I'm still selling on eBay, and did very well last month. I only have a couple of listings up at present, and they're items I'm selling for a friend. But my DS and I are collaborating on getting unwanted stuff out of the house.

eBay makes it super easy to sell. Fees do seem high to me, but it's not too bad if you are selling items that are worth over $20. or so. I don't see how anyone makes any money selling dollar items. I am selling a few things, but am getting tired of it. Just a lot of competition. Now if I had a house full of rare collectibles to sell - I'd be happy!

Make sure you check completed auctions for the items you plan on selling to make sure it is even worth your time. Think about packing things too. Some things are a nightmare to wrap well and then trying to find a box it will fit in!

It can be a lot of fun. Go for it!

The only caution I have is to check shipping costs. The bigger the box and the greater distance, the more it costs. Often I check out other listings of the same items to see if they sell plus what the shipper is charging for shipping. I just sent a gift box to California and it cost over $12. The PO has flat rate boxes that are often cheaper than using your own but they start about $6 and go to almost $9 and they are not big boxes. THe worst thing I tried to sell was costume jewelry. Listed about 10 pieces and sold 1 piece (for $1!). The fees were more than I made.
Try Craigslist for selling stuff around your area.
Kathy

Ditto to what Lydia said - if you want to make any money on ebay these days you have to know what the item sold for when it was previously listed. Also check how many people bid on the thing, if only one person bid on it, they may be the only one who was looking for that item.
Suzan J

One thing I learned recently was on shipping. Of course, my buyer lived in ALASKA! Sheesh. It was a large-ish item too, and I could have taken a beaten on shipping, fortunately I made a box that didn't cost extra (dimensional weight to AK) to ship, or I would have lost $15 on that deal.

I recently sold a bunch of sewing machine feet that didn't fit my machine, got over $200 for them, before fees. Cool! And most all of it was small stuff, so that was easy to pack and ship.

I sold Granlan's son's trombone a few years back and did real well on it for her. Give it a try Kath. Just be very thorough and specific about your item and post good, clear pictures. Does it come in it's own case. If so, it will be easier to ship and protect. I would insist on insurance on that item too.

I have a question on shipping charges....why are some really small items, less than 1.5 lbs. that would fit in a box 8"x8" cost $8 to ship? I am just curious. I don't usually buy much as the shipping is way too high for most items.

With their new changes in selling fees (it's much higher now, especially for items under $25), and the fact that you can no longer give buyers negative or neutral feedback (ONLY positive), I am boycotting Ebay as a seller.

You really must have a good idea of the shipping cost before you list an item. Surprises later will not do! I ask international bidders to contat me for shipping costs before they bid.

Buyers seem to understand that shipping costs have increased. They're also probably happy to find a seller who doesn't grossly inflate the shipping fee.

I'm reluctant to sell fragile china and glass because I'm afraid to pack and ship it. I know people do this all the time, but I'm convinced mine would arrive in a thousand pieces.

Kath, pay close attention to the words you put in the subject line. Think of the terms people might use to search for your item, and include as many of them as you can. And take good, clear pictures!

Does anyone know why we aren't allowed to sell stuff to each other through this board??

I belong to a large cross stitch board and we're allowed to sell to each other there and the board owner doesn't get involved in the sales.She just asks us not to post pictures,rather have the would be buyers email us for all the details and we work it out among ourselves,and all goes very well 99% of the time.Just Curious why it's not allowed here,
Kathi

Kathi - that would be a disaster on this board. We'd have all kinds of people coming here and selling their miracle diet aids and who know what else.

thanks for responding. I did search one item I'm thinking of selling and will do some more this weekend.