Penny auctions, you have probably seen banner ads in your browser and even commercials on TV. The auction prices sound too good to be true. That is because they are! It is a scam that could cost you more than buying the item directly.
I'm thinking about trying to sell on eBay, but I need complete written instructions on what to do as I have never sold anything online. I can't seem to find anything out, i.e., how to start, what to do, what to buy as far as supplies, etc.
By Marilee M.
There are simple tutorials on ebay. I doubt anyone will take the time to give you a button by click list of what to do. You can't break it so you might want to just try and see what happens.
This gal has tutorial that are free for 7 days and just 25.00 per month. If you know someone who already gets her services, you might ask them to share their knowledge. She does have a vast knowledge of eBay, so give her a try if you can.
www.lynda.com/
And, eBay has this seller tutorial as well. Good luck.
I cannot give a click by click instruction, it would be too much to write out here. First thing is to sign up for an account. Are you aware that you have to pay when you list an item? Then you pay a fee again depending on what the ending price is? Those have to be paid with a debit card, or bank account through PayPal, so you will need a PayPal account as well.
When people pay you with PayPal, they take more of your money for using their service. You will need a scale and boxes, bubble wrap, permanent markers, plastic bags, envelopes, gas to and from the post office that you have to account for when determining a starting price, and a reserve price if any. Clothing DOESN'T do so well on eBay unless it's a one of a kind item. I won't buy on eBay unless the price is a savings from what I would pay in the store locally or nonlinear elsewhere.
There's a wonderful group on Facebook called "Stay at home moms selling on Ebay". After you join you can download her free ebook on starting up your Ebay business. Plus you'll be able to connect with tons of other people that have been doing Ebay for a long time.
Good luck!
Thanks for asking this question - I have wanted to sell on eBay as well, but have absolutely no clue how to do so. It seems so intimidating, so I'm trying to muster the courage to try!
There might be someone in your community who does ebay selling. My neighbor does and I take things to him, rather than mess with things. I save my boxes and packing I get from things to share with him, allowing him lower costs.
I understand how eBay works, but how do sites such as Bidz.com work? I don't quite understand. If someone could explain in simple language, it would be nice. Thanks.
By megc
It has been a while since I have looked at Bidz but if I remember right you have to purchase "bids" for lack of a better term. Each "bid" allows you to make a bid on an item no matter how much you are putting in as a bid.
For example, an item is at $10 and you want to bid on it. You have to use your purchased "bid" to say you want the item for $20. If someone bids over you then you have to use another "bid" to increase your bid. If you had made your first bid more than $10 (say $20) then you wouldn't be using another "bid".
And if I remember right you buy the "bids" in blocks. I think you can even bid on "bids".
Needles to say I thought it was confusing and expensive. No telling how much you end up spending on "bids" that you waste to get an item.
But again... to be clear... I haven't been on the site for many months. Maybe even for over a year.
Here is some very simple language. Don't bother with any sites that make you buy bids. It is a huge waste of time and money and you'll never win.
I agree with momma30. These sites that make you buy bids to bid are ripoffs. Avoid them at all cost!
I would like to add a post for potential eBay Sellers. I was a seller on eBay. Read all of eBay rules and regulations BEFORE becoming a seller.
I have been lucky enough to get some wonderful bargains on eBay. The thing that I tell people who are new to the auction site is make sure you know the value of what you're bidding on!
This is a warning to all. EBay is a reputable auction site, and that's a good thing. However, many other "scam" auction sites have recently come into play.
How I look at not getting burned by eBay sellers. I normally look for good deals, the description that is clear enough that I can see it in my mind. I look at the price of the item and how much is spent on shipping.
When trying to get something via an online auction, it is best to set your max bid in your mind and stick to it. On eBay you can do a search, then save that search to alert you if any items get placed for bid that meet your criteria.
When bidding on eBay or other sites, always check the sellers rating. If below 97, I check I check the comments from other buyers before bidding.
You can find good deals at online auctions but one trick that some sellers play is they offer a low bid price for the product, but have a really high shipping price. Never bid on an item until you have calculated the cost of your bid and the shipping charge.
Check online auctions for bargains before you make a purchase.
