Ughhh.... Ebay Listings
Finished with some Ebay listings today. I find that it gets more difficult for me to find things to list on the site. A couple months ago, our family was so passionate about removing debt that we sold about $1200 worth of STUFF we didnt need. Mostly electronics and items that we kept around that we never really used. Today, I was certain to put a few more items up for auction. The dilemma that presents itself is a simple profit/cost ratio.
Heres what happens... for example, lets say I have a recent DVD that came out and I want to list it for auction on Ebay. First I do a search to see if its "worth it". I have a decision because I know I bought this DVD retail for about 19.99 + tax. On Ebay I show its going for about $9.50 + $2. Im at the point where Im willing to take the loss and just list it. In another example, lets say the same $20 DVD shows selling on Ebay for $1.99 + $2 SH... a total of $4 gross. I have a decision to make...Is it even WORTH IT at that point??? I would be doing more running around and the hassle factor, listing costs, shipping expenses will outweigh my couple bucks profit. So I dont list it and keep it. I learned to focus on the major ticket items, but again they are far and few between. The power of the internet has the individual user competing for your business. Its a great day and age for the consumer!
2 Comments:
Yes, certain items are "yard sale worthy" and others "eBay worthy". Everything else is "donation worthy" or "trash". I have found grouping items of small value to be better when selling on eBay. I use my paperback book selling as the example. Trying to sell one paperback will not be worth it, but grouping together 6 paperbacks into a lot and selling them maybe worth it since it is one box to address and one box to ship yet 6 six items of clutter have been cleared out of my house...
I agree with Ms. Dough. Selling things as a 'lot' is far easier and more cost effective than splitting them up (in most cases).
I had a plumbing tool I had to buy to install a sink in my basement, and had no use for it when I was done. The tool cost me $100, and there were several already on eBay, but I threw in all the spare fittings, washers, brackets, etc, and I had no problem selling the entire shootin' match for $120. The fittings weren't worth anything to me, and I couldn't return them, but they sure made my plumbing tool look more attractive!
Good blog, keep up the good work!
-Grant
www.TheCornerOfficeBlog.com