ebay/half.com update 12/6

[disneysteve]

I posted a blog entry update yesterday but it got pushed down the list quickly so I don't think anybody read it.

Anyway, I decided to start selling on ebay again about 2 weeks ago. For most, ebay is about making some extra cash. Of course the money is nice, but I'm actually more interested in decluttering and getting unneeded stuff out of the house. The first few things I listed on 12/23 were things that I came across while cleaning up our computer room. Only one sold but for a pretty good price. I continued to list things both from around the house and things I bought years ago for resale when I did ebay more actively. I've also listed several books on half.com recently (that was more about the money as they were things that were just acquired recently with selling them in mind - I got them for free). Even though it isn't all about the money, I set an arbitrary goal of making at least $200 by the end of the year. I figured just over a month was more than enough time to hit that.

As of today, I've got $144.58 in completed ebay sales. I have 10 active auctions with one bid so far for $8.50. I've sold 5 books on half.com for a total of $39.34. That brings the grand total to $192.42. I'll definitely top $200. Three of my active auctions have several watchers, and two of the 10 were just started today so they haven't had a chance yet.


Gotta love ebay for cleaning up and picking up some extra money.

[gamecock43]

glad your doing well. I had a phenomenal month in November...and I'm a bit burned out for December! But I listed 11 items today anyways- because it pays well!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by gamecock43

But I listed 11 items today anyways- because it pays well!

When I was doing ebay full force, I used to list 10 items per day. That was back when auctions ran for 10 days, so at all times, I had 100 active auctions. Talk about burn out... I know just how you feel.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I really need to get in on this...I am just afraid that I am going to list something in the wrong place or something...

[disneysteve]

I sold 2 more books since posting this, bringing my total sales to $216.25!

Scrimp - There are lots of online tutorials for ebay. Plus, there are lots of folks here who do it regularly and would be happy to answer questions.

[Jazzmint98]

I've started selling on eBay a month or so ago, after taking a break. I decided to declutter the house also. I didn't how items would sell since we are supposedly in a recession. It seems as though I'm not getting the same selling prices for items as other sellers (for identical items), but at least I'm freeing up some space in the house! I'm actually surprised that I'm getting rid of so much stuff...I've had lots of bidders & watchers! The extra income is just a bonus.

[gamecock43]

I just purchased a new with tags backpack for my husband for xmas off ebay! Just trying to keep the ebay economy going...trying to give money to the little guy rather than big corporate.

[waijai]

I have a ton of old textbooks in my garage, that I think I'll try to throw on half.com. Even if they sell for a dollar, that's better then the clutter in the garage. Maybe I should try the Half Priced Books.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by waijai

I have a ton of old textbooks in my garage, that I think I'll try to throw on half.com. Even if they sell for a dollar, that's better then the clutter in the garage. Maybe I should try the Half Priced Books.

I just started a thread about half.com, but I'm mainly selling new books. Textbooks can go either way so good luck. Don't set your prices too low, though, because you do pay them 15% plus the shipping allowance is sometimes short of actual cost, especially on heavier items like textbooks. Don't do it if you aren't making anything in the process.

[biff]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

When I was doing ebay full force, I used to list 10 items per day. That was back when auctions ran for 10 days, so at all times, I had 100 active auctions. Talk about burn out... I know just how you feel.

Steve,
I was just wondering how you manage the shipping part of it. Even if you have all the auctions ending on the same day, sometimes buyers do not pay right away. How many times a week do you go to the post office? Do you print your own postage and just drop in in the mailbox?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by biff

Steve,
I was just wondering how you manage the shipping part of it. Even if you have all the auctions ending on the same day, sometimes buyers do not pay right away. How many times a week do you go to the post office? Do you print your own postage and just drop in in the mailbox?

Back when I used to do 10 auctions/day was before the days of printing your own postage. I would pack the items and take them to the post office to ship. Some days, I'd go to the post office twice.

Today, it is far simpler. I print my postage at home. I take the packages to work and the mailman takes them from there. The only time I go to the post office is for international shipping. You can also have priority mail packages picked up at your house for free. The system is much more streamlined today. I wish I had that back when I sold more heavily. It would have made my life much easier.

[moneybags]

Originally Posted by biff

Steve,
I was just wondering how you manage the shipping part of it. Even if you have all the auctions ending on the same day, sometimes buyers do not pay right away. How many times a week do you go to the post office? Do you print your own postage and just drop in in the mailbox?

I used to ship on Tuesdays & Fridays. I stated so in my auction. That meant 2 trips to the p.o. per week, on my schedule. I live really close to my p.o., so I don't mind the trip, and I don't trust my postal carrier to pick up from my house .

[waijai]

Well, I listed 7 items up for sale about two weeks ago and i've already sold 4 of them. All old textbooks that my college doesn't use anymore. Made $11, $11, $10, and $52 on the sales. I just listed about 8 more books that are really old just to see if I can get them out of the house.