My first sale

[Lazarus]

Well I'm not a selling virgin on ebay any more! This was my auction. Any hints on how to do better? I know I messed up on the ending time. http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...e=STRK:ME:LNLK

[vgc]

Hello, You need to post item number, that takes me to My eBay when I log in. Mike : )

[rupan777]

Uh, you linked us to the "My page" section Laz. I'm checking your ID with the new user ID function here, is it the jacket?

[Lazarus]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESO%3AIT&rd=1Sorry. This should be it. item #

6822253598

[vgc]

I would say skip the Brown Background, and Use Larger Text & have a Larger Pic. I am totally lazy on my auctions and just relist with a new pic and title and adjust shipping if necessary. Mike : )

[rupan777]

"Bidding has ended for this item"

Do you have some super item that you're trying to hide from us, Laz?

I agree with VGC though I like that shade of brown. I make my listings very simple and have big lettering too.

[Lazarus]

OK so bigger type in the description. As far as the brown background do you mean the door it id hanging on or the theme I chose for the auction item. So far all but one item to start on Tuesday you should be able to see. I hoping to get a good amount for the leather jacket.

[vgc]

Hello, The theme color kinda blends in on the item, Door may have also detracted from the item up for sale. You want the item to stand out. For me a Game is a Game but if its a Rare Collectible I will Take a closer more high resolution pic. Mike : )

[sacpinplayer]

Laz, congratulations on your first sale!

I agree with the others that you should use larger size text for your item description. Also, unless it's a whole lot more for an additional picture, if your item has a flaw or blemish, you might want to include a close-up picture of that area. Less chance of a buyer saying you didn't accurately describe the blemish.

Good luck with your other auctions. I'll check them out.

Mike

[rupan777]

Hello, The theme color kinda blends in on the item, Door may have also detracted from the item up for sale. You want the item to stand out. For me a Game is a Game but if its a Rare Collectible I will Take a closer more high resolution pic. Mike : )

You're telling me. I forgot to put a picture in my Castlevania auction altogether and that might end up costing a few dollars off my auction.

[vgc]

Hows this for lazy : ) In my defense I do state that I was too lazy to take a pic. though. Mike : )

http://cgi.ebay.com/PS2-Gran-Turismo...QQcmdZViewItem

[rupan777]

I dig the purple font color.

[rupan777]

Oops. Sorry, double post.

[sacpinplayer]

Laz, looked at your other auctions. I think I like the plain white background you used on them better than the brown on your first auction.

Perhaps a bit more light in the room so the item is easier to see? The jackets are a little dark.

I also liked the antique border you used for the collectible gasoline can.

That suede jacket looks pretty good.

Mike

[logicprobe]

Congrats on your first sale, Laz!
You're off to a good start. Best of luck with your new business in the future!

Wow... before you know it, we'll start seeing department stores springing up with the Lazarus name on them!

[ocpachinko]

Actually I think the problem is the shipping calculator, which comes up at $20 + insurance for parcel post to CA...so the item would work out at $32 or so all in. If it could fit in a priority mail flat rate box you'd certainly get more for the item, as all buyers (especially used clothes buyers) figure the total including shipping to determine amount they'll pay...and most are very hesitant on parcel post as it can take an indefinite amount of time (though the PO says "9 days"...

Good luck in the future!

[rupan777]

Yeah, that shipping calculator is kind of tricky...I use it because I want to show people that I'm not trying to take extra out but there are little things that people know about certain services. I might have to just start charging flat rates too...

Any other suggestions?

[dalto]

Buyers on ebay seem to more comfortable with flat rate shipping charges. When I was selling a bunch I got better response to flat charges even though it meant higher prices for most people.

I never quite understood it.

[rupan777]

That's interesting...because 3/4 times the Seller is overcharging I've found. In Japan, most of the minor auctions use COD which has several set rates so I've kind of lost touch with shipping here in the US.

[ocpachinko]

My wife is the eBay clothes buyer in this house. I asked her, and she said she would be generally OK with under $10 for priority mail, with the average (for a dress/suit) more like $8 or $9 (and for dresses/kid's clothes less than that). This item would be heavier, I'm guessing.

I personally just press the calculator or look at the flat rate, and add that to my bid to determine what I would snipe the item for. I don't bid unless there's a calculator or flat rate unless it's an AMAZINGLY rare item, but have no preference as long as my total is known before I bid. If the shipping is $29 and I think it's worth $30 to me, I'd snipe $1...and be very happy if I won (lower snipe fee-I use a pay sniping service so I have recourse when a hacker steals my identity-free service=no recourse).