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Jennie Apr 27, 2006

I'm thinking of trying out Ebay and put out one of my bears... but is it worth it? I read earlier topics about Ebay and that it is kind of expensive with a lot of fees?

Is there something I should think of when I put out my bear? And what price do you start with? I know it's hard to say a price but I would be glad to hear what you guys start out with, it would be very helpful! My bears are about 30 cm, fully jointed, has flexible arms and made of synthetic fabric...

Help needed!

Laniebears Apr 27, 2006

Hi Jenni,

A big welcome from me....

YOUR BEARS LOOK ORIGINAL AND FABULOUS AND I THINK THEY WILL SELL VERY WELL FOR YOU.

SORRY... I DONT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM... YOU NEED TO FILL IN YOUR PROFILE... SEE IT ON THE BROWN BORDER ABOVE

Let me pass on my bit of learned advice...

If you find a  bear does'nt sell put it too one side and make another of a different design colour or fabric, Eventually you will find out what sells for you and what doesnt...  This process is soooo frustrating. But im sure i'm not the only artist that started out in this postition... I have a shelf of cast offs at home.... I LOVE THEM BUT THEY DIDNT SELL...  A YEAR LATER I KNOW WHY... :crackup:  Always bear in mind that what you like is not neccessarily what the customer likes. I am constantly striving to improve on everything designs, materials, quality really does count.....Selling bears is really not a light undertaking....

EBAY

DONT USE THE FEATURED ITEM ON EBAY UNLESS YOUR BEARS SELL FOR $100'S OF DOLLARS

ALWAYS START YOUR BEARS AT THE MINIMUM PRICE YOU WANT TO ACHEIVE.

DONT EVER LIST OR SELL THEM TO CHEAPLY, IT JUST ATTRACTS BARGAIN HUNTERS... You wont make any money!

ALWAYS LIST YOUR BEARS WITH MULTIPLE VERY GOOD PHOTOS.

INVEST IN A GOOD CAMERA AND EDITING SOFTWARE.

ITS A GOOD IDEA TO USE AUCTION TEMPLATES OR EVEN HOST YOUR OWN PICTURES ITS CHEAPER.

LIST YOUR NEXT BEAR JUST BEFORE THE CURRENT AUCTION ENDS

ALWAYS NOTE EVERYONES EMAIL ADDRESSES

EMAIL THEM REGULARY WITH ANY NEW BEAR DETAILS.

WHEN A BEAR SELLS WITH LOTS OF BIDS MAKE ANOTHER SIMILAR THIS BEAR IS NOW A WINNER.

LIST YOUR OWN AND YOUR WEBSITES DETAILS ON YOUR EBAY ABOUT ME PAGE.

IF YOU SELL LOTS OF BEARS IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING A BASIC EBAY SHOP.

PS...

BID4BEARS

THIS IS ANOTHER GOOD PLACE TO LIST AND SELL.

http://www.bid4bears.com

I HOPE THIS ALL HELPS
Lanie x

Jennie Apr 27, 2006

Many thanks, that was good advices!  By the way, I'm trying to find out the fees for selling on Ebay and also using paypal... how many % do they take?

Oh... thanks for giving me the tip on my profile, I will check it out right away!!

Acipenser Apr 27, 2006

Hi Jennie
Paypal takes 3.9% + 30 cents for international payments if you have a premier account that can accept credit card payments. If you sell on ebay you are required to accept cc payments. To a personal account you can get payments for free, but only from another paypal account balance (that means they must have money in paypal not on a card through PP). Check their help sections on premier accounts.
Don't know about ebay fees, but it has been said to be expensive. You may also give bid4bears a look. Its cheaper and a very friendly place. You don't reach as many potential buyers, but everyone who is registered is interested in bears, either to sell or buy.

Hope this helps until the pros get a chance to answer this.

Jennie Apr 27, 2006

Thanks Sabine! Have you ever tried Ebay for selling bears? I'm such a shopoholic so I always SPEND money on Ebay and never EARN! 

Acipenser Apr 27, 2006

No, I haven't sold on ebay, but I buy a lot there.  For selling I prefer b4b and private sales, but then I don't want to start a business, just sell a bear now and then for the fun of it.

I need to use this new smiley now  :crackup:  :crackup:

Cleathero Creations Apr 27, 2006

Have a look at Robshelp.com
it will for free help you set up a template for use on ebay.
You can add as many photos as you wish on the template and you don't get charge by eBay for pics.... a saving there.
If you are wanting to get attention make sure you have a picture in gallery and it is in bold.
Also finish your auctions the same time each week so that people can 'rely' on you.  You may in your listing say that My auctions will start this day you may always start in on a Wednesday and finish the following Sunday (10 day auction).
Don't forget your about Me page on ebay.  Use it to link to your website.
use your website to link to ebay.   on your first page of your website say see what is on eBay.
Use the forums to advertise your bears.
TT has a separate sales section, CC lets you put it anywhere 
There are many other sites that you can sell on as well, Bearpile, Bearwitched, Bid for Bears Bows ends, Teddy patch.
Just don't stress if they don't sell.  Sometimes you can relist them later on and they will sell sometimes they won't.
get out there and get seen.

Winney Apr 27, 2006

Great discussion....I have not taken the plunge yet either....I a, making a list of all the sites where I can sell my bears....we newbies appreciate this help !....Winney