Pitfalls of Selling Coins on eBay.

One might think that one's business decisions are the result of careful attention to the market, and following a sensible approach. However, when selling on eBay, or any other such entity, one becomes part of a much larger seller, eBay. what one person does on eBay can impact others.

Some people have access to wholesale prices. This means they need a smaller mark-up to make a profit. Can you compete with what they are selling at? If not, continuation of selling the product you cannot make a profit with is a losing position.

Some people sell at a loss. One seller in particular often sells below wholesale. Why? Well, if you have a physical store and an online business, perhaps you would be willing to take a loss on a given quantity of items in order to maintain a Power Seller rating. Perhaps this allows you to get insurance. I am not certain if insurance is a perk of Power Seller, but if it is it may be less expensive than trying to insure yourself through your small business.

Some people make false claims as to quality. While many bidders steer clear of them, they get some bids, thus removing money from the potential sales of those being honest. They also deflate the reputation of the entire service, losing a percent of buyers for everyone.

So, using a service like eBay requires not only that you set forth a good plan, but that your plan be workable alongside other sellers you cannot control.

Then, there are the surprise. Suppose you buy a hard to find item and offer it for bid. After it is up another person can, and this happens with new coins, list hundreds of the same coin flooding the market. Think of a newly released bullion coin.  I saw hundreds of Austrian Philharmonics listed in one day, destroying any hope the person who mad a seven day listing a few days earlier had of a profit.  Your strategy might be to release ten coins over five weeks, but your strategy is inconsequential once they release hundreds of identical coins.

Proper Handling of Coins in Shipping

Coins can be damaged in shipping. Once you sell it, you must have it delivered safely. Packaging is important. Use proper packaging material to secure the coin, avoid contact with foreign objects, and keep any box, card, or paper that accompanies it from bending.

Bubble envelopes may work, but be safe and wrap with additional bubble wrap, and use a box if necessary.

We currently sell on eBay, but our main effort is to sell direct from our website.  The fees on eBay require we raise prices higher than we would like.  Our well priced cons are on our website.

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