When using eBay as a selling tool, first impressions are most important. Creating an eBay listing designed to attract potential buyers should be the main goal for sellers. Often, sellers tend to go a bit “overboard” by adding things like dancing bears and flash animation. However, unless selling web design services, buyers are looking for relevant information presented in an uncluttered format. By following these easy tips, sellers can create a store to compete with the big box merchants.
First, research and compare the product sold. Take advantage of the research and development paid by major online merchants. Find the same or similar items on major online retailers’ sites and see how they are presented. Note the description, format/layout and photos of the product. Begin by creating your description using the researched one as a guide. Go beyond telling product specifications and create a description that includes how to use the product. This is not referring to instructions, but where and when to use it. Give suggestions and be creative! The more ways a product can be used, the more interest a buyer has and stays on your page longer.
Next, look at the photographs. These merchants have paid big money for copywriters and graphic designers to market their products. Examine the photo used for your research. This view should be the same one that you will use in your listing. Now see if there are other photos presented in the researched description. If so, you will want to include these photos too. Note: you must use your own photos and create your own descriptions as these are copyrighted by the merchant.
The sample description will also help you get an idea of how much the item weighs. This will save sellers from having to weigh items. Go on the selected carrier’s website and find an approximate shipping charge. Add approximately ten percent to that amount to allow for any overages and to cover shipping supplies. If using USPS, be sure to allow for insurance, delivery confirmation or other chosen additional services on your listing.
Finally, make yourself available. Frequently update the listing and allow customers to ask questions. Potential buyers may be seeking information missing from your listing. Allow for the listing’s previous questions to appear to other potential buyers who may want to know the same information. This will allow the seller to concentrate more on other listings and reduce emails.
Make sure on every listing to state payment, return, shipping and feedback policies. Let buyers know that if there are any questions regarding these policies to ask before any bidding takes place. This will save a seller from having to re-list the item or losing other potential customers.
Remember in the world of eBay listings; less clutter allows for more product presentation. Not only will most buyers appreciate it but so will your monthly eBay seller’s income. Listings with great product descriptions, clear images and stated buying terms will always be more successful than those missing any of those key sales points.
A global online marketplace, eBay was designed with both the buyer and seller in mind. Buyers are able to find interesting, unique or hard-to-find items from the comfort of their own home. Likewise, sellers are able to reach a greater audience and sell items for more profit than a traditional yard sale.
The first process of using eBay is registration. Both buyers and sellers alike must register and chose which type of account best serves their needs. Sellers can sell items individually, or if looking to sell multiple items as an online business, open an eBay Store. Membership fees and costs vary; but all sellers regardless of storefront type must photograph, describe, categorize and price their items.
Each listing needs a high-quality photograph that is in-focus and bright. Multiple photographs may be needed in order to give prospective buyers a 360-degree product rendition. Next, a description of the product must be written that informs buyers about the item. Included in the description should be refund and return policies, payment preferences and shipping information. A seller should also indicate whether local pick-up or international buyers are welcomed.
In the shipping information section, calculate the weight of the item as if it were packaged in a box to include the weight of tape and bubble wrap. Then, add an additional dollar or two (depending on packaging requirements) to cover things like padded envelopes, shipping tape, bubble wrap or other mailing supplies used to mail that purchase. Moreover, while as a seller taking great care to wrap items is important, accidents do happen. Consider using a service like UPS or Fed Ex to ship packages to customers where shipping insurance (up to $100) is already included in the total price. USPS does offer shipping insurance as well, but the smallest denomination available is half of what UPS and Fed Ex offer. This insurance is also in addition to regular postal charges.
Payment information is based on seller’s preferences but the eBay standard of checkout service is PayPal. This tool available to both buyers and sellers protect each against fraudulent transactions and allows for smooth transfers of money. If a seller receives payment from a buyer via PayPal, there is an additional fee taken out. For sellers listing auction items as “Buy It Now”, be sure prices reflect eBay listing/final value fees as well as PayPal transaction fees. Using PayPal will help eliminate against the possibility of having a buyer’s check bounce, cashing a fraudulent money order or dealing with an unhappy customer who sent cash in the mail but never made it to your mailbox.
After an item sells, a seller will receive an email from eBay letting him/her know the item sold. A payment email from PayPal should follow when the buyer has paid for an item. The PayPal email should include details on the payment transaction, including when an expected payment should clear. When cleared, the seller can then ship the item to the buyer and wait for buyer feedback. Last, after all has been done, the seller leaves the buyer feedback and moves on to the next listing.
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