Become a Seller at the Marketplace

What is The Pleasure OfWriting's "Marketplace”?

The Pleasure Of Writing (or TPOW for short!) has launched its Marketplace as a premier platform dedicated to serving the passionate community of pen collectors and aficionados of fine writing instruments. Here, individuals can both purchase and sell new or pre-owned writing instruments, often encountering rare finds from coveted collections or items that are no longer available in the mainstream market.

What are my options for listing my items on the Marketplace

There are two options for listing items.

  1. A seller can sign up on the Marketplace and list the items by completing all the necessary information as well as uploading the best images for your items. Once the items are sold the seller need to ship the item. Read further below for details.
  2. A seller can take advantage of The Pleasure Of Writing Listing service. The Pleasure Of Writing team offers to receive and store the pens, perform a thorough cleaning,  take professional pictures, and list the item under the TPOW umbrella as inspected and assured.  

Sign Up for the Marketplace

Please complete and submit the signup form below and within 24 hours our support team will create a seller profile and login for you.  Once you receive your login information you are good to go and will be able to list your items on the TPOW-Marketplace.

List Items for Sale on the Marketplace

What Items Are Eligible for Listing on the Marketplace?

The Marketplace predominantly hosts writing instruments and related accessories, both vintage and contemporary. However, there are specific exclusions. We retain the discretion to decline listings that don't align with the marketplace's criteria.

Steps to List Your Item:

 Capture at least 3 high-resolution images (1200x1200) of your item.

  1. Evaluate its condition: New, Used, Excellent, Very Good, or Fair.
  2. Draft a comprehensive product description.
  3. Determine your asking price.
  4. Press save
  5. Upon receiving your submission, our team will typically have your item listed within 24 hours after a thorough review.

How much can I earn?

For items sold on the Marketplace sellers can opt to receive the cash value for their item sold or opt to receive a credit towards purchases on the entire The Pleasure Of Writing Website including all new Releases. 

  • The Cash Value is 70% of the item price - Shipping and Insurance (Sh&I)
  • The Site Credit Value is 80% - Shipping and Insurance (Sh&I)
Example:  Item sold for $500 - Cash Value = 70% = $350 - $12* (Sh&I) = Payout= $338
                                                 Credit Value = 80% =$400 - $12* (Sh&I) = Credit =  $388
* Estimate Shipping and Insurance (Sh&I)
  • For items listed using the TPOW Listing Service the Cash Value is 50%

Am I Eligible to Sell an Item from Outside the United States?

At present, the Marketplace restricts its listings to sellers within the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. We are, however, diligently exploring avenues to facilitate listings from other countries on a case-by-case basis. To ascertain if your country has been incorporated into the Marketplace, kindly reach out to us at market@thepleasureofwriting.com.

Item Condition Requirements for Listing a Sale

To uphold the quality of our marketplace, we at TPOW only entertain listings for items that are classified as Mint/New, Excellent, or Good condition. We do not accommodate listings for items bearing any faults or those deemed unfit for the Marketplace standards. The ultimate decision on whether an item qualifies for listing is made by our dedicated support team following your submission for a potential sale.

How should I price my item?

Determining the price for a fine writing instrument, especially when listing it for resale on the Marketplace, involves considering several factors. Here's a guide on how to assess the appropriate price:

  •  Original Cost: Begin with the original price of the instrument. This serves as a baseline, though the final resale value may deviate significantly based on other factors.
  •  Brand and Rarity: High-end brands or rare items typically have a better resale value. Limited edition pens or those from sought-after manufacturers can command higher prices.
  •  Condition: This is crucial.
  •  Mint/Brand New: Never used, with original packaging and documentation.
  • Excellent: Barely used with no noticeable flaws.
  • Good: Used but well-maintained.
  • Fair: Shows signs of wear and may have minor damages.
  • Poor: Heavy signs of use or damage.
Please be aware that we may reject Writing Instruments in poor or fair condition. Pens with poor or fair conditions are better suited to be sold on pen shows and vintage markets.
  •  Age and Vintage Status: Some older pens, especially those considered vintage or antique, can be more valuable. However, age alone doesn't guarantee value; the item's condition and demand are also essential.
  •  Material and Craftsmanship: Pens made of precious materials like gold, silver, or adorned with gemstones, or those showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, can fetch higher prices.
  •  Supply and Demand: Check the current market demand. If there's a surge in interest for a particular type or brand of pen, it might fetch a higher price.
  •  Ink Filling Mechanism: Certain ink filling mechanisms, like piston fillers or vacuum fillers, might be more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts than cartridge/converter fillers.
  •  Original Packaging and Documentation: Having the original box, warranty card, user manual, or any certificates of authenticity can increase the pen's value.
  •  Market Research:
  •  Competitive Analysis: Look at similar listings on websites, forums, and auction sites to gauge the going rate.
  • Historical Prices: If available, check past sale prices for similar items.
  • Appraisal: For especially valuable or rare items, consider getting a professional appraisal. Experts can provide insights into the item's value based on intricate details that general sellers might overlook.

Once you've considered all these factors, set a price. It's also wise to periodically reassess your price based on market changes, feedback from potential buyers, or if you're in a hurry to sell.

 

How should I prepare my item once it's sold?

The packaging you choose for your sold items can play a pivotal role in ensuring they reach the buyer in the same condition as described, as well as enhancing the unboxing experience for the customer. Choose packaging that fits the size and shape of your item, while ensuring it’s well-protected. We recommend the use of a USPS box, available for free at any post office. But please ensure you use a Priority Mail box. Priority Mail Express boxes are not allowed.

Here's a list of packaging materials and best practices that you should follow.

 1. Types of Packaging:

Boxes:

  • Corrugated Boxes: Ideal for fragile items or heavier products. They offer more protection due to their ridged design.
  • Mailer Boxes: Smaller and typically used for flat items or smaller goods.
  • Padded Envelopes: These are envelopes with built-in bubble wrap, suitable for smaller non-fragile items.
  • Bubble Mailers: They're great for small items that need a bit more  protection than a standard envelope can offer but don't require a full box.
  • Bubble Wrap: Essential for fragile items. Always ensure the bubbles are facing inward when wrapping the item.
  • Void Fill: Materials like crumpled paper, air pillows, or packing peanuts. They fill the empty space in boxes and protect items during transit.
  • Tissue Paper: Adds a touch of class and protects against minor abrasions. It's especially popular with clothing or gift items.
  • Stretch/Shrink Wrap: Useful for bundling items together or adding an extra layer of protection.
2.Packaging Best Practices 
  • Right-size Your Box: Ensure your box or mailer is just the right size for your product. Too big, and you'll pay more for shipping and need more void fill. Too small, and your product may be cramped or not fit at all.
  •  Secure Closures: Make use of packing tape (not regular stationery tape) to seal boxes. For mailers, many come with a self-seal adhesive strip.
  •  Double-box Fragile Items: For extremely fragile items, place them in a smaller box filled with cushioning material, then place that box into a larger one with additional cushioning.
  •  Waterproofing: Consider adding a plastic layer (like a sealed plastic bag) around your item inside the package, especially if the product could be damaged by moisture.
  •  Label Clearly: Ensure shipping labels are clearly visible and securely attached. Also, include an extra label inside the package in case the outer label gets damaged.
  •  Include Packing Slip: Always include a packing slip inside the package that details what's inside. It serves as an extra measure to ensure you've packed the right product and provides information to the customer.

How do I ship my item?

Once your item has sold, you will receive a pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping label via email. Pack your item(s) nicely with a personal thank you note and attach this label to your package. Drop it in the mailbox or at the nearest US Post Office. Alternatively, you can schedule a free USPS package pickup.

How long do I have to Ship?

Upon the sale of your item, you will promptly receive a shipping label via email. We advise dispatching the item within 3 days of obtaining this label. Should you fail to ship the item within 6 complete business days from the label's receipt, the buyer retains the right to rescind their purchase.

When Can I Expect My Payment?

Payment for your item is processed after it's sold. Upon confirmation from USPS of the item's delivery, the buyer has a 3-day window to approve the item. Following their acceptance, your earnings will be made available and visible in your account.  You can either cash out or utilize as a TPOW online discount code.

How will I be paid ?

If you choose cash, you can opt to receive your payout either as a check, ACH or a PayPal Transfer subject to a Seller Paypal account. If you choose a TPOW Gift Card you will receive an email with the Giftcard code.

Can I use my Gift Card on the Marketplace?

If you choose a TPOW Gift Card, it can be used on the entire TPOW Website for all The Pleasure of Writing regular retail items as well as the TPOW-Marketplace.

How is my item protected after I ship it?

At the point your item sells, we will email you a pre-addressed USPS Priority Mail shipping label to put on your package. Assuming you use this shipping label and the package is scanned into the USPS tracking system, you will be insured for at least 80% of the value, if the item gets lost in transit by USPS. When you scan the package at USPS, we will send both you and the buyer an email with the tracking information.

What happens if the buyer does not accept the item?

If a buyer reports an issue with their order, we will ask them to upload details and photos for their return request. Our team will carefully review the case and offer a resolution. If you have misrepresented the item, for example by failing to communicate damage, you will not be paid and the item will be returned to you.

Service provider

What is The Pleasure of Writing?

The Pleasure of Writing is the service provider that handles the development and operation of this marketplace. For more info, please visit our website ThePleasureofWriting.com  and click on About us.