For those of you that sell at online auction houses, do you have a better chance of selling coins individually or in sets?
You will almost always make more money selling coins individually. An exception would be when the price of the individual coins is so low that the S&H becomes cost prohibitive. An example would be a short set of BU coins in a Capital Plastics holder. Selling these coins individually would cost you close to $30 which is about 20% of the total value. Selling the set complete would cost you the price of one USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box ($5).
I agree with Paul. Also, remember, there's a difference between "sets" and "lots". I prefer selling low value, low grade coins in "lots" of ten (or whatever number suits your needs). For example, you wouldn't list low grade common date buffs individually, but when listed in lots of 20 (for example), they'll sell faster and for more money... plus there's only one shipment.
Thanks for the info. I've got coins i'd like to sell. Mostly low grades (fillers) that I have replaced so I'm guessing that selling in lots would be the best way to go then. If I put free shipping on there and then just added that cost to the auction would I get more views or should I start them out at $.99 and charge shipping? And does it matter how long an auction should run for? It seems that most of the time people don't start the bidding wars until the last couple of days. Oh btw isn't that.... that looks like a 42D over 41D in your set Lehigh?!
I always offer free shipping with my auctions for a few reasons. One, eBay charges a FVF on shipping cost, and two, I avoid the hassle of combining shipping on multiple wins. Just figure this cost in with your starting bid (instead of .99 make it $2.99). I use #0 bubble mailers and print my labels through eBay (which gives reduced cost, free tracking, and uploads the tracking info automatically)... cost for 3 oz is $1.69. You will get more views because some buyers search "free shipping only". Run the auction for the standard seven days (this way you'll get more "watches", and some of those turn into last minute bids), and set your start time to end in the evening when more buyers are online. There use to be a charge for setting the start time, but now it's free. Oh... make sure you post good photos! Good luck.
