What can't you sell online?

hassen1 · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd November 2006, 03:48 AM

There are 2 types of things which you may not be able to sell on the web. This includes things that customers want to hold, smell, and taste or simply see for themselves before they buy. Is that mattress as comfortable as it looks? Does that perfume have just the right aroma? Which shade of lipstick is most attractive? Unless people already know the scent or the colour, they are unlikely to try it over the Net. However, there are exceptions to every rule. You probably won’t buy a tailored suit online, but you might get a pair of jeans or a wool sweater. And you can always find a few people who will take their chances and buy something online because they’re just too busy or don’t care enough to go shopping. Before you spend thousands of dollars to put your store online, however, ask yourself whether you’ll do better just publishing your catalogue online, or using your Web site as a promotional or customer service resource. You also want to avoid items that are illegal to sell over the Web. These include obvious things such as illegal drugs and explosives that are forbidden almost everywhere.

rowenahere · #2 (**permalink**) 3rd November 2006, 04:51 AM

You are right about mattresses and perfumes which necessitate active use of perception or senses before buying them. However, you can showcase its packaging that would be appealing to the potential costumers. Yet, you are right to pinpoint the limitations of online business. There are more you know and that become a big challenge to proprietors.

hassen1 · #3 (**permalink**) 3rd November 2006, 05:35 AM

Yet, we all may agree that there's much to be sold online. If the seller is honest and ships exactly what he advertises then there's no doubt his/her business will be a success.

fadyllan · #4 (**permalink**) 3rd November 2006, 08:52 AM

I browse around Ebay, and they seem to sell everything there. Perfumes, dress, make-up, and also every kind of weird stuff you could think of. The odd thing is, there are actually people who buy those stuff. So, i guess you'll never know, huh? But i suppose that only work in those kind of auction sites.

hassen1 · #5 (**permalink**) 3rd November 2006, 05:52 PM

I have heard much about ebay. I heard that things sell at pretty good prices. If you are a seller I think it's a good place to put up your products. Personally I have known people who have even sold used items! So it’s worth trying if you have a product to sell.

What weird items do they have there?

happydix · #6 (**permalink**) 17th November 2006, 02:40 AM

Yeah i think everything you are looking for can be found at ebay..

Hassen1, what weird items are you looking for?I bet ebay has it..

maggots · #7 (**permalink**) 5th February 2007, 11:19 PM

hmmmm,, i was gonna list out things you can't sell online but come to think of it, be it legal or illegal, there's really an endless possibilities as to what you can sell, so, there's no room for what you cannot sell,

what can't you sell online?
hmmmmm

mini_0 · #8 (**permalink**) 3rd May 2007, 08:36 AM

Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or coupons for such items are not permitted on eBay.com.
The Ebay rules for collectible tobacco and alcohol containers are the same:
* The value of the item is in the collectible packaging, not in the wine/tobacco itself.
* The listing description should state that the package has not been opened, but that the twine/tobacco within is not for consumption.
* The collectible tobacco packaging must not be available at any retail outlet, and packaging must have a value that substantially exceeds the current retail price of that wine/tobacco product in the package.
* Sellers must take steps to ensure that the buyer of these collectibles is at least 18 years of age