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. 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. Click on that button and it will show you a list of what the item sold for in closed auctions instead of ongoing auctions.
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. 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. 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. There is no such thing as too much information. A good description is concise, organized, and easy to read. Use bold for subheads, bulleted lists, and white space between paragraphs. Be sure to include descriptions 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. Take clear, well-lit photos that point up any and all features and any and all problems about the item. Use good lighting and an uncluttered background to get the most out of your photo.
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.
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.
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. And they will pick up at your house and save you time & hassle. Or, you can print postage online with the Pay Pal checkout feature or by going directly to the Post Office website at www.usps.gov. Once your packages are ready just take them to the back door of the post office and drop them off.
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 bubblepak.
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. If you offer or pay for insurance, check out www.ShipInsurance.com for lower insurance rates.
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