Selling a phone on ebay?

[scottcraft]

Have any of you done this? Got any tips or helpful advice?

 

[willied]

I haven't done it myself, but a few things to know:

List everything that is wrong with it (unique to your device), so the buyer isn't disappointed.

State that the ESN is clean (meaning it hasn't been stolen, etc., so that they don't have any problems activating it).

And make sure to hard reset it so none of your info is on there.

That's all I can think of.

 

[texantony]

Have you tried the instant sale? More like their trade-in program...

http://instantsale.ebay.com/

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express

 

[mYth]

I sold my focus flash on eBay.
State that the phone is clean and is 100% functional. Those were to the two most asked question when I first put it on eBay. State what will come with the phone. You can also post pictures in the description rather than paying and uploading multiple through eBay.

I would recommend starting the bidding low, it tends to catch people's attention and your watch list will probably be higher than say if you started it at $150.

You can set a minimum price that you'll take, but it makes your fee larger.

 

[scottcraft]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try Craigslist also.

Sent from my Windows 7 phone using Board Express

 

[Thuoudo]

I also show the IMEI/ESN on the phone sticker with a couple numbers blanked out (to prevent someone from "borrowing" it :dry).

Also, if you accept returns, be sure to state you will only accept them in the case of the phone being returned in its as-shipped state. You're not a rental service

And if it comes down the buyer trying to get a partial refund for "scratches" or "nicks" or whatever, I'd be more apt to just offer a full refund.

Above all, don't freak out on the buyer if it seems they're trying to scam you. No swears, no "listen man"s, nothing like that. Of course, never respond outside ebay.

Selling on ebay makes me nervous, but sometimes CL and forums just don't come through

 

[jimski]

Sold several phones and other older stuff on eBay with no issues. Always offered a Buy It Now (my minimum) and most of my stuff sold quickly. Still have a 100% rating. As stated, clearly describe the device and any shortcomings (scratches, wear). And plenty of pictures to show off the device and display what you get.

Sent from my HTC Surround using Board Express

 

[toyotast165]

what are you trying to sell? I know several of us are kinda phone whores LOL

 

[scottcraft]

Thanks for all the tips. If I don't have any luck in a day or two I'll put it on ebay. I've got it on craigslist and the barter forums on here for know.

@toyota: I'm selling an htc trophy for verizon. It's listed in the barter forum.

 

[ubizmo]

I've sold a number of phones on eBay, and I agree with the suggestions already given. I've sold other things too, and I've learned that phones are much more likely to attract non-paying buyers. I don't understand why people bid on things and then refuse to pay when they win, but it's happened to me three times. There's not much you can do about this, but be prepared mentally to deal with the extra time involved in resolving the situation.

I believe in communicating with the buyer as much as possible. I tell them when I'm on my way to ship the item, and then send them another message when it's done. They appreciate the extra effort to stay in touch, instead of just seeing the tracking number appear on the listing.

 

[anon(5335877)]

I've sold a number of phones on eBay, and I agree with the suggestions already given. I've sold other things too, and I've learned that phones are much more likely to attract non-paying buyers. I don't understand why people bid on things and then refuse to pay when they win, but it's happened to me three times. There's not much you can do about this, but be prepared mentally to deal with the extra time involved in resolving the situation.

I believe in communicating with the buyer as much as possible. I tell them when I'm on my way to ship the item, and then send them another message when it's done. They appreciate the extra effort to stay in touch, instead of just seeing the tracking number appear on the listing.

That seems to happen a lot with iPhones. They bid on multiple items, and basically pay for the auction they won with the lowest price, ignoring the rest that they won.

I think the only thing you can do about this is bidding restrictions or whatever it's called. When you set up the auction you can choose who's allowed to bid, and you can restrict eBay users who have negative feedback and/or eBay users who have gotten non-payment "strikes" in the past few months.

 

[Kredrian]

I keep telling myself I will sell my old phones off when I get a new one, but never do. I just keep them around, like children who refuse to move out when they get old enough. Of course, thats also how I have gotten two people addicted to Windows Phone, so maybe its not all bad?

 

[scottcraft]

Judging by what I'm seeing on ebay I might as well keep my phone. It doesn't appear I will get enough to make it worth my time. It stinks having a phone that is not popular at all. Guess I'll have to stick with it until upgrade time.

 

[stmalia]

I've sold a number of phones on eBay, and I agree with the suggestions already given. I've sold other things too, and I've learned that phones are much more likely to attract non-paying buyers. I don't understand why people bid on things and then refuse to pay when they win, but it's happened to me three times. There's not much you can do about this, but be prepared mentally to deal with the extra time involved in resolving the situation.

I believe in communicating with the buyer as much as possible. I tell them when I'm on my way to ship the item, and then send them another message when it's done. They appreciate the extra effort to stay in touch, instead of just seeing the tracking number appear on the listing.

How do you determine shipping cost? I've sold one thing on eBay a long time ago & I clearly did it wrong.