posted on February 22, 2001 09:36:45 AM
I am getting ready to sell my first item on ebay. The piece of jewelry is pretty expensive (over $4,000.00 value). I have several concerns. Since this is my first attempt to sell, I have no prior history or feedback. How can I gain the trust of bidders without having prior feedback? I also wonder what I can do to let the bidders know what I am selling is genuine. I plan to post a photo and a recent appraisal from a local jewler. Is there anything else I can do? Should I consider using an escrow service? I would welcome any other advice.
posted on February 22, 2001 09:59:09 AM
FWIW, as I look back on my ebay experience I wish I had done several things differently.
One real eye opener was that feedback most definitely makes a huge difference and there's no way around it. I sold some items at the very beginning of using ebay that should have sold for WAY more. I realized this when I sold a doll that was almost exactly the same as one of my first sales.
The first one sold for $25.00 (I gave it away). The second sold for over $400.00. The first was in far better condition, but I had virtually no feedback profile. If I had it to do over, I'd sell off all the "little stuff" first and build up feedback, then list the big ticket item(s).
If you don't have time, be sure to protect yourself with and appropriate reserve. If you have an appraisal, photograph it and include it in your listing. If there are hallmarks (i.e., "14kt", "18kt", be sure to photograph them too. I've also sold a lot of jewelry and have found some surprising results. There's an awful lot of jewelry on ebay. You want to be sure that your title is worded in such a way that the item will come up in a search and not be lost among the other 9 zillion jewelry items. Good luck!!!
posted on February 22, 2001 10:16:07 AM
I've been selling jewelry for 3.5 yrars.
I'g list 20 or so smaller items build at least 20 feedback through buying or selling then post it.
I never trust the zero Feedback people with expensive items.
Reminds me of that indonesia thing.
Joe B
posted on February 22, 2001 10:38:34 AM
I totally agree with jrb3. I did the same thing when I first started. I've done pretty well selling jewelry on ebay. It's small and doesn't take up alot of room in your house, and doesn't cost alot to send out. But you need to realize, that (in my humble opinion), there most likely won't be alot of buyers interested in an item priced that high. I think it's too risky. Is it possible for you to try and put up a bunch of (10-20) jewelry items for sale first that are pretty inexpensive? I think that new sellers and new bidders, feel more secure when selling/purchasing low-end items till they get the hang of it, and they get some feedback. GOOD LUCK with your item!!
posted on February 23, 2001 01:54:57 AM
I agree with the others in regard to selling lesser expensive items and building up the feedback. I have read this type of thread in the past and many have given the same advice. I think it would be wise to follow. Having a recognizable and respected feedback with such a higher end item would help you in getting a better price for the item.
I have 2 ebay i.d.s and have started the second one with items that cost only $5.00. Now my feedback is over 100 and I am going to list higher priced items.
posted on February 23, 2001 07:34:52 AM
WOW! 4G's. Is that the "retail value" insured value, estate value, or FM Value?
It is MHO that that range of value for jewelry is not worth messing with. I do not check jewelry a lot, but have done it often enough to be of the opinion that Buyers need to squeeze it and see it before they will buy it. And they need to know that the vendor is reliable and responsible. Its called a "high hand quotient".
An appraisal is not worth a hill of beans on the net as anyone with a computer can work one up that looks great with not a great deal of trouble.
The suggestions to start slow and work up are good. all the talk of net fraud, etc are too compelling for someone to plunk down big bux to an unknown vendor for an unknown quantity....especially in a clas of gods that is historically known for "puffery" if not down-right fraud.
posted on February 23, 2001 07:48:52 AM
Expect no more than $400
I'm assuming it's an insurance replacement appraisal. Insurance replacement apprasails are generally inflated, approx 2x over real retail. So you real retail is $2000.
Jewlery Wholesale is 1/3 or retail. So your 4000 item has a wholesale of ~700.
Its' used, so knock off another 30%, bringing it down to $500.
Ebay bidders expcet a bargain, so 200 to 400 is a good range.
Your Jeweler probabally offered you more.
But If it is antique or collectable in any way, then you could get much more.
posted on February 23, 2001 08:13:13 AM
I once sold a set of heirloom family sterling silverware on Ebay for $1,200.00. I was lucky enough to do it early last year (when Ebay was less problematic) and had a wonderful buyer who was thrilled with it. I accepted payment by Paypal then, although I do not use Paypal anymore--too risky.
Slightly off-topic, hubby had an attack of appendicitis shortly thereafter and our portion of the medical bills after insurance was just over $1,100.00. So, that is what we ended up using the money for. It was like it was meant to be for us to sell that set then. I realized the power of the internet then because I could never have gotten that much $ selling it locally. Sterling silverware in exchange for hubby's appendectomy was a great trade in our opinion and kept our budget from falling apart.
Anyway, I waited until I had sold several small items (less than $20.00 each) and had built up good feedback that demonstrated my honesty. Whatever you do, I recommend that you absolutely require insurance for shipping. I do not think that you will be able to use Bidpay.com as an option since your selling price will probably be so high that Bidpay won't issue a money order. They have limits although I forget what they are at the moment. Whatever you do, good luck.
[ edited by squinkle99 on Feb 23, 2001 08:14 AM ]
posted on February 23, 2001 08:58:20 AM
Yes if you have to offer it right now I would put right in the description that due to your being new you are willing to use and PAY for escrow for this item. It is true there is not a retail market on eBay for fine jewelry unless it is unusual or period not available
offline without a real search.
posted on February 23, 2001 09:52:08 AM
If this piece of jewelry has stones, I would be very leery of the old switcheroo being pulled. Nice way for a crook with jewelry expertise to get a free diamond or two and replace them with CZ. I don't think escrow would be any good in a switcheroo situation.
I would definitely not list if if you have zero feedback. You will lose tons of potential bidders.
If you sell it, make sure you send it insured. Use a method in which the purchaser's signature is required at delivery.
Be aware that if you accept payment via CC from Paypal, Billpoint or anyone else, there is potential for a chargeback later on.
posted on February 23, 2001 11:02:52 AM
I have purchased only 1 very expensive item on eBay. I was hesitant. The seller offered Escrow. The seller required that the item be paid with a Cashier's Check. They sent it to me Registered and insured. Gave me 3 business days from receipt to have it appraised and had told me I could return it if I was not pleased or the appraisal did not bear out the value!!!!
The cashier's check is for the benefit of the seller (they know the money is good).
Escrow is for the benefit of the buyer, makes them feel "protected".
Registered and insured is beneficial to both.
The return policy made me feel the seller was confident about the value and quality of their item and was willing to stand behind it.
The item arrived safely and I was very pleased!
[ edited by sulyn1950 on Feb 23, 2001 11:09 AM ]
posted on February 23, 2001 11:25:14 AM
Hello. Since there seem to be several jeweler's here, I thought this might be a good opportunity to ask a related question. I recently purchased a large collection of books from a jeweler. Among the many trade publications there were also several dozen VERY large binders containing what appear to be GIA correspondence course manuals in diamonds, pearls, colored stones, etc., dating from the 1970's to 1990's. Would these have any marketable value on eBay? I haven't seen them listed anywhere, even on the book search engines. Thanks!
, be sure to photograph them too. I've also sold a lot of jewelry and have found some surprising results. There's an awful lot of jewelry on ebay. You want to be sure that your title is worded in such a way that the item will come up in a search and not be lost among the other 9 zillion jewelry items. Good luck!!! 
