I post a standard disclaimer with my auctions.
I make sure the buyer knows I will be shipping in a way that allows for tracking
and delivery confirmation. To protect both of us.
(that way the buyer can't say he didn't receive his item)
I make sure the buyer knows I will charge the actual shipping cost.
I provide the shipping weight, and the URL to ups.com so they can verify it themselves.
Yes, I've had people argue over cost.
But I'm NOT going to ship a $100 item through 3rd class mail.
UNLESS they acknowledge that they take 100% responsibility for lost/stolen/damaged items.
(so far, none have agreed to that)
Shipping has gone up with the fuel prices, but most people know that.
I respect sellers, and I get more respect from buyers, when:
- There is no reserve.
- I don't charge anything for packaging the item. (I have access to used boxes)
- I provide tons of good photos in the listing, and offer to take/post more if requested.
I do sell internationally. It is far easier to ship via US mail for that.
I also accept any/all types of payment, except for credit card purchases.
My "standard disclaimer" tells the buyer that I wait until funds clear before I ship.
It it takes a month, that is his problem. Most people use PayPal, so it usually isn't a problem.
Learn to use the eBay HTML so you can use as many photos as you want.
Upload the images to your web space, and link to them in the ad.
Remember to use key words in the ad.
If you are selling a rare pepsi bottle, for example, don't simply list it as a glass bottle.
State that it is a pepsi bottle, the date or era it was produced, how many were made if known, etc.
The more history you can provide of your own item, the more people will be interested.
I sold some table lamps that were headed towards the dumpster.
I did some research, and found out when they were made, who made them, what they
were called, the "era" they were produced in, etc. Posted plenty of photos.
Got $80 for them.
Look at other ads and see how they are put together.
Some are VERY fancy. So fancy that I don't even know how they design them.
But simple works too.
Good photos, and a good description.
Protect your feedback. It tells the world if you are ethical or not.
Good Luck