Q: Paypal/eBay users

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Anyone else use eBay pretty often to sell items they don't want anymore or resell items they originally bought for a bargain but don't actually need? Are there any tips of the trade? Also, Paypal's 21 day payment hold - any ways to evade it?

ebay paypal

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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20 Answers

I've sold on eBay for over 10 years now - their rules have changed SO Much - it is best to take their Online Tutorials - to make sure you are up on the latest polices. (Which seem to change on a near-daily-basis!)

As far as the Paypal's 21 day payment hold - I have never had them do that to me - perhaps I was grandfathered in or something... What exactly does this policy say?

FibroMom (rep: 144k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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I agree with FibroMom, the rules of eBay changed so much I don't bother selling stuff there. I'm now selling my stuff on Craigslist which is not bad IMO. Just sign up for a google voice phone number, bring a friend along and meet up at Starbucks or something. Yeah you won't get as much as you would typically would if you were selling it on eBay but with all the eBay/Paypal fees they are charging you, the difference won't be a whole lot.

skyline (rep: 1.62k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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@FibroMom, it seems to apply to all eBay payments now. They basically hold the payment from you until they can confirm the item was delivered, you receive positive feedback from the buyer, or 21 days pass without any complaints.

@skyline, that sounds like too much work and limits your selling radius :/

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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arsiel - Wow - I need to look into that one - I usually pull out the money when it comes in - or use it to purchase things with my Debit Card... perhaps because I have a bank account and a credit Card on file as back-up they don't do this to me... still going to check in on it, though!

skyline - I have been using CraigsList myself, here of late - especially for things that are too bulky or fragile to ship. I DO AGREE - Always have someone with you when you meet up with others - there are a LOT of sickos out there!

FibroMom (rep: 144k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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i agree with skyline, the fees are just outrages. in my opinion, unless your a power seller, it just ain't worth it anymore.

MrBklynW (rep: 284k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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@FibroMom, I didn't have issues with it before this year. I've had 100% positive feedback and a good record. It's driving me up the wall.
@MrBklynW, jack up the "shipping costs" so the total cost wouldn't be hit as hard by eBay fees. :x

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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hehe..smart...i never thought of that=P...will give it a shot on my next ebay sale...i've been actually keeping away from selling on ebay because of the fees...hmmm...

MrBklynW (rep: 284k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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@MrBklynW, they might limit it but good luck! Fees are usually 10-12%

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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@arsiel. It tends to drive the product cost down when you jack up the shipping cost.

skyline (rep: 1.62k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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Don't jack up the shipping fee's, it's not worth all the nasty replies, plus ebay watches that, since it is against the rules.

the more you sell, the better your feedback will look, because when you are the seller, the buyer only see's and cares about your (seller ) feedback.

offer free shipping, it catches the buyers attention. Just add $10 per starting price.

encorez (rep: 9.92k) posted Aug 01, 2011

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I have had really good luck using Craigslist. You do not have to factor in shipping costs or Ebay/Paypal fees. That way you can sell the item for a good price and still make some money.

akaricke (rep: 155k) posted Aug 02, 2011

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craigslist seem the best option for selling stuff without the fees, just got to bring your biggest friend with you for the meet=P

MrBklynW (rep: 284k) posted Aug 02, 2011

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@encorez, yeah that is one of my concerns when jacking up shipping fees, it just puts people off and puts less attention on the product your selling but i guess you gotta get a good ratio of price and shipping to make the most profit.

MrBklynW (rep: 284k) posted Aug 02, 2011

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Did you know that Ebay now charges their seller fees based on total purchase price + shipping charges to discourage high shipping charges?

zarrow (rep: 1.99k) posted Aug 02, 2011

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It seems that craigslist is a new table to selling and buying products there, I will try.

vtronicstech (rep: 1) posted Aug 03, 2011

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@zarrow, no I did not know that. Brilliant on eBay's part. Their fees still hurt though.
I'm now trying to sell an xbox 360 4gb on craigslist. So far...unsuccessful. It's a pain to avoid scams. Wish me luck though

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 03, 2011

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zarrow, - when I post on Cragslist I always use their "fake" email address and post in my add that the person replying MUST put the title of the item in the About Field, and send me their phone number to get further info - this way I don't have to email them back using my real email address and it avoids a lot of the scams. (Just a hint.)

FibroMom (rep: 144k) posted Aug 04, 2011

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@FibroMom, that's a good tip. I didn't do that so I ran into a couple of scammers (not sure what they'd get out of my name, address, and phone number but didn't want to risk it.) Good thing the interested buyer included their phone number. Finally selling the xbox tomorrow! :)

arsiel (rep: 12.9k) posted Aug 04, 2011

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arsiel - Congrats on the Xbox Selling! :) Hope it works out fine for you - I know the Cash will be nice. Oh - that reminds me - On Craigslist I ALWAYS state "CASH ONLY" in my listings... I've had a few people want to try to write me a check - and I promptly point them to the nearest ATM Machine! (If they don't have the cash to get out of an ATM - chances are that check is going to BOUNCE - so I take No Chances.) :)

FibroMom (rep: 144k) posted Aug 06, 2011

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