27 Jun
2024
27 Jun
'24
8:22 p.m.
On Jun 27, 2024, at 12:53, Ali via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
I am an expert occasional eBay buyer and seller. After joining in ‘97, I have a 100%
positive rating with 370 feedbacks.
Unless it is something I haven’t seen elsewhere, I definitely look at the rating of the
seller.
As a seller, I avoid eBay because of the excess fees but sometimes things will sell at
enough of a premium there to absorb the fee. For some stuff, based on my conversations
with other sellers, that is where the market is (anyone want to buy some signed, first
edition Harlan Ellison books ;) ), so one has no choice.
Most of the vintage computers that I have sold (mostly early 90s SPARC systems), I sold
through group mailings lists, FB pages, etc.
alan
Hogwash. I have attempted many times to sell stuff on ebay. Even at
the suggestion of people I would have thought were potential buyers.
To date, I have sold nothing. I once went back to the list that
suggested I use ebay to report my failure only to be greeted with,
"Well, what did you expect. You are not an established seller."
I have tried non-computer stuff, too. I offered a Chilton Automotive
Repair Manual for a classic car. I listed the cost of a USPS "If it
fits, It ships" padded envelope for postage. Ebay denied my listing
saying I was asking to much for shipping. At that point I quit trying
to sell anything on ebay.
Price rules first. I NEVER look at an eBay seller's rep or newness before
buying/bidding. If what you offer is a good price/value then that is all I care about it.
If you end up being a shitty seller, not packing right, or whatever, then there is eBay
Money Back Guarantee. Your trash is coming right back to you at your expense. I may be
disappointed and lose some time but I am not losing any money on the deal so I take the
risk. Sometimes it pays off sometimes it doesn't.