Expert: Marvinator - 9/24/2006

Question
Hi. I buy used furniture at auctions, etc., and after refurbishing it, I sell it in a shop.  I do pretty well there, but I'd like to reach a larger "audience".  I've thought of trying one of the companies that sell for you on Ebay, but I'm told they have strict limits as to size and weight.  Do you know of any such company that sells or specializes in selling furniture, and in general...are they usually worth it after commission?  I know so little about Ebay...maybe I should try it again myself.  The one time I did, it seemed like a lot of trouble.  Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sharon

Answer
As the seller of the item you will have to be the one to decide whether it's worth it.  Most charge between 20-50% of the total gross price.  (I, myself, charge 35% to sell other people's items.)  The amount of trouble you get from selling items yourself depends on the amount of research and preparation you put in.  There is a lot to know, and if you're not prepared to learn it, then perhaps using someone else is the best bet for you in overcoming that problem.

But the real problem you are going to have is shipping.  The cost of sending furniture even by Freight lines one state away can be daunting to someone who is considering a purchase.  I've really not found anyone who is successful at selling furniture long distance on Ebay.  

But this does not mean you should give it up.  What you can do is to put your requirements in each auction such as: "This item is for Pick Up Only - Location: Anaheim Calif. USA".  Anyone who bids will know that they have to pick this item up in order to buy it.  (There will be some who miss this, so be ready for it.)