Yes, I really like PayPal and it’s the only form of payment I take with FB sales. I see a lot of people go on with “I aint getting no PayPal. I’ve heard bad things.” Or they claim to have had it and had problems. The thing is though, I’ve never seen any proof of this just internet rumor lore and urban legands etc.
I consider the fee for Goods and Services to be the cost of doing business and insurance for seller and buyer. I will not do buisness with anyone insisting on friends and family. I will however add a little extra to cover fee if I buy from someone giving a fair price, prompt service, and good communication.
I’ve got to second TG’s suggestion for Facebook auction groups. I also have several kits I’m looking to let go of in order to thin my stash and these auction sites seem to be a good option as they are much simpler than ebay and folks get fairly decent prices for their kits. I’ve been a member of a couple of these groups for several months now and have won some great kits there. Now, it’s time for me to part with kits that I will no longer build and it will likely be through these groups.
eBay has everybody beat for ease of use, getting postage on and getting paid. I’ve sold maybe 50 kits there. I usually buy sale items, but consider it fine to take a loss and get things out of the way. If you going to sell lots of kits, consider buying boxes by bulk - models are surprisingly large and buying a box one at a time can really mount up. Get them too large rather than too small (height usually isn’t a problem.) Use FedEx Post and save on postage. If there’s anything at all unusual about your model you might want to try a long campaign and see if you can’t get make a profit. I’ve never figured out who pays the prices requested by some sellers, but someone might. If a kit’s out of print and has some special meaning it might work. Check the prices others are asking. Amazon is easy but has so few models for sale that I’d guess the number of modelers checking there would be tiny. I think that’s where people shop at Xmas to get ripped off from. If you’re thinking about selling 100 or so, look in the mags and see if some dealers buy estates - I think a lot do. You’ll take a hit, but it would be a lot easier than selling them one at a time. Eric
Yes checking the asking prices on Ebay is a great starting point but be careful as some clowns on there want outrageous prices. For example you are looking at model X with a buy it now price at $13 while another seller is listing his starting bid at $60 for the same thing! I have seen this many times. The same kit at a model show vendor’s table may go for as little as $5 or $6.
That is true. EBay had become very greedy with their fees. I will look into the Facebook thing but unfortunately, I think it’s a matter of time before they too start charging a fee.
eBay is probably the best, though they charge their fees, too.
If you have any shows held near where you live, it might be worth taking a table at a show. It depends on the show, though, how cheap or costly the table might be. But as with any method you choose to use, you have to balance the costs against the money you take in.
Those two are probably the best, because you’re selling to your market, that is, other modelers.
If you have a modeling club that meets nearby, too, that would be a good place to ask.
I really don’t see how FB can charge a fee. You’re dealing with peer to peer sales. FB is only the communication tool. Yeah, I guess they could start charging you to post things theoretically, but I don’t see it happening. They make hands over fist in advertising and post boosting etc, I don’t think pissing off the user base with things like that is a wise move.
Though, they have begun to implement a system where you can send money to people right thought FB, so maybe it is a possibility they could charge to use that service.
More likely through Paypal. Another reason why I refuse to do Paypal. Heard enough stories of hackers getting access to Paypal in the past. I’d rather send money order or bank check instead.
Although I do think FB will eventually go the direction of charging a fee. There’s money to be made for their benefit.
Easiest place to sell without fees is Craiglist. LOL!