How to sell a Safety Razor Online (or on eBay)

You want to sell a razor on eBay?

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Correctly identify the razor. With Gillette's that is pretty easy. Post a picture on a shaving forum and ask, what's this? Also, most Gillette's have date codes on the bottom of the razor head.

Step 2: Assess the condition.
NOS (New Old Stock): An unused razor in original packaging, complete with price tags, mailer, blades, instructions, etc.
Mint: a razor with no plate loss, dings, grime, or other signs of use.
Good condition: No plate loss, may show signs of use, including small scuffs, shallow scratches and minor pitting.
User grade: Functionally perfect, but may have deep scratches, pitting, and major plate loss.

Step 3: Maximizing the value. If the razor is collectable or rare, and in good condition or better, there are things you can do to improve the appearance of the razor and boost the value.

First, clean it. The two most often recommended methods of cleaning are Scrubbing Bubbles (to remove soap scum and sterilize the razor) and Flitz polish (to make it shine).
Finding additional accessories like the correct case, instructions and blades can also raise the value of the razor.

Step 4: take lots of photos, showing every angle of the razor, case, etc. Make sure the background is a neutral shade and non-distracting. Make sure the item is well lit and in focus. Make sure any flaws in the finish are photographed as well. Photograph the razor open and closed, assembled and disassembled. (Edit: the first photo uploaded to the listing is the one that everyone sees as they scroll past your listing. Make sure it's the best one.)

Most collectors and users know that cameras enhance the appearance of flaws, and are willing to overlook minor ones.

Step 5: Describe it concisely and accurately. List the date of manufacture if known, the full title of the razor, date codes if any, patent numbers if any, condition/grade, rarity if applicable, and any flaws.

A brief history of the razor is also appropriate. This demonstrates to the purchaser that you have some knowledge about what you are selling, and are less likely to misrepresent it.

Anything extra you have done to the razor should be mentioned as well, including cleaning, sterilizing and special packaging.

Here is a good example listing. It gives an accurate title, followed by an accurate description of the razor, description of flaws, and a brief history of the razor:

"Title: Gillette Heavy Red Tip A3 1955 Safety Razor

Description: This Gillette Heavy (also known as a 'Red Tip') was made in the third quarter of 1955, according to the A3 date code. It is in good condition, and the twist-to-open mechanism works smoothly.

It has two minor spots of brassing on the handle that are only visible when viewed with a camera flash. It also has minor paint loss on the knob, as is typical for this style of razor. The photos are part of the description.

The Gillette Heavy was made from 1955-1960, and it, along with the Gillette Light (Blue Tip) razor were part of Gillette's attempt to make a razor that was a perfect fit for everyone's face. The Gillette Red Tip is Gillette's heaviest Super Speed model and most aggressive shaver of all the super speed line.

This razor has been sterilized and polished, then re-sterilized by a soak in barbacide. The razor will be packaged in a well padded box to protect it. Thanks for bidding!"

Step 6: You've sold it, now what?

Packaging.

Ship it like you would like to receive it. Cased razors get special treatment from me. The razor itself gets wrapped in a plastic sandwich or snack bag to protect plastic cases from damage by the razor itself. The case gets bagged to protect it from the inside of the box, and the remaining space is filled with bubble wrap or packing peanuts. You should have a decent supply of those from shaving supplies you've ordered yourself. Seal the box with packing tape. Don't use Scotch tape.

If it can be packed flat, i.e. a three piece razor with no box, wrap the pieces individually, bag them, and ship it in a padded envelope.

If it's something that could be damaged by someone stepping on it, ship it in a box.

If you do a lot of selling on eBay or other sites, invest in a light box (or D.I.Y. your own). It will make your photos turn out much better.

Hopefully this will be helpful to both forum members and random eBay razor sellers.

 

Save your shipping receipts, use tracking, and don't sell to people with no feedback (stars) or lots of negative feedback.

In eBay's eyes, the customer is always right. The burden of proof for any PayPal dispute is almost always on the seller.

I kind of figured that went without saying.

However, if the blade is proprietary to the razor, i.e. Wilkinson Sword Seven Day sets with wedge blades, or something like a Rolls Razor, the blades should be included as a matter of course.

 

Bad descriptions and good photos can sometimes lead to great deals.
"vtg Shaving Soap Brush Bakelite Butterscotch Rare England Badger Miniature" is the title that let me score a Wee Scot Nano, and "Rooney Badger Bristle Shaving Brush Vintage Retro Collectors Item" is the title that let me score a NOS/Mint custom made Rooney brush with a fishing fly in it for £50.

Both titles were "accurate" but not the best choice for the listing. In both cases the photos were excellent, but the descriptions were rather vague, if technically accurate.

The description for the Nano.
"...vintage wet shaving brush has use wear and worn away lettering..nice collectible..."
Plus a bunch of other stuff not related to the listing.

The description for the Rooney.
"Men's collectors item. Rooney Badger bristle shaving brush. Resin base with fly fishing hook inside. These brushes sell. For in excess of £100 so this is a reasonable price for a vintage Ronney piece. Will be sent by signed for postage UK and international"

It's important to remember that the first photo you add to the listing is the photo everyone sees before they click on the listing to view the auction.
First photo for the Rooney was:

Instead of this:

Little things like that can make or break a sale. How many people passed that listing by because they just saw a red box instead of a brush? Ideally, both the brush and the box should have been in the first photo.