Selling on Ebay - Lot or Individual?

[Hawke]

I'm planning on trying to unload some of my older books (3.5, wod) on ebay. Not expecting to get much if anything, but I was curious if anybody had suggestion as to whether I should do a big lot of them or if it'll be better to do individuals?

Any general suggestions with selling these types of things online? I haven't really sold much other than a car on ebay.

(I'm not interested in receiving private messages or replies in this thread from people seeking to purchase directly, sorry. Also, if this sort of question is against the rules, my apologies. I checked but seems like it fits.)

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

From what I've been told, selling individually will usually net you more in the long run but it's a LOT more work and hassle as you'll have many auctions and will have to ship repeatedly.

I sold off a HUGE G.I. Joe collection for $2,000 (US) all in one lot. I had a lot of offers to buy stuff piecemeal but I stuck to my guns and sold it all-or-nothing because I didn't want to be left with stuff. This wasn't on Ebay though. The key was photographing everything in detail so it was clear what people were getting.

I suggest trying to identify how many "gems" you have that would fetch more than the rest of the stuff. Those might be worth auctioning off individually. If you have enough gems, or they're valuable enough, you can use them to up the price on the auction lot as a whole.

But I think the bottom line is you'll get more selling individually (with the caveats that it's a lot more work and you'll likely end up with some stuff unsold in the end).

 

[Fifth Element]

From what I've been told, selling individually will usually net you more in the long run but it's a LOT more work and hassle as you'll have many auctions and will have to ship repeatedly.

I suggest trying to identify how many "gems" you have that would fetch more than the rest of the stuff. Those might be worth auctioning off individually. If you have enough gems, or they're valuable enough, you can use them to up the price on the auction lot as a whole.

But I think the bottom line is you'll get more selling individually (with the caveats that it's a lot more work and you'll likely end up with some stuff unsold in the end).

This is good advice. If you're just trying to unload them and get a bit of cash in return, then selling lots is the way to go. If you're looking to maximize your return, sell them individually but be prepared for a lot more work.

I've done it both ways, and it really just depends on what your priorities are.

 

[Hawke]

Hmmmm... thanks... I think when it comes to RPG books the gems can't really be that much higher than the weaker points. The more I look at my pile here the more it seems like I'd probably get the same dollar amount for lot versus individual but be stuck with a few books. Might as well give them a good home!

Thanks fellas.

 

[malraux]

Hmmmm... thanks... I think when it comes to RPG books the gems can't really be that much higher than the weaker points. The more I look at my pile here the more it seems like I'd probably get the same dollar amount for lot versus individual but be stuck with a few books. Might as well give them a good home!

Thanks fellas.

Well, some stuff is gonna be worth more now than when you bought it. Other stuff is gonna be worth 2-3 bucks.

 

[Ulrick]

I think another valid question would be: With the economy in a slump and there's also plenty of 3.5 books still floating around out there, are people still buying?

 

[Baron Opal]

People are buying, and eBay is often where they go to look for bargains. Personally, the last time I had a bunch of stuff to sell, I grouped it into 3-4 lots with three things set aside for individual sale. Grouping things thematically helps move sales, I have found. Since you have at least two systems, I would at least group them into two lots. Probably a lot for Vampire, a lot for Werewolf, a lot with Tome of Magic and Spell Compendium, &c. I think I didn't have more than 4 hardbacks per lot, and any number of softcovers or magazines.

One other thing; you aren't going to get a whole heck of a lot of money. Expect no more than half cover price, at best. You might get lucky. You can watch for trends on eBay and maximize your return. But, it would be best to be aware that you aren't going to get much.

 

[Mark]

Figure out how many books you have, multiply by two or three dollars, and if that figure is acceptable to you put it all up in one go. It'll save you a ton of time and effort if that is enough to make you happy. Then pack the stuff up but leave it open so that you can answer the inevitble questions regarding edition and printing that will be emailed to you during the auction. Put as much of that info on ebay as possible to save more time and efforet. If it is all books, remember to ship USPS Media mail if you are in the US.