Great question! You don’t get a seller defect for not uploading tracking as long as you mark your item as "shipped". The only thing that would be affected by not uploading tracking is that you could lose top rated seller status(if you even have it). Top Rated Seller status requires 95% percent of your items to have tracking uploaded and validated). Personally, I don’t obsess about top rated seller status much anymore. The program honestly isn’t as great as it used to be, and I don’t see any difference in search visibly like eBay claims (I’m currently rated above standard which is one step below Top Rated). Back in the day you used to get a 20% discount on final values fees if you were Top Rated. They took that away. You can still get a 10% discount if you meet the Top Rated Plus standards (which is a step above top rated), but you only get the discount on items that are listed with a 1 day handling time, plus 30 day free returns. That being said, I no longer actually ship postcards with just a stamp. Ebay recently opened a new shipping program specifically for postcards, trading cards, coins, and stamps. It’s awesome because its actually cheaper to ship with versus a stamp (it costs 51 cents), it’s insured, and includes tracking! I only ship my postcards this way now. If you’re not familiar with the Standard Envelope yet, I actually made a video showing how to use it. You can view it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-g5GfqpR4NfE.html
This is, I think, the most complete A to Z postcard selling video available. It covers basic postcard sells from sourcing to shipping in a single episode.
Thanks so much for this video. I've been selling off my mom's collection for the past couple of years and I realize from watching that even though I'm not a beginner, I'm still incredibly slow in listing each card compared to you. I've been discouraged that it's taking me so long! You've inspired me to be much more aggressive and I'm going to try a few of your strategies. For those interested i've sold a total of 388 cards with a total profit on those of $3829 after ebay fees, shipping costs, etc. Oh and thanks for the tips on the envelopes! I've been cutting cardstock to put in front/back of the card in a regular envelope- your way definitely saves a step!
Do you find that every card you list sells? No matter the subject on front, time period or area? I want to try to do this but I don’t want to find that I’ve bought postcards no one cares to buy. But if everything sells eventually, that gives me more courage
I keep my cards in the boxes they came in. I order them in bags of 50, sleeve them, and put a number on each card. So my SKU ends up being something like A-1-1 (Box A, bag 1, card 1). That's a lot cheaper than buying boxes to put them in.
That's very smart! It definitely would be hard to build a postcard store without a sku system. I'm glad that you have a great system that works for you! And saving money is always a plus!
GREAT Video! I used to sell Postcards on eBay, but just decided to switch to vintage photos. I do have approx. 2000 Postcards which I had currently accumulated. I'm falling "in love" with them again...lol. I believe that your video has made me make up my mind for sure. Thank You!!
Thank you! Vintage photos are awesome too. I love any old ephemera. The great thing about paper collectibles is that they are so easy to list and store. Plus, if you're a history buff like I am its a lot of fun listing. I find that when I'm listing items on ebay that I'm excited about that I'm doing my best work. I'm glad that you're rediscovering you love for postcards and I hope you sell a bunch!
I started selling postcards back in January. I stopped last week. Not only was Ebay charging me .35 on relisting fees they were taking the number of relisted cards and deducting them from my 250 free monthly listings making it nearly impossible to increase my inventory to any significant amount. When you are selling something that averages $5.00 an item the fees and listing restrictions are death to a small business. I just quit fighting it and shut down my account.
You are right, and that is why Ebay started giving folks 250 free listings......they need to make it unlimited. Several years ago, you had to pay for a store if you wanted to list more than 10 items at a time!
Can you list a bunch in one listing with the variations option? Like have your listing title be "National Parks Postcards", then in the listing have 100 different postcards for sale? That way you'd have 100 for sale that would only count for 1 of your 250 listings. Does anyone know if that would work?
Thanks, Justin. Great stuff. I just started collecting, buying and selling postcards. Your video is very helpful. Appreciate your hard work on this video.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad I could help. Postcards are such a fun hobby. Plus, by selling them on eBay, it's a hobby that you can profit from as well!
Want to know about a better hustle? Buy collections of old stamps (pre-1930) and learn to identify and authenticate the individual stamps in the collection. I always, 100% of the time, earn 50-100% profit re-selling singles. Stamp collecting is still a VERY popular hobby. One note, it does take much more expertise and knowledge than re-selling post cards, but that means more profit. Oh, and you get your postage paid for free.....by sending your stamps to customers using First Class mail :-)
Great video! I have a medium size collection that I have been wanting to start to sell on ebay. Thanks for the links to sleeves, envelopes and scanner! (And in another video to the ebay standard envelope labels!)
Hi! I see you haven't made any videos in a while, & I wanted to see if you're okay. I've been trying to get back into ebay, & your channel has been really encouraging to me.
Note: I ordered the plastic bins as listed in the link below the video, BUT, be aware that they are narrower on the bottom than on the top, so that older, smaller postcards might fit great, but the newer, larger postcards (4.5 x 6.25) will NOT fit in the bin: they are pretty squished and the edges will be smashed in. Not a good look. The label says 8 1/2 inches wide, but that's on TOP. The bin narrows as it gets deeper (to help with the nesting effect). I bought a group of 6 of these and are mostly useless.
Thank you for your video. When I was young collecting postcards was fun and cheap. I still have all my postcards that my parents bought for me in the 70’s. Most of my postcards are from the turn of the century into the 20’s and 30’s. Your video has me intrigued to sell the post cards off instead of storing them in my closet. Thank you again. I do have one question. Where do you purchase the cardboard mailers!
So glad I stumbled upon this video. Thank you for this very detailed instruction on how you sell postcards. I’m going to attempt to do some myself. I’m not sure if you’ll revisit this comment section, but if so, I was wondering do you find that every card you list sells? No matter the subject on the front, time period or area? I don’t want to find that I’ve bought postcards no one cares to buy. But if everything sells eventually, that gives me more courage. Been also thinking about buying and reselling vintage photos. Will look into that research as well. Hopefully someone out there has a detailed video on that like you!
Thanks for the tips...my grandmother took a trip to literally every country in the world in the 1940's. I just cleaned out their place and have cases of postcards, menus, Cunard line tickets, theater programs, attraction tickets etc etc. I know they are likely worth some bucks so was wondering how to go about it. Will have to reopen my old Ebay account...haven't used it in many year's.
You're welcome Neil! It sounds like your grandmother had a great collection. I love ephemera (paper collectibles) because it's so much fun to look at. Many people collect what you now have, and you might do really well with it all if you end up deciding to sell it on eBay. Thanks for sharing!
@@CoachCommerce Not to mention she was also very organized and has the whole thing in card catalogues. Looks like Granny essentially left me a box full of money do now I just need to take the time to scan and post:)
@@neilhosler9001 Wow, what a legacy. Sounds like your Granny was a wonderful woman and had great taste. That's awesome that they're also so well organized. Best of luck with them!
I found this online: "Can ADF scan both sides? For two-sided scanning, use A4 or letter-size media. The ADF cannot scan both sides of a document smaller than 127 x 127 mm (5 x 5 inches) or larger than 210 x 304.8 mm (8.5 x 12 inches). The standard size for postcards used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) is 4 in x 6 in (102 mm x 152 mm)." So I'm left wondering how I can scan multiple postcards bothsides one at a time...with adf.
Thanks Mark! I appreciate your feedback. Selling Postcards is a lot of fun, and it’s fairly easy once you get the hang of it. Good luck with your selling!
Good video thank you. I'm considering doing this. One question: You said that through experience you learned how to price them. How do i gain similar experience?
New subscriber really like that you have teaching oriented videos instead of just what people ha e sold as newer seller you wonder why you are not selling as much and deflates you bit your videos make me want to try harder and grind
Hi Mark. I've personally found that writing on the back doesn't really affect the value a whole lot. Some collectors will even buy a postcard just because of the writing on the back. Especially if it tells a cool story or is related to the buyer in any way (I.E. genealogy). As long as you photograph it in your listing you shouldn't have any issues as buyers will understand the condition of the card before buying it. Hope this helps.
Thanks Mark! I try my best to publish videos through a teaching angle to help others learn. eBay can be a grind sometimes but it's well worth it. The more you list, the more you sell. If you have fun with picking out items to sell that interest you, it doesn't seem like work really.
I am a Top Rated Seller of Fashion Jewelry on eBay. It is one of the most competitive categories. I like the idea of postcard sourcing. Do you have a Premium Store?
how do all of you resellers add the cost of supplies, mailers, sleeves, ink, printer paper..... every time I raise the price of an item to accodomate supplies the items sits... not being negative just trying to learn!!
man thanks so much for all the videos i have watched from you bro i am getting into this side business for myself and i have really high hopes. I just bought my first lot of 50 and i paid a little higher than you sugested but it was only 12 bucks with shipping and i mainly just wnant to get my feet wet and see what i can do. i bought the envelopes too. cant really go wrong with spending 20 bucks right? i figure i could turn that into at least 150
Can I put Pokemon cards through that scanner?? Lol Great informational video. I'm SubscribeD now and wanna be like you but selling strictly anime and Pokemon merch. Your video has inspired me to search for post cards here in Japan.
Thanks for the sub! I love all things Pokemon and anime so that's awesome! Yes, you could definitely use this scanner to scan Pokemon cards. If I were using it i'd probably only use it for lower valued cards (just in case the feeder or roller were to damage the card). I've personally never had any issues with it messing up postcards. And, it can scan documents / cards of all shapes and sizes...and get the job done fast! But, it is an automated machine so there's always the chance I suppose. sure you'd probably hand photograph more expensive slabbed cards anyway (or flatbed scan them). But this machine would really help churn out commons! If there's ever anything that I can help with, shoot me a comment and I'll do my best to help. Thanks!
Thanks for the sub and the compliment! I love selling postcards because they are interesting and listing & shipping them is such a simple process. Plus, they take up almost no storage space. They're one of my favorite items to list on eBay!
Great video well explained! Is there any particular postcards you don’t buy when looking at lots? just bought job lot of 700 early 1930s and at an auction I find you have to pay up if they military/war era
Thanks for the compliment! I usually try to stay away from the more modern stuff. when I say modern I mean the oversized postcards (called continental postcards. I also usually stick to strictly american postcards. I don't sell many foreign postcards because they generally are in foreign languages. This makes it more difficult and time consuming to research the locations. I've found that the best way to sell postcards for what works for me is to become as efficient as I can by listing large quantities. Modern and foreign postcards do sell, but not nearly as fast or regularly as anything pre 1960's. Also, my favorite postcards to list are old real photo postcards (RPPC). These can bring money. They're more rare and unique one of a kind cards that collectors go crazy for. If you find lots of them, they usually sell for higher amounts than mass produced cards go for. But, they can be worth the investment if selling them individually. I hope these tips help, and good luck with your postcards!
Hi. Nice and smart work, I am impressed with your idea. I am from Pakistan and I will be listing my first item very soon. Can I work on your idea from Pakistan. Please let me advise.
Hi, first time I watched you today, thinking about selling postcards on Ebay. Question, when you do a Buy it Now do you do a Best Offer or no offers. Would love to know.
That's awesome! Throw them on eBay and you'll make some extra cash. Plus, if you've never sold on eBay before it is a great way to learn. It's how I got started and was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I sell a lot of other things besides postcards, but there's lots of money to be made still on eBay.
Very helpful video, thanks. I just received an Epson ES-500 II scanner this morning, but unfortunately I have not been able to use the scans in my eBay listings. I rewatched your video to see if you might have some detailed advice for how to accomplish this, but it seems as though this should happen pretty easily and automatically. I can get jpegs transferred to both my phone and computer, but I cannot use jpegs on Ebay and so far I can't convert jpegs to photos. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this issue would be great, thanks.
Hi Ikeshia! I don't keep records of the exact number of postcards that I sell, but I average a 1-3 sales a day these days. If I had to guess, I'd say I sold around a thousand postcards this past year. Most all of the postcards I sell I average $5-10. You can make more with postcards if you're selling older cards or real photo cards, but I go for the low hanging fruit with postcards. The majority of my business these days involves selling things that aren't postcards (higher ticket items). I honestly haven't even listed any new post cards in my store in about a year. But, I still have thousands of active postcards in my inventory and they still sell all of the time. Who knows, I might get back into selling them more this year. ~ Justin
I clicked on the link for your postcard envelopes that you ship them in and it doesn't look the same as the one that you showed him the video. It looks more like just brown paper craft envelopes. Are these still good to ship in? I made invitations for my daughters wedding and used the same craft envelopes to mail them and a couple of them came back to us and they were bent. That's why I'm not sure if I should trust those. I wanna make sure I have a good rigid cardboard not just craft paper.
I found a bunch of postcards that was sent to the previous owner of my house. They are mostly from the 80s with Marilyn Monroe, etc. They have written notes and was mailed via usps. Can I still sell these? Thanks
Hey Coach, I am a new seller here and trying to make some headway. I don't see the link for you SKU system you spoke about for keeping up with inventory. I appreciate any insight you can share on the subject!
Thank you. Very interesting. I moved into an apartment last year and got rid of all my ebay/amazon inventory. This just might be a way to start selling again on ebay. Do you sell any other types of ephemera?
Hello, greatings from st petersburg fl. Great video! Quick question I have a post card from 1818 with a Red George Washington 2 cent stamp with a 1818 cancelation stamp, please tell where I can get it verified??
It's definitely possible! I've often thought about doing that exact thing when my wife and I retire and selling out of an RV as we travel the country. Its probably the most realistic way to travel and have an eBay store because you can take a large inventory with you. You can store thousands of postcards and it really doesn't take up much space at all to store them. I know a handful of sellers that sell only postcards and make a full time living doing it. They really crank out listings and grind at it, but the ones that do make a living doing it. I know of a husband and wife team that grosses 150-200 thousand a year in postcard sales alone (they have about 80 thousand active postcard listings). It's crazy, but it's doable if you build it up over time. The only obstacle really is being disciplined in listing them. If you love selling postcards and don't burn out in the listing grind it can be well worth your time.
Quick question, when you scan the postcards through through printers, does it effect the condition of the postcard at all when you have done it? Do you also scan older post cards or turn of the century stuff? ever gotten a not as described condition after scanning and selling one? Thank you for your time, this information is incredibly informative.
Great question. With a store that has 10K postcard listings, you could probably expect to sell about $300-$500 a week if you're selling average cards. Of course that number could be a lot higher if you are selling a lot of real photo postcards or unique / old stuff. Personally, I only have about 3,000 postcards active in my store right now. At one time, I did have $10,000 active but I haven't focused on postcards for a year or so. Lately, I've been selling a lot of higher priced items and that makes up the bulk of my store these days. The postcards sales are still nice and help pad my overall numbers. I like to list postcards when I'm hurting for store inventory because they're easy to aquire, list, and ship. That being said, I do no sellers that have spent years bulking up their postcard listings to like 80,000+ and make well over 6 figures a year selling just postcards. I hope this helps.
Great info, thank you. Do people mostly want new Unused Postcards or stamped used? Do you use the New Standard .51, .71 Cents Ebay postage, some people have issues due to it not tracking like the regular USPS tracking. Have you used Ebay stardard envelopes for cards?
I've found that there's really no difference in what sells better. Most of the postcards that I sell are postmarked since I like to sell a lot of older cards. Most collectors don't mind if they are "uses" as it adds history to the postcard. I've used the new postage a little, and haven't really had any issues. Before eBay introduced the new postage, I always shipped anything under $20 with just a postage stamp. Most everyone in the postcard collecting community are honest and I have almost never had problems with people claiming that they never arrived (without tracking). Of course, anything more expensive I ship with tracking just to cover myself. But I'd say by and large over 95% of the cards I've sold over the years didn't have tracking. Now that eBay standard envelope is in effect I use it instead of stamps. The rate is cheaper than a regular forever stamp (by 4 cents) and over time that small amount adds up to considerable savings. Hope this helps!
Hi Coach, great video thanks, ive looked at the epson scanner on amazon and on one of the reviews the person wrote that the images only come out in PDF form is that right ? not jpeg or png ? cheers
Hey there! Thanks for asking. I don't know what the reviewer was referring to, because with the ES-400 you can save files as PDF, JPEG, or as searchable PDF files. I save all of the postcards that I scan as JPEGs and they upload to eBay with no issues whatsoever. I hope this helps. ! Justin
Another question for you...My new PM...(not Prime Minister but Postcard Mentor ..lol )...I was wondering what you think of panarama cards. I have two boxes in the collection I got. They are postcards but longer and are of hotels and motels from the 60s- 80s. They look like a postcard on the back and front but are longer. A lot of them have really good details of the motels or whatever the subject with old cars around the buildings...Lots are put out by AAA...or CAA...Should I toss them or list them? Would love to hear what you think
Those sound really neat! I've had a lot of success selling hotel postcards in the past. It sounds like they have great subject matter as well with the cars and buildings. If it were me personally, I'd list them. But, I also tend to list everything. lol. Remember, you can always lot them all together and sell them in bulk if you don't want to take the time to list them individually. People like me buy postcard lots on eBay I wouldn't toss them because they're worth something. I hope this helps!
Other than looking for postcards on eBay, could you recommend places where I could locate vintage postcards in bulk? I have been to Estate Sales and live Auctions and am wondering if you have any other suggestions. Thanks very much!
Hi Gary! I've had some good luck in the past with local buy/sell classifieds such as craigslist, offerup, and facebook marketplaces. If you get lucky, you can sometimes find really large collections for great prices. I like to put saved searches out in my area on facebook so that any time new listings get posted I get a notification. I know other people that put out wanted ads on facebook buy/sell groups that have had good success as well. I hope this helps! ~ Justin
I just got ane entire collection ( about 50 thousand cards ). BOXES of them, as an elderly lady died and left them to family and they didnt want it so gave them to me. There are so many it is overwhelming. Twin towers before the event, Elvis, All over Canada, US, and the world, I dont know where to start. Should I start individually?
Wow! That sounds like an awesome collection. If you want to maximize your profits you could definitely list them individually. Depending on the age and subject matter some of them may go for a lot (especially if there any old real photo postcards). If you take the time to scan and list each one individually you'd have a store inventory of probably around 100-300,000 dollars depending on what you have. If you don't want to take the time to list them all (it may take years depending on how fast you are) you could always group them and sell them in lots. Most lots of postcard on ebay that are in bulk groups of 1,000 are selling for 150-200 dollars. If you wanted to liquidate them quickly you'd make a fast $7,500 to $10,000. Either way you go, it sounds like you're going to have a lot of fun making some good money if you put the work into it. You'll have to let me know later how it goes! ~ Justin
@@CoachCommerce I so appreciate your response. I still cant believe she just gave them all away. An advertisement on market place on facebook. I was the second person to respond. The first person never showed so I got them. Hubby and I are shocked. I offered to pay the woman...but she would not take any money and said if I wanted to do something in return, I could make a donation to an animal shelter. I mean it was just all so bizarre. My car was filled except for the front seat and I drive a Rav four. LOL
@@margaretfrise4819 Wow that’s amazing! I love stories like that. It sounds like you were in the right place at the right time. Awesome find, and I’m excited for you!
Hi i hae just come across your channel and i am wanting to sell postcards i have alot of postcards that have places from around the uk . Is there a way i could sell these individually ?
Great question! I've found that it really doesn't matter if they are used or not. I sell new postcards and used postcards. People buy used cards just as much as they do new. I actually sell a lot more used cards than I do new ones. They are a lot easier to find. Plus, people that collect postcards oftentimes buy the card just because it's used. Many people that collect are into genealogy and history. Believe it or not, "used condition" can add to the value of postcards (unlike most other items you would sell on ebay).
Hi, yes, do you mean you make several copies of one postcard in your printer? And you keep the originals? How can you have so many in your collection if your sending out the original? And also e-bay goes ahead and pays you when they have'nt seen any shipping evidence? Also do you do old letters from way back or is that to much personal stuff?I have some from the early 1900's and late 1890's.
Hello! Great question. I don't actually copy the postcards. I use a scanner to take pictures of each postcard that I am selling. It is much faster and efficient than taking photos by hand. Every time I sell a postcard I send the buyer the original. The way that I acquire thousands of postcards is by buying them in lots off of ebay. Postcard collecting is huge and often times you can find people liquidating thousands of postcards at a time on ebay. Yes, eBay always pays you as long as you mark the sale as "shipped." You have to manually do it in the sales record, but it is easy. When I used to ship with stamps there was no tracking number. However recently, eBay began a shipping service specifically for postcards that costs .51 cents (which is cheaper than a forever stamp at .55 cents). It is called the "eBay Standard Envelope" and it actually includes tracking as well. I would absolutely sell old letters. Some old letters sell for incredible amounts of money. People love old war letters and things of that nature. If you can tie a name to the letter it will really help sell the letter as well. History buffs and people that are into genealogy really buy that stuff up. I hope this info helps, and thanks for watching my video! ~ Justin