Request Tips for First Time Seller

[dresoccer4]

hello all! i had another thread going asking about some sketchy messages i received after I posted my first item for auction (a gaming laptop) and got 1 bid. I was basically told I would definitely get scammed, so I cancelled the auction, luckily with no penalty. 

I still want to sell this thing, but want to be very careful how I set it up, as to gurantee not to get scammed. My question to the community is, how can I, as a first time seller, set up my listing for a fairly high-priced item, that avoids getting shafted. 

i read that doing a buy it now option is safer than auction, yeah? what other reccomendations do y'all have? thanks for any and all help!

[bubbleman2010]

There is really no place else to sell it this is where the moneys at,but it comes with a huge risk....

[dresoccer4]

im thinking of trying the Amazon marketplace. maybe less scammers. because it seems 100% certain thats gonna happen to me here

[lintbrush*]

Get your feet wet.  Try a few smaller, less expensive items first.  

Learn about shipping:  How to pack safely (the handling can be rough);  Best options for shipping;   Learn when Dimensional Weight and/or Balloon Rate kicks in.

Write descriptions like there are no pictures.

Take pictures like there is no description.

If you sell electronics, take pics of the serial numbers.  It won't help you in claim (filed with eBay), but it could thwart a scammer if the serial numbers are visible.

Only ship when the PayPal transaction says "OK to Ship."  Don't rely on emails.  

Learn about your fees.

Only start an auction at the lowest price you'd be willing to sell it for.  It may only get one bid.

New sellers may be subject to an "up to 21 day hold."  That doesn't mean don't ship.  Once tracking shows delivered, your funds should be releaed after 3 days.

Be professional in your listing.  If you look like a novice, scammers will see that.

[bubbleman2010]

There really isn't any safe place and I tell folks if losing something is going to be a life changing event its best to stay completely away from any type of internut selling...

[dresoccer4]

thanks for the smart tips.
problem about getting feet wet is, I only have 1 item I wish to sell (my old laptop). and after reading countless threads today, I've come to the understanding that there's absolutely no way for me to protect myself against a fraudster returning a different/damaged/empty product and getting a refund. this lack of basic seller protection has completely deflated my confidence in selling through eBay 😞

[chrysylys]

^^  The same thiong goes for any website.  These guys are highly polished.  They do it dozens of times and day and most of them are far overseas where they are all but untouchable.

All the threads aside, I have bought a couple of laptops here recently and all went well for both parties.  BUT ....  they were used  $100 machines, nothing fancy.  I've been here nearly 20 years and I (and many other long time members and posters) will not risk more than about $150 - $200 here.  Corporate has created an atmosphere of distrust that we are having a hard time getting past.

[dresoccer4]

..thinking about the overseas thing. what if i force a signature at delivery? then we'll know a real person and real address had to sign for it. so if something goes south it'd be easier to track down, right?

[sam9876]

A signature doesn't do anything.

An international scammer will simply file a SNAD complaint, which forces you to send him money for return shipping.

Then they will send you back a rock with a tracking number and eBay will give them a full refund from your account.

[dresoccer4]

[kensgiftshop]

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@dresoccer4wrote:
ok negative nancy

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Hate to say it, but he's right.

It doesn't matter what you do, there is always a chance of getting scammed.

Your best bet, sell local and get cash.

[chrysylys]

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@dresoccer4wrote:
..thinking about the overseas thing. what if i force a signature at delivery? then we'll know a real person and real address had to sign for it. so if something goes south it'd be easier to track down, right?

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OK, you send it to .....  Belgium.  The address is a flophouse with 100 tenants who may not have used their real names to get rooms.  One of them signs for it.  Who knows which one, since the name on the package is probably made up to begin with.  Before the end of the same day, they ship it off to some African or Asian country, or maybe hop on a plane with it and maybe 15 other laptops and cell phones they signed for that day.

How would you suggest trying to locate the person again?

[dresoccer4]

hm, can i only sell to US customers?

[sam9876]

Yes, you can set up your listing to only sell to US customers, but they can rip you off too.

[dresoccer4]

true, but then it'd be easier to track them down and beat their ass
🙂

[chrysylys]

Despite everything you've read on this thread and across the boards, all of which is based on real experiences, it isn't all doom and gloom.  The vast majority of transactions go off without a hitch.