The process of selling perfume on eBay is fairly straightforward, but there are some limitations to the types of perfume you can sell, and how to ship the product once someone has purchased it. You should also include as much perfume information as possible to increase the likelihood of potential buyers.
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Part 1 of 3: Making a List of Items
Step 1. Gather all the ingredients
Make sure you have everything you plan to sell before you make a list of items, including perfume bottles, inner spray bottle caps and outer spray bottle caps. If you have the original packaging box, use the box as well.
You can still sell perfume even if you don't have any unnecessary accessories, like outer bottle caps or packaging boxes. However, you should know that the missing piece will lower the price of the perfume
Step 2. Make sure your perfume can be sold on eBay
Most perfumes can be sold on eBay, but this site does have limitations that are important to note.
- Used perfume should not have the applicator in direct contact with the body.
- Perfume must comply with BPOM standards, regardless of whether the perfume is commercially produced or homemade.
- If the perfume has been opened but has never been used, you should still mention that the container has been opened.
Step 3. Do some price research
The price range of the perfume you set will vary depending on the age of the perfume, its current condition, and the current market value of the perfume.
- If the perfume is still being sold in stores, the price you charge should be well below the retail price. However, perfume that is rare or no longer produced can be sold at a higher initial price than the price when the perfume was still on the market.
- One of the easiest ways to determine the best price is to search eBay for the price of perfumes with the same brand and scent name. Check through the current perfume price list, noting the price of a perfume that is in a similar condition to the perfume you are selling. The price you charge should be in the same range as the prices on this list, but you can sell your perfume for a higher price if it is in better condition than all the other perfumes on the list.
- If you are selling rare or out of production perfumes, you may need to consult a perfume collector's manual to determine current prices. Use the prices listed in the book as a reference when pricing your perfume.
Step 4. Take a photo
You must include a photo of the condition of the perfume you are selling.
- If your perfume is new and still sealed in the box, you can take a photo of the package still sealed. Make sure the perfume name and bottle size are legible in the image. You must also show a picture of the unopened seal.
- If you've opened the box but still have it, take a picture of a perfume bottle with the packaging box next to it.
- If your perfume bottle is transparent, make sure the amount of perfume is clearly visible. For bottles that are not transparent, you will need to determine how often the perfume is used and how much perfume is left.
- Use a plain white background when taking photos of colored bottles so the true color of the glass and the perfume itself can be clearly seen. If the color of the perfume bottle is clear, use a plain black background.
- You can also include a photo of the perfume from the manufacturer's website, but use it only as a secondary image. Always include a picture of the product being sold.
Step 5. Create an account
If you don't have an eBay account yet, you will need to create one.
- Go to the registration page:
- Enter your name, e-mail address and password before clicking the Submit button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a username and complete the registration process.
- You will also need to link a payment method to your account. Paypal is the most popular option, but you can also use a credit or debit card.
Step 6. Make a list of your selling items
When you list items and prices, you should include the brand name, fragrance name, size, and condition of the perfume in the title. After setting the title, press the Get Started button to continue.
- To list items and prices, you will need to click the Sell link in the My eBay section. You will be directed to the Start a new listing page, where you can enter a title for your listing and continue the process.
- Please select the appropriate category for your item when prompted. Typically, perfumes are listed in the Fragrances section under the Healthy and Beauty category.
- When setting up your listing, you'll also need to upload a photo, write a description, choose a sale format (auction or Buy It Now), set a price, and set a timeframe for the auction.
Part 2 of 3: Describing Perfume
Step 1. Describe the scent
Since buyers can't test scents before buying, you should describe them as clearly as possible.
- At a minimum, you must explain the basic type of perfume. Most perfumes can be classified into one of five categories: floral, citrus, leafy, spicy, or natural.
- If you know that a certain scent (vanilla, sandalwood, rose, etc.) is present in a perfume, say the name.
- When in doubt, check the perfume manufacturer's description for more scent information.
Step 2. Describe the bottle
At a minimum, you must indicate whether the bottle is dented, scratched, cracked, stained, or speckled. You should also mention what type of bottle it is.
- Most perfumes are sold in regular spray bottles, but if the bottle also includes a pump, those details should be mentioned. Pump spray bottles have a squeeze ball attached to the spray tip, and this bottle design is more desirable to many perfume collectors than standard spray bottles.
- Describe the material of the perfume bottle. Most perfume bottles are made of glass, but some are made of plastic.
- State the width, height, and depth of the bottle, even if you have already mentioned how much perfume is in it. More details is better than nothing if you want to keep your buyers happy.
- Look for the manufacturer's label on the bottle. Mention details like these if any.
- Also describe the label. Please state what material the label is made of and what is the current condition of the label
Step 3. Specify the overall condition
You need to clearly state whether the perfume is new, has been opened but not used, or has been used.
Even if the amount of perfume can be seen in the picture, you should clearly state how much perfume is left. If you don't know the exact number, then estimate it. You're better off estimating too little than too much. Buyers won't complain if they bought more perfume than indicated, but they will if they feel cheated because you sold less perfume than you indicated
Step 4. Name the perfume manufacturer
You need to mention the name of the manufacturer and the scent. Sometimes, two different perfumes have the same name even though they are produced by different manufacturers. Mentioning both can clear up any confusion.
- Mentioning the name of the manufacturer can also reassure buyers that your perfume is genuine and not a fake.
- It may also be worth mentioning whether the manufacturer is a well-known company.
Step 5. List all other things to consider
Any other important information not covered should also be included in your description.
- For example, if you include the original packaging box, mention it in your item list as well. This is especially important if the perfume bottle has collectible value.
- If you sell perfume that is no longer produced or bottles of vintage perfume, you must mention the age of the perfume. Include production dates for perfumes older than five years and empty perfume bottles older than ten years.
- If you sell valuable perfume, consider citing a perfume collector's guide to the value of perfumes on the market today. Cite the page, author, and book.
Part 3 of 3: Selling and Shipping Perfume
Step 1. Take a look at your item list
Check your item list regularly to determine how much visitors are interested in your perfume.
You may be able to make adjustments to the auction to increase the likelihood of selling the perfume. For example, if you don't get any bids, you might be able to lower your price during the last 12 hours of the auction
Step 2. Get ready to ship the package quickly
You will receive an email when the perfume is sold. Send the invoice as soon as possible, then have the perfume ready so you can ship it within the next business day or two.
Keep in mind that you must wait until you receive your payment before sending the package
Step 3. Learn about shipping restrictions
Perfume is considered a hazardous material, so no matter what shipping company you choose, they will have limitations on shipping methods and packaging.
- By law, you will only be able to ship perfume within the United States. Shipping methods are also limited to ground transportation only, and you may need to fill out a special form or label for your package.
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To learn more about the various shipping restrictions, visit the website of the shipping company you wish to use.
- USPS:
- FedEx:
- UPS:
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You can also contact customer service for additional information.
- USPS: 1-800-ASK-USPS
- FedEx: 1-800-463-3339
- UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS
Step 4. Pack the package well
Pack perfume bottles in safe boxes filled with packaging materials to prevent perfume from shifting during shipping. Safe packaging is essential if you want to prevent bottles from breaking and perfume contents leaking out.
- Choose a sturdy packaging box. Ideally, there should be 10 cm of space left on each side of the bottle.
- Wrap the bottle with bubble plastic. Plaster the bubble plastic so it doesn't slide.
- When packing multiple bottles at once, make sure there is space between each one. Protect each bottle with a separate pad and do not allow the bottles to rub against each other.
- Any empty space in the box must be filled with additional bubble wrap, cork, newspaper, or air-filled pads.
- Also include an invoice showing the name and address of the recipient in the box. The invoice must also describe the contents of the package.
- Seal the packaging box with tape.
- Once everything is sealed, shake the box gently. You shouldn't be able to hear or feel any movement in the box.
Step 5. Send the package
Write the buyer's address and the return address on the outside of the package. Take your package to the shipping company of your choice, fill out the required forms, and pay the shipping rate. If so, then you have completed the sales process.
- Consider purchasing a shipping tracker or confirmer so you know when the buyer receives your package.
- You can also ask the buyer for confirmation after he gets the package. Ask the buyer to contact you if there is a problem with the delivery and to write positive feedback if the transaction experience was good.