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Got a Question? Ask Us!
The questions below have been sent to us from hardware store owners and other small businesses. We thought we'd share our answers with everyone, since the information might be helpful!
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How do I find out what my items are worth before selling?
Bob, True Value storeowner - Pittsburg, PA
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| A: |
There are several ways to conduct pricing research for the eBay marketplace:
To browse eBay's completed listings and view listings that have recently ended, just follow these steps:
- Go to the Search page. You can get there by clicking the Search button at the top of any eBay page.
- Enter your search keywords and other search options (if desired).
- Click the "Completed listings only" checkbox.
- Click the Search button, and you'll get a list of items matching your search that have ended during the last 15 days. If you are not currently signed-in, you will be prompted to do so to see the search results.
- When browsing completed listings, items in red did not sell successfully, items in green were successful
There are a few companies that have created more sophisticated eBay pricing and item research tools that are available at a minimal cost:
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| Q: |
It is very difficult to get help from eBay, is there a number I can call for advice about my business?
James, Hardware store manager - Indianapolis. IN
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| A: |
eBay has created the Seller OnRamp program, which allows businesses to speak with consultants and receive customized eBay sales advice over the phone. We strongly urge businesses to call us today for free, expert guidance to help you create a profitable eBay business quickly and easily. It's flexible, it's simple - and it works!
We'll show you best practices for success on eBay.
- Identify those products most likely to be profitable
- Sell more products with fewer listings
- Maximize profits and minimize fees
- Manage your listings with time-saving tools
- Market to online shoppers
eBay Seller OnRamp - Call Toll-Free:
1-866-304-EBAY (3229)
Please mention referral code - HIRETAIL
Available Monday - Friday:
9am - 9pm EST / 6am - 6pm PST
Note: OnRamp consultants are not equipped to handle customer support inquiries. For customer support please use Help or Live Help Chat.
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| Q: |
I feel like selling on eBay is just another way for buyers to avoid my store. What is the value for my business if I become an eBay seller?
Tom - Louisville, KY |
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| A: |
Retailers and small business owners should target their distressed and closeout inventory for selling on eBay. List the slow moving items and the end-of-life product. Customer returns and open-box items are great eBay sellers. Several home centers and hardware stores have begun selling their used rental equipment on eBay and gotten great returns. eBay should be a way for you to maximize your in-store selling space with the best in-season products you have a available, while still keeping the slow-movers, closeouts and warehouse items customer-facing around the clock |
| Q: |
I have a lot of damaged and used equipment that I cannot sell in my store, and is definitely difficult to ship. How can I use eBay to sell these items?
John, Hardware storeowner - Denver, CO
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The eBay customer is savvy and looking for a deal. Used, refurbished, open-box and even damaged items sell very well on eBay. In fact, the very first item ever sold on eBay nearly 10 years ago was a broken laser-pointer! Roughly 70% of all product that is returned to the store or discontinued by the manufacturer is new, and the nature of the eBay marketplace makes it a perfect venue for selling such inventory.
Some buyer & seller feedback regarding used and damaged items:
- "I saved $150 because of a scratch you could barely see?"
- "I like to repair the old and damaged equipment, then I resell on eBay"
- "I couldn't afford to buy the lawn mower I wanted at the Home Depot, but I found a used one on eBay that works great! My lawn has never looked better!"
- "I want my crews using the best quality tools, so I am often replacing their equipment with new items. eBay has been the best way for me to purchase new tools in bulk and recover some of my cost by selling the used items on eBay as well."
- "eBay is perfect for my rental equipment, because it allows me to sell outside of market and earn a higher cost recovery than traditional liquidation"
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