Whether they’re heading to university for the first time or returning for another term after a long summer, students only have a few weeks to get themselves sorted. From a new tablet for taking notes or the perfect noise cancelling headphones for the library, snapping up the top tech is essential.
In the last month alone, during the lead-up to the start of the new semester, eBay.co.uk has sold more than 260,000 laptops – that’s one every minute![1] In addition, the online marketplace has seen nearly 375,000 iPads and 150,000 headphones fly off the virtual shelves.
Tech can be expensive, so as parents and students prepare for term, eBay.co.uk has pulled together some top tips on selling unused tech to help afford new gadgets.
So regardless, whether they’re trading in a laptop or investing in refurbished tech or new model, students don’t have to break the bank this September.
SELLING TO AFFORD ON EBAY.CO.UK
Key words are truly key - Take the time to get your keywords right and bidders will come. When buyers search, eBay.co.uk automatically looks for words in the listing's title only, so it's crucial to write your listing in your customers' language, and use the keywords they search for - especially brand and product names. When it comes to tech, people will be searching for a specific item, so instead of just using keywords such as “laptop”, consider using brand names and item condition upfront. For example, “Refurbished Apple MacBook – Like New” is more likely to get picked up and will increase interest.
Choose the right category for your product - It might sound obvious but it’s very important to always choose the most specific category to sell in. With tech, categories can get quite specific, for example speakers can come under ‘Sound & Vision’ on eBay.co.uk, therefore it is important to make sure you categorise the item correctly. If you think it should appear in more than one category, you can pay a fee to do this and maximise your product’s visibility.
Opt for 10-day auctions to ensure the max number of bids - When listing an auction, you can choose whether it lasts one, three, five, seven or 10 days. The longer your item is listed, the more chance of people seeing it, so unless it's time-sensitive, pick 10 days. For Buy-It-Now listings, you can choose three, five, seven, 10 or 30 days. They cost the same, we advise selecting the 30 day option.
Pictures are important - The vast majority of users will not bid on items they cannot see. With used technology, buyers want to make sure the item they are purchasing is as described. So when uploading an image, be sure to provide images from a variety of angels, as well as close-ups and feature details. Be transparent about any scratches or aesthetic damage to the item, ensuring you are honest about the condition of the item. For best results, take photos in natural light against a neutral background. Remember, a good picture often holds up a less than perfect listing.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - Check out the best of the competition to understand the marketplace you are operating in. There is no worse feeling than to have sold a very expensive item for a very low price because you did not know its value. Consider your pricing strategy carefully. Follow the eBay pricing recommendations and check other eBay listings for similar product prices.. Making your offer as attractive as possible will make your listing stand out.
Timing, Timing, Timing - Get the timing right. The busiest time for buyers is Sunday evenings, so schedule your listings to end around that time. Avoid times when most people will be busy, such as weekday mornings, or any big events such as sports matches or TV finales.
Postage costs - Consider the impact of postage costs in advance. If you don’t offer free postage, you will need to pack your item, then weigh and measure it so you can calculate postage costs. Use the eBay postage estimator service to check your pricing – you don’t want to be out of pocket having to cover excess postage once the product has sold.
TECHNOLOGY BUYING TIPS ON EBAY.CO.UK
Considering refurb – Refurb is a great way to bag a bargain on branded tech, so focus on searching for brands you are familiar with. Many sellers are offering refurbished tech on brands such as Apple and Lenovo on eBay.co.uk, so you’ll be able to save up to 50% on computers and laptops compared to buying new, in addition to offering a 12-month seller or manufacturer warranty.[2] When buying your item, make sure to shop across the site for the best deals and never settle for the first item you find.
Do your research – Has there been a new release or is there a cheaper alternative to the item you want? You’re not restricted to buying the latest tablet if you don’t need it, so be sure to look at reviews and compare tablets to find the best model for you. It’s also a good idea to make a list of everything you expect from your item – specifications, including; software and general condition.
Check the warranty and returns policy – One of the most important things to consider when buying refurb is the warranty it comes with, as this provides you protection if it develops a fault. If you shop from eBay’s dedicated refurbished hub all items come with a 12-month warranty from the seller, so if anything does go wrong in the 12 months you can guarantee that you will get an exchange or a refund.
Examine Seller Feedback - Always check seller feedback, making sure they have a good feedback rating. eBay’s top rated sellers constantly receive the highest buyer ratings, dispatch items quickly and have earned a track record of brilliant service. Also remember that when you pay with PayPal, you are covered by eBay’s Money Back Guarantee.
Make the most of free shipping - Save yourself some money by looking for sellers that offer free shipping with the item. On eBay.co.uk you can filter your search to see only items that offer free shipping, and with many electronic items small enough to be shipped inexpensively, it’s a great way to save a few extra pennies.
For more refurbished items visit www.ebay.co.uk/rpp/refurbished-technology