posted on August 26, 2003 12:27:55 PM new
" Years of doing eBay on my own and I can guarantee that I would spend at least 15% of gross on expenses such as eBay and Paypal fees, the time and energy to answer e-mails and follow up with feedback, etc, mailing labels and so forth. So, for basically the same amount of money as I used to make, I no longer do any of the work. "
posted on August 26, 2003 12:34:40 PM new
Sun: I am not 'directing' my negativty' toward you. I simply disputed your contribution of a plan, method "idea" - what ever you want to call it - as not a good solution to the perceived problem. ( I could care less about you, so, get over yourself!)
Stop: I thought shipping rates were based on weight and distance. I didn't know if you have 'circumstances' that changes the rates?
Not going to reply further to this thread because it just silly now.
[ edited by neroter12 on Aug 26, 2003 12:43 PM ]
posted on August 26, 2003 12:44:35 PM new> as not a good solution to the perceived problem.
Who was talking about a solution to a proposed problem? I am merely defending some seller's model of charging higher shipping and handling. My only point is that they are not scum.
posted on August 26, 2003 12:47:30 PM new
ahc3,
if your trading assistant is doing all that work and paying for ebay and paypal fee,then he is not making much.
but you said he is happy,so you got yourself a good deal.
some items cannot be delegated to trading assistant,say antiques .
neuroter,
some sellers charge a flat fee for ship and handling,so there is money to be made there.
i quote a fixed shipping fee and many of my buyers dont bother with insurance,most packges do arrive safe and sound via usps.
i make some money on shipping to offset the paypal fee .
-sig file -------The thrill is gone!!
posted on August 26, 2003 12:51:38 PM new
I don't use a trading assistant, just pointing out that in this scenario, they are not even making 15%, but much less. It would be hard to nearly impossible to find someone to work for you for free. At least someone who is reliable. This person has a good deal going, doubt many others would find such a deal...
posted on August 26, 2003 12:56:26 PM newYou have a good deal, probably one that can not be repeated. Someone who only charges you 15% put pays for all ebay, paypal, and shipping supplies? It sounds like they are paying to work for you. I can't see how there would be any profit unless you are selling $100 or higher items...I've not signed up for this program because I have kept pretty busy on my own, but I believe most competent trading assistants would want to be paid for their time.
Sounds pretty incredible doesn't it. And the TA doesn't charge him for items that do not sell. That's got to be a rare find in a trading assistant?
-------------- sig file ----------- He who angers you controls you
posted on August 26, 2003 01:25:26 PM new
could be his mother.
do you ever notice when someone becomes a stockbroker,mom is always the first one to open an account.
-sig file -------The thrill is gone!!
posted on August 26, 2003 01:39:46 PM new
Yes, my trading assistant pays for all ebay and paypal fees out of his 15% cut. My items sell between $10-$50 on average and have about a 40% sell through rate for him. He's very competent and has been doing this for me since January. I also set up a similar arrangement with another assistant, but that one charges 20% (all other terms the same). I set up the second one as a safety net should the first decide to stop doing it or get suspended or whatever. Both are excellent, and thankfully I have enough of a product line to supply them both with different items (about 50 items each per week).
I agree that these two assistants I use are among the most generous in their terms, but I've seen lots of trading assistants that will do it the same way for 20%-25% of the sale price.
One aspect of this that may help you better understand why they charge what seems to be such a measly fee... I not only supply them with the titles, descriptions and images, but also have multiple quantities of the same items. So they have an easy time just relisting everything again and again (less and less effort on their part after it's been listed the first time), and can also do Second Chance Offers to underbidders without worrying about running out of something.
It's worked out so well in fact, typically when I go to these assistants' homes (each has a family with kids, and regular day jobs), I'll sit there and talk with them for hours, have some drinks, a real nice break to the week. But YES, believe me, I wonder too how it's worthwhile for them. And I bring it up with them regularly, just to make sure they're still happy in doing it. And they are. And so am I.
I'm sure you can find one or two out there that would be willing to work with you on an arrangement similar to this. The only obstacle would possibly be if you live in a less populated area. I'm right outside Chicago, so there are literally 100s of TAs to choose from.
posted on August 26, 2003 02:03:26 PM new
Here's the home page for ebay trading assistants. I got quite an education reading some of the search results.
posted on August 26, 2003 04:23:20 PM new
I can't believe what I read. A trading assistant that takes only 15% and pays all fees. Evidently he doesn't have time to read discussion boards. To bad because if he was he would see he was getting ripped off. The Seller is taking advantage of a good thing and must be laughing all the way to the bank. I wouldn't admit that if it was me as I am sure that the trading assistant is making less than minimum wage.
posted on August 26, 2003 04:39:44 PM new
Geez, I found someone in my same zip code that charges 3% (He doesn't pay the fees obviously) and he picks the items up at your house. He has 211 feedbacks. I can't imagine he is making much money.
Service Description If you have a large lot of similar items (over 100 units, value over $1000) that you need to sell, we can assist you. Check our feedback for my credentials.
Terms and Conditions If we are unable to sell your items within 60 days, we will deliver them back to you.
Fee Description The commision charge is 10% of the final sales value on all units sold.
-------------- sig file ----------- He who angers you controls you
posted on August 26, 2003 05:53:52 PM new
Hello
What passion what intensity!
Some know me as a rather drab seller on ebay since 1998 and that is fine.
In 1998-9 Ebay was a cyber gold rush. Now we with refined skills are mining the tailings, making money but nothing like before.
In 1998-9 I didn't even NEED a picture to sell now I sometimes need twenty. In 1998-9 I got bids the first day. Now I hope to get in the last hour.
However I have a business plan and when as "Hank" said the "pain out ways the gain"
I am gone... forever. We are not there yet but I suspect I may retire in the spring. Hope I am wrong but don't think so.
David.....
posted on August 26, 2003 07:28:23 PM new
Ace, you recently said:
It was always tough selling on ebay and it was always a boon economy before.
So how can you miss the Gold Rush days on ebay if they never happened for you?
Sometimes I think certain people just sit here talking out of their hats and bend to whatever thread they can just so they can build status. And some have done it under several IDs here at the same time.
posted on August 26, 2003 07:32:27 PM new
No trading assistants in any zip codes from my city. Maybe that's the way to go....
ihula with 3% you could afford him to list for you and really reap your profits.
posted on August 26, 2003 07:45:50 PM new
It was always tough selling on ebay because it was such a pain to list. The ebay listing program crashed constantly and there were outages a regular basis.
Five years ago EVERYTHING listed on ebay got bids right away and went for nice high prices. Now it is difficult to even get a bid at all, even at a low starting price.
Someone here needs to have a cigarette and to mellow out instead of rag, rag, rag.
-------------- sig file ----------- He who angers you controls you
posted on August 26, 2003 07:51:46 PM new
Ace, your comment was made on this thread about collectibles so don't try to make it sound like something else like a listing issue because I don't believe you at all.
posted on August 26, 2003 07:54:35 PM new
Ace,,, 5 years ago? You signed on here in APRIL of THIS year! I signed up a month after I got on e bay. How can you know so much in such little time? I am REALLY confused . I was told about this service by a friend and got on board like asap. Do you use Vendio to list your auctions?
posted on August 26, 2003 08:09:13 PM new
Libra,
I may have to look into a trading assistant. I probably spend more than 3% on Vendio fees, packaging supplies, etc. - even with my handling fee (which isn't much). Of course I don't think my husband would want to enter the real work world again.
Actually I ordered the postage thing for Endicia so once that I arrives I'll officially sign up with them - I'll do the stealth mode so I may just up my shipping price a little to make up for the extra cost (right now I have one of the lowest shipping prices in my category, so I figure adding 50 cents and touting "free delivery confirmation and insurance" isn't a bad idea).
posted on August 27, 2003 12:28:34 PM new
I started lurking on auctionwatch back in late 99 or 2000 (can't remember that far back with any certainty). Threads like this one were just as common then as they are now..lamenting the "good old days". Now, that period is looked upon as part of the good old days too..
It's called the summer time slump. Period. And personally, my slump is currently unslumping. Come on Winter!
. I was told about this service by a friend and got on board like asap. Do you use Vendio to list your auctions?
