Looking For Feedback

Hi Bob

I feel photos are a must. Not everyone wants to look up what the piece looks like plus a photo verifies condition. When I sell items I figure the highest cost of shipping cross country and that is what I put in ad. Often I refund some of the shipping if the cost is at least $1 or more less than the stated amount.  Hopes this helps.    Lenny

Agree you could not bother with photographs after verifying availability elsewhere on the web if you classify what you have for sale (trains and boxes) according to recognized grading standards and include the manufacturer's product id.  As for shipping, just include an amount to cover your best guess in the asking price and avoid the headaches and heartaches.

What, me worry? 

Bob,

Pictures sure do help, but if I am looking to buy from someone I know, and he says it is in excellent condition, I don't need pictures as long as you give the manufacturer's number.  So if you put a list out there with no pictures, I wouldn't think twice about it.  However, I don't blame someone who doesn't know you asking for photos.

How interesting the timing.  I had all my empty boxes out of the closet, and put the ones back that I definitely want to keep.  The others are sitting on the floor awaiting me to take photos of the cars to post for sale.  Those cars are all modern and in excellent condition, but I'll take photos to post.

As to the shipping cost, I agree with Alfred, figure in your best guess and add it to the amount you want to make; then just say shipping included.

I'll look forward to seeing your list no matter whether there are pictures or not.

Bob

PHotos please.....we are basically lazy I think and honestly will not fool with looking up much. 

Look forward to what ever you decide.

Larry

No photo, no purchase.

Photos are really a must. I won't take the time to hunt down a pic on the web and it's not even the one for sale.

Okay, consensus is, both here and there, pics and prices are necessary.  It'll take longer, and I may just post some things every few days. So, instead of a BIG-SUPER-FANTASTIC-TREMENDOUS sale, you will have to be satisfied for dribs and drabs, now and then. Pics and prices it'll be.

Thanks for the input everyone.

Dribs and drabs every now and then are sometimes better, especially when there are pictures, than one gigantic post with all text and no pictures, IMO. Excited to see what you have!

Bob, look at the bright side.  Dribs and drabs will keep you from having to pack everything you sold in one day. ;-)

Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, look at the bright side.  Dribs and drabs will keep you from having to pack everything you sold in one day. ;-)

Heck Mark, if you buy it all, I won't have to pack and ship it.  

Bob Severin posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, look at the bright side.  Dribs and drabs will keep you from having to pack everything you sold in one day. ;-)

Heck Mark, if you buy it all, I won't have to pack and ship it.  

That would be true!  LOL

And when you buy the 24 cars I plan to post, we will just exchange each other's overstock!

Any louisville &nashville.      (L&N)

Brent

I would say that quality photos are a must for any item that is not 100% new in the box with everything that came with it.  Unless it is never used, sealed in the box, folks will want to judge for themselves the condition.  For engines in particular a close up photo of the underside of the engine should be on the list so people can see wheel/roller wear and judge run time accordingly.  Also a close up photo of any damage or imperfection is a good idea.  While it may seem counterintuitive to showcase the flaws, these are the details that can make or break a deal with many people.  

It takes a lot less time and hassle to list everything with photos and point out any defects than the hassle of dealing with a disgruntled purchaser over some minor imperfection.  

Any modern smart phone can take good enough quality photos as long as you have enough light.  Best case would be to photograph with items places on a neutral-gray surface exposed to sunlight on an overcast day.  Barring that, get it as bright as possible.  

As for shipping, if you have a scale that can get you near enough weights, most of the shipping companies have tools on their websites to estimate costs.  It may not be exact, but should give you a number to work with.  

As a side note, it would be worth your time to test each item while you have it unpacked for photos.  This way you can insure it is in proper working order before being shipped, again limiting disgruntled buyers.  If you have a basic smart phone it might be wise to take a quick video of each item working as well.  You don't need to share these videos, though it would certainly help sell your items, but instead keep them as proof of operation if someone complains that something doesn't work. 

All told, as a purchaser I want to know exactly what I am getting when I buy a used item, and expect it to be exactly as described and pictured when it arrives.  

JGL

MONON_JIM posted:

No photo, no purchase.

 

AMEN!!!!

Pictures sell.  I have personally bought many items that I would have passed on if I had just read the description.  I look for unique releases, versions, paints schemes, etc. and seeing...is believing.  On shipping costs, many sellers put "+shipping" and most buyers understand they will pay for the shipping.  In this case, let the buyers know where you are shipping from so they can estimate the costs.

Good luck.