Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase

[joeys]

Today I successfully opened my first eBay Stealth account and got a 10/1000 limit. The stealth Paypal account connected to it is also brand new. My problem is I have a bunch of low cost items that I'm looking to sell (used DVD's, blu-ray's, books and other low risk stuff). I've read the advice here on calling and talking to eBay reps so talking to them isn't going to be a problem.

My question is when's the best time to call to request a selling limit increase? When I list 10 items and reach the limit? When I sell all 10 items? Should I wait until next month? Or does it just not matter?

[NewYork]

You should list 8 or so, let them run and get a few feedbacks before you call in. Not only will this make things generally more secure, you're likely to get a higher bump especially if you show FAST, tracked shipping from the time you receive payment. (Printing shipping labels right away and letting the packages sit around a day or two before getting them to the post office will not help you- they definitely measure the time from receiving payment until the time the tracking number shows active (online) on the shipper's site.

Then you list the last 2 or 3 items you have available and call in, and they can see you not only NEED higher limits, but that you are a responsible seller. I'm sure you can get limits lifted quicker than that, but I think this reduces risk and increases the likelihood of a more significant increase.

For what it's worth, if you list Dollar Store junk just to earn a feedback or completed transaction, I'm sure it's noticed when they look at your history and consider your increase. I've seldom had an increase be as little or much as I expected, so I think there's some discretion on the part of the rep and how things appear to them.

[GhostOfAmazon]

Originally Posted by NewYork

You should list 8 or so, let them run and get a few feedbacks before you call in. Not only will this make things generally more secure, you're likely to get a higher bump especially if you show FAST, tracked shipping from the time you receive payment. (Printing shipping labels right away and letting the packages sit around a day or two before getting them to the post office will not help you- they definitely measure the time from receiving payment until the time the tracking number shows active (online) on the shipper's site.

Then you list the last 2 or 3 items you have available and call in, and they can see you not only NEED higher limits, but that you are a responsible seller. I'm sure you can get limits lifted quicker than that, but I think this reduces risk and increases the likelihood of a more significant increase.

This is good advice, and I agree. I will mention though that you should have at least 3 accounts (bare minimum). I would do one account as advised above, one calling on day 1, and one using Google Voice to get instant 0/0 limits and calling on it day 1 as well. I typically get limits of 25-50 items per month when I use GV and call in.

I've seldom had an increase be as little or much as I expected, so I think there's some discretion on the part of the rep and how things appear to them.

Not some....ALL discretion. Some reps deny increases flat out, others will increase your limits five-fold...on the same account, on the same day!

[solefoodbk]

I somewhat disagree with the having sold items getting you a higher "bump". YES it helps but 8 sales in reality still isn't alot. If you know how to talk to the reps you shouldn't need the 8 sales or any for that matter.

Its all about how you talk to them and what you say. Don't overthink it. Calling in is a skill and you have to learn as you go. When I say skill I mean some of us can get exceptional results from calling in and some get nothing.

[joeys]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

[write]

great thread , great advice...

[BigCJ]

if its a new account, list random stuff, call with a baby sound effect screaming in the background. Plays on the sympathy of most reps.

So far ive had about 500+ babies this year if ebay wants to truly backtrack and check.

[GhostOfAmazon]

Originally Posted by BigCJ

if its a new account, list random stuff, call with a baby sound effect screaming in the background. Plays on the sympathy of most reps.

So far ive had about 500+ babies this year if ebay wants to truly backtrack and check.

That's hilarious. Taking it to a whole new level.

[access0ner]

What if you already maxed out and sold all your items for the month? I only had 5/500. I also already shipped everything and they are all on they're way. Is it smart to call then? Or should I wait after they are shipped, or what? The baby idea btw is ingenious.

[GhostOfAmazon]

Originally Posted by access0ner

What if you already maxed out and sold all your items for the month? I only had 5/500. I also already shipped everything and they are all on they're way. Is it smart to call then? Or should I wait after they are shipped, or what? The baby idea btw is ingenious.

You're way overthinking it.

You can call on a brand new account with no activity. You can call on a 5 year old account. It makes no difference.

[access0ner]

I'm over thinking it because it's the same items that have been sold and I feel they might ask for receipts of where I purchased these items etc, I HATE THAT!

[GhostOfAmazon]

Originally Posted by access0ner

I'm over thinking it because it's the same items that have been sold and I feel they might ask for receipts of where I purchased these items etc, I HATE THAT!

I have NEVER had requests for documents, and I've sold high risk items, including P90X (legitimate DVDs I bought from Beachbody, only 2 sets, one of P90x, and one of P90x3) and even Apple products (again, legitimate iPods).

Are you selling phakes? If not, quit worrying so much.

And why the hell is a 5 limit account so valuable to you? Raise your standards!