Whether it is for selling or for buying...
How has your experience been with ebay?
Thanks
12821
I love Meganne's 'novel' as she called it. I think she would be called a 'power' ebay user. My sister and brother-in-law have the e-bay thing down to a fine science. They don't bid on anything they want until the last few seconds either. My brother-in-law buys car parts for muscle cars that he restores and he uses a stop watch when placing his last minute bids. It is amazing to me to watch those 'power' ebay users in action.
My sister buys embroidery design sets, fabric and cross stitch kits on ebay all the time.
Good luck to you.
Marcelle
http://embroideryavenue.com/
http://embroidery.gotop100.com/
1 comment
6340Ebay is the first place I look for any item I need to purchase.
99.9% have been great transactions and I buy from all over the world, even bought some amber ear rings and a ring from Russia. Bought beautiful Sari trims from India, vintage Singer machine attachments from the USA and England and many gorgeous porcelain collectables from England too, OH, and a clock and a whistling kettle from England too.
I have bought a leather lounge suite; solid timber bedroom furniture; timber and vintage display china cabinet and a cocktail cabinet; display wall units; floor/standard lamps; coffee & hall tables.....
in fact, Possum Lodge is filled with furniture purchased in the last 8 months from Ebay, including my new gas upright stove and breakfast bar stools.
We decided it was time to get rid of 'his' and 'mine' and buy 'OURS' and for the most part what we have bought has been exceptional quality, including the lovely drop-front desk I am sitting at now and my fantastic Toshiba Tecra S2 laptop I am working from.
Let's see, what else have I purchased over the years, SAS shoes from the USA, many, many embroidery machine attachments; hoops; craft items and tools; Michael Miller fabrics, about 50 x 1/2 yd lots; moda quilt squares; a gorgeous quilt kit; dozens of vintage, out of print, books; Curel moisture lotion; rechargeable batteries; watches; jewellery; handbags; brand advert baseball caps; perfumes; men's toiletries; vintage bake-ware; vintage lace and lace panels; tea-pots; animal flea control products; pedometers; replacement Chef mixing bowl; Kewpie tea-set; dolls, dolls and more dolls; Shirley Temple original from New Zealand; Fabric paints; Hot-fix crystals; stop-barking dog collar; kitchen sink plugs; collectable pin cushions and fabric bird third hand; wigs; pattern books; crystal ware; paintings; ceramic roses; Rhino Horn Chop Sticks; computer keyboard, usb sticks & spare parts; bowling balls ...
Heavens! I have 351 + transactions and most of them are purchases, though I have sold a few items too. I guess you could say I am an Ebay devotee. LOL!!!
I have had several disappointments, mostly from sellers whose packing leaves much to be desired and when the goods arrive broken they argue the point, now I always pay for registered post on breakable items.
I had one item, the Kenwood Chef milk-glass bowl, that arrived all chipped around the top and the cut-out in the base was all smashed, but it had not happened in transit as there was no glass chards in the packaging. It had been listed as "Excellent condition", which it obviously was NOT, I had paid top price and Paypal did NOTHING for me except to say, send it back for a refund, but I would have been out of pocket $45 for the postage and this, I considered, was less than satisfactory.
The chopsticks I purchased were in a box, but the box was just placed in a huge plastic post bag, with no packing material, so the box was totally unprotected and free to move around inside the over-sized bag. When it arrived, the box was cracked along all the seams and one of the chopstick was broken in two places, again Paypal was a paper tiger and I was so upset as I had always wanted a SPECIAL pair of chopsticks and these were gorgeous with silver filigree ends.
To this day I have not been able to get anything to successfully mend the breaks, so I can't use them.
The one strange thing I have found is that all my bad experiences were with sellers from Queensland, so I stopped purchasing things from Queensland sellers.
So there you have it!
Yes I use Ebay extensively and I'm currently looking for, and bidding on, 6 vintage style dining chairs to go with the beautiful dining table I was given recently.
My biggest complaint is unreasonable postage charges.
Sellers, who overcharge for postage, are usually quite indignant and very rude if you write and query their price for postage. They just don't seem to have the brains to realise that if they charged the correct price for postage they would have a better chance of selling their items, that purchasers are NOT stupid and anyone can access the postage calculators of different countries to work out what things should cost to post from one country to another.
Sorry about the novel, but you didn't elaborate on how much info you wanted. hehehehehehehe!!!!
Hugs and roses, Meganne
5 comments
by stitchship
09 Jul 2011
Another comment... I am so glad that you mentioned buying from other countries without problems. I've wondered about that. How do you protect yourself from ending up with a cheap imitation?
by meganne
09 Jul 2011
I only buy from Sellers with high volume of transactions and 100% feedback. Definitely no less than 99.5%.
Always check their feedback history, if there are any negatives or neutral, then you can click on them and see the comments from the buyer.
If the seller has only a couple of negatives, and those negatives are from buyers with very low transaction count, or they may have even dropped out of Ebay altogether, then I give the seller the benefit of the doubt, because most newbies have very little idea of how it all works and they are often impatient, don't allow time for the delivery process, etc., etc.
Admittedly there are some really crooked sellers, who sell damaged goods using stock photo's or poor quality photo's and some of them get away with it.
If you can't see the item clearly in the photo on Ebay, write and ask the seller to email you some close up photo's and don't be afraid to ask for specific shots, if they are genuine they will eagerly oblige, if not they often will make excuses why they can't, or they just won't answer you.
You sometimes have to go with your instincts though, because not everyone is a photographer.
I once bought a timber desk from a very poor photograph, for 99c. But unlike many buyers who probably looked at the photo and saw rubbish, we went in person and looked at it, it was a magnificent, large, solid timber partners desk in immaculate condition but in a very difficult spot to get a good photo of it. On the same day we viewed one that looked fantastic in the photo's, but when we inspected it, it was in a most dilapidated state of disrepair, it sold for over $400 and I reckon the winning bidder would have been grossly disappointed, if not downright furious, at being so cleverly deceived by good photography.
Trust your instincts and "If in doubt, don't!"
Don't rush in and bid on the item you want, and keep raising your bid each time someone else outbids you.
Set yourself a price you are prepared to pay for the article, stick to that price, wait until the last 20 seconds before the closing time, then place your bid (but not if you are on dial up).
Don't worry if you miss out because buying on Ebay is like catching a bus, if you miss out the first time, there'll be another one along shortly and with Ebay the next one might be better quality and might sell for less.
Whatever you do, don't get caught up in a bidding war where the other bidders have low transaction counts, they have not yet learnt the best way to purchase on Ebay and all they do is push the price up. Sometimes these newbies may even be friends of the seller who may have asked them to do it deliberately, but mostly, it is inexperience.
I hope some of this helps you. I rarely miss out on an item once I decide that it's the one I want. But I do follow the advice I have given you.
Hugs, Meg
by stitchship
10 Jul 2011
Goodness! You are amazing! Again thank you so much! I know now who is a great teacher!
I love how you put it, that it is like catching a bus! I guess you are so right! Thanks again.
122864I sold a few designs on ebay but found it to be a lot of trouble to create a good presentation for the products. I have heard that businesses should keep at least 1 item on ebay for sale all the time just for the advertising you get from it. The advice was that ebay is very cheap advertising for any business. I probably should do it all the time but just thinking about all the work involved getting the presentation ready for 1 item makes me feel tired. I could spend all that time doing a lot of more enjoyable productive things. The designs I sold there all went very smoothly. Absolutely no problems at all. One embroidery shop even gave a message for the Mardi Gras set that she bought that 'love these designs' which did give me a good feeling. I also made several sales from my website after they purchased from me on ebay so the advertising part does work.
I would certainly say that it is OK if you have the time to spend on it. Be sure to get your paypal account 'verified' so buyers can feel good about purchasing from you. Good customer service is essential too.
Please let us know if you decide to go for it. I will be curious.
Marcelle
http://embroideryavenue.com/
http://embroidery.gotop100.com/
1 comment
6340I have been a member of ebay for a few years, I have purchased yarn, fabric, sewing patterns, embroidery designs, stabilizer, fabric markers, zippers (100) embroidery thread, and have never been disappointed. The only thing I ever purchased that I was not totally happy with was some solar rechargable batteries. Other than that it has been really a fun experience. Just watch those shipping charges....if you don't watch you will end up paying more shipping than you would have spent in gas to go by the product! Happened to me once, but that was my mistake!
1 comment
1795I just got an order of Twister Tweed Thread today, great price, fast shipping really a nice person to deal with. Got my order in only 3 days can't ask for better. Maybe it would be a good idea to let people on CUTIES know who the good sellers on EBAY are so we know a good place to order our supplies from. The name of this dealer is Sewingthreadsrus.
1 comment
by stitchship
09 Jul 2011
I think that is a good idea. I don't think is would be good to have a list of bad sellers. But a list of recommended sellers sounds great!
8951
8073I've never sold anything on Ebay, but my brother has and no problems.
I have bought off of Ebay. When I first started doing mach. emb. I got my first pkg of thread (100 spools) and a roll of stabilizer.
I had never bought anything off there before, but I definitely looked at the feedback rate, etc. Still took a bit to buy the first time as I was a bit nervous buying on there, but everything turned out OK and got my items and in a timely manner.
1 comment
38558Stitchship, what has your experience been with them Good or bad?
Bev
1 comment
67271Ebay has been good for me both selling and buying.
Biggest thing I find, is so many people try to charge you way to much for shipping. I sell online and ship several times a week, so I know what shipping should be. I contacted someone to see if they would lower the shipping rates, and they wouldn't so I told them to keep their items. Most people are fair on Ebay.
1 comment
17488I love ebay. I love it for selling and buying. I have had great experience with ebay.
1 comment
52685I love ebay. You can find some really good deals there. Like alot of others have said, just be careful on what you pay. Do your homework, check out the seller, etc. I have bought fabric, bread maker, stones for jewelry making, emb designs. I have never had a problem and also use my paypal acct. I am also a huge fan of Amazon. I go back and forth for the best deals. Carol
1 comment
12165I really like ebay. Just this month i have made 6 purchases. i have found great deals on fabric,machine embroidery items etc. I have even bought buttons from China with free shipping for as low as 7 cents up to 1 dollar. I like the buy it nows or the free shipping items. There is always something on ebay worth looking into. I'm a fan. My sons also shop there with good results. I have never sold anything there.
Bev
1 comment
67271I have purchased embroidery designs thru ebay...just be careful, I did have a bad experience with one dealer, most are ok.
1 comment
21593I was just recently at a tupperware party and the item I wanted to purchase was only for a hostess. I did not want to have a party so I went on ebay and was able to get the veggie twister for $1.75 plus $2.50 shipping. I have purchased with our paypal account and have had no problems. Great site when looking for something you cannot find in stores.
1 comment
4550I have had great experiences on Ebay both buying and selling. You just have to be aware of what your buying and check out who you are buying from.
Good luck.
1 comment
499I have been buying and selling on ebay for many years! Had a couple of not so good things before ebay got into settling things better. Always use Paypal for it, gives more protection. I have 100% feedback with 1025 transactions. I only quit selling because of going to the post office, too much hassle.
When I see something on QVC that I love I go look on ebay for the exact item and a lot of the times I find it at a really good price.
1 comment
33580I have used Ebay to purchase several items, since I got into machine embroidery. I always used PayPal and have never been dissatisfied with my purchases. If one researches and knows prices before buying, you can come across some great bargains. Also, if you do not know comparative prices for item you are looking at, you can pay TOO much! I have never sold anything via Ebay, but am considering it.
Angel
1 comment
12500I use the UK E-bay and got hooked lol. great bargains out there and look at ratings of sellers.
Pay with pay pal to be able to get money back if necessary or I have sold some big items cash on delivery what has worked well as the person can first see the item. Take care to build up a good rating for yourself. Good luck.
2 comments
by stitchship
09 Jul 2011
Cash on Delivery? I don't know if we have that here in the States. Thank you!
by asterixsew
09 Jul 2011
In the UK if you are buying and you can collect then this applies. I check www.localbargainfinders.co.uk out daily for my area and my daughters. I have just bought them a great garden bench to seat 3. They will pay for it as they collect it. I am having to remind them to collect quickly... but that is another story. I sold a chair this way and added a chaise lounge as I needed the space
57801I've been a devout fan of ebay for over 10 years. I started with cross stitch designs, then plastic canvas books, now quilting books and notions. In the 100's of dealings I have had there was only 1 bad instance and ebay refunded my money. Even then it was only $9. but hey $9 is $9 and that means another book. If you want to deal with them just check out the sellers feed back and their % of happy customers and you should do fine......
1 comment
by stitchship
09 Jul 2011
I am so glad that you have had only one bad experience. I hope that it stays like that.
17161I have always had good luck on E Bay. Most sellers and buyers are honest. Suzanne
1 comment
111375We have had mostly good experiences on ebay. You have to do your research, and read their feedback, if you are buying especially. They changed how you can leave feedback so its harder to leave a negative feedback score, but can still leave a comment that tells what really happened in a very short phrase. If they have complaints, look for responses from the seller, if there are none to explain what happened DO NOT buy from them. The buyer usually has a good point. Also be cautious of buyers with low scores especially if they have negative feedback. And never send something without receiving payment first. I sold something on-line and was very fortunate to not send before payment as I would have been out. I had a bidder bid very high, no communication and not payment. Contacted ebay, and had them blocked. I think in the end e-bay shut them down. They can try to open a new account but if ebay detects its coming from the same IP address they will deny them usually. I gave them every chance to respond and back out properly, so I could sell it to the next highest bidder. No response ever.
1 comment
22354I have had good and bad experiences in buying off ebay. A couple of times I got took and never received the merchandise. That was before they had their money back guarantee. I do not go there too much unless it is to check on pricing. I have never sold anything on ebay. Maybe I should give it a try!! Hugs, Mary
1 comment
33871I work with a lady and she does really well selling on ebay. Devon
1 comment
72397About 2 years ago I sold many of the kids stuff there but nowerdays there are so many professionell sellers and the goal of ebay here in Germany is to be a plattform for commercial sellers.
The other thing is that some customers are so niggling that I have always the fear that I loose sight of a little blot and then get a bad rating or have to retract and pay for the postal rate (although you sometimes did not get more than on a flea market).
Use it nowerdays when I wanna have a price comparison before buying something ;o)
Greetings, Bettina
1 comment
33986I both buy and sell on ebay. What are you thinking of? BUT the bit of ebay that I use is the UK bit so I cannot comment on the USA version
1 comment
by stitchship
09 Jul 2011
Oh, I am wondering what people think of it. Have they been burned on ebay?
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