What does it cost to sell my stuff with Encore?
In most cases, we charge you nothing to list your item. After your item sells, we deduct our commission plus eBay and payment processing fees before sending you a check for the balance, which will generally amount to 55-65% of the selling price. (In contrast, traditional consignment stores usually give the seller only 40-50%.)
Our commission is based on the selling price of the item and the method used. For open, no-reserve auctions, the cost is: 40% of the first $1000 and 35% of any amount over $1000. This includes all eBay and payment processing fees (e.g. Paypal).
30-day Fixed Price options are also available. For full details, email us, call us, or stop by and pick up a copy of the price sheet in our store.
Why shouldn’t I sell it myself?
You could…just as you could paint your own house, or draft your own will. But most people know that they’ll get a better quality result if they hire an expert with the right tools, training, expertise, and reputation. Encore Online Resale is Michigan’s expert in online consignment sales:
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Our trained researchers can appraise your item while you’re in the store, so you know whether your item is likely to sell, and at what price. |
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Our professional photographers have the right cameras, lighting, backdrops, settings and editing software to visually showcase your item to its best advantage. |
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Our expert copywriters maximize your item’s exposure by discovering the best categories in which to list your item and using the key words that are most likely to match a prospective buyer’s online search. |
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Our customer service representatives promptly answer questions from prospective buyers to ensure that they have the information they need to bid with confidence on your item. They also have the experience to avoid phony bidders and online scams. |
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Our shippers carefully pack and ship your item so that it arrives promptly and in good condition, minimizing returns. |
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Our high feedback rating makes buyers more likely to bid on our auctions rather than auctions run by individuals. Many items we sell end at a value 30-40% higher than comparable items sold by private individuals–completely offsetting our commission and fees! |
For how long do you list my item for sale on eBay?
Typically, Encore uses a seven day auction to maximize bidding interest. However, we can run auctions as short as one day for items with time constraints, such as tickets for sporting events, concerts, and so on. 30-day Fixed Price (Buy It Now / Best Offer) options are also available.
Can I watch my auction while it’s in progress?
Yes–that’s part of the fun! When we launch your auction, we’ll send you an email with a link to the auction, so you can follow the action.
What if my item doesn’t sell during the auction period?
If your item doesn’t sell, you will be notified by email and can either pick it up at the store within 14 days, or allow us to donate your item to a local charity (e.g. PTO Thrift Shop, Kiwanis, Recycle Ann Arbor ReUse Center).
Can I set a minimum selling price for my auction?
Yes. Sellers can set an opening bid of $9.99 or more. However, while minimum opening bids above $9.99 do provide a “safety net” for which an item must sell, they can limit bidding activity. Lower opening bids attract more interest from the eBay community, so that multiple bidders are competing for the item. eBay’s research shows that an auction that starts at a lower opening bid will almost always sell for a higher ending value than an identical item with an opening bid near the item’s final value. Starting bids higher than 1/3 of expected selling price or any reserve amount requires a $25 refundable deposit paid in advance.
When can I expect to receive my check?
Typically, you will receive a check about 30-45 days from the date you dropped off your item. Please note that winning bidders who delay in paying for your item will cause delays in our timing for sending out your check. In addition, occasionally a winning bidder may never pay for your item. In this case, we will cancel the original auction and re-list your item for free. Your check amount and payment timing will be based on the results of this new auction.
