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I know that I've been gone for a while -- my mother passed away on June 6th, and I've been absolutely overwhelmed dealing with everything. I'm just about ready to return to my normal life, and that means that my blogs will be returning too. I look forward to reconnecting with my site visitors -- keep an eye out for me in late September!

As you clean out, you may discover a few items that are actually worth something (it's not all junk!) If you're too impatient for consignment and don't have the energy for a yard sale, try selling your stuff online -- either through a free listing like Craigslist or an auction like Ebay.

Describing Your Product

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  start with an attention-grabbing title for your product
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  include any brand names or model numbers
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  describe the condition of the item in positive terms -- emphasize "new" and "like new" items
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  include a link to the manufacturer webpage for that product
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  include a link to other sites selling the product for a similar or higher price
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  be honest about any flaws, damage, or wear
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  provide as much description as necessary -- size, color, fabric, style, construction, etc.
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  there's usually no text limit or a generous limit -- the more information the better
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  describe any customization or special features not normally included with that product
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  indicate an item's gender (men's, women's, kid's) when appropriate
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  include photos and close-up's of features and "minor damage"
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  place your item in a category with other similar items

Getting The Most Out Of Free Online Listings

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  try free services like Craigslist and Kijiji before paying for a listing
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  these services are like online newspaper classifieds -- targeting local buyers
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  eliminates any concern about shipping the product -- you can insist on local pick-up
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  protects your contact information -- responses to the ad come to you anonymously
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  you decide who to meet with to show the item, when, and where
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  no formal bidding process -- you negotiate back and forth with all buyers until you find an offer you like
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  listing expires after 2 weeks, but you can always relist

How The Ebay Bidding Process Works

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  more like a traditional "auction" setting and less like a classified ad
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  you decide on a starting price -- the opening bid on your item
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  you also set the bidding increments -- minimum of 50 cents, $1, $5, etc.
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  determine if you want the item not to sell below a "reserve" price -- minimum you will accept
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  set a time limit for how long you want the bid to be open
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  you do not hand-pick the buyer -- the item goes to the highest bidder at end of auction
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  if no one meets your reserve price, the item does not sell
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  you can also set a "buy now" option that skips auction process
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  with "buy now", the purchaser can buy immediately for a pre-determined price
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  you pay a fee for your listing, even if the item doesn't sell
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  if the item does sell, you pay a percentage commission, as well

Shipping Your Order To A Winning Bidder

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  best if you let bidders know the shipping method and cost up front
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  choose flat rate shipping or find shipping cost to farthest point from you in the country
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  indicate that shipping may be higher for overseas bidders
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  let bidders know if insurance on the package is included or costs more
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  pack the product well and insure it -- you will be responsible if it arrives damaged
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  include delivery confirmation so you know it was delivered properly

Ways To Protect Your Interests

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  ask up front what the auction service's fees are
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  also find out what protections you have from the service
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  see how you are covered in case of a dishonest buyer
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  know your rights and responsibilities before signing on
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  choose an escrow service to handle payments
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  they receive cash payment from buyer and hold until delivery
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  avoid problems with bounced checks and bad credit cards
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  choose an escrow recommended by your auction service

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