posted on February 17, 2001 01:55:37 PM
Hi! I'd just like to get an opinion here. Do you sell new or used items on Ebay? I sell almost exclusively used items and find myself going crazy trying to locate and replenish my stock as well as having to do a new listing for each item. I've found some ideas and sources for products that may do well, but am a bit afraid to take the plunge as the minimum purchase requirements are rather large. Is it worth selling new item from closeout/wholesale sources or is the profit margin likely to be too thin with all of the competition out there. I've been relatively successful with used items, but I'd love to take this business to the next level. Any thoughts?
posted on February 17, 2001 04:23:34 PM
As someone who sells computer equipment, monitors and digital cameras, I dont even bother to sell these on ebay. They just dont sell here though they do very well on other sites. Why? Because on ebay there are too many sellers offering used and refurb and pretending they are new. Just look at digital cameras. There are dozens of listings stating "new" in the title and then when you read the terms, somewhere in small print is says "newly refurbished" or "90 day warranty" (which is the giveaway because the new one has a one year warranty). I dont think there is a SINGLE listing for new monitors, they are all used or refurb. When I tried selling these items new on ebay, I got no bids and lots of email asking why I was more expensive than someone else selling the same thing. In every case, the "same thing" was a used or refurb item.
Now there is nothing wrong with selling refurb as long as you're honest about it. But despite all the warnings about fraud on auctions, there are still too many people who don't realize that if it sounds too good to be true, there's a reason.
posted on February 17, 2001 07:23:15 PM
I too have considered buying large surplus lots, however my lack of storage space has probably saved me from the next of level insanity.
I think there is some money to be made in buying a tractor trailer full of returned or liquidated hardware, electronics, clothes or whatever. I believe that would be a way to buy it low enough to make enough profit to make it all worthwhile. But, I've wondered if I really want to take on more warehouse space, staff, and everything that would be necessary to move the stuff.
I have bought some smaller loads of products that turned a profit. And, I continue to look for new and used merchandise that works for me. I am working on a deal with a local retailer who has a store and plenty of storage who might split a trailer full of gift items with me.
I have bought some merchandise that still sits in my storage that failed miserably at e-retail. On the other hand, I have bought in on some deals that I wished I have bought 10 times the amount that I did, because the items sold fast at 500% to 1000% of my cost. Overall, my hunches and/or business sense have paid off the majority of time on the smaller lots. I am not really confident enough to buy a $5,000 trailer load.
posted on February 17, 2001 08:51:30 PM
I know exactly what you mean, pcalton. I've considered purchasing one of those department store return loads many times but still haven't gotten the nerve up to risk the $5,000 or so required to get one. Yes , the storage space is a limiting factor for me also. I wish you could get a better idea of what these loads contained before putting out that sum of money.
posted on February 17, 2001 10:13:21 PM
If you buy trailor loads or store returns make sure you know who your buying off of.This is a buy you can really get screwed on as many dealers at my Flea Market have learned after losing thousands of dollars.I had done it and come out great and have done it and lost alot of money.Certain items like sporting goods are a sure loser.Baby items are bad,Electronics is one of the worst.What you don't know is many of these pallets have been gone through and restacked with nothing but non-sellable merchadise in the middle.I have heard of some sellers getting boxes with one or two items, or boxes filled with trash off the floor.Personally with the economy the way it is, I would consider doing this again. I sell mostly new items I order from wholesale companys.I can pick my merchandise and know what I'm getting.
posted on February 18, 2001 05:28:24 AM
thanks MAH645
I too have bought mostly wholesale knowing exactly what I'm getting. I would only buy large trailer loads from companies who have a good track record. There are a couple local businesses that buy loads and usually do very well. I would probably start with those businesses and research the track record of their suppliers. Do you have any sources that consistently supply large lots?
