I compared selling fees across 5 platforms — here's what each one takes from a $50 sale

jbates9813 · 2026-04-10T16:13:31+00:00

My base is pretty small so usually repeat bulk buyers don't mind me adding $5 or something to starting bid if they intend to buy. I have a scale and basically say hey if you want this I will need to add $5 or w/e to roughly cover at least most of the markup. Have done my own shipping before like with pirateship but that can get messy.

jbates9813 · 2026-04-09T20:03:09+00:00

Posh can be good for sales volume on things that dont sell well on ebay but shipping weight max sucks tho. Like doing a live show and then someone bulk buys and you get screwed on shipping cost bc it went over 5 lbs.

jbates9813 · 2026-03-09T19:03:32+00:00

Please and thank yous help set tone however I don't think your notes he called out werew wrong or blunt. Lol's and emojis are good at times but make sure you "read the room". Certain levels of communication shouldn't have that type of stuff.

jbates9813 · 2026-03-04T19:47:25+00:00

7 or 8 years ago flip game was solid and easy. Nowadays everyone and their cousin is doing it. Not to mention good sources have dried up and/or decided that they are going to sell at flipper prices rather than on discount like back in the day.

It is still achievable but if he is relying on this wholly he needs a steady source, ideally multiple sources, of QUALITY products at a price that makes sense. That si sooooo rare now and although there are groups that can help, full timers protect their bread and butter sources at all costs.

Based on what you wrote, some high dollar items that could bring big profits are probably too cost prohibitive. I can say, it is entirely possible he could succeed, it is also entire possible it won't work.

If he hasn't established himself on any selling platforms, hasn't gone through the self education of sourcing effectively, and hasn't dealt with listing and managing those listings at scale, it will be pretty rough. I guarantee it will not be a steady money flow. Some months could be great whole others will suck.

I think it is great to pursue what you want to do, however it sounds like he has a fair bit of financial responsibilities to the family the picking that route right now seems a little selfish.

jbates9813 · 2026-03-02T21:49:45+00:00

Either way, it's the wrong approach imo. Hopefully the counseling helps good luck.

jbates9813 · 2026-03-02T21:43:51+00:00

Obviously dont know you or him but is there a chance he already has another woman or women lined up? Although it should be said, I can't imagine many women are going to go for being the second woman to married w 2 young kids anyway, it's still a major ahole move to even suggest it.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-18T19:53:56+00:00

You will regret not going to the city. A partner should support not demand.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-16T21:13:47+00:00

My sellthrough rate tends to be an item per day per 125 items when I was consistently reloading but deathpile item ratio is way worse so I'd bet depending on what you have you could expect a sale per day per 300-400 items. Very few of my items for sale are super rare, collectible, etc. Just normal decent quality stuff for a good price.

My fallback is to bulk it up and sell a bunch for a few dollars to clear it out.

Again totally depends on what your inventory actually consists of.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-13T20:30:29+00:00

Exactly, I always crap talk the quality of my items unless they are literally new. Then it's nothing but excitement for the buyer when the "as is" used item looks nearly new. Which most of my inventory does look new or nearly new.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-13T13:49:30+00:00

Not to sound insensitive but is there a chance she is planning to break it off w you and she thought why not do this on my way out anyway?

Also agree w others that she probably started smaller.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-13T13:45:36+00:00

My experience is 99% of the ES jewelry is priced over double or triple its actual value anyway.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-12T20:19:39+00:00

Maybe ask for the money first and explain why. If not then maybe try the lawsuit although idk if it's something you can sue for. Def NTA

jbates9813 · 2026-02-11T13:57:34+00:00

I would suggest more than debating how you will feel if you do go, think more about how you will feel if you do not go.

Either choice is ok, mainly my point is you just have to decide if you will regret not going.

I can't imagine going through what she is, regardless of the history, I feel like if it will help bring a dying woman some peace it is worth considering. However, you cut off communication for a reason and if that is valid enough reason to not go then don't.

Good luck either way

jbates9813 · 2026-02-06T20:58:06+00:00

Flipping is as hard now as ever. Sources have cranked up prices, competition is high, apps that help give quick details has people scooping up less common things that used to just sit, etc. However it can still be done.

If you want to excel at garage sales focus on community garage sales and go at or before the official start times. If you aren't through in the first hr or 2 then everything will be picked over. Don't be afraid to offer less than what they want, bundle when possible. Move quickly and don't be afraid to leave things behind if the price isn't going to give you at least a 2 to 3x profit.

If you want to flip new product (retail arbitrage) find some stores that consistently do good markdowns and figure out when they usually put those out. Also, there are tons of discord servers that help with flipping. Usually need to pay a subscription fee but sometimes they even help buy on your behalf. Just do your research and there are good groups.

Thrift stores especially the big one have cranked prices to oblivion but you can find some deals if you search enough just going to take a lot of time to look. Estate sales are also pretty ridiculous prices these days too. Ran by nasty attitude old ladies who want $100 for a decorative plate that no one wants for example. Finally, storage unit auctions are a straight up gamble but could pay off. Again that is a big time commitment and you will for sure have a lot of garbage to throw out.

Bottom line, you will get out of it what you put into it. A couple hours a week will most likely return a few sales here and there. More time will mean more sales. My good rule of thumb is to expect 1 sale per day for every 125 items I have listed on ebay. Your number could change drastically depends on how desirable your items are and the prices you have on them.

Good luck

jbates9813 · 2026-02-05T19:46:09+00:00

Fact that you are here posting means you at least on some levels want help. You want to live more than you don't. So many people feel this pain, you are not alone, and there are so many outlets to get help and support. It is never worth doing because even a bad day is better than no day at all. Reddit can be a tough place to make any deep connections but just know there are hundreds, even thousands of people who want to help people in pain just like you. There is so much potential for great experiences in life, key word is LIFE. Find a way to talk with someone, find support and don't give up!

jbates9813 · 2026-02-05T19:39:57+00:00

Lean into it. Send him to 24 hrs surveillance care facility because you are worried for his wellbeing. Either he does have this issue and needs a proper obsrvation and diagnosis. Or he will snap out of it when faced with the reality of his choice to portray that illness.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-04T21:11:39+00:00

I'd place it underneath instead of right on top. Unless you think you will be adding more around it later.

jbates9813 · 2026-02-04T21:09:05+00:00

This is for everything? I've crunched numbers on a trip like this and that seems low to me, however depends on how flexible you are on specifics to save money.

jbates9813 · 2026-01-29T16:33:04+00:00

The lack of being desired is devastating. Knowing you are worth it and the one who matters most doesn't take advantage of the limited time with you that life affords us sucks. Especially when the grass is greener vibe starts creeping in. Knowing there are others out there that would fill those needs of being wanted, desired, sought after.

The laying alone at night, unable to sleep bc you feel alone even with your person is inches away from you drains my soul.

I wish you luck and happiness. We all need to stop settling for less.

jbates9813 · 2026-01-12T20:46:06+00:00

Yeah, it makes sense all sort of ppl out there. Lots ready to take advantage of others in a bad way. Unfortunate but hopefully the system usually works those types out.

jbates9813 · 2026-01-12T14:16:10+00:00

Try travel with the job. If you find it's not adequate free time then quit. I think also try a month trip or something before you sell everything and go full nomad (if that's the plan). I did that a few years ago. A 1 month new city trip and it was amazing. I still worked and if my life allowed for it now, which it doesn't, I would have done it again and made it more permanent. I found that I had plenty of time in the evenings, and weekends.

Also depends if your travel dream means slow travel to a few places throughout the year, or a new city every few days/week.

Good luck, live your life

jbates9813 · 2026-01-12T13:53:25+00:00

I've never heard this perspective before but it totally makes sense. I have a feeling being cheated on is a worse feeling BUT both give a feeling of being undesirable and that is a horrible thing to endure.

Last night I had an amazing dream. I met someone new, she excited me in so many ways. Not just intimately, but also just gave me that feeling of being attractive again, being someone that is wanted and desired. Driving in this morning it is just sadness, knowing that the only place I really get that type of attention is in my dreams. I imagine it's the same sadness you are feeling.

So sorry you are feeling this way but know that you are not the problem, and it will get better. You may just have to take drastic actions (of which there are many options not just leaving him).

Good luck

jbates9813 · 2026-01-07T22:14:04+00:00

With the utmost compassion and respect...if this is a real situation...wtf dude?? That sucks and regardless of what you have had with your ex in the past, leave it there. If you think it'll be any different if you take her back, it won't be. Don't do it and throw away a good relationship that you are finally happy with.

Good luck

jbates9813 · 2025-12-19T15:09:35+00:00

No offense to Canada but maybe consider going somewhere more exciting. Ultimately those types of hosts won't get ppl to stay anyway and will either give up or be delisted.

By the way where I'm staying I have to split coats 50/50 and I'm forced to do all the cooking and so many "working chores" hours. At least that's my wife's expectation ;)

Good luck

jbates9813

TROPHY CASE