Friday, August 28, 2015

Pros and Cons of Selling Electronics on eBay


Electronics can be a lucrative product to sell on eBay, or they can be a nightmare. Before you jump into selling electronics, which many new sellers often do because the profit margins can be high, do your due diligence about the product. Here are some precautions you should take before selling electronics on eBay.

1. Make sure the item works. Whether it is a laptop computer, smart phone, children's educational toy, or a small appliance, do your it homework and make sure the item works properly. You may have to educate yourself or ask someone who is more familiar with the product than you are. For example, if you are selling a vintage camera, you may need to do some research to learn about the product, parts, and how it works.

2. If the item does not work, either list it as is with flaws, or sell it for parts. There is nothing wrong with selling a non-working electronic item on eBay, just give full disclosure in the listing.

3. If the item has a serial number, take a photo of the item to include in the listing. If the item is returned, you can verify that the item returned is the same item you sold.

4. Beware of selling mobile phones. Buyers will often strip the phones and sell the parts at pawn shops or on the street. Then, they will return the phone claiming it does not work. You will end up with a non-working phone and forced to give a refund because the buyer can show the item was mailed back to you with tracking. (See Frankenstein phones.)

There is nothing wrong with selling electronics that don't work. There are collectors who want these items (like old record players, radios, and telephones) and either will use them for home decor or will repair them. Just make sure you know exactly what you are selling, and disclose this information in your listing.

Related Articles:

Vintage 1970's Items to Sell on eBay

How to Reduce Returns on eBay

How to Recover from Below Standard Status on eBay





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