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Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

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Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#71

Post by Domenic_S »

kevingibbon wrote: post #48
Domenic_S wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hmm, that's the workflow already. If you're shipping at least one Priority package, the postman will pick up your packages for free. They'll deliver boxes to your door for free, too.

USPS only pickup somewhere between 10-2 M-S and its still a pain unless you do it a ton. Don't mean to take anything away from sold (amazing product) but we are starting a company that takes care of the shipping, for anything. Check it out if interested http://shyp.co

You can leave the package on your porch, and they pickup sometime that mail day, same effect as taking it to the post office. Takes about 4 clicks to request the pickup.

It's a pain if you don't have boxes and tape and whatever, that's true -- looks like your service handles that for you which is pretty sweet.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#72

Post by Domenic_S »

Lewisham wrote: post #9
axxl wrote: post #6

Interesting idea, however I just don't think the issue with selling most items is the box. The post office has plenty of free boxes you can take, and if it's a bit too big you can usually pad it with newspaper. They specifically say they're only supporting small objects so that ruins any argument about something big. When the author says "As someone who hardly ever sells anything online in part because I never have t…

Gotta say that I disagree (yes, yes, it's all anecdotal). I find a great deal of the hassle in selling stuff online is the shipping aspect: how much does it cost? Will I have to travel to the Post Office? How long will I have to be there? Do I have the packing material? Should I insure the box? Going to the Post Office is a huge hassle. Even when I don't have to go to them, but say, FedEx Kinkos, I have to deal with…

> how much does it cost? Will I have to travel to the Post Office? How long will I have to be there? Do I have the packing material? Should I insure the box?

Simple solution: use flat rate USPS priority boxes. Order a few of each size for free and stick them in your closet with a roll of packing tape.

You know exactly what it will cost, you can get a free next-day pickup from your house, and you can use newspaper for packing material.

Only works if you ship small-ish stuff, but it's brilliantly easy if you sink 10-15 minutes into the prep.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#73

Post by wtracy »

J_Darnley wrote: post #55

From the terms: "[You may use us if] You have access to a compatible smartphone, mobile device or other device that is supported by our platform." Isn't a web browser supposed to be all you need these days? This looks to be a greater downside than the fact it is US only.

Yeah, I gave them my email and created an account only to realize that I can't use the service because I don't own an iPhone.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#74

Post by Androsynth »

georgemcbay wrote: post #52
downandout wrote: post #46

The problem they are trying to solve is real. Many people don't know or want to know how to market things they don't want anymore. They just want to sell them. This is the same reason that Google now offers assistance with Adwords campaigns - many businesses don't want to have to become Internet marketing experts, but need customers. I think that without a local presence where items are screened, fraud/product misrep…

"The problem they are trying to solve is real." It is absolutely real for me. I've got like two closets full of older but perfectly fine stuff (like the laptop I replaced with the laptop I bought this year) that I would feel bad throwing away but I don't want to bother selling through normal means (and none of my immediate friends is interested in having). I would absolutely use this service to get rid of the stuff e…

you could donate it.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#75

Post by thecosas »

georgemcbay wrote: post #52
downandout wrote: post #46

The problem they are trying to solve is real. Many people don't know or want to know how to market things they don't want anymore. They just want to sell them. This is the same reason that Google now offers assistance with Adwords campaigns - many businesses don't want to have to become Internet marketing experts, but need customers. I think that without a local presence where items are screened, fraud/product misrep…

"The problem they are trying to solve is real." It is absolutely real for me. I've got like two closets full of older but perfectly fine stuff (like the laptop I replaced with the laptop I bought this year) that I would feel bad throwing away but I don't want to bother selling through normal means (and none of my immediate friends is interested in having). I would absolutely use this service to get rid of the stuff e…

I used the service and it was great. Had one hiccup (timer to ship out started on a Friday and no pickups til Monday), but reached out and support was on it lickety split. Great service.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#76

Post by realdlee »

I've been a seller on eBay on and off since 1995. Selling is inconvenient and shipping has always been the biggest pain point. After the sale, it's rare where I feel like my time selling on eBay was well-spent, but it's kind of fun and I find it interesting to see how much my unwanted stuff can fetch.

I'm interested in seeing how Sold progresses. For the niche, pricier items that Sold is focusing on right now, I'd be more willing to invest the time to handle the sale myself since the payoff is presumably higher.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#77

Post by csomar »

Here is my take: Just send me the box, and I'll put the stuff. I don't want to take a photo and list it and then agree on the price. If I did that, I'll just go and sell it on eBay on my own. How is it different?

So I give you the stuff. You figure out if it can sell. You take a good percentage cut. You deposit the money for me. Just make the process transparent in case I cared about the details.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#78

Post by hcarvalhoalves »

csomar wrote: post #77

Here is my take: Just send me the box, and I'll put the stuff. I don't want to take a photo and list it and then agree on the price. If I did that, I'll just go and sell it on eBay on my own. How is it different? So I give you the stuff. You figure out if it can sell. You take a good percentage cut. You deposit the money for me. Just make the process transparent in case I cared about the details.

I believe the difference is that they find the optimal price, deal with annoying buyers and pick it up at your house.

Re: Why 3 MIT Grads Want to Send You an Empty Box

#79

Post by Noughmad »

J_Darnley wrote: post #55

From the terms: "[You may use us if] You have access to a compatible smartphone, mobile device or other device that is supported by our platform." Isn't a web browser supposed to be all you need these days? This looks to be a greater downside than the fact it is US only.

The US-only thing I can understand, because international shipping is expensive and payments are difficult. But really, why do I need a phone with a particular OS just to send them a few pictures?
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