-Taupe-Rhinestone-Japanned-/200580605405  

 

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