So I recently posted an item on ebay 3 days ago (non-numismatic) to see If I could get any money for the piece. Looking at past auctions, I thought I might get a good $ 80 for it. After shipping costs and ebay/paypal fees, I scored $ 160;
Congrats! It's always fun when you get more than expected! It's addictive! I liken eBay to a game of chance, sometimes the right buyer will come along and drive the price through the roof, sometimes the listing goes by unnoticed and you lose out. It's a fun game to play though, and with the right kind of knowledge the odds will be in your favor.
Congratulations! Selling is almost as addicting as buying. It sometimes amazes me what people are willing to bid on eBay. TC
I do think that selling on eBay takes some amount of smarts & skill. What is the quality of your pictures? How well written is your Title and description? Is your claim that your item is rare/hard to find compelling? If there are any deficiencies in your item (ex: a rim ding on a coin), are you clear, up-front and honest about it (or do you try to hide it and just say "sold as is"). All these things impact whether the buyer 1) finds your item, 2) likes your item 3) feels confident that it is what you say it is and 4) feels "safe" in purchasing because you have written warranties or guaranteed refunds. So easy to say that it was luck, and maybe that's partly true, but I think there is a bit of art and science along with luck that makes for a successful sale. Congrats on your $160 - you must be doing it right!
Actually I was very suprised as I posted 6 pictures and 4 of them are beyond blurry and 2 of them are meh. But I desribed the items as it truly is, and explained in a little detail what you got.