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Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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?

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit 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.
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!

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

great thread , great advice...

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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.

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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!

Re: Best Time to Call and Request Limit Increase
 

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!