Real cost to sell on eBay
03-20-18 | 09:32 AM
#51
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Here's an example of a seller charging way too much for shipping and as a result, leaving $$ on the table. $17 to ship to me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sugino-VP-1...AAAOSwl2Fak1Sc
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Last edited by wrk101; 03-20-18 at 09:48 AM.
03-20-18 | 09:41 AM
#52
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
[MENTION=6981]miamijim[/MENTION] and [MENTION=109949]wrk101[/MENTION]. Great details, sounds like you guys have your ops fine tuned. Although it may be many years if I part with anything, it's interesting to hear details from those that sell often as that is the type of seller I would strive to be. Just wanna say Thank You for sharing!
A lot of people assume eBay is just a hobby where you make a few dollars here and there. It can be much more than that, and if you have "buying disorder". its a critical part of avoiding becoming a hoarder. Its taken me a while to develop outlets for my oddball finds. While many have published details on how to find stuff, there is less information on how to get maximum return for your finds.
I've learned a lot from miamijim over the years.
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
03-20-18 | 10:16 AM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,136
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Bikes: Mongoose Crossway, Bianchi Grizzly, Cannondale F700,
Yes. I cut up a priority mail box, fold it to fit around the drive side crank, tape the non-drive arm to it. Put it in a tyvex priority mail envelope, and slide it in.
Here's an example of a seller charging way too much for shipping and as a result, leaving $$ on the table. $17 to ship to me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sugino-VP-1...AAAOSwl2Fak1Sc
Here's an example of a seller charging way too much for shipping and as a result, leaving $$ on the table. $17 to ship to me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sugino-VP-1...AAAOSwl2Fak1Sc
And that kind of stuff can get bumped around.
The more I look at that listing the more I think forcing that into a flat rate envelope is a bit much. Glad you can do it.
Last edited by StarBiker; 03-20-18 at 10:39 AM.
03-20-18 | 11:23 AM
#54
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,684
Likes: 6,390
A crank and NDS arm will fit in a padded flat rate envelope, easy. I've done it a bunch of times. Not sure I could also fit a BB in there with some padding, but I'd be willing to give it a try. I don't use a cardboard liner, instead use Tyvek and shrink wrap.
Never had a problem.
Never had a problem.
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03-20-18 | 06:20 PM
#55
Shop Dog Cycle
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 906
Likes: 32
From: Neenah, WI
I've been shipping cranksets with rings in regular Flat Rate Envelopes. With good padding and some tape on the outside it's worked great.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
03-20-18 | 08:03 PM
#56
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,973
Likes: 145
From: Tampa, Florida
I've been shipping cranksets with rings in regular Flat Rate Envelopes. With good padding and some tape on the outside it's worked great.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
FRE: Flat rate Envelope
FRB: Flat rate box
Below are a few typical questions and answers:
Q. Is tape allowed?
A. Yes, tape is allowed on the seams and flaps of an FRE or FRB. Tape is allowed to reinforce the flaps of an FRE within its normal folds and of course to properly close a FRB.
Q. How much tape is acceptable?
A. Tape is permissible as reinforcement on the seams and flaps of a FRE or FRB to make sure the container does not break open during processing and transit. However, tape should not “encase” the FRE or FRB. Note that if a customer is using a printed Click-N-Ship® label or PC Postage Vendor label, extra tape is allowed to properly attach it to the envelope or box.
Q. What about bulges?
A. As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if the FRE is too thick?
A. There is currently no maximum thickness for a FRE. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if the FRE is stuffed so full that it’s shaped like a cylinder?
A. As long as the FRE can close within its normal folds, and as long as the sides of the FRE haven’t been reconstructed, for example by being slit and having a gusset inserted, it is fine. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if a skillet is packed in an FRB and the handle sticks out?
A. A small bump-out of the box is okay, but if the handle actually sticks out of the box or the box is reconfigured to accommodate the skillet, it cannot be considered as a FRB.
Q. Is tape allowed?
A. Yes, tape is allowed on the seams and flaps of an FRE or FRB. Tape is allowed to reinforce the flaps of an FRE within its normal folds and of course to properly close a FRB.
Q. How much tape is acceptable?
A. Tape is permissible as reinforcement on the seams and flaps of a FRE or FRB to make sure the container does not break open during processing and transit. However, tape should not “encase” the FRE or FRB. Note that if a customer is using a printed Click-N-Ship® label or PC Postage Vendor label, extra tape is allowed to properly attach it to the envelope or box.
Q. What about bulges?
A. As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if the FRE is too thick?
A. There is currently no maximum thickness for a FRE. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if the FRE is stuffed so full that it’s shaped like a cylinder?
A. As long as the FRE can close within its normal folds, and as long as the sides of the FRE haven’t been reconstructed, for example by being slit and having a gusset inserted, it is fine. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
Q. What if a skillet is packed in an FRB and the handle sticks out?
A. A small bump-out of the box is okay, but if the handle actually sticks out of the box or the box is reconfigured to accommodate the skillet, it cannot be considered as a FRB.
03-20-18 | 08:42 PM
#57
Shop Dog Cycle
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 906
Likes: 32
From: Neenah, WI
Interesting. I've never 'encased' a FRE but have wrapped them in tape horizontally and vertically with no issues.
Almost every bike part I ship thats over 16oz is wrapped in foam or bubble wrap and shipped in a FRE.
Almost every bike part I ship thats over 16oz is wrapped in foam or bubble wrap and shipped in a FRE.
Last edited by 9volt; 03-20-18 at 08:46 PM.
03-21-18 | 01:29 PM
#59
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 272
I've been shipping cranksets with rings in regular Flat Rate Envelopes. With good padding and some tape on the outside it's worked great.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
Also a Small Flat Rate Box fits inside a Flat Rate Envelope. The Envelope is cheaper. The smaller non flat-rate USPS boxes fit in there too. I don't see the point in ever using the Small FR box.
03-21-18 | 01:31 PM
#60
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 272
03-21-18 | 03:47 PM
#62
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 575
From: Southern California
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter,, Ritchey Ultra, Salsa La Cruz, Neuhaus Hummingbird
When I last calculated, the fees on eBay were 13% (3% when the funds hit your account and 10% billed later) + shipping cost. I always thought the 3% was the typical credit card fee merchants get, until I got hit with it when a buyer was using his debit card (no fee). He didn't even use Paypal to make the purchase either. I now just calculate the 13% on every transaction.
I don't count on eBay sells as income. I do occasionally flip, but I mostly use it to get rid of stuff. It beats having a garage sale.
I use regular paper and shipping tape around the 4 sides
I don't count on eBay sells as income. I do occasionally flip, but I mostly use it to get rid of stuff. It beats having a garage sale.
I use regular paper and shipping tape around the 4 sides
03-21-18 | 09:02 PM
#63
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
minor aside, I once shipped a 20 lb engine flywheel in a flat rate box, for about 13 bux, IIRC. I still chuckle over that one. Longer ago, I shipped a 60 lb. transmission across the continent via FedEx ground for about 20 bux. It seems that rates have gone up since then.
03-22-18 | 01:03 PM
#64
Shop Dog Cycle
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 906
Likes: 32
From: Neenah, WI
03-22-18 | 04:45 PM
#65
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Actually, eBay fees plus PayPal are higher than 13% unless you have a store and are a top rated seller. Even then, still higher.
Sell a bike for $300, add $100 for shipping. Ebay charges you 10% on the $400 amount, PayPal charges you 2.9% plus 30 cents on the $400 amount as well. So the fees add up to $52. On your $300 sale, that amounts to over 17%.
Mark up shipping to offset some of the fees and you are asking for negative feedback, or at a minimum, low detailed ratings. Low detailed ratings = you won't get top rated seller status, so you lose those discounts.
Last edited by wrk101; 03-23-18 at 04:59 PM.
03-22-18 | 06:18 PM
#66
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 237
Likes: 2
From: Buffalo, NY
+1 As I do some wrenching out of my garage, some of the crazies show up here, thinking I'm a bike shop. I've actually heard voices in my garage and went out there to find people looking at my bikes. They left rather quickly.
However.....These are actual questions I've been asked. I try to refrain from answering with anatomically difficult recommendations, or requests for somewhat perverse services.
"Can you order the parts and I'll pay you when you do the work?"
"Sure. Leave me your wife as collateral."
(I've actually done this twice, but he won't agree to the wife thing, so I just have to trust this friend.)
"Do you have any more parts you can give me?"
"Sure. Do you want my tools, too?"
"Can I use your bathroom?"
"No. Go home. I don't work on your bike any more."
(He actually keeps calling back.)
"Can you find the parts on CL or eBay, negotiate a price, and then get them, so I can bring the bike over for you to work on?"
"Really?"
"How much to make my bike go faster?"
"$250"
(I actually did this. I swapped in wheels, crankset, bottle cage, wrapped the bars and aero's, then fit the bike to him. I rationalized it just fine. He probably is faster, which makes me a flippin' genius.)
However.....These are actual questions I've been asked. I try to refrain from answering with anatomically difficult recommendations, or requests for somewhat perverse services.
"Can you order the parts and I'll pay you when you do the work?"
"Sure. Leave me your wife as collateral."
(I've actually done this twice, but he won't agree to the wife thing, so I just have to trust this friend.)
"Do you have any more parts you can give me?"
"Sure. Do you want my tools, too?"
"Can I use your bathroom?"
"No. Go home. I don't work on your bike any more."
(He actually keeps calling back.)
"Can you find the parts on CL or eBay, negotiate a price, and then get them, so I can bring the bike over for you to work on?"
"Really?"
"How much to make my bike go faster?"
"$250"
(I actually did this. I swapped in wheels, crankset, bottle cage, wrapped the bars and aero's, then fit the bike to him. I rationalized it just fine. He probably is faster, which makes me a flippin' genius.)
03-23-18 | 07:28 AM
#67
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 598
From: Baltimore MD
Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
Great thread. Check Bikeflights.com for larger items - forks, handlebars, etc. Their rates are good.
And I too use padded flat rate envelopes for cranks. I get a flat piece of corrugated cardboard, cut to size so that it just fits inside when folded flat. Then zip tie the two arms to it and it's good to go.
And I too use padded flat rate envelopes for cranks. I get a flat piece of corrugated cardboard, cut to size so that it just fits inside when folded flat. Then zip tie the two arms to it and it's good to go.
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The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
03-23-18 | 07:54 AM
#68
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,356
Likes: 202
A crank and NDS arm will fit in a padded flat rate envelope, easy. I've done it a bunch of times. Not sure I could also fit a BB in there with some padding, but I'd be willing to give it a try. I don't use a cardboard liner, instead use Tyvek and shrink wrap.
Never had a problem.
Never had a problem.
03-23-18 | 04:56 PM
#71
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 379
Personally I try to reuse as much packing stuff as possible to cut down on waste.
03-23-18 | 06:18 PM
#72
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,288
Likes: 4,243
From: The Le Grande HQ
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
For the sellers out there...
Many different selling strategies... 'Buy Now', regular auction, reserve pricing....
Different shipping options.. 'Free Shipping' or add it to the sales price...
My total fees year to date... 23.9% Actually the buyers fees...
I sold a lot of $14.99 items 'Buy Now' with free shipping. eBay, PP and USPs fees are ~$5 or more depending on weight and distance. That's 33% on a $15 item. If those were $100 items it'd be 18%
Do your research...price accordingly, don't forget about shipping if you roll it in!!
First class shipping, 16oz or under, can range from $2.50-$7.50 depending on weight and distance!!!
Many different selling strategies... 'Buy Now', regular auction, reserve pricing....
Different shipping options.. 'Free Shipping' or add it to the sales price...
My total fees year to date... 23.9% Actually the buyers fees...
I sold a lot of $14.99 items 'Buy Now' with free shipping. eBay, PP and USPs fees are ~$5 or more depending on weight and distance. That's 33% on a $15 item. If those were $100 items it'd be 18%
Do your research...price accordingly, don't forget about shipping if you roll it in!!
First class shipping, 16oz or under, can range from $2.50-$7.50 depending on weight and distance!!!
Yeah, it is a lot to swallow. Even with the fees, I don't think I could do it for fear of a bicycle getting damaged in shipping and the headache that would follow.
03-23-18 | 07:08 PM
#73
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
You really have to treat it like a business, a small percentage of deals just don't work out. Do enough sales, and it works out just fine. But do a couple and have one go bad, and you will probably be done with ebay.
The fees are really not that bad given the market you get to sell into.
In my case, I am typically selling vintage parts. The 20% or less I pay in fees gives me access to a market where I can get double, triple, or more for parts. So the cost (and occasional deal that goes bad) is worth it.
Last edited by wrk101; 03-23-18 at 07:55 PM.
03-23-18 | 07:14 PM
#74
Bike Butcher of Portland
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12,487
Likes: 8,057
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
Cost not to sell on eBay:
Fraction of the potential market.
Fraction of the potential market.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
03-23-18 | 09:29 PM
#75
Banned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 450
+1
But.... if one is selling 'five and dime' trinkets (or call it pidly bicycle parts), why the bother? You have the time invested - pics, writing descriptions, posting, then the packaging mickey and finally fleabay fees.
Personally, I'm fed up with their 'forced' Paypal policy. They won't accept any other form of payment unless its linked through PP. Whats it to them if I want to send genuine U$ guaranteed green paper? Is it not good? Not trusted in their God? LOL
Earliest days when PP had just formed, I signed on and had a few selling retail sites. Pretty sweet arrangement, soon after was recognized by that start-up PayPal, they even 'mailed me by US Postage' a thank you letter for the business PLUS bonus T-shirt. hahahaha.
These days, good riddance with all of them. The only good deal is using them to sell a vehicle. You've got more control, less restrictions how you want to orchestrate.
As for buying, I do connect with the seller (although ebay tries their best to block... another chuckle) and offer to buy THROUGH ebay, in keeping within THEIR rules, however I and this meaning ME choose how to pay... this by US mail... be it green$ of US m.o.. Fifty percent of sellers will cooperate, the others are 'afraid'.
C'mon, its a win - win fairly done for all parties, let capitalism play out but the way too greedy Ebay won't allow my green notes fly through the US mail. Jeepers to the sheeples.
But.... if one is selling 'five and dime' trinkets (or call it pidly bicycle parts), why the bother? You have the time invested - pics, writing descriptions, posting, then the packaging mickey and finally fleabay fees.
Personally, I'm fed up with their 'forced' Paypal policy. They won't accept any other form of payment unless its linked through PP. Whats it to them if I want to send genuine U$ guaranteed green paper? Is it not good? Not trusted in their God? LOL
Earliest days when PP had just formed, I signed on and had a few selling retail sites. Pretty sweet arrangement, soon after was recognized by that start-up PayPal, they even 'mailed me by US Postage' a thank you letter for the business PLUS bonus T-shirt. hahahaha.
These days, good riddance with all of them. The only good deal is using them to sell a vehicle. You've got more control, less restrictions how you want to orchestrate.
As for buying, I do connect with the seller (although ebay tries their best to block... another chuckle) and offer to buy THROUGH ebay, in keeping within THEIR rules, however I and this meaning ME choose how to pay... this by US mail... be it green$ of US m.o.. Fifty percent of sellers will cooperate, the others are 'afraid'.
C'mon, its a win - win fairly done for all parties, let capitalism play out but the way too greedy Ebay won't allow my green notes fly through the US mail. Jeepers to the sheeples.
Last edited by crank_addict; 03-23-18 at 09:35 PM.