When using software to post your items to eBay, like GarageSale or iSale (both of which I own and use), it is very easy to copy a template. This simplifies listing items in similar categories or with similar properties. By the way, I’ve had many problems with iSale and I do not recommend it. The support is slow and does not address all of your issues when you report a problem. Save your money and either enter items manually through the eBay web UI or use GarageSale!
For example, I list quite a bit of LOFT items because those are my top sellers. You’ll notice if you check those listings that many have similar prices (like-new blouses often have the same price), categories and even listing description details (except for highlights on the different sizes, approximate measurements, etc). Since I list most items as fixed price listings (it’s cheaper and lasts for 30 days), I also select “Best Offer” so buyers are free to send me a lower price request. Sometimes I’ll sell an item for a dollar or more off since I regularly run discount (percent off) sales anyway. When I’ve had something in inventory for a month I like to move it quickly so I can get new items in unless the item is absolutely *perfect* in which case I usually decline any best offer requests.
Here’s the catch: you have to remember to check everything about your listing when you copy a template using one of these applications. I had a situation come up today (and once a few weeks back) where the person purchased from me for less than the listed price. I had no idea why when it happened in the past, but today’s item was a listing for XBOX Live Gold codes, so the customer had to interact with me to get the code he bought.
This is when I realized I was very lucky his offer wasn’t much lower, as I had copied another listing which had an automatic accept of best offers of $10 or more! Because of the price I paid for the XBOX Live Codes (bought cards in bulk online a few months back), I at least didn’t lose a ton of money, but I am short more than a dollar.
eBay does not indicate anywhere in the SOLD screen that you accepted a best offer automatically.
Keep this in mind when using software on your Mac to list on eBay:
CHECK ALL LISTING PROPERTIES CAREFULLY BEFORE POSTING!
Good luck and happy eBaying!
