FAQs
Selling
How do I list an item?
To get started, click on the Sell an Item button in the main menu at the top of the page.
1. You'll need to select your category. If you don't see a category that matches your item exactly, choose the Other Hobby option. Remember, Hobby-Bid only accepts listings for hobby related items. We reserve the right to remove listings.
2. Type in your item title and a description. The Description box includes a full featured text editor so that you can customize fonts, colors, etc. You can also link to a photo from a photo album site, like Flickr or Photobucket.
3. Upload photos to the photo gallery. You can upload up to five photos to the gallery, however file sizes can not exceed 100k.
4. Set the options for your listing. Options include Item Qty., Starting Bid, Shipping Fee, Reserve and Buy it Now, Starting Date, Auction Duration, Shipping Terms, and Payment Method.
For more information on these options, see the Selling help FAQ.
5. When you have completed your listing, click on Submit Auction at the bottom of the page.
How do I set my shipping fee?
You can set a flat rate shipping fee, or you can calculate shipping.
The US Postal Service now offers a variety of Priority Mail flat rate shipping options that are convenient and economical.
If you decide not to use a flat rate, leave the shipping fee blank. Use the Shipping Terms box to inform bidders that shipping will be calculated, and also note any additional shipping fees, such as insurance, etc.
Although a shipping calculator* is not currently integrated into Hobby-Bid, there is a Shipping Calculator button on the main page, which will provide rates for various carriers and services. You can also provide info to bidders so that they can calculate shipping for your item.
The following is an example of shipping terms for calculated shipping:
"Shipping fees for this item will be calculated. The item weighs 4 lbs, including packaging, and my zip code is 54321. Use the shipping calculator on the main page. Insurance is $1.50 and is optional."
*NOTE: Certain features of the Hobby-Bid site are still under development as part of the open source WeBid auction project.
We will be rolling out new features on a regular basis to make your experience here a positive one.
How do I request payment for an item?
You will choose your payment method when you set up your auction listing.
There are currently two payment options you can choose from* - Money Order and PayPal.
Once the auction has closed you will automatically receive an email with the buyer's contact information.
If you chose Money Order as your payment method, you will need to contact the buyer with the total due and mailing address to send payment.
If you chose PayPal, you will need to email the buyer with the total amount due and your PayPal email address for sending payment.
Alternately, you can send a payment invoice via PayPal. Use the PayPal button on the main page to login to your account, then choose Request Funds, and the Invoice option.
*NOTE: The PayPal payment system - as well as other online payment systems - will be fully integrated into the Hobby-Bid site in the Fall of 2009.
If an item doesn't sell can I relist?
If your item doesn't sell, you can relist as many as you'd like. To relist an item, login and go to your control panel, then click on the Selling tab. Next, click on the Closed Auctions link, then find your auction and click Relist.
To get started, click on the Sell an Item button in the main menu at the top of the page.
1. You'll need to select your category. If you don't see a category that matches your item exactly, choose the Other Hobby option. Remember, Hobby-Bid only accepts listings for hobby related items. We reserve the right to remove listings.
2. Type in your item title and a description. The Description box includes a full featured text editor so that you can customize fonts, colors, etc. You can also link to a photo from a photo album site, like Flickr or Photobucket.
3. Upload photos to the photo gallery. You can upload up to five photos to the gallery, however file sizes can not exceed 100k.
4. Set the options for your listing. Options include Item Qty., Starting Bid, Shipping Fee, Reserve and Buy it Now, Starting Date, Auction Duration, Shipping Terms, and Payment Method.
For more information on these options, see the Selling help FAQ.
5. When you have completed your listing, click on Submit Auction at the bottom of the page.
How do I set my shipping fee?
You can set a flat rate shipping fee, or you can calculate shipping.
The US Postal Service now offers a variety of Priority Mail flat rate shipping options that are convenient and economical.
If you decide not to use a flat rate, leave the shipping fee blank. Use the Shipping Terms box to inform bidders that shipping will be calculated, and also note any additional shipping fees, such as insurance, etc.
Although a shipping calculator* is not currently integrated into Hobby-Bid, there is a Shipping Calculator button on the main page, which will provide rates for various carriers and services. You can also provide info to bidders so that they can calculate shipping for your item.
The following is an example of shipping terms for calculated shipping:
"Shipping fees for this item will be calculated. The item weighs 4 lbs, including packaging, and my zip code is 54321. Use the shipping calculator on the main page. Insurance is $1.50 and is optional."
*NOTE: Certain features of the Hobby-Bid site are still under development as part of the open source WeBid auction project.
We will be rolling out new features on a regular basis to make your experience here a positive one.
How do I request payment for an item?
You will choose your payment method when you set up your auction listing.
There are currently two payment options you can choose from* - Money Order and PayPal.
Once the auction has closed you will automatically receive an email with the buyer's contact information.
If you chose Money Order as your payment method, you will need to contact the buyer with the total due and mailing address to send payment.
If you chose PayPal, you will need to email the buyer with the total amount due and your PayPal email address for sending payment.
Alternately, you can send a payment invoice via PayPal. Use the PayPal button on the main page to login to your account, then choose Request Funds, and the Invoice option.
*NOTE: The PayPal payment system - as well as other online payment systems - will be fully integrated into the Hobby-Bid site in the Fall of 2009.
If an item doesn't sell can I relist?
If your item doesn't sell, you can relist as many as you'd like. To relist an item, login and go to your control panel, then click on the Selling tab. Next, click on the Closed Auctions link, then find your auction and click Relist.