How to Make Money on eBay Selling (Unwanted) Gift Cards

Member

By A. Suzanne Wells
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(7 Ratings)

Make Money on eBay Selling (Unwanted) Gift Cards

During the 2007 holiday season gift card sales surpassed $35 million. Gift cards have become such popular gifts because:

1) A gift card allows the recipient to choose his own gift - the giver isn't stumped guessing what to buy.
2) Gift cards are less expensive to mail than an actual package; many can be purchased and redeemed online.
3) Returns aren't an issue.
4) Most gift cards don't have an expiration date.
5) Gift cards are fun and easy to give.

But, what happens when you receive a gift card that you won’t use? Or, what if you would rather have cash to pay bills or buy something else? Learn how to sell gift cards on eBay and turn plastic into cash.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

I get free gift cards all the time for participating in surveys, focus groups, trying a new service, as thank you gifts, even for giving blood. Some of them I will never use, so I started selling them on eBay for cash.
Step 2

Gift cards usually sell for approximately 90% of their face value on eBay. Over the years, I have sold all kinds of gift cards including Ann Taylor, Starbucks, CVS, Blockbuster, Barnes and Noble, and Visa Check Cards. Selling gift cards on eBay is fast and easy.
Step 3

To sell your gift card on eBay, visit the Home & Garden category, in the Buy section.
Step 4

You can just scan the gift card on your scanner to show as the image. Or, you can use an image from the company’s website.
Step 5

Make sure you explain any limitations on the gift card, such as an expiration date, locations it can be used (specific states), if it can be redeemed online, and the exact value of the card.
Step 6

Offer free shipping on your gift card. This is a good idea for several reasons.
1) Mailing cost is only 40 cents anyway.
2) Free shipping puts you at the top of Best Match.
3) Buyers search on the terms “free shipping,” so more bidders will find your listing.
4) Anything with the word “free” in the title has a positive psychological effect on buyers.
Step 7

You may not need to mail the gift card at all. If the card can be redeemed online, such as an Amazon gift card, you can just email the winning bidder the access code. How easy is that?
Step 8

You might also try buying some gift cards after the holidays. Late December and early January are a good time to check eBay for unwanted gift cards that recipients are trying to unload to pay their holiday bills. You can pick up some bargains.

Comments

munchiema said

Flag This Comment

on 11/30/2008 What about fees? How much does it cost in ebay fees to sell, say, a $100 gift card, and on top of that, how much do you have to shell out to paypal to cover their fees? Be sure to add it all up, the shipping, the fees and the fees.. to make sure you are making a profit! :)

maryellen1001 said

on 10/31/2008 Great idea. I never thought of looking for "deals" on gift cards!!

moredds said

on 10/29/2008 Don't ship a gift card of any value with just a stamp! Ship the item with delivery confirmation, signature confirmation if the value is over $250 - if you use a simple stamp you may lost the money and gift card if the buyer pays with paypal and is aware of their proof of delivery rules.