Computerbank Seller Policy and Guidelines

Overview

Here are the guidelines volunteers, members or staff must adhere to when selling equipment (eBay or non-shop direct sales) on behalf of Computerbank. People who do not follow the guidelines will be unable to sell equipment in the future.

What items can be sold on eBay and to the general public?

Examples of items we sell on eBay include low end laptops, server equipment, network laser printers, MAC equipment, A3 printers and vintage items. Ask a committee member if you are unsure about an item. People also look to us for server class equipment. Some items will have little value to our recipient program and while they could go in the shop, they will probably get a higher price on eBay or through targeted selling. Here's a list of items sold recently on eBay for Computerbank.

Commission available

From February 2008, Computerbank provides 25% commission to all sellers (ebay and non-shop). If you sold an item for $100 (final auction price), you will receive $25. Commission is payable after the buyer has paid for the item and eBay documentation has been lodged. Commission is capped at $200 per item. Note: This commission does not apply to the eBay staff member who is paid an hourly rate instead.

Selling fees, charges

eBay charges for putting up the auction, and also charges a percentage of the item's final value. Computerbank will pay all the eBay fees. We will reimburse you on presentation of your eBay documentation.

Computerbank will not be responsible for Pay Pal fees if you choose to use it as a method of payment (see below). We recommend direct debit or cash on pick up.

If you are delivering the equipment remember to add a delivery charge to your final total. This charge should be kept separate to the cost of the item.

Information for eBay Auction Sales

Pricing items

Aim to get the highest possible price for your item without intimidating buyers. To estimate a price, check finished eBay auctions for the price of similar items to the item you are settling. You can also check the Trading Post for prices. Start the bidding between a third to a half the value of the expected end price. If you can't find similar items, use your own judgement or check your starting bid with Kylie or Rob.

Describing items

• Give an accurate positive description. It is important to list any scratches or flaws (e.g. bad battery for laptops) or the buyer might understandably get annoyed. If the item is a computer with CBV's distro, say it has Linux installed and list the main pieces of software (Open Office, Acrobat Reader, KDE, GIMP etc).
• It is important to add a picture of the item. Keep eBay fees low by only using one picture. Do it in Gallery mode.
• Weigh and measure the item. Use Australia Post's (http://www.auspost.com.au/) calculator to estimate postage by size and weight. Mark up the postage cost a little for handling/packaging/insurance costs. In the description, say that postage is only an estimation and that final postage will be calculated and charged once you know where the item is going. Offer registered post at an extra $2.50.
• Make sure you add to the description that items will only be shipped within Australia.
• Mention that the item can be picked up from West Melbourne. Arrange to meet the buyer or ask someone else to do so on your behalf. You can leave a detailed note in Computerbank's diary if it is a Friday or Saturday when Computerbank is open to the public.
  
• Payment Method. Offer direct deposit if possible, the alternative is Paypal. Paypal charges for transfers to Australian bank accounts (but you don't need to say that). In your description say paying by Paypal will incur an extra $1 charge. You also have the extra task of transferring the money from Paypal to your bank account. If picking up from Computerbank, cash is the preferred method we will not accept a cheque.
• To keep things simple do NOT say the item is owned by Computerbank.

Length and Time of Auction

Auctions should run for 7 days. Any longer can get annoying, any shorter and people might not be able to find it in time. Auctions should finish before or at 10PM EST, any later than that and inexperienced buyers possibly won't be awake to bid.

Answering buyer questions

Answer seller questions as promptly as you can. If you have an auction running it might be a good idea to check your email at least once a day.

Working out postage and handling costs

Ensure you work out the postage costs accurately. Add a small amount  to cover any handling fees. Computerbank will NOT reimburse you for any out of pocket costs you incur because the postage ends up being higher than you quoted. If you do mark up the postage any extra money you receive you can keep. Computerbank is not responsible for supplying postage packs but may be able to help with bubble wrap, boxes and packing tape.

Contacting the winning bidder

• Any contact made with the buyer should be done by either email or eBay's message system. If you have more than one payment option, ask the winning bidder what payment method they will be using.
• If the item is to be collected from Computerbank in West Melbourne. Pickup could be during Computerbank's opening times and would need to be by appointment (so that others were aware). You could arrange to meet the buyer or could delegate to someone else (if appropriate).
• Once you know where the item is going, find out how much postage to charge the buyer and put this in the invoice you send to them.
• The parcel will take between 1 to 6 days or 1 - 10 days to be delivered depending on the address you are posting to. Offer express post if the buyer needs the article urgently.
• If the buyer is paying by direct deposit you can send them an invoice by email instead of going through eBay. Don't forget to add the $2.50 registered post charge if it has been requested. If postage is delayed (more than a week), inform the buyer and keep them up-to-date on the postage status.
• Once the item is posted, contact the buyer to tell them it is posted and mark it posted in your eBay profile. If registered post is requested, make sure you send the buyer the registered post number even if they have not asked for it.
• Once the auction is over leave feedback for the buyer. If they do not leave feedback for you, contact them and ask if they received the item.

Packaging and posting

When packing items (such as computers), remove any stickers and give the item a good clean (would you like to buy a grimy item?). Pack well with padding such as Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Put any exposed circuitry such as PC cards or memory sticks in static bags. If there is official Computerbank documentation with the item (a tech spec) be sure to take a copy and file with Kylie.

Computerbank keeps some registered postage forms if needed. Fill these out before going to the post office. When you go to the Post Office you may find long queues, expect delays.

Last tasks

Add a link to the eBay item on the EbaySales wiki on Computerbank's website -  http://www.computerbank.org.au/wiki/EbaySales.

Print or email a copy of the final invoice and fee. The final invoice is the one with all the fees included not the invoice eBay issues to the buyer on your behalf. Ebay no longer send detailed invoices by email. Instead you have to login and use the site. To get a copy of your invoice go to My Account-> Latest invoice amount: (View invoices ) [Select a Month] and then you should be able to save that page. Send that page when claiming your fees back. Use this document when you are claiming commission from Computerbank.

Paying Computerbank after the sale

Computerbank's bank details from April 2008 are Westpac bank, Account Name: Computerbank Victoria, BSB: 033-376, Account No: 137786.  Confirm the amount you have to pay Computerbank with Kylie before making a payment. If you wish you can pay us the amount owed after deducting commission and fees. Make sure you have all the documentation.

Once all documentation has been lodged by you, Computerbank will pay the commission and any fees we owe you.

Computerbank is also happy for the buyer to make an electronic payment into our bank account or yours. Again once all documentation has been lodged to claim the commission and fees from Computerbank. If the money has been paid into your account please provide documentation and forward us the balance after fees and commission.

About this policy document

Authored by Jan, Ben and Kylie in 2006. New commission rate ratified in Feb 12th 2008. Document updated April 2008 by Jan and Kylie.