I recently auctioned off my Samsung Blackjack II, which I had used for a short period of time. After posting a glamorous auction page, and a itty-bitty return policy, I had sold it within a few hours. Three days later, a packaged arrived and it was, indeed, a return. Long story short, a dispute was filed, and (as it usually happens), I lost the case. SELLERS: PayPal has no mercy on you!
This post is written with reason, and experience. They say the best way to learn is from your mistakes, and...I have. I hope that any of you who read this will take this advice and apply it when selling online, whether it be Craig's List, eBay, or the Facebook Marketplace (yes, it exists). Selling online is an easy way of making a little money on the side and can be a hobby, too!
Selling Online - 5 Quick tips
1.
Be honest. Buyers are already weary about purchasing online, so the last thing they want is an item with a scratch on it that was originally claimed in "perfect" condition. Give a clear item description so that there is no dispute about what the buyer expected.
2.
State a specific return policy (e.g. "Postmarked within three days of receving the item"). Make sure to include one so that potential buyers feel confident in purchasing with you. Note: On Craig's List it's assumed that if the buyer doesn't want it, they will just refuse it at the meeting point.
3.
Be cautious. If you are selling on eBay, you have the right to refuse selling something to a buyer who has a less than great feedback record. Find out if they have been complained about in the past, and for what reasons. There are scammers out there, you know!
4.
Do your research. Find out what the price point is for the item you are selling. Specifically, electronic items lose value quickly; just because you spent $300 on your item two months ago doesn't mean it's still worth as much. There's not really a mathematical equation for this either, so check out what the demand for the item is and what others are selling it for.
5.
Contact your buyer. Make sure you are constantly checking your email (or phone) to see if the buyer has any questions or concerns. This will make for a smooth and friendly transaction. Thank the buyer, and invite them back to doing business with you.
All set! Now, go digging for that old jewelry box your aunt gave you...who knows? Maybe someone out there is dying to have it!
Love, me.
