THIS is why I love FR!! Within minutes, I have answers.
The antiques are not big items. Some depression glass, some Old Leed's Spray. I'm also looking to get rid of some nice (but unused since I met Mr. Lu six years ago) gold rimmed wine glasses.
That kind of stuff.
Oh, and cookbooks. Are books a good thing to sell? I could take them to Half Priced Books and get maybe enough for a pack of gum.
I'm not really in this for the money, but I don't want to give it way, either.
You all are just GREAT!
PJ sells books with success.
eBay can be fickle. One item one week will not sell, but the next the same item can go for big bucks.
Just make sure that in the end, it is worth your time and trouble to list, answer silly questions and to take the time to ship the item.
I had someone bring me some bar stools last week that even if they sold for a decent amount, by the time I would have shipped them(packing etc) it wouldn't be worth the time to sell them.
When you go to set up your auction, don't load it down with too many graphics. Takes too long to load and people leave.
One or two clear pics should suffice.
Consider using a service like Andale.
I do not, but I know people who like them.
If you decide to risk accepting persoanl checks, NEVER EVER send the item til the check clears.
I accept only MO and PayPal.
I've never had a problem with PayPal.
Don't leave a negative feedback unless you MUST... people WILL ding you back.
If you get an e-mail claiming to be from eBay OR PayPal, claiming that you need to "update your account, click HERE" don't do it! It's a spoof.
If you have a doubt about your account, go through eBays fromt door and check THERE to see if there is a problem.
Oh. And send the spoof e-mail to Ebay or PayPal's fraud department.
I do eBay off and on for the last three years. I've only gotten stung once, and not too badly.
Cookbooks, now, I think not. Maybe a real good condition book that's 50+ years old, but otherwise, don't count on it. Experienced and pro booksellers on ebay and elsewhere can always undersell you.
I would try to sell your cookbooks on eBay as you planned. Amazon.com and sometimes half.com (which is an eBay company) are better for the buyer than the seller as near as I can tell. I generally find books selling on eBay at roughly twice what they sell for on amazon or half. Part of it is "bidding fever"--once someone bids, they are intent on "winning" at any price. I've seen some used books sell on eBay for the same price or MORE as buying the books new!
I am thinking of selling a few things on eBay too, so I am enjoying all this wonderful advice too.
Cookbooks are good. Especially ones that are out of print.
You might want to sell glass to a local antiques dealer, after you have already determined a fair value. Shipping glass is costly, and if it breaks, you lose twice - the item is gone, and then you have to return the money. Even with insurance, there are issues.