Top 5 TIPS for SELLING COMIC BOOKS on EBAY - Ebay STRATEGY, TRICKS and Lessons I've Learned

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  • Опубліковано 16 лис 2024

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  • @reprintranch
    @reprintranch 3 роки тому +31

    A few suggestions about effective eBay selling, from a buyer's standpoint --
    Bundles aka lots are a great idea, but if you have a large number of comics from the same title or genre and need to break them into smaller lots, I'm more likely to buy a lot if they're from the same general part of the run, or the same era. In other words, if you have 50 issues of Fantastic Four that encompass everything from issue 125 through issue 300, you should bundle together the earliest 10 issues, then the next earliest 10 issues, etc. Or if you have 100 random science-fiction comics published between 1970 and 2010, pull out the issues published in the '70s and use them to make smaller lots, then do the same for issues from the '80s, etc. I'm much more likely to buy a lot if it's material that's from roughly the same time frame. This tip is equally applicable to Buy It Now postings and auctions.
    One exception to the above -- if you can find 5 or 10 or 20 comics that have some obvious commonality, it may be worth putting them together as a lot, even if they aren't from the same era. Examples -- the comics all have Uncle Scrooge on the cover, they all have art by Alex Toth, they all came from the same obscure publisher, they're all educational comics, etc.
    Selling large lots is an effective way to sell comics that are all in horrible condition -- coverless, three-quarter covers, water-damaged, etc. -- and are not especially sought-after issues. There are people (like me) who are perfectly happy to buy reader comics, and I'm a heck of a lot more likely to buy a lot of 20 for $20 plus $10 shipping ($30 total) than I am to buy the same 20 comics for $1 apiece from 20 different sellers, all of whom ask $4 shipping for a single comic ($100 total).
    If you have multiple, similar items that are valuable enough to warrant auctioning them individually, you'll probably get better prices if you list all of the items together (not as a lot, but at the same time), and schedule the auctions to end a few minutes apart from each other. This way, buyers who are interested in more than one item will have a chance to bid at the end of each auction, and if they get outbid on something they really wanted they might feel compelled to bid on something else that they don't want as much, as a sort of "consolation prize."
    If you're going to post a Buy It Now listing and there are already dozens of the same item in the same condition offered at about the same price you're asking, look around your inventory and see if there's any other related item you could pair up with it, even if you have to ask a little more than the other sellers. For example, I was recently shopping for a copy of a popular hardcover "Peanuts" book for my wife, and the seller I chose was offering not only the book I wanted, but had paired it with a biographical-type publication on Charles Schulz. Bingo, that seller stood out from the pack and got my business, even though it cost me a few more bucks than I had planned to spend.
    For auctions on popular items, set your minimum bid at the lowest price you'd like to obtain. For auctions on non-popular items, set your minimum bid at the lowest price you'd grudgingly accept. (You can determine the popularity of an item by checking "Completed Listings" and seeing how many times the item appears, what percentage of them were sold, and how many bids were made for the auctioned items.)
    For in-progress auctions that include a "Make Offer," be very cautious about accepting an offer for less than the minimum bid, ESPECIALLY if the auction has several days remaining and you believe the item is popular and will draw multiple bids. (And of course the "Make Offer" option disappears when the first bid is filed.)
    To underscore what Swag said in the video, it's crucial to examine the comics you're selling and noting/photographing any flaws in the listings you post. Not only does this reduce the chances of buyers having legit grievances about inaccurate descriptions/failure to disclose flaws, it also reduces the chances that a scammer will claim "you didn't disclose that this comic had such-and-such flaw" and you realize that you're not sure whether the assertion is true or not, so you capitulate and offer a partial refund or accept a return.
    There seems to be an epidemic of eBay buyers demanding partial refunds these days, so you might want to consider adopting a policy of "no partial refunds -- we offer full refunds if the item is shipped back to us in the same condition we shipped it out."
    Always, always include close-up photos of the major flaws in your comics. That's the primary thing I want to see. The only exception is, if you're selling reader-grade comics that are tore up from the floor up, just state outright something like "these comics are in awful condition, don't expect otherwise" and then you don't need a lot of photos.

    • @MrEdwardCollins
      @MrEdwardCollins 2 роки тому +2

      Great tips Tom. Thanks for taking the time to list them.

    • @somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway
      @somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway 2 роки тому +2

      So I would assume it's a better bet to compile a collection before getting started. My local dollar stores often have hardcover multiple comic books for less than 4 Canadian pesos each. These sell down the way at coles for 35 to 50 dollars. Same prices on ebay. I have a decent bit stashed up. Just figuring out the process to start here. This is very helpful Thank-you.

    • @reprintranch
      @reprintranch 2 роки тому +2

      @@somewhereinagalaxyfarfaraway Thanks, glad you liked my little essay.
      Regarding your situation -- you don't need to have a collection put together before you start selling online. It's up to you how much inventory you have. One item is enough for one listing.
      Keep in mind that each item will need to be photographed and given a written description, so from that perspective it's not a bad idea to start off with a small amount of inventory.
      Yes, if you're able to find comic-related hardcover books really cheap at a dollar store, it might be worth buying multiple copies of the same item -- it saves time because you only have to take photos once and write one description. However, I would caution you to check eBay "Completed Items" listings for any book you're thinking about purchasing for resale -- make sure there's some demand for the book and make sure you can set a competitive price for the item and still cover your expenses and earn a good profit. Just because a book is discount-priced doesn't guarantee it'll be a salable, profitable item for you.

    • @nerve_234
      @nerve_234 2 роки тому +1

      Little late here but what would be the best shipping option for comics?

    • @reprintranch
      @reprintranch 2 роки тому

      @@nerve_234 Hi -- Thanks for asking. I haven't shipped many packages of comics, so I'm not qualified to provide much help -- maybe some other folks can comment.
      But to set the stage, let me ask you -- are you wondering which provider is best, like U.S. Postal Service vs. UPS vs. Fed Ex? Or are you wondering what level of delivery service is best to use -- Media Mail vs. Priority Mail or whatever? Or are you wondering how to package the comics to protect them? Or all of the above? Or none of the above, ha ha.
      The one thing I can do is offer some tips if you want to know how to securely package a big box of comics weighing 10 or 20 pounds. If you are interested in that narrow topic, lemme know. :)

  • @philn8621
    @philn8621 3 роки тому +11

    Great video! I would put another vote for a video on shipping ins-and-outs... Thanks!

  • @barbarabroeske1061
    @barbarabroeske1061 Рік тому +1

    Great info FAST! That’s important. You waste NO TIME👏

  • @comicwarriors3735
    @comicwarriors3735 15 днів тому

    Great tips. I would add. Be organized. Utilize custom label on item specifics. This is where you would put your items location. For example box 3

  • @martinmorales4645
    @martinmorales4645 3 роки тому +2

    Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing some great tips. I haven't sold on EBay but I'm trying to pick up some helpful tips and this was very valuable.

  • @milvetcomics3366
    @milvetcomics3366 3 роки тому +3

    These are all really great tips! I usually sell books through FB comic pages doing reply auctions. I can usually sell quite a bit of books that way. My friend does live auctions and has great success with them. I do occasionally sell through eBay and currently have several books for sale. The issues I have with eBay is their fees. It can get pricey with having all of the additional photos and the little things to promote the listing. I also feel my shipping charges are high compared to most but I like to ship priority mail. It’s definitely a unique way of selling and definitely takes practice and patience. Keep up the great videos!

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks! Yeah the fee’s are pretty harsh. I haven’t tried selling on FB yet, but I’m curious. Have you felt it to be pretty safe and honest so far?

    • @milvetcomics3366
      @milvetcomics3366 3 роки тому +2

      @@Swagglehaus yeah I’ve been selling off and on on eBay for about 20 years. For the most part it seems fair but I think because I do t deal with high dollar comics, the fees tend to hurt a little more for the lesser valued ones. Obviously the higher the sold amount, the more they take. If you’re referring to the selling on FB then for sure. I will occasionally have issues with guys who bid and do t pay bit 99% of them are solid people. I feel like it’s quicker to move inventory on the FB reply auctions as opposed to eBay but eBay is nice if you want them to sit and ferment for awhile. Lol

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      That makes sense. Thanks for the info, will have to try FB at some point.

    • @patrickwilliams3530
      @patrickwilliams3530 3 роки тому +1

      @@Swagglehaus I have found FB Marketplace to be really good for a lot of more niche comics. Like Image comics do pretty well there, while for some reason Marvel doesn't even get many views. I've probably had more luck there than eBay at this point.

  • @dpiercyscomics
    @dpiercyscomics 2 роки тому +2

    Transparency is important and I think most important is shipping methods. Tell your buyers if you are shipping in a protective cardboard mailer or a box.

  • @carnivalhands2884
    @carnivalhands2884 Рік тому

    This popped up on my feed and saw that I gave the thumbs up on this video. Damn. Its been 2 years since I started following you.

  • @jerrythejitterbugcomicbook4098
    @jerrythejitterbugcomicbook4098 3 роки тому +2

    Great video! You motivated me because I am cleaning out my collection of lower valued books. I like the practice of selling bundles or runs of books. 👍

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Glad you liked it! Yeah always good to do a "spring cleaning" in my opinion. Best of luck!

  • @stitchface008
    @stitchface008 4 місяці тому

    good tips, thank you. Liked and subscribed

  • @brandonkief3278
    @brandonkief3278 3 роки тому +2

    Cool video. Not a real big fan of using marketing but I am glad you explored that option. I would say if your selling eBay do your research meaning check listings of the same book to find the price its going for and take a lot of pictures and give a really good description of the book as in the grade if you know that or condition and any flaws.

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Def a good tip. Understanding the market is key for pricing. And yeah sometimes promoting isn’t worth it (if you have a desirable comic) but sometimes it helps for the obscure stuff.

  • @Axis.Mundis.
    @Axis.Mundis. 3 роки тому +2

    A buyer will buy your broken or damaged items just like any other if they know exactly what they are getting. Saves on returns and issues that end up costing more or damaging your eBay standard.
    Above standard, top rated, top rated plus, power seller and i sell damaged things no problem.
    You would be surprised how many people buy things without even opening the listing. Assume no one is going to read your description and purchase based on pictures and title alone.

  • @AuditMadness
    @AuditMadness 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks for making this video, I'm going to put it to use. You had some great ideas.

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

  • @alonsotarango3486
    @alonsotarango3486 Рік тому

    Great tips and info, found this very helpful

  • @nelvis_eats1192
    @nelvis_eats1192 3 роки тому +1

    oh god ! shipping has gotten the best of me so many times !!!! Sometimes the buyer is able to change the shipping even if thats not what I offered ! thx

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Yeah shipping is such a headache!

  • @comicgainz
    @comicgainz 2 роки тому

    VERY informative 👏🏼 I’d love to see a video about graded vs raw and what your input is!! Also how do you personally collect? Do you buy anything that pops out at you? Do you focus on one superhero at a time? THANK YOU!! You, Regie, and Jernos are the BEST channels

  • @brucemanley4733
    @brucemanley4733 3 роки тому +1

    As being only a 'buyer' on eBay for many years; I think it would be a good short video for you to talk about shipping and the ends and outs and how to properly charge. Especially for the newbies like myself who may want to start selling. I have had several sellers make comments after selling me an item about how they miscalculated shipping cost (one was like $25 bucks). It makes you feel bad for them, but at the same time knowing you saved a few bucks😁

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      I can def do a video about shipping. I’m still learning a lot myself but it was pretty confusing at the beginning. Will def add to the list of videos to do.

  • @LarenzoJ
    @LarenzoJ 3 роки тому +3

    Heh, near the end of the video for Tip 5 when you said to Double check your shipping, - I thought you were going to advise to make sure it's headed to the right destination. After I had a few CGC books in an auction, I nearly sent an UF4 to someone that had won, and by extension a Spawn 1 to the other winner. I'm pretty sure I would have had a dilemma on my hands, one was destined for New York and the other Saskatchewan!

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Haha, yeah that’s a good tip too. Sometimes when I print out shipping materials I get confused which label belongs to which comic. Another good time to double check 🤪

  • @keithhollingsworth4989
    @keithhollingsworth4989 2 роки тому +1

    You should mention the offers eBay makes to sellers. I wait for eBay to offer me a reduced Final value fee before posting my comics for sale, that saves me a whole lot of fees, typically I pay 20-30% of the normal fees by posting about once a month. Also instead of setting a reserve price for your auctioned comic you can set the starting price at the minimum amount you’re happy to let it go for, that way you won’t be too disappointed if it only receives one or two bids but could still fetch more.

  • @laluchadoraluchadora7536
    @laluchadoraluchadora7536 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the vids and tips!!

  • @thomasmorrison3279
    @thomasmorrison3279 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you. Very helpful information.

  • @patrickwilliams3530
    @patrickwilliams3530 3 роки тому

    This was a great video from the POV of someone who's just getting started selling comics online. I am mostly selling new comics as they come out, and don't have any experience actually buying older comics (mine all come direct from Diamond). I'd really like to know more about how an eBay shop could be utilized to optimize sales, as this is something I need to work on.

  • @lngambino
    @lngambino 2 роки тому +1

    How do you handle shipping costs? Buying the envelopes or boxes, the tape, the bubble wrap, etc. What if the Post Office damages or loses the comic book before it arrives at the buyer?

  • @gordonmahon6485
    @gordonmahon6485 3 роки тому +1

    Great tips!! Thanks!!

  • @ronaldhoenow7784
    @ronaldhoenow7784 2 роки тому

    Highly appreciate the video 🤟

  • @jeffreyclaffey5933
    @jeffreyclaffey5933 3 роки тому +1

    Great tips. I have not sold on eBay and have only bought two early runs on eBay. Thor and SIKTC. Mine worked out okay but eBay to me seems way too over priced. I saw a GI Joe book worth maybe 20 dollars selling for 200. Like you said if someone is willing to pay that is what it is worth. This can be a differentiator for sellers as well. More competitive pricing.

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Thanks! Yeah eBay prices are always going to be a little bit inflated. There are still good deals to have and its usually better to use eBay on books you just can't find in the wild. But a lot of times you can get better deals in LCS's

  • @APlusSlots
    @APlusSlots 3 роки тому +3

    I would buy some of your stuff. Do you have a ASM 300 or Ultimate fall out 4? I live in Colton CA & work at the swap meet in Fontana on weekends.

  • @azb-comics
    @azb-comics 3 роки тому +2

    Thnx for the tips ! Small question wich book would you recomand getting batman 92 first punch line cover app 9.8 or thor #5 3rd print cgc 9.6 or batman 100 Mattina viriant cgc 9.6 ???? Wich of the 3 would you pic/recomend ???

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Hmm, I’m not super versed in the Batman stuff. But seems like Punch Line is a really hot character. I could see her hanging around for many years to come.

  • @jeffmann2020
    @jeffmann2020 3 роки тому +1

    Learning a lot from your channel

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Glad you’re finding the videos helpful!

  • @samaritanx
    @samaritanx 2 місяці тому

    How do you configure your eBay settings to automatically combine shipping and calculate the combined shipping cost when a customer purchases multiple comics?

  • @cocoscomics5544
    @cocoscomics5544 3 роки тому

    Great video and great advice.

  • @vynilrob9719
    @vynilrob9719 7 місяців тому

    I'm selling my books in lots. Is it okay to put two books in a bag with a board in between them to save on shipping? Also, can I sub cardboard pieces cut to size?

  • @justinpulu3984
    @justinpulu3984 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome tips sir. That’s a like and sub. I have about 8-9 long boxes full of comics from when I was a kid. Majority of them are 90s books. Which I feel like there isn’t much value. Where is the best place to look at a books value? I remember looking them up as a kid, but that was over 20 years ago lol.

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      If they are ungraded I would just look at "sold listings" on ebay. Look up some of the books you have there and see how much they sold for. Should give you the best context to their value :)

    • @9r0t0typ3
      @9r0t0typ3 3 роки тому

      The cost of grading your comic books generally sits between 18-200 dollars (per book cheaper value books cheaper grading cost). If you have any in good condition and that you see on ebay selling for some money I'd suggest getting it graded before selling just to guarantee yourself minimal lose.

  • @canadiancomiccorner
    @canadiancomiccorner 3 роки тому +3

    I’d love to start utilizing eBay in 2021 so thanks for the tips. What’s the name of your eBay page?

  • @MrTazjr-qd3wj
    @MrTazjr-qd3wj 3 роки тому +1

    good points thanks

  • @anonanon7235
    @anonanon7235 2 місяці тому

    Bro, there is a 20%+ eBay fee, sometimes more. Shipping is expensive. A lot of bad buyers out there who complain about your item after they receive it. The only way to make money selling comic books on eBay is if you can buy your inventory REALLY CHEAP. Otherwise, you'll LOSE MONEY.

  • @johnpearson81
    @johnpearson81 3 роки тому +2

    Reuse those Amazon Cardboard mailers - Go Planet !!!!

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      100%! Great tip. I try to reuse as much as possible.

  • @morrisc4624
    @morrisc4624 3 роки тому +2

    What website do you use to research selling prices for books?

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +3

      I just look on ebay and checked out the "recently sold" stuff

  • @21Million
    @21Million 2 роки тому

    Can you do a video on selling a comic book series on a single EBay ad where users can pick which ones they want? There is an EBay user called intergalactic that does this all the time. I just don't know how well it works.

  • @XxXMasterFattXxX
    @XxXMasterFattXxX 2 роки тому

    I have a question..
    so I’m super new to comics been buying from thrift stores/ flea markets / pawn shops and buying/asking if anyones selling their comics checking countless prices on books watching countless videos on hot comics and yadda yadda for about 3 months now.
    Created a online ebay store and have made a logo and everything!
    I’ve tapped out pretty much every area within a 2 hour radius of where I live for “cheaper” finds
    I sadly don’t have money to invest in a huge Key slab and sit on it for months or even years.
    I’m starting to now feel a little discouraged..
    I’ve ran out of books I feel would be worth putting up on eBay and my money source is coming to a hard end it seems..
    Any tips on finding good inventory? For a cheaper price? Without breaking the bank. That’s not just a bunch of $1-4 books that no one even asks for or wants.
    Any input would be nice.
    Thank you!

  • @imadnakhleh
    @imadnakhleh 3 роки тому +1

    Hi.Great tips.Do have to add alot of comics to Ebay for people to notice and buy from you?

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I don't think you need to have a lot of inventory. At the end of the day if people are looking for what you are selling, people will find your store :)

  • @Sudar2424
    @Sudar2424 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the help

  • @whitetiger_ccc
    @whitetiger_ccc 3 роки тому +1

    Cowabunga fam🤙🤙

  • @toonblastsart8655
    @toonblastsart8655 3 роки тому +1

    awesome tips im thinking about selling on ebay later this year for the 1st time when it comes to my comics do you have to do taxes on ebay

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Glad you found them helpful! I think it depends on your state and how much $$$ you make from selling. There is a "garage sale" claus in taxes when turns the other cheek when its less then like $3000. But if you sell some big books you might need to look into it.

    • @toonblastsart8655
      @toonblastsart8655 3 роки тому

      @@Swagglehaus apologies for the late response I’m an artist so I been doing a lot of quiet work and just saw your message
      Thank you for all the great insight. I just wish sometimes the government would just send out a bill every year instead of requiring everyone to do taxes especially since I’m now old enough to do them on my own it Can be pretty tricky LOL

  • @rainbowcitypicker9402
    @rainbowcitypicker9402 3 роки тому +2

    wish i could be successful with comic books

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      What makes you think you can’t? You totally can :)

    • @rainbowcitypicker9402
      @rainbowcitypicker9402 3 роки тому +1

      @@Swagglehaus i will watch more too learn

  • @nelvis_eats1192
    @nelvis_eats1192 3 роки тому +1

    excellent !

  • @SR-rx4pk
    @SR-rx4pk 3 роки тому +1

    Good stuff

  • @lunaticsbv525
    @lunaticsbv525 2 роки тому

    Hello
    I wanna ask that if I sell the comic book in eBay then I have to send hardcopy or software copy

  • @noobsuperheroartist2535
    @noobsuperheroartist2535 3 роки тому +1

    Wonderful tips thank you so much.

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watcing!

  • @ren1205
    @ren1205 3 роки тому +1

    Good job

  • @pattimcb31
    @pattimcb31 2 роки тому

    I've seen torn comic book pics how do they ever sell those?

  • @pedroramiro94
    @pedroramiro94 3 роки тому +1

    shipping is almost all the everting of that work.

  • @MetalBum
    @MetalBum Рік тому

    Swaggggytyyy😊😊😊

  • @PasspointComics
    @PasspointComics 3 роки тому +1

    Good info but giving eBay more money to promote? They get so much already

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks, and yeah totally understand why you wouldn’t want to promote. eBay fees do suck. But I’m happy to just keep the inventory moving. Though it’s not the right thing for everyone.

  • @mbossnadia8731
    @mbossnadia8731 3 роки тому +1

    Hi, hope you are well.
    I have over 50 comic books
    From the 1970s
    That's are in excellent condition
    With you be interested in buying them?

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому

      Wutcha got? :P you can always instagram me @swagglehaus_Comics

  • @theunwantedcritic
    @theunwantedcritic 3 місяці тому

    1. Sell your books to me cheap!

  • @johnbts9216
    @johnbts9216 2 роки тому

    Don’t? So much effort, fees, scams.

  • @jeremydubois9843
    @jeremydubois9843 3 роки тому

    Less talk please! Get on with it!

    • @Swagglehaus
      @Swagglehaus  3 роки тому +2

      You could always fast forward or put me on 2x :)

    • @jeremydubois9843
      @jeremydubois9843 3 роки тому

      @@Swagglehaus I meant no disrespect, just figured some input would be helpful. I know my tone might not of seemed that way.