Do you remember the first item you ever sold online? Let us know by sending an email to ina@auctionbytes.com and we may publish your story. Today we hear from three sellers who sold very different items to start their eBay career: a pager, an autobiography of George Harrison, and a collection of Beanie Babies!
I really wanted to sell on EBay, but was scared that it was too hard. Being born in 1953, put me in the group of folks that had for the most part missed the Internet, and computer boat. Considering that I didn't even know how to turn on a computer when I started, may have been true, for some one else.
But, I am a determined, stubborn, soul, and don't try to tell me I can't do something. Bought an "e" machine and took a class at night at the local high school. On how to use a computer. Soon dropped out because they said I had to learn to type the "right way first". And would not show me the basics of the computer.
Ironically in high school didn't think I would ever need to learn typing, being the artistic type, and all. Had taken one class on how to type and most likely was lucky to get through it with a C grade.
Anyway, did finally teach my self, with the help of some generous friends, how to run the dang computer.
My sister had a set of the first Ty Beanie Babies that she had collected from Mc Donald's and ask me if I would sell them for her. She did this to give me a loving push in the right direction. Did research on the items. Some sets had sold for $150.00 dollars.
Hers sold for $110.00 and she was really disappointed that I didn't get the $150.00. Little did I know that I had learned one of the first big lessons about EBay, that it is a craps shoot! And it still is. Just last week, 8 years later, I sold a pair of leather suspenders for $68.50, that I bought at a thrift store for around $1.50. And the EBay beat goes on.
Really enjoy your news letter, keep up the good work!
Clarra Norris
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Hi Ina,
I love this category because it brings me back. The first item I ever sold on ebay was an white-ice translucent pager. I just didn't want the thing anymore. It was the simple kind, where just a number pops up. I think I got a grand total of $20.00 for it. I do recall though that despite the buyer's satisfaction with it, he never gave me feedback, which irked me at the time.
Sincerely,
Theresa L. Verhaalen
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Hi Ina!
I have been reading AB for years ever since finding a link to a story at OTWA. Much thanks to you, for what you have done to help the OAI with all your info. My story for your consideration is below:
Even though I have been a member of eBay since 1998, I spent the first 3 years as just a buyer. My FIRST item I listed was a mint hardback first edition copy of "IMEMINE" with the dust jacket....George Harrison's autobiography.
It had sat in a case at my antique & vintage toy store for months with a $35 price tag on (was selling on eBay for $40-$50 every week at the time). When the news broke late at night in December 2001, that he had finally succumbed to the cancer he had so valiantly fought; I immediately pulled it from the case the next morning; wrote a description; and like the typical newbie seller.....listed it without a photo! I didn't consider it "hearse chasing" since his death WAS expected.
After 5 days....it closed at $137 and I did my first eBay hApPy dAnCe !!!
Now more than 1100 transactions later, I still love what Pierre gave the world.
Hope this is something like you are looking for. Best wishes and continued success!
Ken Dayton
thepackratsattic on eBay
