Advice for getting into selling?

[fynzou]

So, I've been on eBay for a while, I've been pretty much exclusively buying. However, over time I've amassed accidental extra copies of some video games and such. (Mostly Switch games) I usually sell them on Facebook marketplace but it's honestly becoming a hassle so I'm looking to eBay.

Through knowledge of how they've been sent to me when I buy them on here and google, it seems most people agree that a bubble mailer with USPS Ground Advantage is easiest and a relatively safe bet for Switch games.

However, I am curious about if there's anything I need to know before I start this... journey? I don't think I'll sell many, (I only have 4 or 5 at the moment), so it's not a major thing, but it's a big step for me so I'm hoping to go into it as educated as I can. I googled for tips and literally every page was either a decade old and outdated or filled with people giving conflicting answers to one another and it was very confusing overall.

Like, I assume it goes like:

1. List it with as much description/pictures as possible, choosing eBay Postage USPS Ground Advantage.
2. Someone eventually buys it, may require re-upping the listing multiple times and patience. When it does sell, print the label from eBay and attach it to the bubble mailer with the Switch game inside.
3. Drop it at a mailbox or at the post office to send it off. (Or schedule a home pickup)
4. Wait to make sure it was received.

Is there anything else I need to know about this? Like, when do I review the buyer? I've noticed some people do it as soon as the payment clears, but some do it after I get it.

What's the best thing to do with price in your experience? Buyout? (eBay recommends this for Switch games apparently) Bid + Buyout?

Now I know it's unlikely (I've only had a single item lost when ordering from eBay - the tracking STILL says it's in the middle of like New Mexico a year later lol), but I know you have to refund if the buyer requests if the tracking shows the item was seemingly lost. I'm assuming if this occurs - I have to reach out to USPS about reimbursement once tracking has ceased for a couple weeks? (And yes, I've heard horror stories of how horrible they are at actually paying out, I just have OCD so I always think of "worst possible situation" when doing literally anything)

Any other things you think I should know? (I do have time before I sell, I'll wait until there's another promo for a coupon to sell something like they just ran lol)

Sorry for the questions.

[krazzykats]

Thoroughly test the games before listing and note any defects.

Include good quality photos showing the actual items from multiple angles.

Price competitively based on market value and condition.

Ship fast with tracking and delivery confirmation.

Offer returns and partial refunds if reasonable.

Good General Guide

How To Sell & Ship Video Games On eBay (Full Guide!)

[reallynicestamps]

1. List it with as much description/pictures as possible, choosing eBay Postage USPS Ground Advantage.

yes.
2. Someone eventually buys it, may require re-upping the listing multiple times and patience. When it does sell, print the label from eBay and attach it to the bubble mailer with the Switch game inside.

The relisting is automatic with Fixed Price listings.

Do NOT use Auctions for mass merchandise. EBay advises differently, but eBay's advice is good for eBay, not necessarily for you.

You have 250 Free Listings every month, but those rollovers mean that an item listed in April, which does not sell, will become one of your May Free Listings.
3. Drop it at a mailbox or at the post office to send it off. (Or schedule a home pickup)

Yes.
4. Wait to make sure it was received.

It will be. The postal system is very reliable. Buyers less so. With games, use a Tracked service.

Like, when do I review the buyer?

Whenever you want. I prefer on mailing, since that gives me a quick way to learn when I shipped. (My standard FB is "Thank you for your prompt payment. Shipped 31/3/2025 Canada Post Air Mail."

I believe that leaving FB encourages to buyer to leave FB too. More important since I sell constantly.

Reviews are of the product and are left by buyers. FB is left by both parties and are an opinion about the transaction.

I know you have to refund if the buyer requests if the tracking shows the item was seemingly lost.

Much less likely than you think.
I sell about 200-300 items a year, and get perhaps one Claim per year, and I don't lose all of those.

Your best defence is tracking, cooperation with Claims, and providing Proof of Delivery promptly.

Any other things you think I should know?

Get your Managed Payments account set up before you list.

Your customer's payment will be Held against your performance for up to 30 days, with the time depending in part on the value of the item and the category. (Games are a high fraud category, like sneakers , dolls, and horse tack.)

EBay is not your friend. EBay is your landlord.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@fynzou wrote: ... I know you have to refund if the buyer requests if the tracking shows the item was seemingly lost. I'm assuming if this occurs - I have to reach out to USPS about reimbursement once tracking has ceased for a couple weeks? (And yes, I've heard horror stories of how horrible they are at actually paying out, I just have OCD so I always think of "worst possible situation" when doing literally anything)

...

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All USPS package services automatically include tracking, and all except Media Mail also automatically include $100 of insurance coverage at no additional cost.  So in the very unlikely event that USPS actually loses your package (as opposed to delivering it veeeeery slowly), you will be reimbursed for the item's sold value plus the postage cost.  USPS has been terrible at reimbursing for damage claims, but they almost always come through for claims of package loss. Here's the USPS page about filing an insurance claim, with details about timelines, process, etc.

https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm