Edible Ebay

After numerous years of buying on Ebay, I have finally decided, with full credit-crunch mindset, to actually, potentially, sell something. The thing that last put me off the addictive money-making (and I don’t mean for myself) machine, is that while attempting to show off my technical skills to my partner, he asked me to sell his mobile phone. ‘Easy-peasy’ I said, ‘I bet I can get at least 20 quid for it’. His expression showed one of pure delight as he pulled out his extremely old, Sony Ericsson wi-something-or-other, and my face faltered somewhat. Anyway, several days and bids later, it was almost sealed at £26.50. I had done him proud, and myself, as secretly I couldn’t figure out why any human being would want to pay more than a fiver for it. My instinctive paranoia was right. We had been the victims of fraudulent Ebay bidding, and after five emails from a mad criminal in Jamaica posing as a ‘PayPal’ Security Executive, I nearly handed over £10 of my own money! Bitter and dejected, I gave up and haven’t touched it since.

Until last night. I checked my bank balance and realised with the mortgage payment looming I needed to actually get off my backside and earn some extra cash. Rooting through the cupboards I found a number of items, including numerous Playstation games (sorry but, what would I need with Resistance-Fall of Man when I’ve got Tomb Raider Underworld coming out in a month?) and a handbag that has just simply never suited me. Dreading the ‘Sell’ button, I clicked away in hope. And, I was genuinely surprised. For years whenever I have had problems with Ebay, I longed to be able to phone them up and actually talk to someone…instead I was subjected to 24 hour email automated responses, that, quite frankly, have never responded.

Instead this time, when I had an issue with logging in because, ‘My computer was not recognised’ I was quickly reverted to a Live Chat room and began speaking with ‘Johanna’. Within five minutes I had changed my password, entered my phone number, and logged on under my ‘new computer’ which thankfully was now firmly on the selling list. The outcome? A brand new approach to Ebay security that has lovingly provided a step by step guide to a safer world of selling. Since then, I’ve had two bids with 5 days to go. Hurrah!

Who said selling old tat for small amounts was dead? Go forth and sell! (At least I can then buy new PS3 games without feeling guilty.)