Paniced EBay Help!!!

WildWon · Dec 17, 2008

Ok, here's the deal, i have a Transformers Fortress Maximus (G1) in fantastic condition. All parts, full box, most styrofoam packing stuff, included instructions, and even the red strip used for viewing the power chart on the back of the box, and the "here's other transformers to beg your parents for" sheet that came with it (i think i even have the now-used decal sheet in there). Anyhoo, i want to put it on ebay as an xmas present to Wife® (she's not telling me to get rid of it for sentimental purposes... it is a HUGE birthday present from XX number of years ago) but its time to part ways and get some extra cash going (mebbe to get internets back up at home?)

Anyhoo, i have no idea what i'm doing for putting it up. No biggie, my dad does ebay'ing regularly (even sold some things). The problem, how much does PayPal (and ebay) take from me for putting it up? I'm looking at either $800 start, $1000 reserve, $1200 BIN. Or mebbe $600 $800 $1000 (same order, just lower) if i find it wouldn't work for the higher amounts.

So, whats the percentage that ebay and paypal will screw me out of?

How much do you think i should try for?

Any other good ideas of where to get rid of this beast?

I REALLY don't want to part with it. Hell times have come up in the past where i almost did, but things worked out that i didn't have to... but i feel its time.

Any thoughts or advice? Any MAJOR ebay players in here with good words?

Help me GBATempers, you're my only hope!

(again, if you've heard my bragging stories about Wife®, there is no part of her that is requesting i get rid of this... its just that "next step" in "growing up." ...sadly

)

EDIT:

Or hey, if anyone knows any major Transformer collectors, or happens to be one themselves, i'd be very willing to talk about a deal here too. I just don't know what i should do

xLadyKx · Dec 17, 2008

I use paypal all the time. Here's the table to figure out your fees:

http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Votkrath · Dec 17, 2008

I think you should be able to get $800 start, $1000 reserve, $1200 BIN from it as you stated firstly. There is another guy selling one with some other random stuff and the bid is at 1500 at the moment with a total of 9 bids. But there is another guy selling a 100% complete one at $789.99 BIN and is a Power Seller which is a special rank as you probably know, but tbh I think you should try with 800/1000/1200 first and see how it goes. I don't know how the Power Seller guy's one is in any good condition even if it's complete.

And here you have all the Paypal fees: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Dunno about the Ebay fees thought.

And yeah, it's sad to get rid of such things but since I think I know what your buying your wife (I think), I assume it's okay.

WildWon · Dec 17, 2008

xLadyKx said:
I use paypal all the time. Here's the table to figure out your fees:

http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Thanks! Just took a look at that. Now, does that final 4.9% (it says Paypal Via Skype) go into play for ebay sales? If not, i might just go with the ebay/paypal option (because it looks like w/out that, it'll be 10.4% total). Also, is that $0.30 the total? Or is that per dollar?

QUOTE(Votkrath @ Dec 17 2008, 02:17 PM) I think you should be able to get $800 start, $1000 reserve, $1200 BIN from it as you stated firstly. There is another guy selling one with some other random stuff and the bid is at 1500 at the moment with a total of 9 bids. But there is another guy selling a 100% complete one at $789.99 BIN and is a Power Seller which is a special rank as you probably know, but tbh I think you should try with 800/1000/1200 first and see how it goes. I don't know how the Power Seller guy's one is in any good condition even if it's complete.

And here you have all the Paypal fees: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Dunno about the Ebay fees thought.

And yeah, it's sad to get rid of such things but since I think I know what your buying your wife (I think), I assume it's okay.

Well, its not for a specific gift. I have a few ideas, but its more for taking care of some bills and things as well. She's told me a few times that i don't need to get rid of it unless i want to, so its more for the fact that i'm giving it up that'll be the gift more than what i'm getting with the cash from it.

Sonicslasher · Dec 17, 2008

Holy shit, Fortress Maximus! If I had the money, I would buy that in a instant

Pictures please!

WildWon · Dec 17, 2008

Sonicslasher said:
Holy shit, Fortress Maximus! If I had the money, I would buy that in a instant

Pictures please!

Heh, i'll post some as soon as i have a few taken (prolly tomorrow or the next day). Yea, he's kind of a fabled toy that i own that i've told a few people about, and have been requested to show, but has been boxed for years. Actually, i had to get Spikes damned gun on ebay because i couldn't find it ANYWHERE. Good chance i'll find it after i sell it... then i'll just put the gun on ebay, cause thats apparently a quite sought-after piece heh.

Yea, proof will be up sometime soon

UltraMagnus · Dec 17, 2008

*poops self*

wow, that's quite a toy.

(I am sure, you have already noticed I am a transformers fan

)

well, to be honest, It may be easier and better to sell it on a transformers forum. no commission and paypal fees that way. the are a few around.

but if you are going the ebay route, definitely ask your dad to list it using his account, no one in their right mind will part with that much money to a guy with 0 feedback.

are you not leaving it a little late though?

nin10do · Dec 18, 2008

drool. pics please.

you can also try sites like amazon and play. (everyone takes commision)

golden rule: do not give it away before recieving and confirming payment.

xLadyKx · Dec 18, 2008

WildWon said:
xLadyKx said:

I use paypal all the time. Here's the table to figure out your fees:

http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Thanks! Just took a look at that. Now, does that final 4.9% (it says Paypal Via Skype) go into play for ebay sales? If not, i might just go with the ebay/paypal option (because it looks like w/out that, it'll be 10.4% total). Also, is that $0.30 the total? Or is that per dollar?

QUOTE(Votkrath @ Dec 17 2008, 02:17 PM) I think you should be able to get $800 start, $1000 reserve, $1200 BIN from it as you stated firstly. There is another guy selling one with some other random stuff and the bid is at 1500 at the moment with a total of 9 bids. But there is another guy selling a 100% complete one at $789.99 BIN and is a Power Seller which is a special rank as you probably know, but tbh I think you should try with 800/1000/1200 first and see how it goes. I don't know how the Power Seller guy's one is in any good condition even if it's complete.

And here you have all the Paypal fees: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_...ay-fees-outside

Dunno about the Ebay fees thought.

And yeah, it's sad to get rid of such things but since I think I know what your buying your wife (I think), I assume it's okay.

Click to expand...

Well, its not for a specific gift. I have a few ideas, but its more for taking care of some bills and things as well. She's told me a few times that i don't need to get rid of it unless i want to, so its more for the fact that i'm giving it up that'll be the gift more than what i'm getting with the cash from it.

I haven't sold anything on eBay in ages so I barely remember. But I would think that Paypal would take their fees first. Besides the percentage, it's a flat .30 fee, not .30 per dollar. So Paypal would take the 4.9% of the total sale plus an additional flat rate of .30. Then you must pay eBay for being able to list with them which isn't really that expensive at all...but again.. I haven't sold with them for ages. Last time I sold was in 2005, it was .45 to list with them with a basic listing. They invoice you for it through your eBay acct. which you can use your paypal acct. to pay for it. Hope that helps a bit.

kevenka · Dec 18, 2008

don't forget ebay takes some money too...about 3-4% or total sale?

kobykaan · Dec 18, 2008

My son's too old for stuff like that now but in the past I've already spent a small fortune on transformers stuff including the box set of dvd's twice over one being the ltd edition set and one the normal that he was ALLOWED to watch lol

and just about every transformer you could name in just about every size!

he would also of killed to have the Maximus set they were always outta stock

anyhow rant mode off ...

don't forget to add in insured registered postage costs etc and packaging blah blah!

so they cannot claim it did not arrive etc!

remember also once you have sold... eBay takes their cut etc the more it goes for the bigger the cut!

WildWon · Dec 19, 2008

Well, it looks like my treasured Transformer will be making his way to ebay.

Thanks guys, for the help. I've checked a few other places, and really, nothing is close by, so the 10% (give or take) that paypal & ebay will receive isn't that big of a deal.

I'll have some pictures taken w/in the next day or so, and i'll have some special WildWon/Fortress Maximus pics up for your pleasure here

i'm going with the 800/1000/1200 idea. But what should i do for shipping? I've never sold anything on ebay so i have no idea

Any thoughts there?

Also, thanks for all the help with info. I appreciate it!

sk3tch · Dec 19, 2008

I would determine the weight of the item and then use eBay's shipping calculator. I used to specify my own fees, but the calculator ends up working out much better since buyer's think they are paying actual cost (when, in reality, you can add $2 or whatever you want for your handling/packaging fees).

I have no idea how big that thing is, but you may want to investigate flat rate box USPS Priority Mail shipping. Free box and if it fits with some space you can load it up with as much padding as possible to insure it arrives safely. Also, with an item of this value, REQUIRE insurance and actually use it from the USPS (or whoever you use). You do not want to get screwed by them losing it OR the individual stating that they did not receive it. PayPal sides with the buyer first, so make sure you document everything.

If you're safe and diligent, you'll be fine. eBay is the only way to go. Big $$$ (and yeah they take a lot, too). If I were you, I'd start it at $0.01 and do a 7 day auction. Seriously...there is no sense in having a reserve. This thing will go bananas if it is as popular as you say.

EmperorOfCanada · Dec 19, 2008

Start at .01 with 1200 shipping!

Szyslak · Dec 20, 2008

Sorry, I don't really use e-bay much, so I have no helpful advice. I just wanted to wish you luck buddy. Hope you get a great price, and everything goes smoothly.

PS. Don't use the money to buy your wife hair combs.

Deleted member 110780 · Dec 20, 2008

Go to TheFwoosh.com and join the Trading Post, I'm sure you'll find people interested in it.

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