Buddy's Marketing Forum

annj · Thu Jan 25, 2007 5:01 am Reserve price or starting price on EBay

I recently started selling some odds and ends I have aquired at many farm sales on EBay.

My question to those with experience selling on EBay, is it better to have a reserve price, or just use a starting price?

I did notice a few items that I put a reserve on, didn't sell the first time, but I don't want to get burned, and just give it away.

Also, do you add money to your shipping price as a flat rate, or just use the calculated shipping method?

chrisblanks · Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:26 am Re: Reserve price or starting price on EBay

annj wrote: I recently started selling some odds and ends I have aquired at many farm sales on EBay.

My question to those with experience selling on EBay, is it better to have a reserve price, or just use a starting price?

I did notice a few items that I put a reserve on, didn't sell the first time, but I don't want to get burned, and just give it away.

Also, do you add money to your shipping price as a flat rate, or just use the calculated shipping method?

Hello annj, Putting a reserve price on an item is like putting handcuffs on your item. Lots of people look over your item if you use reserve if its not an expensive item because they want to be able to win the bid at the price that is the lowest. When you place a reserve it lets them know that they could be the only bidder on the item but have not met the reserve it is a waste of there time to bid so they find the same item somewhere else that doesnt have a reserve. Now on more expensive items like cars, tv's, computers etc., people know that there getting an expensive item so they tend not to pay much attention to the reserve priced items. I hope this answers your question. Adding money to your shipping depends on the mark up on your item. Its up to you. here is a paypal shipping calculator that will tell you what your fees will be. I hope this helps you. http://www.ppcalc.com

annj · Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:46 pm

Hey thanks Chris,
That does explain better to me, but I have noticed I am getting burned on my shipping and my EBay fees, they are basically eating my profit.
Maybe I start the bid too low, I guess it's just a learning thing.

I have only put a reserve on expensive items, as I just don't want to give them away, ya know?

The calculator helps too, although, some have paid with money order or cashier's check.
Thanks for the info. :D

chrisblanks · Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:41 pm Great

annj wrote: Hey thanks Chris,
That does explain better to me, but I have noticed I am getting burned on my shipping and my EBay fees, they are basically eating my profit.
Maybe I start the bid too low, I guess it's just a learning thing.

I have only put a reserve on expensive items, as I just don't want to give them away, ya know?

The calculator helps too, although, some have paid with money order or cashier's check.
Thanks for the info. :D I am glad it helped I wish you much success in your business.

bandit · Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:43 am

annj

I personally never used a reserve price, because they charge you for it so I just start at the lowest amount I would accept either way I am paying for it.

As far as the fees do not forget about paypal fees also if that is how your are accepting payment that cuts into profit also. I have gotten burned and now I add a few dollars to handling fee to cover shipping supplies and those fees. Nothing outrageous just enough so that I do not lose on the fees.

Theresa

annj · Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:18 am

Theresa,
Yes I have just found that out and somewhere I read reserve price doesn't sell as well as well as a starting price. The last few items (the very expensive china) I added $3 for handling and just used calculated shipping. I am sure it is like all other advertising, alot is also based on description and very good pictures. Thanks for your help.
Ann