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Post by atsfan on Jan 29, 2015 17:44:11 GMT -8
A bit ago there was discussion on selling on ebay and it was posted about listings being free to list and so were relistings. I don't think that is accurate. I was talking with someone who does much on it and he said for a non store you get 50 free listings or relistings each month. I guess if you are a low volume seller that would mean all are free. But it isn't unlimited. I searched and found: pages.ebay.com/help/sell/insertion-fee.html#categories |
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Post by curtmc on Jan 29, 2015 17:54:16 GMT -8
Yes, that's 50 free listings or relistings per month which should be sufficient for those not in the hobby to make money... However for bigger sellers they have large free listing events quite frequently. In fact, back on Jan 22-26 any seller could create up to 1,000 new listings (or relistings) -either auction or fixed price - for free.
Most of those who I have noticed have ridiculous starting bids are small time, under 50 listings, or take advantage of those free listing events... Like the guy currently trying to sell individual Athearn containers for $40 each, 2-packs of Athearn trailers (originally $21.98 MSRP) for $99, and some Athearn HO trucks (originally $19.98 MSRP) for $139...
But then... If he starts landing suckers at those absurd prices I might have to throw a few lines in the water...
Anybody care to throw their money away to me on...
Athearn early RTR SD40-2 Now only $499.95!
Athearn Challenger UP #3985 for only $1299.99
(don't laugh... there's a guy already trying to sell - about 50 times so far - the John Deere Big-Boy for that $1299)
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Jan 29, 2015 18:05:30 GMT -8
I sell sporadically on e-Bay and each and every time I use up a few of the free 50, they give some ridiculous number of additional free listings. Maybe I'm "special", but the free 50 is used to entice the masses to list items. I think e-Bay as a whole is a pile of junk, compared to the sites beginnings when both seller and buyer could actually enjoy their time trading.
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Post by jlwii2000 on Jan 29, 2015 18:21:02 GMT -8
Yes, that's 50 free listings or relistings per month which should be sufficient for those not in the hobby to make money... However for bigger sellers they have large free listing events quite frequently. In fact, back on Jan 22-26 any seller could create up to 1,000 new listings (or relistings) -either auction or fixed price - for free. Most of those who I have noticed have ridiculous starting bids are small time, under 50 listings, or take advantage of those free listing events... Like the guy currently trying to sell individual Athearn containers for $40 each, 2-packs of Athearn trailers (originally $21.98 MSRP) for $99, and some Athearn HO trucks (originally $19.98 MSRP) for $139... But then... If he starts landing suckers at those absurd prices I might have to throw a few lines in the water... Anybody care to throw their money away to me on... Athearn early RTR SD40-2 Now only $499.95! Athearn Challenger UP #3985 for only $1299.99 (don't laugh... there's a guy already trying to sell - about 50 times so far - the John Deere Big-Boy for that $1299) There is a seller called advanced rail systems that's also a hobby shop in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Thier prices are ridiculous, probably some of the ones you mention. They sell stuff they don't even have in stock and they are rude as all heck. They're the spawn of satan! |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Jan 29, 2015 18:32:14 GMT -8
Yes, that's 50 free listings or relistings per month which should be sufficient for those not in the hobby to make money... However for bigger sellers they have large free listing events quite frequently. In fact, back on Jan 22-26 any seller could create up to 1,000 new listings (or relistings) -either auction or fixed price - for free. Most of those who I have noticed have ridiculous starting bids are small time, under 50 listings, or take advantage of those free listing events... Like the guy currently trying to sell individual Athearn containers for $40 each, 2-packs of Athearn trailers (originally $21.98 MSRP) for $99, and some Athearn HO trucks (originally $19.98 MSRP) for $139... But then... If he starts landing suckers at those absurd prices I might have to throw a few lines in the water... Anybody care to throw their money away to me on... Athearn early RTR SD40-2 Now only $499.95! Athearn Challenger UP #3985 for only $1299.99 (don't laugh... there's a guy already trying to sell - about 50 times so far - the John Deere Big-Boy for that $1299) There is a seller called advanced rail systems that's also a hobby shop in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Thier prices are ridiculous, probably some of the ones you mention. They sell stuff they don't even have in stock and they are rude as all heck. They're the spawn of satan! Advanced Rail is one of the opportunistic sellers on e-Bay. Another is Muffy14. When something sells out at the manufacturers the price go's up about 500%. When the Milwaukee Road Skytop was sold out at Walthers the price went from $49.95 to $249.95....for one plastic passenger car. The amazing thing or the sad thing is that those two DO SELL items at those jacked up prices! |
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Post by atsfan on Jan 29, 2015 18:34:46 GMT -8
I sell sporadically on e-Bay and each and every time I use up a few of the free 50, they give some ridiculous number of additional free listings. Maybe I'm "special", but the free 50 is used to entice the masses to list items. I think e-Bay as a whole is a pile of junk, compared to the sites beginnings when both seller and buyer could actually enjoy their time trading. That sounds just a tad pessimistic. The people that I know who use it seem to enjoy themselves and they say so do the vast majority of their buyers. Like anything, there are some bad actors. I ended up with a camera I was looking for at a nice price and in excellent condition. Nowhere else would I have able to do that simply by asking someone to search for it over time. |
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Post by atsfan on Jan 29, 2015 18:38:32 GMT -8
Yes, that's 50 free listings or relistings per month which should be sufficient for those not in the hobby to make money... However for bigger sellers they have large free listing events quite frequently. In fact, back on Jan 22-26 any seller could create up to 1,000 new listings (or relistings) -either auction or fixed price - for free. Most of those who I have noticed have ridiculous starting bids are small time, under 50 listings, or take advantage of those free listing events... Like the guy currently trying to sell individual Athearn containers for $40 each, 2-packs of Athearn trailers (originally $21.98 MSRP) for $99, and some Athearn HO trucks (originally $19.98 MSRP) for $139... But then... If he starts landing suckers at those absurd prices I might have to throw a few lines in the water... Anybody care to throw their money away to me on... Athearn early RTR SD40-2 Now only $499.95! Athearn Challenger UP #3985 for only $1299.99 (don't laugh... there's a guy already trying to sell - about 50 times so far - the John Deere Big-Boy for that $1299) There is a seller called advanced rail systems that's also a hobby shop in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Thier prices are ridiculous, probably some of the ones you mention. They sell stuff they don't even have in stock and they are rude as all heck. They're the spawn of satan! What is their seller name? |
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Post by jlwii2000 on Jan 29, 2015 18:43:39 GMT -8
There is a seller called advanced rail systems that's also a hobby shop in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Thier prices are ridiculous, probably some of the ones you mention. They sell stuff they don't even have in stock and they are rude as all heck. They're the spawn of satan! What is their seller name? advanced_rail_systems |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Jan 31, 2015 12:14:30 GMT -8
Just scheduled three auctions on e-Bay. When I started, I had 50 free listings. After pressing the list your item button, I checked my selling manager page and I now had another offer from e-Bay for 50 additional free listings.
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Post by nebrzephyr on Feb 1, 2015 7:01:09 GMT -8
Kind of depends on your "selling" experiences, as eBay calls it. Free listings can be in the hundreds. Bob
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Post by WP 257 on Feb 2, 2015 21:08:44 GMT -8
Ebay is not as good as it once was for the small time seller like myself.
I actually have purchased items from muffy14 when it was something I had to have. His prices are high, but what I received was honestly represented and safely shipped, so I have no issue with him and would buy again if I had to.
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Post by markfj on Feb 3, 2015 12:17:00 GMT -8
Just wondering how you all handle listing shipping costs. I’m on the fence about listing a few (very few) items on eBay just to give it a try. Do you just put in the USPS flat rate? Sometimes I wish the HO interchange hadn’t gone to Facebook and stayed on Yahoo. I miss that kind of simple buying and selling.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 12:51:35 GMT -8
Just wondering how you all handle listing shipping costs. I’m on the fence about listing a few (very few) items on eBay just to give it a try. Do you just put in the USPS flat rate? Sometimes I wish the HO interchange hadn’t gone to Facebook and stayed on Yahoo. I miss that kind of simple buying and selling. I don't put in any actual USPS rate, I just state in the listing what I will charge. I usually use USPS Priority for simplicity, speed and tracking. I don't want to be weighing items or dealing with distance-based postage. I usually charge about $12 for one loco and $3 for each additional or $6 for one car and $2 each additional. I try to encourage buyers to purchase multiple items. Sometimes I offer a choice, USPS priority or el cheapo USPS. But often Priority Mail is less expensive, except for large items. If you print postage from eBay you get a decent discount from the PO rate. I put the following text near the bottom of each listing (actual text can vary): Items will be shipped within 3 business days after payment has cleared. Shipping to USA, Canada, and Mexico addresses only. Tracking included. (or) Shipping via USPS Priority Mail to USA addresses. Tracking included. I will combine shipping for items bought within 7 days. Please check my other items often as I will be listing more...(etc). Contact me for combined shipping price. I try to come close to my actual shipping costs. For shipping to Canada or Mexico, please ask before bidding. Payment must be received within 7 days of close of auction unless other arrangements have been made. (Note- I send a "reminder" message on the 6th day. If I haven't received payment at the end of the 7th day I open a dispute with eBay, no exceptions) |
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Post by markfj on Feb 3, 2015 14:02:44 GMT -8
Thanks, that will be very helpful if I decide to list anything.
It’s so weird to think that I’ll be selling trains rather than buying them. Seems almost “anti-hobby” in a way. Guess that’s just the collector in me talking.
Thanks, Mark
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 14:12:38 GMT -8
Thanks, that will be very helpful if I decide to list anything. It’s so weird to think that I’ll be selling trains rather than buying them. Seems almost “anti-hobby” in a way. Guess that’s just the collector in me talking. Thanks, Mark The first sale is the hardest (mentally and the real effort). Once you get a "template" set up and see your PayPal account getting fat it becomes easier. |
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Post by cvsne on Feb 4, 2015 5:09:15 GMT -8
Thanks, that will be very helpful if I decide to list anything. It’s so weird to think that I’ll be selling trains rather than buying them. Seems almost “anti-hobby” in a way. Guess that’s just the collector in me talking. Thanks, Mark Mark, I found I was getting so buried in inventory that I enjoyed the hobby less and less. I'd go down the basement, look at the boxes of unstarted models, feel overwhelmed and then head back upstairs and watch tv. Solution was to get rid of a LOT of extra stuff. To get back to the subject of this thread I did sell a fair amount of items on eBay - I didn't relish the experience but I didn't love it either. I also did the Yahoo selling groups - those were somewhat successful - I only had one "failed" sale - the rest were fine. Biggest issue I had with eBay was the large percentage of foreigners who asked if I could ship items to them - although the listing said I was only willing to ship within the U.S. I made one exception and ended up spending almost $55 for shipping alone. In fairness, the buyer paid for it, but still be aware that shipping costs can get you - even more than the eBay listing prices. I live within an easy drive of Timonium, so I've been getting a table or two there and getting rid of the excess - not as much money but a lot less hassle. |
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Post by llxlocomotives on Feb 4, 2015 14:57:25 GMT -8
Shipping of trains can be tricky. Under 13 oz ships anywhere in the US for the same price determined by weight. When you go over 13 oz, the price varies by weight and a distance. The distance is determined by who carries it as well as distance. I ship internationally as well. Under 4 pounds will ship first class international. It is really not that expensive, when you think of how far it is going. When you go over 4 pounds, it has to go priority. The price jumps to a minimum of $40+. Several times, I have split the shipment into two or three packages and saved significant money. I ship all of my items in the US for free. I also give a discount to international shipping. The amount is based on what it would cost to ship the item in the US. Clearly an average shipping cost is included in every item price. I also give a multiple item discount. In the e-bay arena, this approach saves about 10% in fees. The buyer pays nothing for shipping. An international buyer will pay nothing for shipping generally when he buys more than five cars. It is a win-win and I make more at the end of the day. When I'm buying and e seller says they ship fixed rate priority only, I move on. The shipping cost is excessive. I think the break even weight is some where around 25 pounds. More HO train items than you can get in the box. Larry www.llxlocomotives.com |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 15:50:55 GMT -8
Shipping of trains can be tricky. Under 13 oz ships anywhere in the US for the same price determined by weight. When you go over 13 oz, the price varies by weight and a distance. The distance is determined by who carries it as well as distance. I ship internationally as well. Under 4 pounds will ship first class international. It is really not that expensive, when you think of how far it is going. When you go over 4 pounds, it has to go priority. The price jumps to a minimum of $40+. Several times, I have split the shipment into two or three packages and saved significant money. I ship all of my items in the US for free. I also give a discount to international shipping. The amount is based on what it would cost to ship the item in the US. Clearly an average shipping cost is included in every item price. I also give a multiple item discount. In the e-bay arena, this approach saves about 10% in fees. The buyer pays nothing for shipping. An international buyer will pay nothing for shipping generally when he buys more than five cars. It is a win-win and I make more at the end of the day. When I'm buying and e seller says they ship fixed rate priority only, I move on. The shipping cost is excessive. I think the break even weight is some where around 25 pounds. More HO train items than you can get in the box. Larry www.llxlocomotives.comI still like using USPS Priority Mail for most shipments. Typical shipment, one HO scale locomotive from Los Angeles to Louisville: Priority Mail Medium 13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8" box $11.30 when printed from eBay. This includes the box, tape, printed postage & address label, and tracking. No scale or calculating is needed, and it's the same price to Maine. And you can usually get two locos in the box- same price. Standard Post is $9.64 for 24 oz.less than 12" package (no online discount). Add the cost of a box and tracking and you're over the Priority Mail cost. Two locos at ~38 oz. would be $12.78 plus box and tracking. For $15.80 you can get a Priority Medium 12" x 12" x 5-1/2 box that will hold 3 or 4 locos or 6, maybe more, freight cars. For me, the simplicity factor has a monetary value. Not having to buy boxes, wrap, seal, and address, plus I've found (when I offer the option of Priority or Standard Post) many people like Priority because it is usually faster and less damaging. At least people think there is less damage, I have no data on that. Empty boxes can be expensive and I'm not going to save or scrounge and store more than a few used boxes. Even if you list an item as having "feee" shipping, the buyer still pays it as a pass-thru. (I hope most buyers know that) There is no free lunch, or shipping. I generally don't accept shipments out of the USA unless the buyer uses one of those re-mailing services, and they pay the full rate. |
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Post by llxlocomotives on Feb 4, 2015 16:55:18 GMT -8
The post office will give you regular priority boxes for free. You can pick them up at the PO or order them on line. Buying on line postage, a 2 pound package ships for under $9. 17 oz to 32 oz ship for the same cost. Yes you need a scale that is accurate to the pound. A digital one costs about $20. My current one is 15 years old. Today's shipping fees really do not make the parcel post an equivalent. First class and all priority packages go the same way. Express is different, but you wouldn't use that service. I find that offering free shipping has allowed me to make more at a lower starting price. In addition, I get far fewer questions about shipping charges and options. As I said before, it is a win-win for all involved, except possibly e-bay. I can think more in terms of the average cost to ship instead of the specific items. For the buyer the playing field is leveled. In the US it doesn't matter if the buyer is a mile away or 2000 miles. The bid value is the total cost for each, like they were in the same room. It works for me. Larry www.llxlocomotives.com |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 17:28:13 GMT -8
The post office will give you regular priority boxes for free. You can pick them up at the PO or order them on line. Buying on line postage, a 2 pound package ships for under $9. 17 oz to 32 oz ship for the same cost. Yes you need a scale that is accurate to the pound. A digital one costs about $20. My current one is 15 years old. Today's shipping fees really do not make the parcel post an equivalent. First class and all priority packages go the same way. Express is different, but you wouldn't use that service. I find that offering free shipping has allowed me to make more at a lower starting price. In addition, I get far fewer questions about shipping charges and options. As I said before, it is a win-win for all involved, except possibly e-bay. I can think more in terms of the average cost to ship instead of the specific items. For the buyer the playing field is leveled. In theUS it doesn't matter if the buyer is a mile away or 2000 miles. The bid value is the total cost for each, like they were in the same room. It works for me. Larry www.llxlocomotives.comThe free Priority boxes are for Priority Mail only. you can't use them for Standard Post. I'm looking at the USPS website right now, a 2 pound box L.A. to Louisville is $9.64, no online price available. How do you get a discount? A box can cost $2 plus tracking so your over the $11.30 Priority box price (which can hold up to 20 or more pounds at the same price). When I sell some more stuff in the coming weeks, I'll list some with "free" shipping, and I'll see how it goes. If my shipping price is within a couple bucks of the Priority rate I'll ship Priority, the buyer will think he's golden. |
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Post by atsfan on Feb 4, 2015 18:53:03 GMT -8
USPS shipping works very well.
UPS rates are astronomical.
A hint is, open the priority box up and tape it together inside out.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 18:59:52 GMT -8
USPS shipping works very well. UPS rates are astronomical. A hint is, open the priority box up and tape it together inside out. You can't do that, the boxes are printed "USPS Priority Mail" all over the insides. Maybe they weren't in the eary days, but they caught on. |
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Post by llxlocomotives on Feb 4, 2015 19:06:54 GMT -8
Google USPS postal rates it will take you to the USPS site where you can buy and print your postage. It gives both the standard and online prices. Obviously if you buy it on line you get the on line price. From Indy to Irvine is $10.55 standard for 2 pounds $8.98 on line. I do not have the zip code for LA or Louisville handy. Remember, you can get priority boxes in several sizes from USPS for free. You can order 12 at a time and they will deliver them to your address for no cost. Because they are free, they frown on using for regular mail.
I have to be concerned about $1.57 per package.
Yes, I buy the boxes I used for first class. They are the white indestructible mailers that you can get for 40 to 50 cents per hundred. The box weight saves about half that cost. Obviously you have to have a need for that many boxes. For one to ten packages it doesn't make much difference, For 30 packages a week it adds up.
You should not be paying for tracking. It has come free with priority for several years and recently they added it to first class packages. The competition provides tracking as part of the price, so they are as well.
Good luck,
Larry
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Post by atsfan on Feb 4, 2015 19:22:25 GMT -8
USPS shipping works very well. UPS rates are astronomical. A hint is, open the priority box up and tape it together inside out. You can't do that, the boxes are printed "USPS Priority Mail" all over the insides. Maybe they weren't in the eary days, but they caught on. Oh well Another way is to cover the box with brown shipping paper. Not that I do this I usually just pay for priority since it is worth it. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 21:21:49 GMT -8
Google USPS postal rates it will take you to the USPS site where you can buy and print your postage. It gives both the standard and online prices. Obviously if you buy it on line you get the on line price. From Indy to Irvine is $10.55 standard for 2 pounds $8.98 on line. I do not have the zip code for LA or Louisville handy. Remember, you can get priority boxes in several sizes from USPS for free. You can order 12 at a time and they will deliver them to your address for no cost. Because they are free, they frown on using for regular mail. I have to be concerned about $1.57 per package. Yes, I buy the boxes I used for first class. They are the white indestructible mailers that you can get for 40 to 50 cents per hundred. The box weight saves about half that cost. Obviously you have to have a need for that many boxes. For one to ten packages it doesn't make much difference, For 30 packages a week it adds up. You should not be paying for tracking. It has come free with priority for several years and recently they added it to first class packages. The competition provides tracking as part of the price, so they are as well. Good luck, Larry Yes, I know that Priority Mail includes free boxes and tracking. That is part of my point that Priority can be a cost-effective alternative to Standard Post.. |
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Post by markfj on Feb 7, 2015 18:12:10 GMT -8
Hello Group, Just wanted to post an update on my eBay efforts: I listed a couple items today and already got my first bid!  It was actually very easy to create a listing and include photos. I even listed a couple Revell airplane kits that have been sitting in the closet for years. By the way, the first item to get a bid was a NIB Athearn GP35 in Reading listed at $60. I thought that was too high, but obviously I was wrong.  Thanks again to all for you advice and encouragement! Mark |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Feb 7, 2015 19:20:14 GMT -8
Hello Group, Just wanted to post an update on my eBay efforts: I listed a couple items today and already got my first bid! It was actually very easy to create a listing and include photos. I even listed a couple Revell airplane kits that have been sitting in the closet for years. By the way, the first item to get a bid was a NIB Athearn GP35 in Reading listed at $60. I thought that was too high, but obviously I was wrong. Thanks again to all for you advice and encouragement! Mark Very good Grasshopper!  |
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Post by WP 257 on Feb 7, 2015 19:46:05 GMT -8
Hey Mark--
Reading sells--especially once no longer available in most stores. I'd call $60 a good starting point--not too high and not too greedy.
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Feb 7, 2015 20:50:45 GMT -8
Hello Group, Just wanted to post an update on my eBay efforts: I listed a couple items today and already got my first bid! It was actually very easy to create a listing and include photos. I even listed a couple Revell airplane kits that have been sitting in the closet for years. By the way, the first item to get a bid was a NIB Athearn GP35 in Reading listed at $60. I thought that was too high, but obviously I was wrong. Thanks again to all for you advice and encouragement! Mark Allow me to offer some suggestions: 1. More photos - you get 12.....use 'em! Shots of both sides outside of the box. Front, back and roof too. This way, some yahoo can't come back at you and say something is broken, misrepresented, etc. Got to cover 'yo fanny when your selling on e-Bay. There are a few scum bag buyers that will extort you or at least try. 2. Lighting. Need more light to illuminate the model. See 12 photos and scum bags. 3. Text is okay. I'd use larger lettering and add color. Highlight defects especially. Many look at the photos and do not read. I found this out when someone told me they view e-Bay on their smart phone and to read the text portion of the listing they need to open another window or something and it slows down the phone. Still if you spell out everything and you seem to have done just that, you shouldn't have to worry about said scum bags. 4. Don't shoot a photo with the choo-choo still in the box. The box is in focus.....the train isn't. They are buying the train, the box just comes with said train. 5. If you don't exclude locations, like Canada and Mexico, some from these low....cals will just bid and then you get to sort out the shipping. I've had some in the past try to pay immediately and get me to eat a portion or all of the shipping. Burn me once, shame on you....burn me twice, shame on me. I exclude every location other than P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO and U.S. protectorates(aka Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.). I'd rather loose a few extra cents from a bid from out of the county than take the double ding from Paypal for foreign transactions. Plus the increased postage, which I get zipped by e-Bay and the double ding from Paypal. Was taking that foreign bid for a buck over the U.S. bidder worth it? Mathematically, heck no and when it comes to money, math is all that counts. Other than that looks good to me. Attractive model! |
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Post by markfj on Feb 8, 2015 6:53:40 GMT -8
Jim , thanks very much for your comments and suggestions! I agree with all you said and will edit my future listings accordingly. Regarding the lighting; ugh… I had every light on, shot on a white background, and still got shadows.  When I shinned the light directly on the item it got so much glare that you couldn’t see what was being photographed. Using flash was worse and all the advice I read online said "NO FLASH" in bold. Oh, I didn’t want to remove the locomotives that were still in sealed boxes. Saw that others photographed the “quality seal” to show the item wasn’t opened. The GP35 box didn’t have seals, so I removed it. Was actually surprised to see how the plastic clamshell packaging wore away the paint. Guess that’s why many manufactures cover the models with plastic film before closing the clamshell around it. Thanks, Mark |
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When I shinned the light directly on the item it got so much glare that you couldn’t see what was being photographed. Using flash was worse and all the advice I read online said "NO FLASH" in bold.