posted on November 17, 2002 02:47:44 AM new
Lately I have been taking items on a comission basis from friends and family. These are people with no computer knowledge and want to liquidate items for cash. I have been charging 30% of final auction value. Anyone else doing this? and if so what fees do you charge? I am curious as I feel I am making a good amount of $$ but am I being greedy or not charging enough? What do you al think. Let me know.
posted on November 17, 2002 03:12:16 AM new
I have done this several times...I ask 25% of net profit and keep complete control of the item and money until the sale is complete.
posted on November 17, 2002 04:51:12 AM new
Hi Dan,
Have you read about the eBay Trading Assistants Program? You may not be signed up ...but that’s what you are
The subject of fees and commission rates is always an uncomfortable topic when dealing with family & friends. You don’t want to take advantage of them ... but... you don’t want to screw yourself either.
eBay has a help board for TA’s you might find helpful. I would also suggest checking out the “ME Page” of mollyb! She has answered most of the questions you’ll have about selling for others. She even has a sample contract you can copy & use. Unfortunately these days you have to CYA even with friends & family (or should I say esp. with family
I’m a registered Trading assistant. Here’s a copy of my terms as listed at eBay:
Service Description: I specialize in retro/vintage household & personal items. I take great pride in the lighting, editing, cropping & adjusting the size of my pictures in order to show your item at its best. I chose complementary backgrounds as well as font style to give bidders the feel of looking through a catalog… not just reading another listing. I post as many pictures as are required to give the bidder a good since of what they buying. I will come to your home to take notes, reference photos and pick up the items you wish to have listed.
Terms and Conditions: Your item will remain at my home while it’s listed. I will take care of all listings write-ups, photos, emails, collecting payments, packaging & shipping of sold items. If it doesn't sell we can make arrangements for pick-up or return.
FEES: My commission is $5 fee per item listed + 20% of the selling price for items under $100.00, 15% of items with a selling price of $101.00+. If an item doesn’t sell, you pay only the $5 auction fee.
I hope this helps, Deb
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 17, 2002 09:24:08 AM new
I have sold many items on a commission basis. My fee, 15% of closing price plus all listing and final value fees. Anything extra made on shipping was mine.
I had all the items in my possesion (very important fact).
posted on November 17, 2002 09:27:57 AM new
Hi! I have had GREAT success with the trading assistant program. Last two weeks I have averaged $2000.00 per week, just on a few higher end antique consignments. The good thing is that I can still sell my own stuff too in addition to the consigned pieces. Don't be afraid to charge what you think your time is worth! I take 25% of the sale, no matter how much the final price is. The consignor ALSO pays ALL fees...Auctionwatch...Ebay...Paypal..and They have all been thrilled! with the results and everyone I have listed for has given me return consignments. I do everything from beginning to end. I pick up all of the items in one day. I spell out precisely all of the services I provide so they can see how much time is involved. Here's a word of advice...Dont list anything you do not physically have in your possesion. I read on Ebays TA board how an assistant listed something for a neighbor, then after the auction was over, the neighbor refused to give this TA the item, saying the final price was too cheap. Have the item in your possesion form beginning to end ( you ship too). Have a contract..be specific. I don't give any unsold item back to the consignor until they have paid for the cost of listing the item..Also, you can get a "Trading Assistant I can sell for you" logo to insert on your page...this is how I got my last 2 consignors..It's really snowballing!
It is a GREAT program! GOOD LUCK!
posted on November 17, 2002 10:08:17 AM new
trading asst. help.. how do I find information on this? I can't seem to find anything on ebay can someone pass on a clue and maybe give details on how it works for you.
Layoffs here are really up where I live I need to make more money maybe this is an option for me, thank you!
posted on November 17, 2002 10:12:50 AM new
you can email me at [email protected]
I'll be happy to give you all the help & information I can.
Deb
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 17, 2002 12:05:16 PM new
Here is the location of the Ebay Trading Assistant general information page...
http://forums.ebay.com/dwc?14@[email protected]
posted on November 17, 2002 03:56:59 PM new
My first question is; Where do you find the potential sellers? Secondly, I see some of you are only charging a flat fee of $5.00. That doesn't maske sense to me. I have set up a 3 auctions for a friend of mine. I am charging 10% plus the fees which will run close to $30.00 for the 3 auctions. o\Our agreement is that she pays 100% of the fees whether the items sell or not. In case tou are wondering about the high cost, 2 of the items are reserved at $300.00 & the other at $100.00. It do add up rapidly on big ticket items.
posted on November 17, 2002 05:19:46 PM new
Hi all,
OP, thanks for posting this thread.
This afternoon my son popped in and wanted to know if I would list rollerblade-type skates for his friend who owns a shop. The friend just wants the stuff outta there.
I told him $5.00 plus 30% and if it didn't sell the friend was responsible for the five bucks.
Also that I absolutely had to have possession of the skates from beginning to end and I'd be responsible for shipping. I figured with 30% I can cover the cost of packaging materials.
posted on November 17, 2002 05:59:28 PM new
sanmar,
I’m afraid you misread my post.
I charge a flat $5.00 per item, up front to list an auction.
I then charge a % of the selling price. (Look at it as a 20%-25% FVF) The percentage can vary depending on the type of item being sold as well as the final bid amount. Items that require special packaging or shipping will run more. My customers sign a contract that lays out everything in black & white.
To answer your question about how to find customers, I am listed as an eBay trading assistant. This is posted in all of my listings, on my AW store page, on my eBay ME page and on the eBay trading Assistant page. When I first started offering to sell for others, I advertised in my local newspaper and posted flyers at the Grocery store, the Library, the Beauty Shop, My Vets office and Laundromats. I soon had customers begging me to sell for them!
I too insist on having possession of the item while it’s listed. I handle all emails, collecting payment and the packing and shipping of items.
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 17, 2002 09:04:24 PM new
I'm very interested in this! There's no TA listed for my little mountain area. I'd like to hear more from those of you who are doing this re: your fee structure. I'm selling for a relative right now, 20% of net profits, and it doesn't seem worth my time - all the fuss and bother for relatively low-end items.
And, for you who charge a fee up front (like $5), do you collect it right there and then, at the outset? Thanks!
posted on November 17, 2002 09:19:10 PM new
Hi Roadsmith,
Yes! If you collect 5 items from a customer you collect $25.00 before you will take the items home. If they need to be cleaned, pressed, mended etc., that's an extra charge.
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 17, 2002 09:21:07 PM new
The 5$ fee is a wonderful idea, I would make it manditory for whoever you sell for, this would cut out all the low end junk!!
posted on November 17, 2002 09:49:07 PM new
Now that makes sense. This can be a nice piece of business with no investment except time. I am definitely going to look into this. Thanks cherrytreegirls.
posted on November 17, 2002 09:50:32 PM new
Hi Cherrytreegirls, do you charge an additional amount for fees incurred besides the $5.00? or do you include fees in your commission?
The reason I ask is because that is the only thing I have'nt completely worked out yet.
I think if I did not charge for all listing fees....say, out of your 30%...that would only work out to about 20% commission after all the fees are figured in? I charge 25% plus every fee involved, AW,
Paypal, all ebay fees...and the fees alone work out to ATLEAST 10%. Just curious....
posted on November 17, 2002 11:05:20 PM new
Hello inot,
I use the $5.00 as a starting point. I sometimes have to make adjustments depending on the item. Some items you know will bring a much better price and therefore your FVF & PayPal fees will be much higher. With some, you know it will require extra care with packing & shipping.
Once in a while you get a real shocker! You thought it may bring $50.00 and it shoots to $500.00! I work into my contract that the seller pays any FVF/PayPal fees that combined exceed $5. That covers me if something skyrockets.
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 18, 2002 02:08:37 AM new
This is really a great idea! It's sort of like being ebay on your own. Having no merchandise, but collecting fee from others. A couple of thoughts.....
What if Junior wants to list great grandmother's antique milk pitcher for $100.00. But the going rate for such an item may be only $50.00. Would he pay a larger amount for listing to cover the reserve fee?
I would like to offer a couple of suggestions to those who are doing this.
If the item doesn't sell, then the owner of the item would have X amount of days to pick it up at your shop or home. Failure to pick it up after X amount of days would result in a $1.00 + or - a day fee for storage. If the item is a real dud, then who needs it standing around in the way. The less time the item is in your possession, the less chance for breakage.
Any form you use should have a section for a complete description. This description should include any damage that is present when you take possession. They are many items that sell on a regular basis on ebay that have some damage on them. However, some don't. You should make it perfectly clear of what the damages are before you take the item. John Q. Public can sometimes be very strange in recalling what was there before you got the item and what was there when you returned it. Your agreement should have a section where you have the owner of the item sign indicating the condition is the same when returned as when received. This may prevent headaches and hassles.
posted on November 18, 2002 04:39:34 AM new
HI yeager,
Any reserves fees or special listing fees are extra and spelled out in your contract with the seller. (Just as it is between you & eBay)
RE: Jr & the milk pitcher. This is what I do... He tells me he must have $XXX.00 for an item. I inspect & take notes on the items. (Jr may have some information on this pitcher that makes it worth far more than the going rate) I research the item. Find it's nothing special & will probably only bring $X.00. I contact Jr to see if he still wants it listed at his reserve. If yes, he knows he must pay the extra fees.
This is another reason why it's so important for you to have a contract with your seller. Everything must be spelled out ahead of time.
RE: Damaged items, you are correct. Some items will sell with damage. I take my camera with me to the interview to take reference pics IN THE OWNERS HOME. As stated above: "I inspect & take notes on the items." Any damage is noted on the contract the seller signs before I leave the home.
BTW. You don't have to agree to list everything a customer wants to sell. If you don't feel an item is up to your standards, don't accept it.
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 18, 2002 11:17:22 PM new
Question for experienced TA's?
I live in the Los Angeles area - I pull up TA in this area and of course there are lots, and notice that the TA'a are listed according to their feedback #, highest feedback records first, then on down.
My question: If I were to sign up as a TA in a TA dense area (okay, it's Los Angeles, also T & A dense area), what's the best strategy to get my TA listing looked at, if I'm 50th down the list?
posted on November 19, 2002 05:24:24 AM new
HI Ashtonne,
I don’t think most of us can rely on having our names on the TA list to get customers. eBay hasn’t done much to promote the TA program. You may find the need to advertise your services.
It can cost quite a bit to advertise in the business/service section of the newspaper but there are other options:
1.) Word of mouth. Tell everyone you know that you are accepting consignments.
2.) Print flyers. Post them on community bulletin boards at the Grocery, Laundromats and community centers
3.) Make up brochures describing your services and ask if you may leave them in waiting areas of your Vets office, Barber/beauty shop, Daycare center etc.
Bottom line... You have to promote yourself
Deb
Remember amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.
posted on November 19, 2002 07:35:59 AM new
Hi Cherrytreegirls, Thanks. What you say about damaged items is a good point...I accepted an old Phonograph from an old time dealer in my area..It looked like he had picked it up off the curb! It was in such bad shape! He told me to have faith in him...I listed it and it sold for over $400.00...for parts!
posted on November 19, 2002 12:27:59 PM new
I read all the posts with GREAT interest! I've been doing pics, listings and selling for THREE YEARS for others! I didn't even know about the TA program! (I don't take much time to read the boards.....just ocassionally to TRY to keep up!)
I do it differently.....my first "client" owns an antique shop I had dealt at for over 10 years. I started with her.....going there, taking the photos there (on my clients, I don't go to take photos unless they have AT LEAST 50 items ready to photo and the descriptions written up - I DON'T do research for the listing-they do that!).....process pics, list items, do all emails and figure up shipping, do the feedback. Each of my clients has their OWN account and all charges are charged directly to them.....except my 20% commission. I send the sales "slips" to the owners by US mail (we are long distance to each other) (I printed up on my own sales slips.....this slip is used for the listing. The owner writes their own listing description and price. I just type it in at Ebay later), .......the money goes directly to the owner of the item and they pay me my commission on a twice a month basis. My 2nd client was a referral from the antique shop lady! She has a computer so I email her the buyer's addresses......she watches the auctions and prints all the ending prices out. I don't do the shipping.....the owners do their own shipping.
I am glad to hear someone charges a fee for each item.......currently, I make NOTHING if the item doesn't sell. Of course, I relist.....and TRY to keep the listing going until sold. HOWEVER, I think there should be SOME fee for taking the pics and my travel time. Ocassionally, the client decides NOT to continue the listings on an item and I make NOTHING. (But, that's sales profession!) We DO have an agreement that they will keep the item strictly to sell on Ebay until we agree together NOT to try to continue trying to sell it. If I didn't know my two clients as well as I do, I would certainly have a contract.......now that I've been doing this so long, I can really see how I could get taken advantage of. I will seriously think about a contract for others that I don't know......and, of course, family.
If you are interested in doing this, you must be HONEST, SINCERE, and self-motivated. It involves alot of time....and you really don't make a suitable hourly rate.......unless you get alot of high dollar items.
I've never printed flyers. I don't know if I could handle too many clients, HOWEVER, I'm intersted in the onetime type client that wants to liquidate their collection, Autie's attic, etc! I DO have business cards and pass them out whenever I have the opportunity. Plus, I turn down any "cranky" type clients.....or, people who, during conversation, let me know JUST HOW MUCH their such and such is worth.....and I KNOW it isn't worth such and such!!! You need to be a good judge of character.
I never even considered all the risks of letting the client keep possession of the item........but, I KNOW I don't want to cart the items around with me.....and store them, etc. Plus, I HATE the shipping part! Trips to the bank, post office, etc. (I DO do my own listings, however, and do all that for my own - which is enough!)
Each of my clients has their own ID, email box and, feedback, etc. I take care of all the setting up and etc. so that it is all workable!
I would certainly consider selling under my own ID if a client only had a few items to sell.......under your own ID, I'd think it would be best to handle the entire process including shipping as it is YOUR feedback as well if you also do your own selling! There is lots to consider! I am SURE GLAD I read all the helpful ideas in this posting thread! THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU!
posted on November 19, 2002 03:32:28 PM new
It seems to me that you are already being taken advantage of by your clients.. "IF THE ITEM DOESN'T SELL I GET NOTHING" I think you are being too generous. Have you ever sat down & totaled up your sales & no sells. Figured out just what your net commission is, after paying for the filing fees, etc? I don't mean to be a busybody, but I took 2 courses in college that have helpd me in every phase of life. Cost Accounting & Retailing. (I have a Major in Bus. Ad & a minor in Accting) It doesn't make sense to pay for listing somebody elses items, make them pay for that.
posted on November 19, 2002 03:42:17 PM new
For Sanmar......please REREAD my post. I believe I said that I have my clients set up with their own accounts......which translates into, all fees are BILLED to them to THEIR credit card. I agree with you on this: I think there should be SOME fee for taking the photos and listing the item......even if it doesn't sell. I, too, have a BA in business.....when being a TA, I think you have to realize you don't get paid an hourly rate.......you DO invest alot of time. I don't have any investment, however, other than gas to go and take the photos......THANKS for your interest!
