Is your money tree sparse? Well, tis the season to be saving!
I have been a keen scrimper and saver now for years, possibly since birth - depending on who you ask..!
Having a wardrobe bursting at the hinges and more hangers of clothing than a dry cleaners - I began to sell items of my clothing that I no longer wore, ever wore and things that just didn't fit.
Amongst the obvious selling platforms such as eBay - there are other places such as Depop, Cash For Clothes and even Facebook.
I have found the one I have always trusted and used is eBay.
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1. Sign up for PayPal!
This is the safest way for you to send and receive your money. This can then be sent right to your bank account directly.
Depending on the price you've sold at, they do take a small fee.
"If your buyer uses PayPal, you'll have to pay extra fees. PayPal charges you 3.4% of the total sale, for sales of less than £1,500, plus 20p per transaction. PayPal reduces the percentage for larger sales"
2. Check your item for any faults.
It is important to check your item of faults or problems BEFORE you think of listing. This can be anything from loose stitching to stains. If there are any faults - consider repair if possible, but the best bet is to be honest. Take plenty of photographs and write in detail about any fault. Honesty is the best policy!
3. Wash/Clean your item.
Cleaning your item is part and parcel of the eBay selling standards. (see here: Ebays Used Clothing Rules ). If it is needed, iron the item and hang on a hanger ready to be photographed. The better the item looks, the more chance you have at selling it.
4. Now to take pictures!
You can upload up to 12 free photographs per listing.
Find a bright area to display your item. Try not to use the flash on your camera as this usually alters the colours of items.
I usually display my clothing on hangers and hang them on a light coloured door. This shows off the item how it would have been displayed in a shop.
Photograph as many features as possible; such as beaded detail, labels (designer or not), stitching, embroidery, lace, etc.
If there are any faults, take pictures of them. You can then refer back to them in your item description.
4. Use the best wording.
Think about how to word your items title. If for instance you're selling a Fred Perry jumper, consider what someone may type into the search box.
"Fred Perry Size 12 Black Long Sleeved Jumper - Brand New With Tag"
Add as much detail in the title as possible.
There are certain words that are also good to include to save space on your titles.BNWT = Brand New With Tags
BNWOT = Brand New Without Tags
Used = Worn, no tags, not new
5. Be reasonable with the pricing...
As much as I want to say that you will become a millionaire by selling your items on eBay - it's likely you won't. However, there's nothing to say you can't try!
Ebay may suggest prices similar items have sold for - but there is nothing to say that you have to use those prices. Research how much items have been sold for or are selling for.
Remember about the eBay fees!
"Your final value fee is 10% of your total transaction cost (including postage)
- You only pay a final value fee if your item sells.
- You'll never pay more than £250 as a final value fee.
- If your buyer pays with PayPal, you'll have additional PayPal fees."
6. Research your postage and packaging prices.
Find the best way to package your items. Are plastic envelopes really cheaper than jiffy bags? Can you find a price online for a bulk amount to save money?
If your item is designer or worth a lot of money - I would suggest that recorded delivery is used. This then protects you as a seller and adds the extra piece of mind for the customer.
Here is a helpful article for prices and package sizes: Royal Mail Prices 2016
7. Be honest with shipping times.
If you can post within 12-24 hours of the item selling, then put that on your listing. If like me, you sometimes need a day or two to arrange trips to the post office with work - then say that.
There is also an option for "local pick up" - this means that the buyer can come to your home or place or choice to pick up the item. This would work well if you are selling large items or furniture. Be wary that this can limit sales due to the decrease in customers near by.
8. Good luck!
Give it a go and have fun with it! If your items don't sell first time, don't be disheartened!
