I've wrapped together my top 10 tips to help you get started on your selling journey! I know, it may not be a career, but it's just one of those things that can earn you that little bit of extra money in your back pocket. Saving for that dream holiday can become a little bit easier! Think about it, if you don't use it, and you've forgotten that you even own it, then you don't need it! Most of the time, no matter how crazy you think the item is and "this definitely won't sell"…trust me, you'll be surprised at what some people buy!
1. I find the easiest way is to photograph all your items at once. Clothing wise, i take a picture of the front of the item, the back of the item and then a picture of the label. If it has any specific detailing or fastenings, anything like that then i'll take a picture of those too! If there are any marks or damages to the item, always take a picture of those and make a note of it in the description box!
2. When it comes to uploading everything and doing my description, i take myself to the kitchen so can sit on the table and spread all my stuff out. I have my laptop and my phone/ipad or both if i have lots to upload! This can be quite long winded so make yourself a nice cuppa tea and get comfy!
3. Description time. I open up Ebay on my laptop and start the selling process from there. I use my phone (which is what i take all my pictures on) to scroll through my album to see what I'm actually selling. From there I write my descriptions and fill in all of the drop down boxes on my laptop before i hit "Save for Later". I maybe do about 4/5 items, before i then grab my phone/iPad and then continue my drafts on there, they are already written i just need to add all the photographs. - I don't know if its just my laptop but the ebay photo gallery crashes everytime i try to upload my pictures, this is why i have to do it from the app!
4. When setting your prices, obviously i try to be as realistic as possible. If the item has been worn then i keep my price quite low, obviously depending on the brand. If it is a brand new item with tags still attached then you can generally get quite a good price for it - sometimes nearly as much as you paid for it! You can either set a bidding price or a buy it now price. I tend to prefer buy it now prices as i think if people like something then they tend to want to buy it then and there instead of waiting 6 more days to see if they win the bid! This is totally up to your own preference though!
5. Don't be afraid to set a realistic postage price! Postage prices have gone up so much since i first started selling. It is now £2.80 for a small package - that is for 2nd Class, and when you think about that clothes-wise that is pretty much everything from a chunky t-shirt upwards! The chunkier and heavier the item, the more the postage will cost you. You don't want to end up paying as much in postage as what you originally got payed for it - i have made that school boy error far too many times!
6. Make sure your descriptions are as accurate as possible. You don't want to receive an angry message from the buyer asking for a refund. I always ensure all my items are clean and "ebay ready". Even if it means giving a few things a quick wash or a little iron, all the little things can make a big difference.
7. I package all my bits in plastic mailing bags - they are light and much cheaper to buy than envelopes from the shops. They normally come in a big bulk which is very handy if you have a lot of bits for sale! I then put a sticky white label on the front of the bag and write the buyers address - make sure this is neat and clear so there is no trouble with delivery!
8. Don't take too long in posting your packages, as it can have a knock back affect on your store from bad feedback. Even though i send my packages 2nd Class - i always get proof of postage, just to cover my own back! Once posted, mark your item as sent to let the buyer know that its on its way!
9. Don't forget to leave good buyer feedback - customers will normally give you feedback if you do this - it's the easiest way to boost your feedback score, which in turn makes your store look much more reliable and professional to potential customers!
10. Lastly, just enjoy it! It's only a bit of fun! Don't be disheartened if some bits don't sell, they can be automatically relisted 3 times if you choose the option! Sometimes thing just don't sell and i end up just taking a little bundle down to the charity shop. If i didn't need it before then you don't need it now. I'd rather it went to good use that sit festering in my cupboard. Sit back, relax, watch your items sell in front of you eyes and treat yourself to something with your extra pennies :)
N x
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