Beginning ebay seller...any tips?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by carl1949, Feb 23, 2008.

  1. carl1949

    carl1949 Senior Member

    I have a lot of silver coins that I would like to begin selling on ebay. Any tips from you experienced ones? I suppose the fact that I have never sold anything on ebay might hurt me some...in the buyers eyes.
     
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  3. Hobo

    Hobo Squirrel Hater

    It would help if you could build up your feedback before you start selling. If I were you I would buy several relatively inexpensive items on eBay to get positive feedback on those items.
     
  4. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    Learn how to take GOOD pictures. After that, learn how to take better pictures.
     
  5. USS656

    USS656 Here to Learn Supporter

    What Hobo said - start selling with zero feedback and you will not get quite as much depending on what you are selling. Rolls of silver might not do as bad though as they are hot to begin with.

    • Preview your items before you hit okay to list them
    • Make sure your pictures are crystal clear and as big as you thought they would be
    • Offer a return policy
    • Build the insurance into the cost of shipping and make this clear to any potential buyers
    • Post in the auction section of cointalk - a lot of people that are into coins watch this site.
    • Just be honest about condition!
    Good Luck!!!
     
  6. carl1949

    carl1949 Senior Member

    I have purchased several items on ebay and have 100% positive feedback. I appreciate the tips. Keep'em coming!:hail:
     
  7. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    My advice: Look up seller Compucheap. Make your auctions as simliar to his as you can.
     
  8. jaytant

    jaytant Active Member

    Yeah, no seller feedback hurts, so start off slow, and wait until you get 3-4 positive seller feedback before you start selling higher priced items...
    If you are selling bullion, make sure you include the silver/gold content in the title! (I have bought 3 items in the past month based on silver at $14, when it has been $17, just because the sellers didnt do this...)
    I don't know how you feel about using/not using paypal... but whatever it is, if you are just starting, it helps to keep it as your payment option!
     
  9. 900fine

    900fine doggone it people like me

    Yep.

    When it comes to terms of sale... my Golden Rule is to do for others what I would want for myself.
    • 100% satisfaction guaranteed - "no questions asked" return policy. Caveats -
      • must return within 7 days after receipt
      • must be in original packaging
      • buyer pays return postage
      • NO "restocking fee" nonsense
    • full disclosure of the coin's true condition (little spots, scratches, whatever)
    • best possible photos
    • fair, honest shipping price including insurance
    • USPS tracking
    • no hype - I just read the descriptions from sellers I like (ebay sellers and Heritage) and model their style.
    I always have all my shipping materials ready to go - no delays.

    No surprises = happy customer
     
  10. vipergts2

    vipergts2 Jester in hobby of kings

    They summed it up pretty good, But did they mention good pics and a good return policy.;)
     
  11. Tater

    Tater Coin Collector

    good luck, just keep it real, good photos, return policy, fair shipping and great communication.
     
  12. carl1949

    carl1949 Senior Member

    If selling rolls, how do you package them? Any other packaging tips woud be appreciated.
     
  13. clembo

    clembo A closed mind is no mind

    Don't make your listings a mini novel (like my current one).

    I personally HATE when sellers tell the whole story behind how a coin came to be. You know, the Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan yada yada yada.

    DO include all information listed above so it is clear.
    DO NOT use micro font for important terms of auction.

    Answer questions as promply as possible. If I ask a question and get no response I don't bid.

    clembo
     
  14. Wetspants

    Wetspants New Member

    Let people from Cointalk know what your selling. I Hate the Bay but I dont mind helping you out. Id buy a few things from ya if i liked them. Then leave you feedback
     
  15. jaytant

    jaytant Active Member

    Rolls! Toughies! I wrap them several (several meaning 10-15 times in newspaper) times in paper and tape them to the inside of a bubble mailer... it cushons if the package is dropped, etc... the whole thing looks like a ball but its better than sending off a broken roll... If you can get a platic tube, all the better... It has happened before that I have bought rolls that broke during shipment, the middle part is obviously the most succeptable... I have mailed two rolls, 100% success in getting them to the buyer till now doing this!
     
  16. 900fine

    900fine doggone it people like me

    For unsearched rolls, I always put a key date on one end. :headbang: heh heh

    BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS

    I've not sold rolls on e-bay, but I would think use the plastic roll tubes available at coin shops.

    A lot of sellers do not accept returns on rolls, because some buyers will cherrypick 'em, replace the best coins with lesser coins, and return the roll.
     
  17. snaz

    snaz Registry fever

    only advice I have is to pack millions of those foam peanuts in the box!
    every one enjoys foam peanuts
     
  18. Pocket Change

    Pocket Change Coin Collector

    One thing that has kept my rating up is that I ship FAST. I'm lucky in that I have a post office sub-station that is a Hy-Vee drugstore and it's only a block from my house. it's open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. So if I get home and something has sold, I pack it and go over and send it right away. No waiting until tomorrow.
     
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