I listed a vintage charm bracelet. It was a sterling silver bracelet, loaded down with approx 25 - 30 charms. Each charm was sterling silver. Everything was marked "sterling" or "925"...
There was some really nice ones. Some that had working parts, like wheels that turned...or arrows that spun. They were in mint condition. I do not recall the gram weight...but, it was hefty.
In the description I listed each one...giving the sizes, the special qualities, etc. I also posted plenty of pictures. It sold for about 60+ dollars.
I do not offer a return policy...I sell my items "as is"...I am NOT a business...so customer service to me is to get the buyer's item to them, well packaged and in a timely fashion.
About a week later, I received a message from the buyer that she wanted some of the money back. Her complaint was that one of the charms was "misrepresented" in my description. It was a western charm, a horse saddle. She said that the stone was NOT turquoise...as I had noted in my description. She said it was plastic...not a genuine stone.
The 'stone' in question was about the size of a tip of a new crayon.
She was very upset about this!
It was unsettling to me...Once I mulled it over...I knew that my honest "mistake" was being blown way out of proportion. I did some 'investigation' of my buyer. She sells vintage charms on ebay! She was getting very good money per charm. It was obvious that she would break down the bracelet and sell by the piece. She knows charms. Her knowledge of vintage charms is her niche...not mine. So, she may be right about the plastic stone...However, I know that the amount of charms she got from me was a bargain just in the amount of silver alone.
I refused to give back money...I offered that ebay could make a decision if she wanted to have another opinion...if ebay found me to be in the wrong...I would buy back the whole bracelet...not one charm.
Never heard from her again...and I blocked her.
*If you get an absurd complaint...check out your buyer..."Size them up" by what they buy and sell...and their feedback. Then proceed with a resolution...and be as nice as you can. :-) Block if they are too silly to deal with again!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Listing Old Glassware on Ebay? Does the COLOR NAME Matter?
Mom had 6 depression glass plates in mint condition. I have several books on old glassware, and was able to identify the pattern, the age, company and it's color. The company that manufactured the plates in the 1930's, called the color "ultramarine"
Ultramarine? They looked teal to me! "Teal" is a more modern color word. In fact, reproductions of depression glassware had that color name. Teal would devalue your truly old glassware.
I went to ebay's search, both the current running auctions and the completed auctions in the advanced search.
I found plenty listings of depression glassware. In the titles I found these words to describe the same color that I had: Blue, Sapphire, Aqua, Aquamarine, TEAL, and Ultramarine.
The next thing I noticed was that a lot of depression glass in any of these color names...currently had bids or had sold. However, ULTRAMARINE...the true color name...was selling for more money...even if the same item was listed by some other color name. Many of these items were in complete sets and mint condition. Ultramarine had to be the keyword.
Naturally, I listed the plates by the color name, Ultramarine in the title line. In the description, I also used the other color names, just to cover all the bases.
True to what I had found in my research, Ultramarine started bringing watchers immediately. Shortly after, the bidding began. At the end of the auction, they sold for good money. Teal, the more modern name...probably would not have brought attention to older glassware.
It's worth the time to research the name of the color that sells!
Ultramarine? They looked teal to me! "Teal" is a more modern color word. In fact, reproductions of depression glassware had that color name. Teal would devalue your truly old glassware.
I went to ebay's search, both the current running auctions and the completed auctions in the advanced search.
I found plenty listings of depression glassware. In the titles I found these words to describe the same color that I had: Blue, Sapphire, Aqua, Aquamarine, TEAL, and Ultramarine.
The next thing I noticed was that a lot of depression glass in any of these color names...currently had bids or had sold. However, ULTRAMARINE...the true color name...was selling for more money...even if the same item was listed by some other color name. Many of these items were in complete sets and mint condition. Ultramarine had to be the keyword.
Naturally, I listed the plates by the color name, Ultramarine in the title line. In the description, I also used the other color names, just to cover all the bases.
True to what I had found in my research, Ultramarine started bringing watchers immediately. Shortly after, the bidding began. At the end of the auction, they sold for good money. Teal, the more modern name...probably would not have brought attention to older glassware.
It's worth the time to research the name of the color that sells!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tell it & Sell it!! If your ebay auction item has a history or story...tell it!!!
When I was de-cluttering my home and listing 40+ years of accumulation on ebay...I felt the need to tell stories about a few items that had a special place in my life. When I would tell a tale, it was always met with a good response...(Sometimes from an ebayer, that was not interested in the item)
For example...
I listed a:
GIRL & SCOTTIE DOG FIGURINE VINTAGE MADE IN JAPAN
I researched and never did find an exact match. However, I found that vintage figurines marked "Made in Japan"...were currently selling - or had sold, for about 30 dollars, more or less (far less). It was a leap of faith to start the bidding at $39.99.
My figurine was in mint condition. I knew it's age to be over 40 years old. It was the cutest thing, but I had grown tired of dusting cute things!
My story was straight from the heart...
*Dad took me with him to visit a friend. Dad knocked on the front door of the man's house. His wife answered the door and lead us through the house. She said her husband was in the backyard. She sent us out the back door. The man saw dad and they begin to talk.
I noticed some tables set in front of the garage. I wandered over to the tables. I had never seen somebody "keep" stuff on tables outside. Odd to a 5 year old!!! Sure enough, something caught my eye!
I went back to my father's side and tugged his shirt. He told me to wait. I kept silent but, my eyes were on that prize!
It seemed like an eternity...Men talking about tires!!!
Dad was about to say his good-byes!!! I would not budge. Finally, dad gets it. "Oh, what did you want, honey?"
I take him over to the table, inquire why is this stuff outside? The friend laughs.
I hear for the first time in my young years the phrase,"garage sale"
Not really sure what that means...I point at the figurine...My father takes a look and turns to his friend...and said, "25 CENTS!!!???" My dad then says..."I'll give you a dime" The friend says that he cannot take less than a quarter! Something about it belonging to somebody's - something about the family...All blah, blah, blah, to me!!! Dad offers 15 cents...The man won't budge from the quarter! My father is laughing...the man is not...I am sweating.
Dad gave him the quarter! That figurine was "my first garage sale purchase"...and I witnessed my first haggling session....over 40 years ago!
The winner of my auction told me she absolutely loved that bit of history, enjoyed the story.... and she would take good care of my...GIRL & SCOTTIE DOG FIGURINE VINTAGE MADE IN JAPAN
For example...
I listed a:
GIRL & SCOTTIE DOG FIGURINE VINTAGE MADE IN JAPAN
I researched and never did find an exact match. However, I found that vintage figurines marked "Made in Japan"...were currently selling - or had sold, for about 30 dollars, more or less (far less). It was a leap of faith to start the bidding at $39.99.
My figurine was in mint condition. I knew it's age to be over 40 years old. It was the cutest thing, but I had grown tired of dusting cute things!
My story was straight from the heart...
*Dad took me with him to visit a friend. Dad knocked on the front door of the man's house. His wife answered the door and lead us through the house. She said her husband was in the backyard. She sent us out the back door. The man saw dad and they begin to talk.
I noticed some tables set in front of the garage. I wandered over to the tables. I had never seen somebody "keep" stuff on tables outside. Odd to a 5 year old!!! Sure enough, something caught my eye!
I went back to my father's side and tugged his shirt. He told me to wait. I kept silent but, my eyes were on that prize!
It seemed like an eternity...Men talking about tires!!!
Dad was about to say his good-byes!!! I would not budge. Finally, dad gets it. "Oh, what did you want, honey?"
I take him over to the table, inquire why is this stuff outside? The friend laughs.
I hear for the first time in my young years the phrase,"garage sale"
Not really sure what that means...I point at the figurine...My father takes a look and turns to his friend...and said, "25 CENTS!!!???" My dad then says..."I'll give you a dime" The friend says that he cannot take less than a quarter! Something about it belonging to somebody's - something about the family...All blah, blah, blah, to me!!! Dad offers 15 cents...The man won't budge from the quarter! My father is laughing...the man is not...I am sweating.
Dad gave him the quarter! That figurine was "my first garage sale purchase"...and I witnessed my first haggling session....over 40 years ago!
The winner of my auction told me she absolutely loved that bit of history, enjoyed the story.... and she would take good care of my...GIRL & SCOTTIE DOG FIGURINE VINTAGE MADE IN JAPAN
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A "Royal" marketing idea 4 your ebay items - 2011
Looking over the latest fashions in clothing for the spring line (s) this year, I am seeing bright bold colors. In fact, I read an article that indicated that "color without pattern" is going to be hot into the fall of 2011.
The colors are red, jade, purple, orange, fuchia. I also saw blue.
When one considers the palette of colors...I am seeing the return of "jewel tones"...No doubt, the inspiration is related to the Royal Wedding. Scheduled to take place in the spring or summer this year.
There was an article, about a month earlier...which said - "William, Kate (Catherine), Elizabeth" are already climbing to the top of the charts as popular baby names.
In the late 1980's /early 1990's..."jewel tones"...were called by their proper names...red (ruby), jade (emerald), purple (amethyst), blue (sapphire)...Orange & fuchia...(?)...they were not key players back then...But, I think they are worthy.
*If you have any vintage jewelry sporting the jewel tones or has a look fit for a princess, add ROYAL as a key word in your ebay item description...PRINCESS could be another word to draw potential buyers to your auction.
On that note...Sapphires may make a comeback. Blue...Royal blue...
You know the beautiful engagement ring that Princess Diana received? It is now on the hand of the bride to be, Miss Catherine Middleton (Kate)...Copies of Diana's (Kate's) engagement ring are already on the market. I think it would be worth a try to sell your sapphires of any kind at this time. Or at least keep a watch to strike the iron should it get hot.
So, take it from there...Think "ROYAL"...Do not abuse the word...but, should it fit - for anything from pottery to clothing, jewelry, etc...in color or design...give it a go!
The colors are red, jade, purple, orange, fuchia. I also saw blue.
When one considers the palette of colors...I am seeing the return of "jewel tones"...No doubt, the inspiration is related to the Royal Wedding. Scheduled to take place in the spring or summer this year.
There was an article, about a month earlier...which said - "William, Kate (Catherine), Elizabeth" are already climbing to the top of the charts as popular baby names.
In the late 1980's /early 1990's..."jewel tones"...were called by their proper names...red (ruby), jade (emerald), purple (amethyst), blue (sapphire)...Orange & fuchia...(?)...they were not key players back then...But, I think they are worthy.
*If you have any vintage jewelry sporting the jewel tones or has a look fit for a princess, add ROYAL as a key word in your ebay item description...PRINCESS could be another word to draw potential buyers to your auction.
On that note...Sapphires may make a comeback. Blue...Royal blue...
You know the beautiful engagement ring that Princess Diana received? It is now on the hand of the bride to be, Miss Catherine Middleton (Kate)...Copies of Diana's (Kate's) engagement ring are already on the market. I think it would be worth a try to sell your sapphires of any kind at this time. Or at least keep a watch to strike the iron should it get hot.
So, take it from there...Think "ROYAL"...Do not abuse the word...but, should it fit - for anything from pottery to clothing, jewelry, etc...in color or design...give it a go!
Using the Latest Fashion Trends to Market Your Ebay Item
Online sites and printed material, such as store flyers, newspapers, and magazines will keep you in the loop. Several television shows can offer you the latest hot looks.
If you are a frequent shopper at the malls, you have a good idea what is new and flying off the shelves. To be honest with you...I am not all that hip anymore...however, I know people who are!!! Oh, how wonderful to be blessed with friends who do change their style every season. They are my direct source of knowledge...and they love to talk about their newest, latest stuff!!!
*I had listed a very beautiful 14k white gold band style ring...it was made in Italy. Italy gold is high quality stuff. It had a design, and I had room left in my ebay title to include what the design looked like...It was "basketweave"....
14k WHITE GOLD BAND RING BASKETWEAVE DESIGN
I maxed out the title...and let it ride...
No sale.
My friend - a very lovely lady...always dressed in the newest fashions...was sporting a "boucle" jacket. I remember boucle, from the 60's / 70's!!!
She worked for a major retailer. That is where she got it....her employee discount included...but, went on to tell me that boucle was back in fashion in a big way!
Is that so??? Interesting...hummmmmmm...how about I relist that "basketweave" ring....as.....
14k WHITE GOLD BAND RING BOUCLE DESIGN
It sold!!!
If you are a frequent shopper at the malls, you have a good idea what is new and flying off the shelves. To be honest with you...I am not all that hip anymore...however, I know people who are!!! Oh, how wonderful to be blessed with friends who do change their style every season. They are my direct source of knowledge...and they love to talk about their newest, latest stuff!!!
*I had listed a very beautiful 14k white gold band style ring...it was made in Italy. Italy gold is high quality stuff. It had a design, and I had room left in my ebay title to include what the design looked like...It was "basketweave"....
14k WHITE GOLD BAND RING BASKETWEAVE DESIGN
I maxed out the title...and let it ride...
No sale.
My friend - a very lovely lady...always dressed in the newest fashions...was sporting a "boucle" jacket. I remember boucle, from the 60's / 70's!!!
She worked for a major retailer. That is where she got it....her employee discount included...but, went on to tell me that boucle was back in fashion in a big way!
Is that so??? Interesting...hummmmmmm...how about I relist that "basketweave" ring....as.....
14k WHITE GOLD BAND RING BOUCLE DESIGN
It sold!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"My grandmother had one like that!"
How cool is that? You find something in the world that reminds you of grandma. Grandparents, especially if they are old enough to have come through the great depression have a common trait. They have years of accumulation. Stuff...lots of stuff.
The stuff can fall into different catagories. #1 Heavily used - in working order. #2 Heavily used - in non working order. #3 Slightly used - in working order #4 Slightly used - in non working order #5 Never used - without box or other indentifying information or mark. #6 Never used-in mint condition - still in box. #7 WTH?
If you are in the sad position to settle an estate, clean up and clear out years of accumulation...An auction house or buyer of estates, will probably be your best option. They have knowledge in moving your items quickly and do try to get top dollar. Getting top dollar is a benefit to both you and your hired service. They do charge for their services. They deserve to be paid for their service, believe me!
When it comes to pricing...you leave it to the experts. They know the current values of antiques. They should be up to date on what's hot, what's not. What is rare and collectable. To them, it is a business of moving goods. It is hard enough to let go of grandma's things- they have sentimental value to you. They have been in the family for so long! It would be a shock to you, if you research enough...that even though you have a huge ticket price in mind, the market just might be flooded with grandma's rarities. So...then let's look at condition...Is grandma's colbalt blue glass serving set complete? Like new in the box?...Or missing pieces and scratched & chipped?...All bring down value...However, if the pieces are truly rare...(like they only made a few)...then condition does not matter too much.
*I sold a heavy mixing bowl on ebay. It was handed down through the generations. I had to clean years of dust off of it to see the color. After cleaning it...I found it was yellow and was chipped and cracked - in poor condition. But, it was pretty cool. It had that charming aged look. I really liked it, but was in the process of cleaning out my own stuff. I think that most folks would have sent it to the trash. It had no identifying mark. I went to ebay's search and typed in "old yellow bowl". Narrowed it to pottery. Did not see anything in the up and running auctions...went to 'advanced search' - Within 15 minutes - I had a hit! There before my eyes was a photo of that very same bowl, and it had sold for $9.99. Now, I read the description - "McCoy mixing bowl, RARE yellow color. Chips, cracks, bad shape", blah, blah, blah...Wow!!! 10 bucks for a bowl that is in such bad shape! Yep, I'll take 10! I listed my bowl, now that I know I have a rare color, and a maker's name really helped...and to my surprise...I ended up with 30 dollars!!!
Is that RARE bowl worth more??? Maybe...but, the one who knew it was rare got ten dollars, I got 30 dollars...I'm happy!!!
The stuff can fall into different catagories. #1 Heavily used - in working order. #2 Heavily used - in non working order. #3 Slightly used - in working order #4 Slightly used - in non working order #5 Never used - without box or other indentifying information or mark. #6 Never used-in mint condition - still in box. #7 WTH?
If you are in the sad position to settle an estate, clean up and clear out years of accumulation...An auction house or buyer of estates, will probably be your best option. They have knowledge in moving your items quickly and do try to get top dollar. Getting top dollar is a benefit to both you and your hired service. They do charge for their services. They deserve to be paid for their service, believe me!
When it comes to pricing...you leave it to the experts. They know the current values of antiques. They should be up to date on what's hot, what's not. What is rare and collectable. To them, it is a business of moving goods. It is hard enough to let go of grandma's things- they have sentimental value to you. They have been in the family for so long! It would be a shock to you, if you research enough...that even though you have a huge ticket price in mind, the market just might be flooded with grandma's rarities. So...then let's look at condition...Is grandma's colbalt blue glass serving set complete? Like new in the box?...Or missing pieces and scratched & chipped?...All bring down value...However, if the pieces are truly rare...(like they only made a few)...then condition does not matter too much.
*I sold a heavy mixing bowl on ebay. It was handed down through the generations. I had to clean years of dust off of it to see the color. After cleaning it...I found it was yellow and was chipped and cracked - in poor condition. But, it was pretty cool. It had that charming aged look. I really liked it, but was in the process of cleaning out my own stuff. I think that most folks would have sent it to the trash. It had no identifying mark. I went to ebay's search and typed in "old yellow bowl". Narrowed it to pottery. Did not see anything in the up and running auctions...went to 'advanced search' - Within 15 minutes - I had a hit! There before my eyes was a photo of that very same bowl, and it had sold for $9.99. Now, I read the description - "McCoy mixing bowl, RARE yellow color. Chips, cracks, bad shape", blah, blah, blah...Wow!!! 10 bucks for a bowl that is in such bad shape! Yep, I'll take 10! I listed my bowl, now that I know I have a rare color, and a maker's name really helped...and to my surprise...I ended up with 30 dollars!!!
Is that RARE bowl worth more??? Maybe...but, the one who knew it was rare got ten dollars, I got 30 dollars...I'm happy!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)