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Dear e,
I recently won a new iPod nano in a raffle at a school event. But I already have the last generation’s 60 GB iPod classic, so naturally I didn’t want to downgrade to a new iPod with less memory. The problem is, I can’t get rid of the nano. I try selling it on Craigslist and get offers for like $20. It’s like, come on! It’s a $150, brand new iPod — not even opened. I mean I want to get rid of it, but not for that cheap. Do you have any suggestions on ways to sell it where I could make some money off it? I’d like to get at least $100 for it... Help!
iStress
Dear istress,
You must take into account we’re in an economic decline and it’s getting harder to sell items. My experience with Craigslist is that people feel its okay to give offers, even if you say your price is firm. With more expensive items I think you’ll have more luck with a different sales venue.
I’d try eBay first. Yes you have to deal with the listing fees, closing fees and shipping the item, but in the end you’ll probably end up getting more cash for your product. You can set a price if you do the Buy It Now option, or set a starting price for the auction option.
The insertion, or listing fee, at starting auction values between $50 and $200 would be $2.00, and then the closing fee would be 8.75% of your first $25 of the sale, or $2.19, with an additional 3.5% of the remaining sale value (minus the initial $25). So if you sold the iPod for $100 on an auction listing, your total fees would wind up being $6.81.
If you sold it with a fixed price auction or Buy It Now at $100, your listing fee would be $0.35 and your closing fee would be 8% of the initial $50 (or $4) + 4.5% of the remaining $50 (or $2.25). Your total will be $6.60.
Either way, you’ll end up with a profit of just shy of $94.
If you don’t want to do eBay, you can try Facebook Marketplace. The listings are free like Craigslist, and you’ll have a more targeted audience (RIT students). If you find a buyer there, you’ll most likely be able to walk the iPod to its buyer. The downside, of course, is that college students aren’t exactly known for the extra cash they’re throwing around.
Lastly, you could try a website like Gazelle or Podswap. They both offer iPod trade in programs, and they’ll give you store credit or cash for your iPod. At Gazelle, an essentially new iPod Nano with all accessories will fetch you $84. At Podswap, you can get $82 for a trade of $79 for cash — less than the $100 you’re after, but you don’t have to deal with the hassle of finding a buyer.
e.
Dear e,
I know this one annoying guy who seems to speak solely in internet or pop-culture catchphrases completely out of context, like some sort of human embodiment of Meet The Spartans. What’s the most tactful way to tell him that he’s being irritating without coming across like some sort of uptight asshole? Keep in mind most of my classmates seem to think he’s the pinnacle of hilarity.
Cheers, love the new hairstyle,
Rory R. O’Rourke
Dear Rory,
Idk, myjaaua? (I don’t know, maybe you just are an uptight asshole?)
But really, let’s get this question laser targeted (couldn’t resist). There is no nice way to let someone know they’re annoying. You’re welcome to try but if you do succeed in a nice let down, they’ll probably still be oblivious to the fact that they’re irritating.
There are two extreme approaches available for use here: You can go with the approach of just never laughing, as well as never speaking to him and throwing some evil glances in his direction while the rest of the class rolls on the floor, or you can be painfully blunt and go right up to him and say, “You’re not funny.”
If either of those suggestions aren’t quite your style you can try the old joke trick. Sarcastically yell, “FAIL” with a little laugh after one of his irritating comments. This way, he can’t quite tell if you’re joking or not. It will at least get him worrying whether or not you were speaking the truth. As much as you’ll wince, saying that will be worth it.
It’s his native tongue, so he should actually comprehend it (unless he’s more of an idiot than you portrayed in your letter).
If you know this guy more personally, you can just talk to him. He may not realize what he’s doing or that it’s irritating. Maybe he does, but would rather have the attention of the laughs from fellow classmates than their tolerance. Ask him nicely why he talks like that in the same way that you might ask a person where they shop when they are wearing a cool shirt.
Lastly, you can always just become the pinnacle of hilarity yourself and steal his thunder.
e.
