eBay advice

jeffrey · February 2009

Hi all.

I've had an eBay account for just over 10 years (since mid 1998) but I have never actually bought or sold anything through it.

So I have zero feedback, and therefore a zero feedback score.

Fast forward to today, when I actually have a few items I'd like to sell.

Would people avoid bidding on my items because I have ZERO feedback? (even if priced slightly under comparables, to drive more initial interest...)

Thoughts?

MOD · February 2009

I don't think so. That's never effected my purchasing.

voodoonyc · February 2009

Honestly, I probably would have second thoughts about dealing with someone with zero feedback. You might consider putting something in the description of the item like "Hey, I realize I have 0 feedback but i'm a really nice guy and been a fan of ebay for 10 years" and yadda yadda or whatever works for you.

As a regular ebay user: be courteous and responsive to your customers, give them a realistic timeline on delivery and stick to it, and you'll be golden and have positive feedback in no time. Everybody has to start somewhere dude!

jeffrey · February 2009

Good idea. Maybe spruce up my public-facing profile page and add similar language there as well.

Thanks for the other pointers, I can see how that approach would go a long way.

Hah, definitely need to start somewhere. So true.

voodoonyc · February 2009

Also leave positive feedback for your first buyers, they will be more motivated to leave positive feedback for you. You are well-liked in the Brooklynian community, no reason that should be different on ebay.

jeffrey · February 2009

VoodooNYC wrote: You are well-liked in the Brooklynian community, no reason that should be different on ebay.

voodoonyc · February 2009

jeffrey wrote: [quote=VoodooNYC]You are well-liked in the Brooklynian community, no reason that should be different on ebay.

Explain that to Obamanut.

danielle123 · February 2009

I have bought a number of items on ebay but have only tried to sell like 3 items. One guy emailed me and told me that no one was bidding on one of the items because I have no feedback as a seller (even though I have top feedback as a buyer).

Good luck!

vidro3 · February 2009

i'm in the same boat, got about 7 items up there and zero bids.

how do i get seller feedback if i can't sell anything because i have no seller feedback?

modsquad · February 2009

Can't you sell some crap to your friends, give them back the money so they can register good feedback?

carnivore · February 2009

modsquad wrote: Can't you sell some crap to your friends, give them back the money so they can register good feedback?

Technically you'd have to pay taxes on that.

modsquad · February 2009

Carnivore wrote: [quote=modsquad]Can't you sell some crap to your friends, give them back the money so they can register good feedback?

Technically you'd have to pay taxes on that.

I won't tell if you don't tell.

toadette · February 2009

I'd start by listing some of your cheaper items first; as an eBay buyer I'm hesitant to buy big ticket things from people with zero feedback, but I don't care as much for little things where my potential loss might only be minimal. But yeah, list the cheap stuff first, complete those transactions and wait for that feedback to be posted, then list the expensive stuff. A nice email to buyers stating that you're a new seller and could really use the positive feedback can't hurt - sometimes we need a reminder to leave the feedback!

Also - it looks like half.com and eBay now merged their feedback systems, so you could try listing some typical half.com items as a starter, get feedback that way, then go for eBay. With half.com you don't pay any listing fees, but instead they deduct a small commission from your profit when the item sells. Half.com is mostly used for things like books, DVDs, video games, etc. And I've never even really paid attention to seller feedback ratings when buying stuff there.

molly9094 · February 2009

I've bought and sold over the years from Ebay. It can be a hit or miss deal with selling though because of several things. When I'm buying, I always look at feedback. Since you don't have any, I'd leave a nice blocked out section on your selling page that empahsizes that you'll take questions gladly. Then reply to those questions on that page for others checking it out to see.

You can also set up instant IMs there for worried buyers. If you don't fear stalkers *s*... leaving a cell phone # can be done too which will make you more approachable and even reliable.

Add lots of pictures and be accurate in your descriptions.

The most important thing is don't out-price anything, be accurate with shipping costs. Weigh the items first at the post office.

There's also a "Buy Me Now" option. I also add the "Make Me An Offer" option which buyers can use if they feel the price is too high.

Just beware.. sometimes it seems like the only "people" making money are Ebay, PayPal and the Post Office <sigh>

armchair_warrior · February 2009

gt a paypal account and have them verified you. this way buyers will be protected from fraud. they'll feel safer about buying it from you.

eggcream · February 2009

armchair_warrior wrote: gt a paypal account and have them verified you. this way buyers will be protected from fraud. they'll feel safer about buying it from you.

You have to have a Paypal account as that is the only form of payment accepted now on Ebay.

Believe me, if the item is desirable 0 feedback doesn't matter. I've seen high tickets items sell from sellers with 0 feedback.

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