Frame and Wheel is finishing up an auction of bicycle gear for a client and reports here some of the insights from the auction (please see a summary of the items at (Frame and Wheel eBay Selling Services).
The market is very efficient. Early on, Frame and Wheel received a bollocking from an experienced seller in Canada (known by his eBay moniker, Snuglit) for selecting the incorrect shipping service. Frame and Wheel inadvertently chose United States Postal Service Express International believing that it was the discount service. Frame and Wheel was mistaken, fooled by the trickery of the drop-down menu: the discount service is First Class International, and it is counter-intuitively located at the top of the drop-down menu (or it is not available on line at all: one must go to the post office to deliver an item using that service). Snuglit correctly pointed out that the shipping cost on this particular item was higher than the market value of the item. Snuglit also pointed out that the handling charge was too high given the low value of the item and he questioned the accuracy of Frame and Wheel weight measurements (Snuglit did not contest the auction).
The market is very efficient. Early on, Frame and Wheel received a bollocking from an experienced seller in Canada (known by his eBay moniker, Snuglit) for selecting the incorrect shipping service. Frame and Wheel inadvertently chose United States Postal Service Express International believing that it was the discount service. Frame and Wheel was mistaken, fooled by the trickery of the drop-down menu: the discount service is First Class International, and it is counter-intuitively located at the top of the drop-down menu (or it is not available on line at all: one must go to the post office to deliver an item using that service). Snuglit correctly pointed out that the shipping cost on this particular item was higher than the market value of the item. Snuglit also pointed out that the handling charge was too high given the low value of the item and he questioned the accuracy of Frame and Wheel weight measurements (Snuglit did not contest the auction).
Frame and Wheel learned in its previous life that when the market provides advice it is a good idea to listen. Frame and Wheel invested in a digital scale to accurately obtain correct weight measurements, switched to using bubble-wrap envelopes rather than cardboard boxes and now charges handling charges that are commensurate to the value and the handling effort of the item being auctioned. The result has been lower shipping costs, higher final value prices and higher proceeds for the client.
Frame and Wheel also learned that it is a very good idea to take a few pictures of bicycles when they are packed in the box, but before the box is closed up. This helps the buyer resolve any claims with UPS in case the bicycle is damaged while being sent. Frame and Wheel also learned that it is a good idea to clearly write "This Side Up" on the box so that UPS does not store the bicycle incorrectly.
Frame and Wheel also learned that it is a very good idea to take a few pictures of bicycles when they are packed in the box, but before the box is closed up. This helps the buyer resolve any claims with UPS in case the bicycle is damaged while being sent. Frame and Wheel also learned that it is a good idea to clearly write "This Side Up" on the box so that UPS does not store the bicycle incorrectly.
Elsewhere, Frame and Wheel observes that Shimano Dura Ace components retain their value very well. Even the eight and nine speed items have a strong market. Brake shifters seem to be very popular too, followed by derailleurs and crank sets. Frame and Wheel is convinced that the key to a successful auction is detailed and highly accurate descriptions that feature the good and the bad and the use of pictures and slide shows. Frame and Wheel's technical vocabulary has improved a lot.
Frame and Wheel received dozens of emails about shipping items to Australia, England, Italy and Malaysia, and emails asking about technical aspects and the provenance of items. Frame and Wheel had to relist one bike after the buyer paid for it, but then found that his client couldn't pay. Frame and Wheel was able to stop UPS from shipping the bike in time, amicably unwind the transaction and relist the bike. A headache, but not a crisis. Nevertheless, a regular feature of eBay and a reason that third parties hire Frame and Wheel to sell their unused or old items on eBay.
Frame and Wheel received dozens of emails about shipping items to Australia, England, Italy and Malaysia, and emails asking about technical aspects and the provenance of items. Frame and Wheel had to relist one bike after the buyer paid for it, but then found that his client couldn't pay. Frame and Wheel was able to stop UPS from shipping the bike in time, amicably unwind the transaction and relist the bike. A headache, but not a crisis. Nevertheless, a regular feature of eBay and a reason that third parties hire Frame and Wheel to sell their unused or old items on eBay.
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