Do you know about eBay?

_RaT_ · Mar 19, 2004

Wow, great advice guys. I really appreciate it. The item will be shipping via truck and I think it would need a wood crate built for it. I will weigh it, it takes to people to move it not only because of the weight, but because of the awkwardness. With guns sticking out, horse tails etc., it's a beast. It's about 27"H X 27"W X 24"D. Great points on how to list it. I have only quickly dabbled on eBay to see what it is. I think it is certainly an incredible way to connect. By the way, who pays eBay?

RobS · Mar 19, 2004

As it is a collectible you are selling, be sure to mention the condition and be VERY honest and accurate. If there are any flaws mention them and perhaps take pictures. The value of antiques and collectibles is very dependant on the condition and the bidders will want to know.

If you are not comfortable evaluating the condition either state that or perhaps pay an indepandant appraiser to make a statement on your behalf (this assumes the piece is quite valuable).

I've never sold on Ebay but I have bought a number of items. Nothing irks me more than to receive an item in worse condition than what the seller indicated. I bought an item last year after e-mailing the seller about the condition. He had photos of all but one side of the piece and it turns out that side had an obvious defect. I still would have bought it knowing that but I was fuming at not knowing it. I left him poor feedback after some e-mails back and forth. The transaction soured me as a buyer yet all would have been fine had be been honest up-front /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

_RaT_ · Mar 19, 2004

Rob, you are right on here and quite frankly, I have no clue if it's worth $100 or 4.5 million, well, no, I know it's not worth that, but the original is. This is one of many copies I would imagine. I should think your right but need to find out how and who could help establish a price. I will take a bunch of pictures as the digital camera I have makes it so easy and quick. Thanks for the pointer. Rat.

RanchMan · Mar 19, 2004

In addition to the good advice above, some info directly from ebay. They have a multimedia tutorial at the end of the page. Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Selling on Ebay

Hakim · Mar 19, 2004

RaT,

You need to be very careful about the packing. Make sure you include all of the crating, packing and shipping costs. If it is going to go by truck, then the buyer (receiving end) probably may need a forklift to get it off the truck...issues like these.

You might consider going to a local gallery or museum that deals in heavy sculptures, and ask them specifically how they ship items like this around. Maybe a Google search will turn up more info.

You will need to make a clear statement like "Buyer pays all freight costs." But, you'll need to have some approximation of that cost, or probably no one will bid. I do not know how much the item is "worth." If it is thousands, then other issues arise about making sure 1) you get paid in valid funds; and 2) they do not later do a charge back.

You might want to start out selling some lesser items on EBay, just to get the hang of it. Even with sales of more than 100 items on EBay, including some that weigh up to nearly 100 pounds, I myself would be somewhat wary of this item you have. It can be done, but I am not sure it is wise to make it your very first item. Try to get some experienced hand to lend some assistance. Come back here and ask more questions.

Who pays? You do. There are fixed fees for the listing, and extra fees for "Buy it Now" and other little things. It will be automatically deducted right after the auction. You put up a credit card number or PayPal account, or something like that. The fees are reasonable, IMO.

BillG_in_TX · Mar 19, 2004

( have no clue if it's worth $100 or 4.5 million )

RaT,

If you look at the eBay auction ronjhall points to (above), you will see a bronze that sounds exactly like the one you describe. The seller has set a minimum of $6000, but says "I have had one gallery appraise the sculpture at around $30,000."

Sounds like an awfully valuable piece for your first eBay auction. Why not check with a local gallery and see what they can do for you?

Gatorboy · Mar 19, 2004

( Now we just start every auction at 1.00 with no reserve for some reason people bid like crazy on stuff when it is priced like this to start with )

Everything I ever sell on eBay I do the same thing -- start the bidding really low. What this does is get people putting in bids at low prices to start, but as others find your auction, they see that the item has many bids. They then think, "boy, this must be a good thing to bid on". When you start the bidding high and only get 1 or 2 bids, other people aren't likely to think it's a good deal from the lack of bids.

gws · Mar 19, 2004

I personally would recomend making your first sell a $6000 item. First your feedback is going to be zero your going to look like a new user and open to all sorts of scams and people would be leary to buy from someone with no feedback.

Junkman · Mar 19, 2004

PineRidge..... you have never ask me what I sell on eBay or my eBay handle..... I am offended and will never post to you again!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Junkmann2

PineRidge · Mar 20, 2004

Junkman I saw an earlier post where you had mentioned your eBay handle. I actually check on your auctions quite frequently.

However I am in total agreement with Ralph Nader, so I would have no need for vintage Corvair parts at this point in my life. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I also must admit that when I was younger I did work out of a Corvair truck doing HVAC service. I remember how that great piece of Chevy engineering would always wait for a heavy downpour to throw that gigantic belt off the engine. Then you had to completely unload the back of the van in the rain to get to the blasted engine to get the belt reinstalled. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif