So. Trying this eBay thing. Again.
I have sold on eBay in the past and I have become discouraged. People don’t seem to realize what they are buying [at times], and some will try to get something for nothing.
I like to sell new items I have purchased and don’t want but I also sell a lot of previously used, second hand or vintage items. I keep my things very clean and organized, each item was either hoped-to-be-loved or previously-loved and cared for. Some people seem to think that I am a factory of brand new “vintage” or “used” items”. I am selling things, literally, from my closet.
I have had a lot of fantastic customers on both eBay and Etsy in the past but it’s the one or two true a-hole ones that really frosted my flakes the last time I did this. One woman tried to get something for free and another complained about an odour from a VINTAGE 80’s Coach purse that cost her a whole $10.00 (minus shipping costs). I paid 8x that amount when I first bought that bag on Etsy, it has always had a smell but its leather and age, not smoke as she so stated in the feedback area. It was in excellent condition with no signs of misuse, stains, or even wear or tear. I know you can’t please everyone but it literally made me cry when a review was left stating the purse smelled so bad that she could not even use it. It’s a beautiful purse and [after shipping costs] I pretty much gave it away.
For some insane reason I am at it again. Trying to sell some purses and clothes on eBay. Heaven help me. I want so desperately to downsize my stuff. I simply have too much stuff. I have entirely too many purses, most of which I do not use anymore. I have lots of clothes I do not wear. I have leftover handmade and vintage pieces from my Etsy shop I could throw up for auction. So far I only have 3 items up for sale but it’s a start. I am trying to be really careful so as to not screw myself in shipping. I always undercharge because I want to give my customers a deal but I have learned that is not a good idea at all. Now that I have shipped out various items to various parts of the world I know a lot better. I also promise that if your shipping ends up being less than originally quoted that I will refund the difference immediately after shipping. No one else does that (that I have seen). Granted, it’s not often it happens but when it does I like to give back.
I am trying to save money to move (AGAIN) so I need all the help I can get and if I can lighten my load along the way that’s awesome.
I suppose my point in all of this is I’m back on eBay, I am excited but I am also very nervous. It can be really fun but it also has the ability to make me break down in tears, frustration, and a hatred for online retail, or retail at all. I am not asking for pity or for you to even shop on my eBay.
I am asking you to realize that when you buy off of Etsy or eBay or any other handmade/vintage/pre-owned site, you are [usually] buying from a person or a small company. That person and/or small company has put a lot of thought and effort into their shop, taking photos, writing descriptions, and offering you something you like and want. If you want brand-new out-of-the-factory quality then buy it brand new and out-of-the-factory.
A huge thank you to those of you who do shop smart and those of you that have been so wonderful that you make selling a pleasure.
For now, I wish you happy shopping. Let’s hope eBay doesn’t make me cry…again… I will [try] to keep you posted (pun intended!).
Wish me luck and STaY GRooVY my friends!
iDREAMinViNTAGE 