Sisters calls up the world on eBay

Ric Nowack discusses antiques with a Lunch & Learn participant. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Ric Nowak, Sisters Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, has a separate career as an antiques dealer.

Nowak gave Sisters residents an overview of selling antiques on eBay via the Internet at Sisters Lunch and Learn COCC program last Wednesday, April 16.

The lifelong antiques dealer became interested in Internet selling about four years ago and has since sold over 6,000 items on eBay.

Tips from this successful seller covered most of the setup at eBay.

"Starting on eBay requires you provide a credit card number," said Nowak. "I suggest getting a card with a $250 limit."

He also suggested selecting a simple user name. He uses riclin1, which covers both himself and his wife, Linda. Linda's interests are in early stoneware and Ric covers antiques and collectibles.

"Images of items offered are important," Nowak said. "Try to keep them small, otherwise they take too long to display and potential buyers get turned off."

A digital camera and scanner are suggested equipment.

"Use a straightforward description of your merchandise for sale. Be honest in the description and it will pay off in the long run. Use appropriate words in your description that will likely be picked up by a search," Nowak said.

"Always reply to inquiries (e-mail questions), use good manners and be polite."

About 10 percent of Rick's customers send feedback (mostly very positive) about his dealings back to eBay for future customers to read.

He warned his audience to be careful with eBay fees. While each fee may seem small they can lead up to several hundred dollars each month.

Listed items may remain on the eBay site for three, five, seven or 10 days.

"I generally keep mine up for seven days," Nowak said.

Questioned about shipping his products to customers, Rick says he prefers UPS.

"The hardest things to ship from Central Oregon are large items like furniture. Nobody handles those items," he said.

Nowak handles payment by check, money order or direct bank transfer.

eBay lists about one million items each day and charges sellers on a sliding commission basis, according to Nowak.

Celeste Douville, Sisters COCC administrator, reminded the audience that the college center offers classes on eBay and other computer-related topics.

Visit eBay at www.ebay.com.