There is a love/hate relationship for me as far as eBay goes.  The selling price for the sewing machines and accessories I list almost always exceeds my expectations. (this includes classic, vintage and sometimes even newer machines)  However, I just don't feel like I get to offer the same, pre-sales counseling and service.   I really do enjoy being a sewing machine "yenta" so to speak, and eBay just doesn't give me the same opportunity to be as active in helping make a good match for my buyer compared to when I sell directly.  But alas, I do need to sell some machines, So I am working to get many of them listed.

My eBay ID is sew-classic, and you can see what I have on eBay at the moment by clicking on this link to my eBay listings.

People often ask me what are the 'secrets' to getting a good price for an item.  Well, there really are no secrets and no shortcuts as far as I'm concerned, so I'm happy to share my approach.

1. Know the item you are selling & represent it honestly- A thorough, straightforward, honest description and knowledgeable seller will make a buyer feel much more confident.
2. Stand by your item, description, and packing - I always allow customers to return an item.  I spell out my return policy quite clearly, and if an item arrives damaged or not as described, the buyer gets a full refund of the item cost and ALL shipping costs.  I pack very well, so damage in transit has not been an issue, but I let the buyer know that they will NOT get stuck with a damaged machine.  I even allow for buyers' remorse.  If an item arrives safely and as described, but the buyer just plain old changed their mind, they can send it back.  Under these conditions, it's fair to expect the buyer to cover the shipping expenses, but they will get the purchase price refunded.
3. Use lots of great photos- The internet is a visual medium, and a great photo speaks a million words! It takes a lot of time and effort to provide these, but it's essential to a successful eBay outcome.
4. Set your starting price as low as possible- The vast majority of my listings start at $9.99 with NO reserve. When doing this, there is an inherent risk that the "market" will not think that your item is worth as much as you do.  The lower opening price helps create interest in the item and generate bids. In order to use this approach, you need to have confidence that your expectations are in line with market demand and your listng will draw and encourage buyers to bid on your item.
5. Leave positive feed back for the buyer once the payment has been received.
6. Ship quickly & communicate extensively- Try to ship the same or next business day once you've received payment.  Contact the buyer almost immediately after the auction ends to thank them for the purchase personally. Continue to communicate with the buyer through every step of the transaction and beyond.  Once the item has shipped, provide tracking info asap.  When the item is delivered, contact the buyer again letting them know that you really appreciate their purchase and that they can contact you should they have any questions now and in the future.  Be certain to encourage them to leave positive feedback for the transaction.

The bottom line is that it takes a great deal of time, effort and skill to find, service, refurbish, photograph, describe and market these classic machines.  There are no secrets or shortcuts to providing a top notch item coupled with knowledgeable pre and post sales support, but there are rewards for the seller and buyer.  The seller will find a buyer for their item and the purchaser will have a wonderful, worry and hassle free shopping experience along with a top quality, "Sew-Classic" sewing machine to use and enjoy for generations

How a Sew- Classic machine is packed:. 

   

Please visit my website - Sew-Classic.com