Selling Tech Items - Is it worth it?
I sell a variety of electronics and tech items, and I’ve noticed a pattern: after the purchase, a lot of buyers message me saying they can’t get the item to work as expected and are considering a return.
In most cases, the issue ends up being unfamiliarity with how the device works or certain limitations the buyer didn’t realize.
A common example is the Socket Mobile S740 scanners. Many buyers try to charge them through a computer USB port, which often doesn’t supply enough power. I’ve had to explain this many times, and once they switch to a proper wall adapter, the problem disappears.
The challenge is that I’m not a technical support specialist, and I don’t always have the bandwidth to research every question. I’ve been able to resolve most issues and avoid returns, but I’m starting to wonder whether this category is worth the ongoing support load.
Once my current inventory is gone, I’m considering moving into categories that require less post‑sale troubleshooting.
Has anyone else run into this? If so, how did you handle it, and did you stay in the category or pivot to something else?
meme6253
·5 months agoI think you have already answered your own question, If it has become to much for you to handle the extra workload after the sale that your items require, Then I would move into other categories & try your hand at something different.
tobaccocardyahoo
·5 months agoThere was a time when I sold many types of items - anything where I made an acceptable profit.
Over the years, I stopped selling anything which required after the shipment arrived activity. Not worth having the customer. Electronics was among the first categories I dropped.
I tested professionally. I could answer the questions they asked. I was willing to take returns, I was not able to tolerate idiots. And the number of fools and crooks increased every year. No amount of money was enough to make me continue to do bad business. Life is too short.
bennotbill
·5 months agoThat about sums things up. One my own favourites was a customer who bought an unlocked mobile phone. The conversation went something like.
The phone isn't unlocked.
I can assure you it is. If you are having problems you are welcome to return it.
I've taken it to a phone shop and they agree it's locked.
Then the penny dropped when they said - it doesn't work with the SIM that was already in it.
So I sent a picture showing where the SIM goes and gently explaining that the only thing that was in it was a micro SD card.
A little while later they thanked me and said it was working now.
You always have to remember to bite your tongue and not say - you never took it to a phone shop - how could you mistake a memory card for a SIM
As you say this is all par for the course when selling anything remotely technical.
tarotfindsandmore
·5 months agoThis is exactly why I wouldn't touch electronics, auto, or used clothing with a ten foot pole. In the past 2600+ sales, I have had exactly one buyer who needed help with an item post sale. The person couldn't figure out how to turn on the light on a Loungefly backpack. It didn't take long to figure out how to "fix" the problem, but it was enough for me to realize that there was no way I would ever sell any type of item that regularly requires post sale support.
For me, it's not worth the headache. When I'm looking at adding items to my inventory, what happens after the sale is just as important as profit margin. I won't buy items that I can't I get a minimum of 3x on my investment, items that require over-sized/overweight packaging, things that I know little to nothing about, or things where the condition/color/size is highly subjective.
inhawaii
·5 months agoSelling auto parts is just as bad.
People buy a doohickey from you and when they install it and it doesn't solve their problem, they think it's defective.
kibble-net
·5 months agoIf this is a major recurring issue that you have no solution for, yes I'd pick another category. If I were selling this item I'd include a note to the buyer, both through ebay messaging, and in the package too. But you have to do what's best for you.
duffy4444
·5 months ago@crand.kathe:
You've found the solution on your own. Until then, the other replies have shown you what to do.
Good Luck!
Cheers, Duffy
caldreamer
·5 months agoMy husband used to sell tech products, and he had a common problem, so he included instructions inside mailing package for the buyer. This stopped all the complaints and returns.
slippinjimmy
·5 months agoBINGO! I was about to post the exact same thing.
@crand.kathe
When selling goods that require some (even minimal) instructions providing a "guide" will eliminate many of the issues buyers are asking you about. Most of these items if brand new would come with some sort of quick start guide to assist the buyer, the same thing applies to used goods.
If a written guide is too complicated another option would be to create a short YouTube video demonstrating what to do. The video could be included in the listing or you could provide a link on your packing slip/invoice.
bonanza125
·5 months agoWhen selling on Ebay part of business is customer service. You have to sometimes explain what to do in situations if a customer is having an issue. Well because you aren't getting many returns I wouldn't worry about not listing these items but if you are continuing to get frustrated with questions then that decision is up to you. I for example sell parts. Buyers always have questions about how a part is installed or it doesn't fit. It's one of those things where there really isn't much alternative way of selling these items so in cases like this you just have to answer the questions and hope for no returns. Many categories have issues it's all part of business.
gator08041971
·5 months ago@crand.kathe
Support after a sale is always going to be a risk. If you are going to sell items in this space, you should be prepared to encounter questions or issues.
I sell electronic items all the time, and a lot of computer related items. I have to be able to at least answer questions that buyers may have, if they don't bother to read the description as we sellers know is far to frequent. Its easier for them to put it on us to solve their issues rather than commit any effort on their own part to research a problem in case they are causing their issue.
But if you don't want to commit to that type of support, then the category or item that commitment requires might not be your thing. And that's perfectly fine.
Good luck though!