How to Sell Jewelry on eBay and Other Websites

Safeguards and presentation are critical when selling jewelry online

• Take a few great photos of your jewelry from different angles.
• Think about how you want to present your jewelry. Do you want a detailed description, or light beautiful statement, or a story?
• You must have a way for them to buy and return without losing the money or jewelry. An escrow account is usually a good option or you can get paid first.
• Take a photo before you ship in case the shipper damages it or the buyer says it was like this when they got it. If it is damaged, ask the buyer what shape the box was in when they got it.
• Keep all of your shipping and insurance receipts in case the piece is damaged in transit.
• You must have a great description of your jewelry especially a nice gem because they could return it with a different gem (they could switch the diamond with a lower grade or even a CZ and claim that is what they got).
• If you use eBay, you have to be found, do the research on the best category and keywords for your item.
• Remember to add up all the cost of selling to set your price (the cost of the listing, how many times it takes to sell, shipping and supplies, insurance, the fees for credit card processing, other fees for things like appraisals, etc.).
• Two types of people shop online. First, there are the ones who are looking for something unique and are willing to pay a high price for it. Second, the others are looking for a great bargain, wanting only to pay the lowest price. If your jewelry is unique, get a high price if not, then the bargain hunters are your market.
• The success of eBay helped a much older business the pawn shops. The pawn shops who sell jewelry on eBay and other online sites are willing to take much less because they buy them so cheap. Unfortunately, they may be your biggest competition when selling online.
• Don’t be discouraged if it does not sell the first time. The timing may not be right. I know of people who put the same ring up a dozen times before it sells. Patience is needed with online sales, but remember to add this into the price you want for the jewelry.

Fraud should be next on your mind when try to sell your jewelry for cash online

• Be very wary of overseas sales. I would say never do them, but you make that call.
• Be aware of the many fake credit cards; the card company will take the money out of your account if there is fraud.
• Be aware that bank checks can be faked and also certified checks. Sometimes, it takes weeks for the fraud to show up and again the bank will take the money back from you.
• You also have to know if the person making the deal is that person or faking their identity.
• If you take travelers checks make sure they are in us dollars. I was given some checks in another country’s dollars and it was worth pennies on the dollar (this could happen with other checks as well).
• Make sure their funds have cleared your bank. Take the time to understand all the rules.

If selling jewelry online isn’t for you, visit Arden Jewelers and get a free evaluation of the jewelry you want to sell. If you like our offer, you can get cash on the spot for your gold and jewelry, no waiting for it to sell, no photographing, describing, pricing, no hassle at all. Our gemologist buyers are fast, friendly, and professional, and our 20+ years in Sacramento mean you know you’re getting a great deal from a safe and reputable jeweler.

FJU Category: Selling Jewelry