June 2009
3 posts
Advice on being a good seller.....
Hey, we all like new things in pretty boxes. It’s in our DNA. So if you want to sell something and get a good price you need to save the box and save the guides. Keeping your item in good condition goes without saying but give me a break….you want good money for something you trashed and then lost of the accessories. There’s a lot of competition out there so come prepared.
We love it when potential sellers call but.....
OK…so you have questions. That’s great and we are here to help. But for God’s sake quit talking once you ask your question. We can’t get a word in edgewise because you are talking….explaining why you don’t know the answer to your own question. If you DID know the answer, we assume you would not have called. And our favorite conversations are when you get...
“Dear ebayseller,
how old is this item and why are you selling it
-buyer
...”
May 2009
3 posts
Get some lessons before you get into the game
Dear ebayseller,
why is the phone so cheap?
auctionbuyer
Duh……it’s an auction with a low starting price.
“HI I REALLY LOVE THESE COMPUTERS AND I WILL GLADLY ACCEPT THE COUNTER OFFER BUT...”
– An eBay buyer
Let's talk about scams...
Now, I know that everyone out there feels pretty damn savvy about their ability to spot and avoid online scams. But since we get your desperate calls almost every day, I beg to differ. You aren’t as good as you think. So let’s get to the basics.
1) All scams have a basic sameness, an almost eerie predictability. I can usually tell you exactly what the ad for your “toy with...
April 2009
7 posts
Well, it's the post office....
Buyer writes:
My package from you blew off my porch. What can you do to help me?
“Please cancel my winning bid for the camera. My toddler got on my ebay account...”
– a parent not paying enough attention and then blamed the kid
“im a lawyer here and know what will stick and i have done business with your...”
But my appraisal says $12,000
Well guess what! Appraisals are for insurance replacement value and are not a guarantee that someone will be crazy enough to pay you that amount. Jewelry carries a 200% mark up. That means the ring you bought for $9000 actually cost the jeweler $3000. eBay is a virtual garage sale and a bargain hunter’s paradise. Someone might “steal” your ring for $500-700 but you will be...
“My boyfriend found this great car in the next suburb. We want to see it but...”
– Another buyer smart enough to ask the question
“I found this car on Craig’s list in (redacted) City. The instructions say...”
– Buyer smart enough to at least ask the question
Yes, we do exist.
Just like in the movie, 40 Year Old Virgin, ebay stores do exist. We aren’t part of ebay proper, we only use ebay as a place to sell other people’s stuff. People from the world over contact us with questions and issues - that’s where the “fun” begins. I will be posting letters and situations that keep us lively and agitated on an hourly basis.