Anyone sell on Ebay?

[Robin Gentry MCPF]

I have been selling prints on ebay for while now and do pretty well with it. Today one of our local artist ask if I would list some of her items on my ebay store and I was trying to figure out what would be a fair price to do this for her. Of course she will be responsible for any associated fees from ebay and paypal but how should I go about making a little on this deal?

Anyone do this or have suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Wally Fay CPF]

Thoughts, not in any logical order:
There is someone local who did this for a living for all those that didn't want to mess with it. She charged a listing fee to cover her time scanning/photographing the image, and managing the listing, and a percentage of the sale price with a certain minimum. This discouraged folks with garage sale items that were looking for a quick buck.
How much time would you spend doing a listing? What special equipment do you have to own and maintain to offer the service (and, no, just because you already have a computer and camera doesn't mean you can discount the cost of those tools)?
You are assuming the responsibility with a contract with eBay, and you are the one liable. Just who will be responsible for fulfillment? Don't forget the cost of packing materials and postage if you are going to manage that as well.
Do you show local artist's work and do you have a standard commission sales contract for that? Why would you charge any less for a sale on line than you would from your gallery?

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

I would charge whatever you charge for selling artist's work in the shop.

 

[Robin Gentry MCPF]

Thoughts, not in any logical order:
There is someone local who did this for a living for all those that didn't want to mess with it. She charged a listing fee to cover her time scanning/photographing the image, and managing the listing, and a percentage of the sale price with a certain minimum. This discouraged folks with garage sale items that were looking for a quick buck.
How much time would you spend doing a listing? What special equipment do you have to own and maintain to offer the service (and, no, just because you already have a computer and camera doesn't mean you can discount the cost of those tools)?
You are assuming the responsibility with a contract with eBay, and you are the one liable. Just who will be responsible for fulfillment? Don't forget the cost of packing materials and postage if you are going to manage that as well.
Do you show local artist's work and do you have a standard commission sales contract for that? Why would you charge any less for a sale on line than you would from your gallery?

I like the thought of charging a listing fee for me to list. I will have to think about the time it takes and come up with a price.

I would be the one doing the fulfillment, that way I don't get my ratings messed up by someone else not shipping on time so I would have storage space tied up.

I do show the artist in my shop. Not sure I want to open it up to everyone but that would be a possibility

Here is what I was thinking, since I show her items in the store, I would just charge her the listing fees from ebay, and any fees associated with the sale (final value listing, paypal fee) then a commission for the sale.

If I were to list for someone I do not display in the store I do think a fee would be a good thing to do.

Thanks for the input.
Robin

 

[Susan Gittlen MCPF]

Robin,
Let us know how it works out. I know that selling online takes much time, and sometimes I wonder if it is worth the effort.

 

[Wally Fay CPF]

I would think the commission rate on any new artists should be the same as any you currently deal with. You don't need to be adding to the complexity of the business model just to please some folks that are using your time, name, and talents.

I would reverse the order and take the full commission then deduct expenses from the artist's balance. You shouldn't be paying the expenses from your cut, though part of the cost of fulfillment would be borne by the buyer.

I have no idea what commission you take, but a lot of options would depend on that number.
You could compensate for the listing fee if the piece sells, but only if the commission warrants it.

 

[Robin Gentry MCPF]

Good Points Wally! Thanks