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@tarboy
Hi,
I've been reading some aweful things about selling goods on ebay. It sounds like sellers face a lot of risk; and there are a few stories of great loss. The compulsary regulations regarding paypal seem very problematic. Is it really just greatly exaggerated?
Up to now I have been purchasing quite nicely. I have only ever received decals because they can be posted in an envelope. Other items purchased, whether purchased on ebay, or my first item purchased here (an alter) are sent to my sister in Ealing. She'll bring it, when she visits soon, or I may ask some friend going on a trip, if its possible. I've somehow managed to accrue parts in the US, Germany and Austria. All in all, buying, doesn't seem problematic and paying with paypal is truthfully very simple.
Obviously, here at home, in my corner of South Africa, I've managed to amass a considerable collection. Introspection output = TOO much! Considering that I'm 6'7", some of the beautiful frames I have, are of no use to me. They have served only to satiate my want for a collection of beautiful Italian steel frames. Now, however, I labour for space and want to sell them. Although a feeble rationale, I also need to prove to the missus, that, I don't "have a problem" and "need to talk to somebody about it".
At the moment I've earmarked 5 frames and framesets.
Yes, I have tried to sell them locally. I follow similar frames on e-bay and hence am aware of values achieved. I haven't expected to duplicate that because its just a different market. But, regrettably I am unable to achieve a fraction of that locally. They are not as 'in demand' as modern frames and I am honestly not prepared to let something so precious go for nothing. Like every other cyclist, I'm already eyeing that beautiful wheelset or other latest and greatest, so I may as well make a decent sale.
So, I started to invetigate the requirements for sellers on e-bay. One week later, my head is still reeling. All the homework is done regarding logistic options and costs to various key Cities in the world. I also looked at the costs from ebay and paypal. Now, it alls come down to: Payment method and risk. This is the matter leaving me hesitant to take the first step.
Is it that risky?? Does it only have to happen once that your transaction is reversed?
Do I engage in 5 seperate transactions, 5 seperate efforts and 5 seperate risks?
Do I ship to my sister and insist on collection only?.. Which limits me to buyers in London only?
Are there any inside tips and tricks? Do I open an account to receive a paypal payment, clear it, withdraw the funds and close the account to ensure that it cannot be reversed? Do I do this for each transaction? Will this be difficult with first time seller rules?
pfff..I'm I supposed to adopt an attitude that this is like gambling and that if you loose you loose, and that you accept that even before you place the bet? I'm not prepared to take that chance to be honest. Does that mean that: ebay selling is not for me?
As a completely separate question: are there huge duties and clearance fees that will have to be paid when these frames reach British shores?
I'd really appreciate your help here. Please dont torch me, I just would like to dabble in this and if I can extract a good value through this, then that would be great.