eBay Newbie: How Do I Get Trusted?

[Charron]

Here's the rundown. I set up an eBay account over a year ago to get my mom a birthday present. It's sat idle since then. I literally have one feedback, and it's over a year old. But, I've now got some stuff to sell. It's safe to say I wouldn't exactly be drawing in buyers with my fabulous reputation; all I've got is my word, which never amounts to much on the internet. Hell, if I had a lot of feedback, I wouldn't deal with me either. What I'm wondering is, from those who are higher up there in feedback, how do I get that seller trust in the first place? I'd be much happier dealing with some eBay veterans, since at least one of us would have a reputation, but I doubt they'd deal with someone like me in the first place.

[chakan]

I bought DVDs for a year, got my feedback upto 50, then started selling. If you want to build up from scratch, you probably will have better luck with smaller auctions. Your first auction with 1 feedback should NOT be a Xbox 360 bundle.

[musha666]

Im probably not an ebay expert you want but I would suggest just be clear and honest in your ad. Take your own pictures of the items (dont use stock photos) and I wouldnt suggest start off by selling something of high value. I am sure some other people will give you some better tips but thats what I have.

[Charron]

I bought DVDs for a year, got my feedback upto 50, then started selling. If you want to build up from scratch, you probably will have better luck with smaller auctions. Your first auction with 1 feedback should NOT be a Xbox 360 bundle.

Genesis games/system too big? Or should I try to dump some other stuff I have lying around first? I've got a walkman and a drawer full of Magic cards I wouldn't mind losing....

And I personally think taking your own photos should be done on all auctions when possible, regardless of feedback. It's just good practice, makes sure the buyer knows exactly what they're getting.

[roland13x]

Just my personal thoughts, but I would not be buying from a seller who has such low feedback. I'd start to get comfortable around the +25 or +30 range, but even then, it'd have to be something small-scale.

I would suggest that you make a few more really low-cost purchases to build up your feedback.

[Cornfedwb]

Realize its not only going to be harder to sell with low feedback.. but you'll also realize lower prices usually. Most bidders will not bid on anything someone with 1 feedback is selling, therefore you won't see a bidding war driving up your profits.

As far as actually answering your question, I'd agree with Chakan.. buy a bunch of stuff before you try to sell.

[trunks982]

i started off selling stuff when i had 3 ratings. just start with something small. yea u can start off selling cards or something. just make sure nothing too valuable.

[wubb]

Yeah, the way to build trust is to gain feedback. The nice thing (for you anyway) is that feedback from purchases count for your score just like feedback for sales you make. Really savvy buyers will actually click through and see how much of your feedback came from sales but the majority won't look past the raw number and %.

That said low feedback doesn't always kill you and people will buy from even 0 FB sellers. But like others have said here, wait until you get some FB (I'd wait for at least 10 if not more) before selling expensive items.

[sying]

I agree with all the posters above, the only other way is intimate favors....

[Charron]

I agree with all the posters above, the only other way is intimate favors....

Yea, I'm not that desperate. yet.

Might as well buy up stuff I actually want, then. No point in buying junk, right?

[RockmanX3]

I started buying dvds at one feedback and started selling around 10 feedback.

The first thing I sold was a copy of Adobe Photoshop 6 I won in a college raffle.

Make sure you always have a digital camera and hosting for images.

[Charron]

Figured I'd follow up, asking for advice. Got some stuff listed (http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/kiyaichiko) (doubt they'd be of interest to anyone, but oh well, was free, so worth a shot), just wondering if I'm doing myself a disservice or not with the listings/starting prices or anything.

I'm sure there's a better eBay newbie forum out there on the 'net, but I'm here already, so whee. \\:D/

[slickkill77]

Road Rash is NOT compatible with the GBA micro. That is a color game and those arent compatible with the micro. You should change the name of your auction

[Charron]

Road Rash is NOT compatible with the GBA micro. That is a color game and those arent compatible with the micro. You should change the name of your auction

Oops, thanks. I remembered after I typed it and apparently only caught it in the description.

[Vinny]

I'd buy and build up feedback first and then start selling. Most people don't even bother to check what kind of feedback you have as long as you have some.

[Rocko]

As a wary eBay buyer, one thing that you already know but I'd like to reiterate is taking your own photos. I'm always more likely to buy from someone who took their own picture. Just seems more legitimate.

I only have 17 eBay feedback, and I recently listed my first two items for sale, so I'm sort of in the same boat as you.

[Charron]

Just bumping to note that apparently my experiment has been a success, as someone (a fellow newbie) bid on my copy of Road Rash. Still no takers for the Genesis games, but at least somebody bid on something. Yay! :applause:

Now let's hope he doesn't try to scam me....