O/T Selling Via Ebay

[steppenwolf]

I have a whole load of Amateur Radio equipment to sell and it would seem that Ebay would be a good place to advertise it. I have never sold anything on Ebay before and having seen the recent posting here about the Paypal scam etc. I am a little concerned about doing it.

Is it basically a 'safe' way to sell stuff or are there many pitfalls? How easy is it to set up the sale - I have about 18 items to sell. Presumably one cannot direct potential purchasers to one's own web site to view the items for sale?

Any advice or tips appreciated.

[Mark Purves]

If you are worried about paypal then deal only on a money up front basis before you despatch the goods.

[karlgurney]

I have purchased and sold a number of things on ebay, if you go into it with a common sense approach and don't release any goods untill you have the money then you can't really go wrong, like Mark said, deal with cash only or make them wait untill a cheque clears.  But unfortunatlly theres always someone out there trying it on, so don't trust anyone!

Karl

[steppenwolf]

Thanks guys, just as I suspected I think. I will apply the common sense approach and all should be well - you see, I am trustworthy but how do you convey that I wonder??

I rather assumed that potential buyers would not be keen on sending a private cheque to someone unknown but I guess someone has to trust someone else somewhere - personally I don't trust anyone ( ! ) - which is a shame. Having said that I have trusted people on this board before and released goods before receipt/clearance of cheque but then you should be able to do that with fellow club members - the outside world though, not to be trusted!!

[Peter Cox]

Thanks guys, just as I suspected I think. I will apply the common sense approach and all should be well - you see, I am trustworthy but how do you convey that I wonder??

I rather assumed that potential buyers would not be keen on sending a private cheque to someone unknown but I guess someone has to trust someone else somewhere - personally I don't trust anyone ( ! ) - which is a shame. Having said that I have trusted people on this board before and released goods before receipt/clearance of cheque but then you should be able to do that with fellow club members - the outside world though, not to be trusted!!

I have uncannily similar sentiments. I've only just started using ebay, will avoid PAYpal (because they seem to have ongoing problems), preferring COD, cheques and am trying to work out how I can use my webshop card payment provider to enable private transactions.

So far, I've had good experiences with ebay and am about to start selling a lot more (kids old horsey kit, old computer bits, some of the stuff from our webshop, stuff growing grey in the garage, maybe a couple of old car parts (including Westfield stuff) etc...).

So I guess that's a faint recommendation then.

[brianm]

You'll also find that as you get into the more specialised areas of ebay, say electronic test gear in your case, archery being one of my watch sites, the people start to become a little more genuine and tend to be enthusiasts.ie they do know what they are buying and selling. On some of the wider sites the price some folks will pay      

Having said that its alot safer selling on ebay than it is buying

B.

PS Still trust no one

[S8ight]

if you want let me know what it is you want to sell and how much.

bloke i know is into that sort of thing, can pass details onto him if you want me to ?

[steppenwolf]

Well the equipment i have to sell would certainly come under 'specialist' I guess but I am happier to be selling rather than buying!

Carl, I will get the list together and email it to you - thanks for the offer.

[Persil]

steppenwolf can you drop me a pm of the stuff you have?  Im looking for some bits and bobs  

TIA

Persil

[Enterpryse]

I've got some PSU's (20A & 5A), 2m & 70cm Packet gear that can go if anyones interested. May even part with an Icom ICR-7000. No HF stuff left.

No any bad experience on Ebay yet, one one chap who I sold a MD too and then complained that there wasn't enough free MD's - just can't please some people

[DENNISTHEMENACE]

if you want let me know what it is you want to sell and how much.

bloke i know is into that sort of thing, can pass details onto him if you want me to ?

Can you include me in this please

djp10t@aol.com

[the bear]

As a seller no problems.

Photograph it well and describe it very accurately Be totally honest.

Paypal is okay dont let the thread here panic you.

The only way it is a problem IME is if you send it to quick or let someone collect after paying by paypal. COC is much better. Paypal does cost and despite what some sellers say you cannot charge a supplement for it.

Always but always check the feedback on the buyer, if you are concerned block them, I have also pulled items to stop someone with bad feedback causing me problems.

You as the seller are not obliged to sell an item until the end of an auction.

Good communication. loads of emails is often the key to a good sell.

[steppenwolf]

For those of you who asked for it, the following is the link to the amateur radio equipment that I have for sale:-

Amateur Radio Equipment for sale