Here are some great tips that you must use in order to be a successful seller on eBay. These are very basic techniques but very important.
1. Research the item before you list:
Go to eBay and type in what the product is and see if any identical items are listed. Next go to completed listings (bottom left of the page) and see how many items sold in the last three weeks. This area consists of auctions that have already ended and tells you if it sold (price highlighted green) or if it didn’t sell (price highlighted red). If a MINIMUM of 3 of the items sold, then you have a possible item to sell. Average out the prices of the items sold (if they are similar) and you have a possible selling price for the item you are considering. Besides finding the average selling price, you can see the average starting price, and features, and key words that attract buyers. When you complete a search look for the radio button that says Completed Items located in the left hand panel of the search results.
2. Use a low starting bid:
Getting that first bid is very important. Buyers are more likely to bid once they see other bids on an item. A common starting bid is $0.99. Be careful about using reserves. Reserve pricing turns off many buyers, but if this is the only way to protect a valuable item then it’s worth a try. Instead of a reserve you could just start the bid at a higher amount. A low opening bid with no reserve will usually jumpstart bidding and increase your final selling price.
3. Write titles that attract buyers and complete descriptions of the item:
Buyers search for key words so use them. Your item title helps bidders find your items. eBay gives you 55 characters compose your title with the buyer in mind. I try to create my titles based on what I would look for if I was looking for that particular item. A good description is concise, organized, and easy to read. Keep your description organized and easy to read; I find that using bullet points works pretty well. I would discourage writing in paragraphs because the buyer will most likely skim read it and miss something. Be sure to include specific facts such as style/type, brand, size, color and condition that your buyer would naturally be interested in.
4. Always Include Photos:
A good picture will sell your item and reassure your buyer. The more photos the better (up to a point). I usually post about 4-6 photos to show all angles of the item. It’s really up to you how many pictures you use, different angles are good but don’t list a bunch of pictures that are practically identical with a very slight variation. That’s over-kill. Take clear, well-lit photos that point up any and all features and any and all problems about the item. Always take close-ups of any flaws on your item. Use good lighting and an uncluttered background to get the most out of your photo. I usually hang up a solid color sheet on the wall will thumbtacks and take my pictures that way. It’s more pleasing to the eye and makes your listing look more professional.
5. End your auctions on the day and time when most buyers are online:
This is usually in the evening between 4-8 PM (Pacific Time). However this is not true for all items so it pays to check eBay’s completed listings to determine the best time and day for your category. For example, merchandise purchased by businesses usually sell better during the business day when the owners are at work and looking for the items. Also ending your listing on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (Sunday is the best) can be very successful because everyone is home on the weekends and looking for things to buy.
7. Take Excellent Care of your buyer:
Always respond quickly (read this to mean immediately) to any buyer questions. Always send the buyer an email telling them when and how you shipped their item. If they have a problem, even if you think it’s without merit, make good on the item. Offer to refund and give them the item that they are complaining about. Replace it if that’s what they want. Whatever it will take to satisfy them—do it. Sure, some people will take advantage, but the majority won’t and it’s more than worth it for a good review and repeat sales. Be aware that there are some customers who you just can’t seem to please and they just leave negative feedback and that’s the end of it. Just take it and move on; remember this is a rare occurrence.
8. Don’t stand in Line at The Post Office:
The best thing to do is schedule shipment pick-ups in advance with the Post Office. Set up a “carrier pickup” with USPS and your mailman will personally come to your door and pick up your package(s). This saves a lot of time and hassle. Or if you are at work or running errands, you can just leave it on your doorstep or back door. You can print postage online with the Pay Pal checkout feature or by going directly to the Post Office website at www.usps.gov.
9. Save on Your Shipping Supplies:
If you use Priority mail, the United States Postal Service offers a variety of free shipping supplies, delivered directly to you within a few days. The other source is a local gift shop, kitchen store, house wares store, discount store etc. These places receive shipments every day and usually break up the boxes for recycling. Many of them will gladly give you their boxes, Styrofoam and bubble wrap. I also save bubble wrap and boxes from items I buy from eBay and it really helps you cut on shipping supplies.
10. Don’t Mark Up Shipping:
Gouging your buyer on the shipping cost is one of the reasons a buyer might rate you poorly. Always charge the actual rate for shipping. It is against eBay policy and it’s a good way to get low DSRs or even suspended.
