EBAY

[TeddyRocks]

Question... Ebay buyers especially. What would make you more interested in an add? I have things to sell, and my husband suggested ebay, and I went online to look at "dressagey" stuff, and it seems to me NOTHING is really selling... This isn't meant as an ad, so that's why I'm not listing what I'll be selling here, but be it equipment, etc... is there an interest for used stuff out there? Where best to market, or is there a better place than ebay?

Thanks for any input.

[Ambrey]

Really good pictures and descriptions, plus feedback, sells.

Most people try to sell things with terrible descriptions and dark photos with no detail.

I've never not been able to sell something. I have had to drop prices before, but I usually get pretty good money for the stuff I sell.

[Ibex]

I dunno - I've actually had a lot of success selling tack on there lately. I attributed it to people looking for deals a bit more in this economy... I even sold one bridle for it's BIN price within an hour of listing...

[Sabine]

nobody is buying- money is tight...best advice: stop buying yourself...because selling is really hard right now!

[camohn]

The stuff I have sold on ebay was: saddles that young horses outgrew or didn't fit a new horse and children's tack/clothing that was outgrown quickly. All stuff sold for a reasonable price. The lightly used kid's stuff is actually a hot item.

[Ambrey]

Another hint- for smaller items, offer overseas shipping. It is a bit more risk (no paypal protection), but people in Europe save a ton buying here with the euro so strong.

I've sold two saddles in the last 2 weeks, one for more than I bought it for and one that I bought new for only a little bit less.

[Boomer]

I have sold a saddle on Ebay to a Canadian buyer. Got a good price for it, even after all the paypal fees.

I also buy the MWS saddle pads on ebay, they are a nice pad, light weight and even after shipping a good price.

I visit regularly to shop for good deals. The economy is tighter, but if I can pick up something I really need used in good condition, with detailed description and good pics (good lighting, et) and great price - I'll be buying :D

There are no english tack stores within 100 miles of me, so the internet is my only outlet.

[Ambrey]

I also buy the MWS saddle pads on ebay, they are a nice pad, light weight and even after shipping a good price.

There are no english tack stores within 100 miles of me, so the internet is my only outlet.

Yep, I have no local tack stores at all.

I bought 3 of the MWS pads when they launched their website and had them for $10. Now they are $40 on the website!! Yikes!

[TeddyRocks]

nobody is buying- money is tight...best advice: stop buying yourself...because selling is really hard right now!

So true... That is exactly what my husband tells me all the time... "NOT another bit, bridle, etc...:" GREAT advice Sabine!

[TeddyRocks]

Thanks everyone for the good advice, and good information... I appreciate it!

[Bogie]

I've sold many things on ebay, horsey and otherwise.

It helps to have a lot of good feedback, but I also think that having lots of good photos, accurate and detailed descriptions, and low shipping costs helps.

My husband ships for me (has his own business) which has really helped; I hate paying $50 plus shipping for a saddle when i know UPS charges $25.

[Julz]

Do you think that it is better to list stuff on ebay than paying for an ad on COTH? I have a bunch of stuff to sell, but don't know where would be best.

Last time (long time ago) I looked on ebay for horse tack or equipment, there wasn't much, but maybe I am not doing a good search parameter. Does anyone have a link to a good search for dressage or jumping tack? I tried "horse equip" and "saddles, bridles" in Sporting Goods, but only a couple of pages. Thx!

[dwblover]

I think descriptions are the most important part of selling on ebay. I see so many people with a one line sentence as their description. Their stuff does not usually sell. I give as many details as possible. And another tip: I always list the retail value of a new version of the item I'm selling. Then I start with a low bid, so people can see what a great deal they are getting.

[Tiligsmom]

I've bought and sold all sorts of horsey stuff on ebay with great success.

If your products are in good condition and name brand and you do what other posters have suggested, you should have no problem.

While people are looking for deals, they also expect used products to be in very good condition ;)

[KHAT]

The advise on the forum has been excellent. I have sold
many high end saddles on Ebay. The key is lots of GOOD
pics, which means clear, close up.

Also be aware of the background in your photo, a messy tack room or bedroom in a house does not make it.
Put your saddle on a pad on a stand. When you photograph the underside lay the saddle on a pad, NOT
on the bare ground.

A VERY detailed description line by line, you will still have questions posed by buyers.
When buyers ask a question really make an effort to answer
in detail and answer ASAP. Many times I have asked a question about a saddle for sale on Ebay on a Friday, only
not to receive an answer until late Sunday or Monday because the seller listed the saddle then left for the weekend!! Even with excellent feedback with a seller I am put off by sending money to someone who cannot answer a question fairly quickly.
Even if you work regular hours you can check your mail as soon as you get home.
Feedback history is very important, check the sellers AND
buyers history.

Pack the saddle as you would like to receive it if you were the buyer.

Last but not least be ABSOLUTLY honest about your saddle's condition if it has a blemish photograph it. If it is
in mint condition say so. Mint means mint.

[KHAT]

One other thing, post pics of YOUR saddle, not stock pics off some tack stores web site. This is so annoying. Even if your saddle is new the pics need to be of the saddle you are selling!

[preferred]

I sell on EBAY items I have upgraded or no longer need. I find that only top brands like EUROFIT, MATTES, ARISTA, PIKEUR, KB SELECT and the like have given me great return on the sale. In fact, I'll buy a pair of Eurofit breeches from EBAY for $130, wear them for a year or so and resell for about $120-$150 depending on the bidding. I take extremely good care of them, bought them used and sell them used. I simply get tired of a color.

No name or economical brands fetch very little.

As a buyer, I get irritated if the shipping cost is inflated and I find NO RESERVE is great to get bidding...start your bid about 25% below your min purch price and it will attract bids, if you start too high it may not get any attention. EBAY is a game to me, if I get into a fun mood and start bidding away I ussually get caught up in it and tend to overpay a little too in the effort "to win"

[Luckydonkey]

I have found you need to be somewhat specific- try searching 'dressage" or "wintec" or "saddle 17' that type of thing..... I am a person who likes to buy off ebay- and have sold too.... I just yesterday bought a wintec dressage saddle... can't wait to get it here and try it out-

[Julz]

Thanks luckydonkey! I'll try searching like that- I am trying to figure out how well certain items do with their pricing, before I decide to list. I have gone from 13 horses, down to only a couple, and ought to lighten my tack load. :)

[Horsepower]

If you are looking for comparison pricing do the detailed search and look for items already sold that are the same as yours. Ebay will list what they actually sold for. I've bought things off of ebay. Clean your tack so it photographs well. If a saddle be sure to give tree and flap size as well as the seat size. List the exact model or brand name. If there are any defects be honest and describe them; better to get no sale than negative feedback. Display it on a saddle rack. Show all sides, underside, flap up so that shows too. Have a nice background (just outdoors with grass in background or in your house). I agree with prior poster that showing it in a dirty barn or other messy background is a no, no.

[preferred]

no longer do buyers have to be afraid of what sellers will give as neg feedback if the seller is not satisfying the buyer. EBAY has changed the feedback where the seller can't leave neg feedback for the buyer.

[Bogie]

no longer do buyers have to be afraid of what sellers will give as neg feedback if the seller is not satisfying the buyer. EBAY has changed the feedback where the seller can't leave neg feedback for the buyer.

Yeah, as a seller, that really annoys me because some buyers are real deadbeats. I hate it when people email me that they've decided not to go through with a transaction because they changed their minds. It is a pain in the neck and it costs me money. It's happened to me several times.

Ebay has slowly raised the listing (and relisting fees) over time so while it is still useful (and you give up less of your sale than consigning), there are now fewer protections for sellers and if a buyer wants to give you negative feedback, you have practically no recourse.

I have more than 1,000 ebay transactions, all with perfect feedback. When ebay introduced the new rules, I thought seriously about not selling anymore, not because I try to sell bad stuff; but because some of the buyers are just crazy!

[Boomer]

I bought 3 of the MWS pads when they launched their website and had them for $10. Now they are $40 on the website!! Yikes!

Geez - I just bought one and it was only $20 including shipping. Bought one about 2 months ago at the same price.

[Ambrey]

Geez - I just bought one and it was only $20 including shipping. Bought one about 2 months ago at the same price.

Off their site or e-bay?

I was shocked when I looked, maybe I messed up.

Nope, on their site they are $40. Cheaper on e-bay for sure!

http://www.mwsaddleryinc.com/servlet/the-439/100-pct--cotton-shell-with/Detail

[ivy62]

as an aside you might try Craigslist for selling...I have both purchased and sold on ebay..people buying have contacted me before the auction was over about selling privately and that violates the rules....
Nothing is selling unless it is a highend item that has a very good description and pics..I have sold some items but people think they can get it for close to nothing..
Of you just want to empty your tack trunk and low ball the itemd they may sell but looking for real value I think you will have trouble.
I tried to sell a saddle on ebay that was well below the price new and this one was only used about a dozen times and low ball bidding was unreal. Be sure to list it at a price would accept
Good luck

[Spyder]

Another thing is to list as much stuff as you can, at one time. And note that you will combine shipping costs for multiple "wins." Encourages multiple purchases.

Somewhere in your listing you should also say something like, "Check out my other listings for my Ariat boots, Passier saddle and Mattes pad" so that other potential customers who want to buy, say, your reins will also know you have a Mattes pad for sale. Or people looking for your boots will get a hit on your reins listing because they are looking for Ariats and that "keyword" is in your text.

[onetempies]

I've sold quite a few things on ebay. Bits are especially big selling items! :lol: Also, SMB boots are big things & if you DO sell any... offer overseas shipping because UK & Germany seem to be highly interested in them! :yes: But make sure you get as detailed as possible with the item description and put in as many CLEAR photos as possible. Saddles.... list all blemishes on it because if you don't, the buyer will be PEEVED and you can guarantee getting negative feedback on the item. (didn't happen to me, but somebody I know)

Julz.... you could try craigslist (Lansing area) first or even the MDA newsletter & website. Or type up a list and email it out to the horsey people you know. I've done that quite a bit with detailed descriptions of each item & have always sold most of the stuff on there right away. My older stuff I just donated to CANTER and got a tax write off for it. :)

[naters]

List it on the bits and barter board (its free and there are TONS of cothers over there!)

Or on The Outside course (lots of cothers there too)

[kansasgal]

Along with the economy in a big downturn, this is for sure a slow time of year on E-bay.
Spring is a better time to sell horsey stuff IMO..... from late Feb. to late May.... people are thinking about outfitting their steeds for the busiest part of the riding season.

Summer is show season, also lots of people take vacations, not many worried about looking for a new saddle.....

I think that saddles under $1000 still sell well, and that you're more likely to sell a higher end saddle if you offer a trial.....

But I think that overall, people are out there enjoying their horses right now and less inclined to surf E-bay.

Good luck and best wishes from Kansas.

[Ambrey]

Speaking of e-bay, has anyone else noticed that since they've eliminated negative buyer feedback feedback ratings of sellers have gone way down?

Suddenly high feedback ratings are really rare.

[Event Horse]

Somewhere in your listing you should also say something like, "Check out my other listings for my Ariat boots, Passier saddle and Mattes pad" so that other potential customers who want to buy, say, your reins will also know you have a Mattes pad for sale. Or people looking for your boots will get a hit on your reins listing because they are looking for Ariats and that "keyword" is in your text.

EBay calls this practice "keyword spamming" and it is NOT allowed. It can get your listing cancelled. Personally, I find it INCREDIBLY ANNOYING to do a search for a specific item and come up with totally unrelated items.

You can just make a general statement to look at your other listings for more tack and tell buyers they can save on shipping for multiple purchases. But listing other brand names is a no no.

[Halt At X]

My husband ships for me (has his own business) which has really helped; I hate paying $50 plus shipping for a saddle when i know UPS charges $25.

I went to UPS a few days ago and they wanted over $90 to send a saddle ground from NH to Idaho.

I ended up shipping USPS parcel post for $38.xx including insurance and this was for a lighter eventing saddle, not a heavy dressage saddle!

[Ambrey]

If you go to the UPS store, they mark up shipping prices by a huge margin.

If you want to use UPS, use paypal to ship out prepayed shipping labels and just drop the package off at the UPS store.

[ponygirl]

I don't think much is selling. At least saddle wise. I listed a Verhan dressage saddle that is in Pristine condition- literally can pass for "new" with FREE shipping for $1800. This saddle is over $2600 to purchase from Verhan. Had a couple of inquiries but that was it. I have to sell it in order to get another to fit my mare's daughter. This particular model does not have an adjustable tree and daughter is wider than dam. So the saddle continues to sit in my house :( Even tried to toss in Verhan leathers that are also in excellent condition for pennies on the dollar. Nope. :(

[archieflies]

I have sold some items but people think they can get it for close to nothing...
...low ball bidding was unreal.

See, by saying it that way you make it sound like buyers are trying to rip you off. The point of buying at auction is to try to get a good deal. Nothing wrong with that. But as a seller, it's your responsibility to list the item for a price you'd be willing to take. If you start the bidding at a very low price, then low bidders are exactly what you're going to get. Nothing "low ball" about that. I mean, if you offer it for close to nothing, then of course people will think they can get it for close to nothing!

On that note, there is nothing that annoys me more than bidding on an item where the bidding starts at $1, only to find that the seller has set a reserve. Really, who uses reserves anymore? Maybe back when ebay was new and nobody knew how to play the game, but now? Don't try to "hide" your minimum price. I won't even bid on an item that doesn't say "No Reserve" anymore. And 90% of the time, if I come back and look at those items later, they didn't sell.

I, for one, was happy about the feedback rule change. There were too many item descriptions that said flat out, "Negative feedback will be met with negative feedback." What is this, a grade school playground? What a crappy attitude. I can see how the rule change is annoying when there's a non-paying buyer, but doesn't ebay have other methods of dealing with that? I just can't see any other situation where the buyer could deserve negative feedback.

My advice for selling a saddle: Start the bidding at just under market value. Try looking at the average for what similar items have been selling for, and set it just a bit lower. Give a good description. Use one of the featured ads to get people looking at it early. If people start bidding early, there's more likely to be a bidding war. If nobody notices the ad, you'll likely end up selling it to someone who set esnipe to pick it up at the last second, then there's no visible competition to drive up the price. Oh, and set it for a 3 day auction. If you make it 6 days, people won't want to wait, or they won't see it because it's behind all the other ads, or they won't want to start bidding early and create a bidding war so they'll plan to come back later and they'll forget, or they'll just set esnipe so they won't have to worry about it. (I'm usually the one that says "I'll come back and bid closer to the end," then I forget or find something else. I never bid on anything that has more then one or at most 2 days left.) But mostly just remember that your only real control over bidding is setting the minimum price. If it sells for less than what you wanted, it was your own fault. If it doesn't sell, you can always try again later or elsewhere.

[TeddyRocks]

I've sold quite a few things on ebay. Bits are especially big selling items! :)

And to get to the crux of it, THAT is what I have the most of to get rid of... HOW in the heck did I ever wind up with so many bits??? All shapes and sizes, and the horse I have now, goes in a basic, simple rubber D bit... And I don't see that changing anytime soon. He loves it. Got to get rid of some of them.

Thanks for all the ebay advise and input fellow COTHers...

[TaliaCristianna]

I've sold at least a half-a-dozen saddles on ebay, and countless other tack items.

Take GREAT pictures, and lots of them from all angles - especially when dealing with saddles. Most items photograph better outside in natural light. Make sure there isn't a lot of distracting clutter in the background. Put the item on a sheet or something if you have to. Put the saddle on an actual saddle rack if you can so it sits level. Photograph each side, front, back, and underside. Get a close up shot of any makers marks/labels and any blemishes too.

Definitely invest in the gallery photo, and perhaps even bold text if it's a higher dollar item. I DID notice a difference the one time I paid for bold text.

Put some time and thought into the description. Make it thorough and accurate.

Be conscientious of when your auction ends. That's when most bids occur. I have the best luck if my auction ends in the evening on a slower weeknight (Think M-Thur). I've done well on Sunday evenings too. Try to schedule the auction to end at a time that works well for all US time zones. I try to get mine to end at around 7:30pm central time.

Be reasonable with your shipping costs. Buy a box & pack the item yourself because shippers charge outrageous amounts to package anything. I always pack my own items and I've never paid more then $30 to ship a saddle (western or English) anywhere in the US - and that included insurance & the materials I used to package it. In my area DHL has the best rates for self-packed items.

Try to set a flat rate for shipping. The shipping calculators on ebay are terrible.

Answer potential buyer questions promptly. I hate it when a seller takes forever to get back to me on a question. HUGE pet peeve.

Offer some fittings and/or a saddle pad to go along with the saddle if you can. Buyers tend to really love getting "extras" along with the saddle.

[pattnic]

As others have said, good pictures (plural, especially of saddles), clear, well-worded, and thorough descriptions, and put the brand name somewhere in the listing. For instance, I often search for "Beval," as I have found their bridles to fit my horses the best without making "Franken-bridles."

Answer questions promptly, and set reasonable prices. I like the idea someone else mentioned of setting your price at about 75% of what you want it to go for - if it's a quality item, it will generally sell for a reasonable price.

No-name stuff and little items aren't selling as well right now, I don't think. I really think that with the economy, more people are searching eBay for used name-brands at reasonable prices.

[physical.energy]

I am out of the horse business. Soooooooo after so many years in the business I have loads and loads of amazing quality things to sell. many are all in new condition. Problem is that ebay charges so much in fees, if you put minimum amounts on things and frankly I am not going to put a $375 dress sheet on thats brand new for minimum of .99 I'll end up with nothing in the end and if the item doesn't sell.... you have to pay their fee anyway. I have over 15K in things to sell so....... no ebay and their fees for me. I would rather support COTH and list my things here realizing we cant sell saddles which is a shame.... it would be well worth it for Erin & powers that be to set a $25 price to list saddles. Not sure why they dont do this anyway. But that aside..... support COTH and list here.
;-)

[IdleWilde]

Last week I decided to clean out my tack room and became an E-Bay seller for the first time. Over half my items have sold already.
My tips for selling:
1:Good photos, show label/s and any defects
2: Detailed and accurate descriptions. When an item I'm selling could be ordered online I linked to webpage.
3: Answer every question promptly.
4: Buy It Now BARGAINS
5: Offer Free Shipping for Buy It Now (I use flat rate Priority Mail and figure in shipping to my bottom dollar for the item)
6: Accept PayPal

I've made over $400 thus far and have numerous watchers for the items still up for auction. PayPal and E-Bay fees do take a bite out of profits, though.