8 replies to this topic

[toadfrog]

Other than Ebay . What site would my fellow tackle makers suggest for selling off out of production stock or related fishing products that are just sitting in the way. I've used Ebay twice once last year and again recently . Not going to do that again .

[Bob La Londe]

toadfrog, on 16 July 2011 - 11:30 AM, said:

Other than Ebay . What site would my fellow tackle makers suggest for selling off out of production stock or related fishing products that are just sitting in the way. I've used Ebay twice once last year and again recently . Not going to do that again .

I've both bought and sold on Ebay. What problems did you have? Most times good descriptions with good pictures draw the right buyers, and good terms and conditions prevent most of the headaches.

I once had a guy negative me because I did PayPal only even though the first line of the terms and conditions said PayPal only. Now I put "Paypal Only" in the main description and make it large so that should never be an issue again. Other issues can be dealt with similarly. Some sellers go to far though IMO. They have two screeens full of terms and conditions and hardly any product description. That is a big turn off as a buyer.

The biggest complaint I see when I read feedback though seems to be slow ship time. If you want to build good feedback always be prepared to ship when the auction closes.

Had one guy give me an excuse for slow shipping that he went on vacation. LOL. Had another respond as four different people each one was sick or in the hospital. Maybe all of his personalities were. LOL.

[toadfrog]

I have purchased several times on ebay Probably will buy again if I don't find it some place else . To make a long story short . I had a buyer that bought several Items over 5 days . I did not offer any combined shipping ect. When he contacted me I said I would cut him a discount . I took off almost half on shipping . He responded by asking how I arrived at my calculation so on and ended by saying he wasn't getting a fair discount . So I said heck with it invoiced him for less than the shipping cost me . He won his bids for .99 . I won't say the actual value of the sale products . It is embarrasment on my part . I am however waiting to see the feed back if any. I've been watching Ebay become more of a clip joint every year.

[biggun]

I used to sell on "FEE BAY" but in the last yr or so the fee's they take and then paypal gets to take there fee's it really isnt worth the trouble.
I also have had people bid on several things then offered a break on the shipping and all they do is gripe. I had an deal with a guy sent him his stuff three times he still says he hasnt got any of it? But then when you charge them a dollar extra for delivery confirmation they gripe. I had a guy I sold some cranks to say they would run, so I told him to ship them back and I would replace them and ship them back, long story short took about two months fighting with ebay because they refunded the guy and wanted me to pay it. So I was out my lures and the money that pretty much did me in with them, they have great buyer protection but no seller protection and there are some shady buyers out there. But I have made some great friends from there and now have several loyal customers that started there. Its a shame because there are some great small time hand pour guys out there that use to use it.

[hillbilly1]

Have you tried local moms and pops shops thats where most of my baits go but I have sold some on Ebay but it was a hassle with the fees and shipping so now I take a few each month to the three stores may only sell a few a month but Im in it for the fun but I do know how to break even

[toadfrog]

hillbilly1, on 17 July 2011 - 08:36 PM, said:

Have you tried local moms and pops shops thats where most of my baits go but I have sold some on Ebay but it was a hassle with the fees and shipping so now I take a few each month to the three stores may only sell a few a month but Im in it for the fun but I do know how to break even

Thanks for the replies gentlemen . Our mom and pop stores are few and far between these days . I have to drive at least to the closest one 30 miles . That pretty much kills any profit on sales . Mailing it works fairly well but they would really prefer a one on one relationship.

[BobP]

I buy stuff on Ebay pretty often and haven't had a bad experience yet. My wife sells stuff occasionally and hasn't had any problems either, so far.

I don't sell lures on Ebay. In fact, I don't sell lures - PERIOD. I see no reason to screw up my hobby with CUSTOMERS.

You might check into selling locally on Craigs List.

[bassrecord]

toadfrog, on 16 July 2011 - 11:30 AM, said:

Other than Ebay . What site would my fellow tackle makers suggest for selling off out of production stock or related fishing products that are just sitting in the way. I've used Ebay twice once last year and again recently . Not going to do that again .

Hey Toad,
The eBay and other auction hassle factor often gets bigger than the few cents it's worth.

So as I understand your post, you have over run, discontinued and other good but not active stock you'd like to get rid of. So why not give it away? Why not contact fish clubs in your market area and offer them some of your stuff free or at a small price if they pay postage or will call. Say you give 50 packs that the club can give our to EVERY attendee once or twice a year. Plus you pass out your catalog or "Special" pricing sheet for that club when they all order together through the Treasurer or somebody with money and you get a new monthly volume customer for no additional production cost . You can modify the idea many ways to make it work for you.
Good luck!
John

[powerworm]

TOADFROG if you are filing taxes you could donate those baits you cant sell to any of the number of kids fishing derbys as give aways there a boatload of them in OK every year.