Advice on selling knives for another on eBay please.

Neil · **on:** August 01, 2008, 11:24:59 PM

I've been asked by a collector if I'd sell some knives (probably SAKs) on eBay on their behalf. Its not something I'd considered before but as I've good feedback and know one end of a camera from the other its not a daft idea

My question is, what kind of commission / fee do you think would be reasonable? They would be sending me the knives in batches that I would then list/sell/package etc. I'd be dealing with the sale as if it were my own, i.e. there would be no risk to them of lost items, bad buyers etc.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Neil

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #1 on:** August 01, 2008, 11:28:39 PM

If I might make a suggestion...

If they are SAKs, why not offer them to SOSAK members first? Also, I'd suggest checking with Felinevet, as he is often interested in purchasing whole collections. At the very least, it would be worth an email or two to Tim to see what he suggests about eBay.

Def

Neil · **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2008, 12:09:39 AM

Thanks Def, I'll certainly suggest he contact Tim (he may already have done).

The problem with offering to SOSAK members first is that if he's just weeding out his more mundane models you get the issue of value on one side of the Atlantic compared to the other, I'm in "rip-off" Britain $:-\$
If its more unusual models, how do you know what would be fair to ask for them? The latter is something I've considered myself and to be honest has stopped me putting items in the KF sale forum, its also the reason I like doing swaps

Perhaps we need a SOSAK/MT auction forum/app

I'd certainly rather pay fees to multitool.org than eBay!!

Neil

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2008, 12:37:44 AM

Not a bad idea... although I am certain Micah and Esteban are cringing at that idea!

Def

Neil · **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2008, 12:55:46 AM

Quote from: Defender on August 02, 2008, 12:37:44 AM

Not a bad idea... although I am certain Micah and Esteban are cringing at that idea!

Def

Yeah, I can't see it being the easiest bolt-on for the site

But it'd be really cool!

Neil

kent ct · **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2008, 02:05:15 AM

I would suggest one third of the net price as a commission. This is assuming you are going to take quality pictures and take the time to examine each piece and give a good description.

If it is going to be a lot of very low price items then fifty percent commission would be needed to cover all the time spent.

Richard

Whoey · **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2008, 07:32:08 AM

Quote from: Defender on August 02, 2008, 12:37:44 AM

Not a bad idea... although I am certain Micah and Esteban are cringing at that idea!

Def

I don't think it's that bad... I saw this: http://www.thefactory.ro/shop/joomla-components/auction-factory.html which could be a possibility, but at a price...

also perhaps an option: http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=1083

Neil · **Reply #7 on:** August 02, 2008, 12:04:09 PM

I don't think it'd take long to pay for itself

Neil

Whoey · **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2008, 03:34:16 PM

the second one looks more viable atm, the first is a bit pricey for what use it will get... perhaps in the future it maybe worthwhile.

eodtech · **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2008, 12:16:59 AM

I sell a lot of items for people on e bay. The seller pay all listing and selling fees and I take 33% of the selling price.

A lot say that's high, well then go buy the camera, a light box or light tent, do proper research on the item, baby sit the item and answer questions from potential buyers, then pack it up and take it to the Post Office or UPS . When you explain what is involved then the fee is quit in line.

I would wait another 4 - 6 weeks to list on eBay, summer is a slow time and the closer to Christmas you get the higher the volume on eBay.

Another fee-free option is to sell items on www.craigslist.com, I just sold a friends two (2) double wide mobile homes on craigslist in 4 days for $7500 each - you do the math!!

I still have a Honda 4wd ATV to list for him as soon as hunting season gets little closer.

Neil · **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2008, 01:32:04 PM

I've looked around other places who offer the service and whilst yes 33% does sound high (to me) it does seem to be the norm. Most seem to charge around a third some a bit less but they normally take a fixed fee plus the commission plus VAT.

I have to say I would feel uncomfortable asking for that amount on this occasion, fellow collector and all that. Still its been a helpful exercise and has given me ideas for the future.

Neil

kent ct · **Reply #11 on:** August 04, 2008, 12:06:09 AM

Between pictures and well written and researched descriptions plus time spent listing you will spend more time than you think.

If you sell a group of knives in one lot, then a lower commission would be in order.

Richard

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