The main purpose of this Guide is to help you to fully maximize your profits from sales of MOC (Mint on Card) vintage Masters of the Universe (MOTU) toyline.  I have seen carded figures sell for $25 to $35 and a couple of days later, the exact same figure in the same condition sells for $65 to $75.  Why the difference in price?  Plain and simple, the second seller properly listed the item for higher profits.

PICTURES

The biggest mistake first time sellers make is they skimp on pictures.  Pay an additional 0.30 to 0.45 cents to add multiple close-up pictures of your item.  Or the option I utilize is the Picture Pack, where you get 6 pictures, a gallery picture and supersized pictures for $1.  If anything, always add a Gallery picture because I truly believe it will help your listing to get looks and inquiries.  Make sure your pictures are in adequate light and in focus.  I always include a full-length picture of the figure and then the rest are close-up shots.  Avoid the glare off the bubble by taking the picture in a room that is lit by natural sunlight and don't use the flash.  

DESCRIPTION

Secondly, try to keep your description short and accurate as possible.  All the important information you will need to include, i.e. name of figure, year it was issued etc. is right there on the card itself.  If you're new to selling or not an experienced collector, try to avoid rating your item (i.e. this is in C8 condition!).  This could lead to negative feedback for misrepresentation of the item.  Just remember that your idea of C8 condition might be completely different from a buyer's idea of C8 condition.  Do not get long-winded and take up half the page rambling about how you acquired these items from your father's best friend's uncle.  Keep the personal history to a minimum and focus on the item itself.  Let your buyers know if the bubble is clear and dent/crack free and if it is fully attached.  Are there any creases, rips or tears on the card?  Buyers and especially serious collectors will want to know all of this.  The more questions you can answer in your description, the more bids you will likely get. 

SHIPPING

Another mistake that I commonly see is extremely high shipping costs.  There have been numerous auctions I have ignored because seller wanted $25 to ship one figure domestically.  Plus, do not risk future business from repeat customers because you want to make an extra buck on shipping.  I generally charge a flat rate of $12 for shipping via USPS Priority Mail but I include insurance in that price.  By making insurance mandatory, I take yet another liability off me for lost/damaged packages.  But even though I make insurance mandatory, I also package very securely and with plenty of bubble wrap and foam peanuts.  Nothing angers me more than receiving an item that sustained damage due to poor packaging.  When you package these items, bubble wrap around the bubble is always a good idea.  Especially if the bubble has yellowed because it could be more brittle.  Then fill empty spaces in the box with foam peanuts, packing bubbles, newspaper...anything to prevent the carded figure from bouncing around in the box.  Just remember that serious collectors see an additional crease or rip on the card or a new crack/dent in the bubble as money lost.

MISC.

Finally, other factors of your listing like returns, allowing zero-feedback to bid etc. is all on your personal perference.  People may tell you that you'll get more bids if you allow returns or if you let anyone bid...personally, I have not found that to be the case.  Allowing zero-feedback bidders to bid is similar to rolling dice at the casino table. I've had some great experiences but I've had far more worse experiences of non-payment.  Again, that is solely at your discretion on how you want to conduct your business.  And always invite questions, never tell a potential buyer to look at the pictures for their answers.  I always tell my buyers to ask questions before bidding since a bid is a binding contract.  The more comfortable the buyer is with you and the item, the more likely they'll place a bid...and more importantly, the more they'll want to win your item.

I have been collecting, selling, buying and trading for over 7 years now.  However, I only started on eBay about 3 years ago and I had to learn how to sell through trail and error.  There is plenty of money to be made in selling MOC MOTU figures due to the toyline's popularity.  But you have to know how to list your items so that buyers will take notice.  Remember...it takes money to make money!  And always be honest...trust me, once your reputation grows as a honest seller, you will start to see plenty of repeat business.  GOOD LUCK and Happy Selling!  Feel free to ask me any questions.