Individuals looking to make a little extra money often turn to eBay and if you only have an item to sell once every few months then the strategy you're using is probably adequate. But what about sellers who list dozens of items each month? How can they work to make their listings more efficient, so customers don't scroll right by? If you are ready to become a more consistent seller than its time you upgrade your equipment to help take your store to the next level.
Digital camera: A digital camera allows individuals with no photographic experience to take eye-catching photos of items they want to sale. Most digital cameras offer a zoom feature that allows you to take a close up, detailed pictures of the item or product in question, this can also allow you to reassure buyers that an item condition is as described. After the pictures are taken, they can be uploaded to your computer and edited before adding to your store.
Digital cameras are cheap to buy, a decent digital camera can be purchased for less than a hundred dollars, since digital cameras do not use film, there is no additional cost associated with the camera. High-speed internet can reduce the time needed to upload pictures and customize sales templates on the site.
Forget about developing a niche: If you do not have a niche, don't worry about it, to be successful your store just needs to offer items that are in demand. The problem with covering a niche on eBay, is that other sellers are already doing the same thing, and chances are they have a better reputation then you, simply by being their longer. For example, computer parts, cell phones and electronic stores are popular on eBay, but is their room for you to create a similar store? Unless your products are highly specialized, a niche just might not be an option.
Market your products: Though your store may not offer collectors items, or other high demand products your sales pitch can work to your benefit. Any business needs to learn how to write a sales pitch. An effective sales pitch is written to appeal to the audience, the information makes them want to buy your product or find out more.
Give out the freebies: Though most businesses supply a business card when selling items on eBay, they do not provide free gifts. A free gift is a great way of showing customers you appreciate their business, with every purchase from your store throw in a custom pen, hat, bag or keychain. These items can be purchased in bulk and printed with your eBay stores logo on them. By having your information on products that they are using in their everyday life, a buyer is more likely to become a repeat customer. You can also choose to offer a slightly more expensive product, such as a bag with the purchase of a more expensive item in your store.
Just because you are operating a business in the "virtual" world does not make your business any less real. Regardless of location their are a number of laws that you have to be aware of because your eBay business will be expected to comply by them.
Creating a business plan: Your business plan should be the first step for any type of business venture. For your business to be a success you should have the dedication to work hard and be passionate about selling your products to customer. Good sellers are those that are proactive and willing to go the extra mile, because they enjoy what they do, if you are just looking to get rich quick, then eBay is not for you. Selling on eBay could take several years and many long hours before your business starts to bring in enough income to stay afloat.
Research the market: Before investing every dollar you have into buying random products on eBay, do market research. If you have a passion for collecting and finding antique items or another collectible, you should spend time collecting data on product trends, pricing and demand. The more information you have on what eBay buyers are looking for the more you can focus your shop and finding the items that you know will sell.
Contact local authorities: If you are going to be operating your eBay company from your home local zoning ordinances may come into play, most areas have restrictions on where a business can operate and by opening a retail business in your home you could be in violation.
Registering your business: Operating a store on eBay means you are running a commercial enterprise and as such, your business has to registered locally. You can choose to set your business up as a limited liability if you are in a partnership or sole proprietorship if you are the only one running the business. You should also request a federal tax ID number and register for all state and local taxes.
If you have no experience and need assistance with understanding how to register your business you can contact your local camber of commerce. The services of a business lawyer and accountant can also help explain the process.
Keep your business separate: Personal and business accounts should not be mixed set up a business account to avoid problems with tracking and paying income taxes at the end of the year. All profits from your eBay business must be reported on income taxes and when selling to buyers who live in your state you are required to pay state taxes on their purchases.
Get organized: If you are operating your business from your home, set up an office in an unused room and make sure you invest in the equipment needed to run an eBay business including a scanner, quality digital camera, updated computer and high-speed internet access. Setting up a separate email account to only handle messages from buyers on the site can also make you look more professional and reassures your buyers that your busy can be trusted.
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