posted on May 19, 2001 02:42:21 PM
I have been selling on eBay for a few years now, and now a family friend has asked me to list items for them. They have an art gallery and want to list paintings etc...
Well, the only way I would do this is to set up an Ebay account and AW account for them in their name, that way all questions from bidders, all fees etc... go directly to them. My name would not be involved. They would take pictures, ship the items etc...
All they need me to do is to create the listings. I would copy the descriptions they write and post the pictures. Basically just the last step that they don't know how to do. They are going to pay me, but what is fair? Has anyone done this successfully? Thank you!
posted on May 19, 2001 02:55:13 PM
From my experience, Paintings on Ebay sell at cut rate discounted prices unless they are a well known painter.
I have a friend who has a local gallery and he actually buys paintings on Ebay to sell in his shop.
Shipping can also be murder depending on size, framed/unframeded etc. Not to mention my friend who ships from his shop is constantly having problems with UPS damaging items.
Are the paintings various unknowns? all by a local artist? high ticket items?
Ebay is good for getting rid of old stock.
Just a few things to consider before selling paintings.
posted on May 19, 2001 02:57:31 PM
It sounds like most of the "creative" work is out of your hands and that is a safe way to do a deal like this. Just working on the "nuts and bolts" of the auctions keeps you at a safe distance from the inevitable problem buyers, broken shipments, etc. Whatever $ agreement y'all come to, just make sure that your responsibilities are crystal clear. You don't want your friend to develop a "kill the messenger" attitude when he comes upon the occasional obstacle. Also, be aware that he may try to come to you (outside of working hours) frequently for help with issues that he had not previously considered. Don't let his Ebaying interrupt yours too much. Good luck to both of you.
