Multiple (Nearly) Identical Items – list all at once, or one at a time?

[mercutiojb]

Hello all! First time poster here. I searched the forums and didn’t seem to find an answer, so here goes!

I have multiple used kitchen items I’ll be listing. They are all in similar (but not identical) condition. In cases like this, do you prefer to list all of them at once? Or one at a time (and list the next one after it sells)?

Any help would be appreciated!

• This topic was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by mercutiojb.

[Sharyn]

So these items do the same sort of function, or are they all different types of things? Can some be grouped together in one listing?

I was recently given about 10 artist made pins. They are all similar, but slightly different. In order to give a buyer a few options, but not compete against myself, I listed only four that were about as different as I could make them. When one sells, I’ll replace it with another one and so on until they are all sold.

If I had different types of jewelry, such as a necklace, a bracelet, etc at different lengths or more variation in the designs, I might have listed them all or grouped some up or at least listed more of them.

[cheesehead10491]

I usually do an eBay search of sold listings for similar items I’m trying to sell. If you find that most sold listings are for multiples, then I’d suggest you do it like that. If you find that most sold listings are for singles, then list them individually. I’m not sure if this is right or wrong, but that’s the rule of thumb we follow when deciding what to do.

Hope that helps!

[Jay]

It all depends on the specific types of items and how much they sell for individually. Or, as other have said, do these items usually sell in bundles?

Can you be more clear what types of kitchen items these are?

[mercutiojb]

This is less about bundles and more about multiple listings for the same item.

For example, I have a few different small kitchen appliances. They are the same make and model. They wouldn’t really be appropriate to bundle (I’m guessing most people don’t need more than one coffee maker, for example)

In the above case, do you list them all at once? Or one at a time?

[totommyto]

If the same make and model, maybe list a couple separately if the condition varys, for example one model 101 toaster in very good condition for $25, and the other model 101 toaster in excellent condition for $35.
I don’t like to do one listing with multiples available unless they are new or almost impossible to tell the difference if used. With small kitchen appliances, The buyer may want the exact one they see pictured, so list the one. After it sells, list the next one, you only need new photos and a new condition description, the rest of the work should be done if you simply sell similar after an item sells.

[totommyto]

And, if you do decide to have separate listings based on condition, cosmetic or otherwise, or other minor differences, make sure your titles are not identical. I believe eBay will prompt you automatically if you attempt to list an item while another identical is already listed. Just something to be aware of.

[Inglewood]

I tend to get a lot of bundle buyers when I have multiple of the same item. I’ve sold coffee makers, toasters, and other small appliances frequently this way.

I list them all under one listing – with the quantity available if they are all similar condition with commentary that the item pictured is similar to what you will get.

There are buyers who are looking for a deal (shipping) on multiple items for house rentals, Bed and Breakfasts, camps, small hotels, etc. where they can have identical items in every rental room/building.

It always surprises me that there are people looking for lots of the same coffee maker or other appliance that the typical home only needs one.

[totommyto]

Inglewood,
Your point took my head out of the selling box, cool option.

[Inglewood]

It blew my mind out of the box as well, but it works great. It is a market I never thought of, but it is actually very consistent.

I use to list all my same/similar items with slightly different titles, pricing, and shipping (free at a higher item cost, calculated shipping, flat shipping) just to get them out on the platform. However, I would get buyers asking how to buy them all – which turned into work trying to align all the listings to one shipping policy and price.

Once I put them all into one listing, my sales were quicker, and buyers and I didn’t have the hassle of trying to get the listings all to align to make the sale.

It also makes listing very easy for items you can find regularly – just adjust the available quantity, and you have another “item” up for sale.

[totommyto]

This is very interesting

[mercutiojb]

Thanks for the input all! I might actually try both methods!

Inglewood, I also hadn’t considered bundling items that way. I’m totally going to give it a shot. If they don’t sell that way, I can always break it back apart.

Thanks!

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