I have a variety of bits and bobs available including 2 sets of Dainese leathers (2 piece). Is Spring generally a better time to sell than at the moment? I’m in two minds over the parts, on the one hand many people put their bikes away for the Winter but equally on the other hand they may work on them, preparing for next year & want bits for their bikes. What’s the general consensus? I don’t want to spend time taking photos, working out prices and posting adverts now if there is little or no interest, only to have to do it again next year. On the other hand, getting some space back in the garage would be useful at the moment!
Why not put them on eBay, which is now free for private persons to sell, with your desired price and just let the listing run. In my experience there is no discernable pattern. Some things sell in days and others sit there for months. I had a engine for sale for £600 and had zero interest for about 3 months. I then put the price up to £1100 and sold it in days. I guess it all depends who needs or wants it.
Thanks for your reply, I suspected that was the case. It was only in the last couple of days that I found out that selling on EBay was not subject to listing fees or a percentage of the final selling price. In fact I was so sceptical I asked one of their agents to confirm that by email. I have listed my bike trailer now because it would have been expensive to sell before the change. I suppose a seller only needs one buyer and they can come along immediately or months later.
I found it hard to believe as well but it's definitely the case. Be careful as "motors" are still subject to selling fees. I'm not sure a trailer would fall under that category or not. I also find that auctions lead more often than not to a better result. There is obviously a risk attached but on balance I make more money via eBay auction than fixed price "but it now".
But the risk is removed for genuinely valuable items with a reserve price. That said if its some parts or gear that has been sitting in the garage or closet for years, anything is better than the nothing you have had for storing it!
I did check before listing the trailer but it doesn’t come under the motors category so listing is free. Interesting regarding your experience of auction vs fixed price though. I am always nervous of starting at a very low price with no reserve. What has been your experience? Do you tend to put a reserve price on items?
I never put a reserve and usually start at £1.00. I make sure to have listed it in the right category, take good pictures and write lots of stuff in the description. When I do that I usually get more than I want. As a example I had a box of old, worn, Amal carb bits. Scrap really. All small stuff which I was about to put in the bin. Worth £60 to someone. I have had cold feet a few times with more valuable stuff and put a minimum bid price of the lowest I'd take. Never does as well but it's not going for nothing either. Anyway. As it's now free, it's a no brainer to me. Lots of exposure at zero cost or risk.
Unless its something that's worth £1000 but is not a popular commodity. Listing those with a reserve allows you to have the item in the market and not end up selling for peanuts.
I don't like to bid on items with a reserve so I don't list any as such. What's the point of pretending to sell at a potentially low price when prospective buyers can see there is a reserve. It does put people off.
I agree it may put some off. But it's possible that those people can't afford it anyway, if it's something which is valuable. But I think differently myself; if I want the item, and make a bid which doesn't reach the reserve, I move on or bid more. I can switch my focus onto similar no reserve items knowing I've bid but I'm not really obliged to wait until the end as the seller has "refused" my bid. With no reserve auctions once you have made a bid you must wait until the final closing and perhaps get out bid in the last seconds, plus you have waited a week to find out and missed other similar items -bidding on two might mean you have to buy both. So there are merits to both buying modes, which is why they are both popular. As a seller of a rarer expensive niche item a reserve is a good option. The market place is made aware that there is one for sale, yet the seller does not risk it going under the hammer for a low price. I have sold a few items this way. My reserve is lower than my ideal/ expected sale price, but high enough that I won't get burned. Its usually reached reasonably quickly. Always I am happier to keep it than to sell for peanuts because the niche item wasn't seen by a niche buyer. I suppose time is a factor and (so far) I've never been desperate for the cash.
