AFFORDABLE way to sell using Other People's Hard/Software

[foxidation]

I live in a shoestring and do not have a smartphone, nor do I even have enough living space to set up a small table with things I need to prepare listing (e.g. printer/scanner, shipping supplies, etc).

Commercial services like FedEx Office - where I can rent a PC by the minute - are entirely too expensive to be feasible for me.  I have a friend who is also a seller but he moved out of town and I don't have a car.

One would think there would be places - similar to FedEx Office - perfect for eBay sellers to use for this purpose, but I am not aware of any.

Suggestions?

p.s. What do people recommend for posting pictures of coins?  Would a scanner be sufficient or not? Would a smartphone work or a digital camera?

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, welcome. I use my smartphone to take all my pictures and upload to the app. But since i use the Advanced Listing tool, i prefer to do the bulk of my listings on my PC. 

If you are going to sell infrequently, you might be able to get around on eBay without a device. Otherwise, you will need to invest in a smartphone, ipad or pc. They are indispensable to successfully running an eBay business. You will need some working capital as well to cover your upfront costs.

I recommend finding a good used device here on eBay or Craigslist to start off with. (You won’t want to spend a lot because you might find selling online does not suit your needs like you thought.)

I don’t list coins, but some jewelry  pieces are small that i list. In those cases i use a macro lens attachment for my iPhone to capture extra fine details.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Sorry, i didnt actually answer your question. Some folks i know have started off using their local libraries to sell online. Libraries often have computers (and stations set up for a little privacy), among other resources you might find helpful.

[slippinjimmy]

For coins a scanner will work, it's actually often better than a camera and should be less work.

Have you tried a local library for computer use? Although it applies to ANY public internet connection (like FedEx) you need to be extra careful about security when you are logging in to sensitive accounts like your eBay or PayPal accounts.

[dinpavent0]

I know some people use their tablet to take pictures and post and you don't need a whole set up for that. Also you could go to library to print your postage. I know here it is 10 cents a sheet to print. Library computer use is free.

[annadryl]

As far as using public computers, wouldn't an ebay account be associated (by ebay) with all the other accounts (if any) accessed at that address?

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

I haven't heard of anyone being restricted or suspended for using public wifi or access such as libraries.

Using a VPN or accessing ebay through a suspended person's own computer/wifi, yes. But there's usually more to those than we're told.

[kensgiftshop]

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@annadryl wrote:

As far as using public computers, wouldn't an ebay account be associated (by ebay) with all the other accounts (if any) accessed at that address?

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Yes they would and you better hope there isn't any problems with the other accounts.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

When was the last time you heard of someone having issues from using the wifi at Starbucks etc?

[tree*fern]

Use the public library.  

My local public library has computers with Internet and a scanner for free use. Printing is free for 5 pages a day, 10 cents a page if I need more. Copier costs 10 cents per page.

Their scanner can scan to color JPEG files (as well as PDF or b&w Word docs) to save to a memory stick. 

They also have small private conference rooms (use for phone calls, taking photos, packing small packages).

The library's been a lifesaver when I've had home computer and printer failures, and needed time to save up for replacement equipment.  I've had periods of using the library every day for eBay, but a smartphone is essential for checking email or listing when the library's closed. 

The library's my backup for staying in business during power or Internet outages (if the local library's power is out, I go to the next town's library that has power).

[fashunu4eeuh]

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@annadryl wrote:

As far as using public computers, wouldn't an ebay account be associated (by ebay) with all the other accounts (if any) accessed at that address?

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Very good point. Don’t know the answer but glad you thought of it. Something to take into consideration. 

[tree*fern]

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@fashunu4eeuh wrote:

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@annadryl wrote:

As far as using public computers, wouldn't an ebay account be associated (by ebay) with all the other accounts (if any) accessed at that address?

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Very good point. Don’t know the answer but glad you thought of it. Something to take into consideration. 

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That was happening years ago, but is no longer a problem as far as I know. 

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

It's a little hard for them to always be pushing people to use mobile but then try to penalise them for accessing ebay through public wifi etc.

[tree*fern]

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@myjunqueyourtreasure wrote:
It's a little hard for them to always be pushing people to use mobile but then try to penalise them for accessing ebay through public wifi etc.

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But they're not doing that anymore, not for years.  

[gracieallen01]

I'm afraid that there was a time, some years back, when there were many cases of people who 'were associated' when sharing or using a common 'public' computer at dorms, on campus and other public places.  I'll admit that I've not heard of it happening of late - but that doesn't mean that it can't.  Heaven help you if you are associated with someone whose account is in arrears.