First time selling something online. Tips?
 

Hi I have never sold anything online before. What are some things I should do so that I don't get screwed over. It seems like everything is done through PayPal.

Ive never used PayPal before so I have to make an account and add my card to it.

What's tips do you guys got for me?

Thanks!

pretty simple

paypal

pay for goods

done

Ni9TFiVE,

I have to agree with madeinjapan.

Once set up with PayPal, you'll find transactions are trouble free from the money end of things.

I buy things from eBay several times a year, and they have all gone through without a hitch. I've never had an issue.

But you have to do your homework.

Research and find out what you're trying to sell is reasonably worth. Mark it too high, and you'll never get a bite. Mark it too low, and many will think you're pulling a scam and avoid buying.

Then before you accept a buyer, check out their eBay purchase history to see how many transactions they have made, and the rating given them by the sellers they purchased from. The buyers to avoid will stick out like a sore thumb. If they've given someone else a hassle, you don't want to sell to them.

And be aware that as a first time buyer/seller with no previous history on record with eBay, that you may have some buyers shy away from you. So answer any questions buyers ask and try to smooth the waters.

Once you've established a history of 4 or 5 sales/purchases or more, it just gets easier. Good Luck!

Buyer tips are also useful to sellers.

http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...ying-tips.html

For delivery, always meet during the day if possible; if not, go to a superstore or mall with people around with security cameras.

avoid meeting at either buyer/seller's house

don't go alone

I always meet at work (security in area) or at a local mall. They have high-definition video =)

this isnt craigslist

hes shipping the items?

Thanks!

When did the OP say he was shipping items? Just because he's selling online doesn't meet he can't do meet ups with local parties interested in purchasing.

What if he's selling large/multiple item(s) and doesn't want to ship?

That is what I did when I first started selling online:

Start by selling to locals only and cash deals. I usually met my locals either at a 7-11, parking lots, etc...or at a mechanic shop. Most cases I'd bring a friend along. Make sure there's people around so in case something happens, you have evidence, witnesses.

Shipping online is so much easier. PayPal is pretty simple in a way that once you get the money, you can even use your account to print out shipping labels. All you have to do is package it properly and drop it off at a shipping center.

he liked my post soooooo.....

and he was talking paypal not cash

Pro tip- don't be a bitch and ship bricks.

1) Meaningful title of ad which properly describes item being sold. "parts for sale" isn't very meaningful

2) In focus, clear images that can show good detail. Most cell phone pics looks like crap. Good lighting/focus is a must.

3) Always ship with a tracking number

4) Always ship to buyer's confirmed address if payment is by paypal

5) Ship in a timely manner. If buyer pays on monday, shipping on friday isn't very timely.

6) Package item appropriately so it survives shipment. Shipping a memory module in a 4 x 10 envelope doesn't cut it. Such item should be in an antistatic bag and have more protection.

7) Follow up on tracking to make sure item arrives. Deal with issues before they become headaches.

Probably more to the list but those are some points I apply in my online sales.

ship with tracking number and signature, if you do not do this they will get the package and say they never did and demand a refund

i stopped selling to people, i will throw things away and donate them before i deal with people

no problems with Ebay...need Paypal, any problems Paypal fixes it so far.

Never ever ship to Nigeria.

Seriously though.....package it like a pro. You will get some love.

Give me your C.C. #, expiration date, security code, your date of birth, your full name and address, mothers maiden name, past phone numbers and addresses are helpful. I will take care of any transactions you need, nearly free of charge. :tup:


Paypal works great, is easy to setup. I only link a CC to paypal as I dont want to deal with some of their fuckery if you are selling items.

Rule 1: only sell to me
Rule 2: start your asking price at half of what you think it should get, then let the buyer negotiate you down from there.
Rule 3: never ever ever ever trust PayPal.
Rule 4: refer to rule 1.

Here's one of several I packed and shipped yesterday.. still needs all the space filler added to the box as well. I package the heck out of everything. :icon17:

^^Nice! Get some packing peanuts to take up the space between.

I received some ssd's from dell today. Two units, each in a separate box. They used a fedex express medium box for the tiny item. Absolutely no air bags or other filler material, just bouncing around. With a ssd this is not an issue, but this would be completely unacceptable if it was a mechanical hd.

http://www.fedex.com/images/emea/pac...ing_boxmed.gif

Sold an old laptop the other day. The guy contacts me by text just as we're on the way out to dinner. Text back we'd be back in a few hours.

Text him that I'm back, are you still interested. Receive a yes. Now, it's about 8:30pm, it's dark.

Normally I meet the buyer at some public place (mcdonalds is close by) or similar. I get a bad vibe about this transaction. Normally a buyer would call, ask some questions about the item for sale. Considering the time and minimalist communication I respond back to meet at the local police station (ours allows for such occasional transactions to take place). At this point, if this was a bs deal buyer would back out or not respond at all.

When I get there he's not there. Apparently he parked at the strip mall next to the pd. Strange. I text back the transaction will only take place INSIDE the station.

Anyhow, it turns out to be some kid, barely 20 and his sidekick. Reading comprehension not a strong point. The transaction completed successfully. He didn't even haggle on the price.

My point in this rant is lots of strange folks out there. I've bought stuff on CL before. Wouldn't think of doing any transaction after dark.

Good luck!