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TCTA pays its way with eBay |
What is this ‘eBay’? Many of you will have experienced eBay, but for those who have not, here is a potted explanation. EBay allows individuals and organisations to easily sell items across the internet. Items are ‘listed’ on eBay, properly described and photographed, and eBay buyers (‘eBayers’) bid for them online. The auction has a pre-defined end time and the person who has submitted the highest bid by that end time, wins. The winner pays for the goods (either online or by sending a cheque) and then the sellers dispatch the goods (or arranges for collection). There all sorts of wrinkles, but that is it in a nutshell.
The seller pays the auction fees, generally a small amount to offer the item and a ‘success’ fee of 3% - 5% of the sale value. The buyer pays the sale price and the cost of delivery.
Sales experiences vary greatly – many items go very cheaply, some are hotly fought over and sell for a high price; quite a few attract no interest at all. Generally buyers on eBay are either looking for a really good bargain, or are seeking something very rare. Although most buyers are from the UK, there are eBay sites in most countries and it is very easy to buy goods in another country – so it is a great way of reaching a wider marketplace for your goods. Also, eBay offers highlighting of charities, which makes it easier for people to access our sales.
How will it work for us? Very simply – people will collect suitable goods (see below) and bring them to the TCTA offices. We have a new volunteer, Ron, who will take it from there – he will photograph the goods, produce a description and place them on sale on eBay, handle any queries and then, eventually, when the sale is made, despatch them. Money paid will go straight into the TCTA Account. Any goods that cannot be sold we shall offer to a charity shop.
Where will we get the goods to sell? We are looking for a volunteer to focus on obtaining suitable goods, but would really appreciate your help as well. If any volunteers have suitable goods please bring them to the office. Could you also speak to your passengers and ask for their help as well.
When providing goods please include some notes about the background of the item, highlight any faults and provide a contact name and number for any queries (for Ron) . If you wish, you may identify a ‘reserve’ price (the minimum price at which you want it sold). Please also identify if you want unsold items returned. It is not essential to have boxes or original receipts, but, if available, they do increase the value of the item.
What things sell well? New goods, as do used goods with little sign of age or damage. Small items do have an advantage - they cost less to deliver (the less the buyer pays for delivery, the more they have to give to us). Unlike charity shops, there appears to be no restriction on the sale of electrical goods; however, it is sensible that you do a basic check they work. It is possible to sell non-working goods, but it probably isn’t worth our effort.
eBay may be used to sell a wide variety of goods – from stamps to cars, although there are a few prohibited items. If you are uncertain, check with Ron.
Looking at some other eBay charity sales, collectables seem to do well (e.g. pottery, beanies etc), also unusual stuff like Civil War uniforms. Strangely, autographs don’t make much. Finally, if you have a large quantity of low-value items, it could be a good way to market.
Please go to the TCTA eBay Shop and bid - one bid attracts another.
For queries, contact the Office or email Auction Queries.
Thank you for your help
