Expert: Rob James - 12/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a one of a kind slate pool table that was manufactured using a specialized and patented process from a guy who has since died. I paid about $7,500 6 years ago and it was then selling for over $10,000.It is in excellent shape I have to sell my house and need to sell it now.I would love to get $3K It also has a marble looking accessory wall rack. There is a company that will take it apart and reinstall it somewhere local for $300. Is ebay the place and what are my challenges? thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hello Kerry,

That sounds like a pretty cool item. Is it one for eBay? Hard to say. The biggest challenge I see is the size and weight of the item. I recently sold a pinball machine on eBay. While there are many sold and shipped all the time, I chose to list mine as a local pickup item only. My reason for doing so was the size of the item and the specific methods in which pinball machines are shipped. While the buyer will pay for the shipment, I would have to arrange for the packaging and shipping. Something I didn't really want to do. The item sold easily but I probably could have gotten more had I offered to ship.

This issue would come into play with your pool table. While you have a company that will move it locally, do you know of one who can transport it reliably over a long distance? If so, the costs associated with that type of move may outweigh the profit you expect from the sale. Ebay buyers typically look at the total cost of something when bidding which means if the shipping were costly, the bids would probably be lower. Hence, your ultimate take would be lower.

If you live in a large metro area it may be worth a shot to list it on eBay using the local delivery service. You could also open it up to others by stating that shipment outside of your area must be arranged by the buyer. If you are looking to get a particular amount for it be sure to set your reserve price or start the bidding at the required amount so you don't end up selling for less than you like. Also take into consideration the listing and final value fees based on your desired price.

If all else fails, you could always go to a site such as Craigslist and see if you can sell it there. That has broad appeal as well and won't cost you any listing or sales fees.

I hope this helps and good luck with your sale!

Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in the north suburbs of Chicago and I think anywhere in the Chicago area would be doable for a delivery. I suppose verifying the cost of that with the company that would offer to take it away would help. What are the listing and final value fees? Finally, if i want to list it both on ebay and Craig's list simultaneously; can I do so? Thanks for thew comprehensive response!

Answer
Hi Kerry,

Sorry if I haven't responded quickly. I just saw you had a follow up.

Listing fees are based on the starting bid or buy it now value of the item listed. They are generally minimal. The final value fees are based on the sale price of the item less any shipping and handling fees you add. This tends to be between 5 and 10 percent of the final value depending on the selling price.

The best thing to do here would be to determine how you want to sell it (i.e. Auction or buy it now) and what you expect to list it for. You can go to eBay help and search on fees to get a complete breakdown of the costs.

As far as listing on both sites, you can do so. However, if you are selling in an auction format and get bids, you will want to take it off of craigslist as the bidders usually don't take kindly to having bids canceled if items are sold elsewhere. If you list it as a buy it now item, then by all means use both sites and when it sells, it's a done deal.

Hope this gives you a better insight!

Rob