Building Feedback Guide

Step-by-step guide: Build eBay feedback fast with low-cost, easy-to-ship “Penny Items”

(Using small purchases + tiny sales to grow trust safely and cheaply)

What “penny items” means here

Very low-cost items (often $1–$10) that are:

  • light, small, and cheap to ship

  • low-risk (few returns)

  • easy to describe and photograph

Goal: build a clean track record (feedback + on-time shipping + low defects).

Part A — Build feedback through small purchases (fastest + simplest)

Step 1) Set your rules (avoid problems)

  1. Only buy from sellers with:

    • High feedback score (ex: 98%+)

    • Lots of recent sales

  2. Avoid items that commonly cause issues:

    • “Untested” electronics

    • Anything fragile (glass, ceramics)

    • Counterfeit-prone brands

Step 2) Find cheap items you’ll actually use

  1. Search eBay for practical small items like:

    • phone charging cables

    • screen protectors

    • packing tape, labels

    • small tools (hex keys, bits)

    • craft supplies

  2. Filter to reduce risk:

    • Condition: New (or Used if simple)

    • Shipping: Free shipping (optional)

    • Delivery timeframe you can wait for

Step 3) Make 5–10 small purchases over 2–3 weeks

  1. Aim for 1 purchase every few days (instead of 10 in one day).

  2. Pay promptly (immediately is best).

  3. Keep communication minimal unless needed.

Step 4) Leave feedback the right way

  1. After the item arrives and is OK, leave Positive feedback.

  2. Keep it simple and professional:

    • “Fast shipping, exactly as described.”

    • “Great seller, would buy again.”

Tip: Not every seller leaves buyer feedback, but many do—especially when you leave yours.

Part B — Build feedback through low-cost “penny” sales (best long-term signal)

Step 5) Choose the right penny items to sell (low drama)

Pick items that:

  • fit in an envelope or small mailer

  • won’t break in shipping

  • are easy to test/verify

  • have straightforward “as pictured” expectations

Great starter categories:

  • trading cards (common singles)

  • stickers / decals

  • small craft lots (beads, buttons)

  • keychains, patches

  • small replacement parts (non-electronic)

  • postcards, vintage paper items

  • basic accessories (lanyards, simple adapters)

Avoid at first:

  • electronics (even “cheap” ones)

  • perfumes/cosmetics (complaints + restrictions)

  • anything “authentic” designer-branded

  • fragile items

  • items with complicated sizing/fit issues

Step 6) Set up a simple penny-item system at home

  1. Create a small “shipping station” with:

    • #10 envelopes + small bubble mailers (6×9)

    • painter’s tape or packing tape

    • a cheap digital scale (recommended)

    • printer (optional) or QR code drop-off option

  2. Store penny items in labeled bins:

    • “Listed”

    • “Sold—ship today”

    • “Needs photos”

Step 7) Price penny items so you don’t lose money

  1. Remember: eBay fees + shipping cost can wipe out profits.

  2. Use one of these safer approaches:

Option A: Slightly higher price + free shipping

  • Example: $7.99 free shipping (cheap to mail)

Option B: Low price + buyer-paid shipping

  • Example: $2.99 + calculated/flat shipping

Option C: Lots (best for value)

  • Example: “10 sticker lot” instead of 1 sticker

Rule of thumb: If you can’t ship it cheaply and safely, don’t sell it as a penny item.

Step 8) Make listings ultra-clear (reduces negative feedback)

  1. Take 4–8 clean photos.

  2. Title format:

    • “Item + key detail + condition”

  3. In description, include:

    • exact condition

    • exactly what’s included

    • shipping speed (“Ships next business day”)

Template:

You will receive the exact item pictured. Condition: [new/used]. Ships within 1 business day, packed securely.

Step 9) Ship fast and upload tracking (this drives positive feedback)

  1. Ship within 1 business day if possible.

  2. Use eBay labels when you can.

  3. Package cleanly:

    • penny item + protective sleeve/bag

    • sturdy envelope/mailer

  4. Mark shipped promptly.

Important: Tracking is your protection. For very cheap items mailed as letters, tracking may not be available—try to choose shipping methods that include tracking when possible.

Step 10) Send a short, professional “thanks” message (optional)

After shipping:

  1. Message the buyer:

    • “Thanks for your purchase! Your item has shipped. If everything arrives as expected, feedback is appreciated.”

Keep it polite, not pushy.

Part C — A 30-day plan to build feedback without getting flagged

Step 11) Week-by-week plan

Week 1

  • Buy 2–3 low-cost items

  • List 5 penny items

Week 2

  • Buy 2 low-cost items

  • List 5–10 penny items

  • Ship within 1 day on any sales

Week 3

  • Buy 1–2 low-cost items

  • List 10 more penny items (or 5 lots)

  • Start collecting repeatable inventory (cards/stickers/parts)

Week 4

  • Reduce buying

  • Focus on consistent selling + shipping speed

  • Aim for 10–20 total sales listed/active

Part D — How to protect your account while doing this

Step 12) Avoid behavior that can cause limits or issues

  1. Don’t list 200 items on day 1 (gradually scale).

  2. Don’t cancel orders—ship what you sell.

  3. Don’t sell risky categories early.

  4. Don’t use stock photos for used items.

  5. Don’t overpromise shipping speed.

Quick “Penny Item” checklist

  • ✅ Low-risk category

  • ✅ Clear photos + clear description

  • ✅ Priced with shipping + fees in mind

  • ✅ Ships in 1 business day

  • ✅ Tracking when possible

  • ✅ Professional communication