Ebay can be a fast and fun place to sell your merchandise. Everyone dreams of buying an item for pennies at a rummage sale, only to find out that it was a rare antique worth thousands on Ebay. Stories like that do happen on occasion, but the majority of Ebay profits come from good old-fashioned effort.
Many sellers list a vast collection of items in search of that single smoking hot sale that will make them rich. Unfortunately, it might take hundreds or even thousands of listings to turn up such a sale, and sellers have to pay a fee every time they list an item. Ebay listings only last for seven days. If items don’t sell by the end of those seven days, the seller must pay to list them again. This can get expensive if the seller has hundreds of items to list every week. Some sellers get discouraged when they have to pay repeat listing fees.
Fortunately for sellers with large inventories, Ebay offers stores that allow items to be listed permanently. Ebay stores are virtual storefronts where merchandise can be displayed and sold. Ebay stores are similar to regular auction listings, in that sellers can add photos and descriptive text to give buyers a good idea of what they’re purchasing. But if some Ebay store items take a while to sell, the seller isn’t required to pay for additional listings. Once listed in an Ebay store, the items stay put until they are removed by the seller.
Ebay stores offer convenience to buyers and sellers alike. They can be linked to directly, and they do not expire. For a small monthly fee, Ebay sellers get an e-store that they can customize, link to, and even temporarily take offline if they go on vacation or become otherwise indisposed. Since Ebay stores have static URLs, sellers can even register their own domain names and set them up to forward readers to the store itself. Convenience for the buyer leads to profits for the seller. Buyers will appreciate a convenient custom URL.
Niche Ebay stores are especially appealing. If you have lots of listings that fall under a common category, you should definitely think about setting up an Ebay store. Some stores are devoted to electronics or maternity clothes, while others are devoted to rare vintage items. Whatever your passion, you can build an Ebay store around it.
Another benefit of having an Ebay store is the increased exposure your merchandise receives. Ebay searches now turn up auction listings as well as store items. That means more potential buyers see your items whenever they do a search. More views translate into more money for you, the seller! And because you have a store with a static URL, you can also promote your business by placing links in your e-mail and message forum signatures. You can link to your store from your personal blog or web site. Submit the store’s URL to search engines and social networking sites. Marketing is the key to making money with your Ebay store.
For detailed store terms and conditions, visit the Ebay site. They have a host of information for prospective sellers, including everything you will need to get your Ebay store off and running. If you’re a high-volume seller or frequently list
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Selling What You Love on EBay
EBay is a nontraditional way to make money, but one some of the old rules still apply. In particular: do what you love, and your job will be a positive, rewarding experience. Work is so much easier when you enjoy what you're doing. For that reason, it's important for EBay sellers to list items that they actually enjoy selling.
How do you know what you'd like to sell before you start listing merchandise? Start with your hobbies, things you enjoy doing offline. Then look at all the items associated with that hobby. If you love surfing, you could sell surf boards and equipment. But don't stop there; list related products on your EBay auctions, such as beach wear. Beach goers need flip-flops, sunscreen, swim suits and cover-ups. Try to sell as many related items as you can to outfit customers for a trip to the beach. Be a one-stop shop. If you open an EBay store, it's even simpler to put up an entire inventory of merchandise related to surfing - or any other hobby or passion.
Before you start your first EBay auction, explore the Internet to see which items are hot sellers. Using other auction and merchant sites, look for items within your niche market. Does one jump out at you because it has more demand than supply? If so, you should try selling that item yourself.
Use your connections to your advantage. If you have access to a large supply of items that your competitors aren't listing, put those items up for sale. Buy wholesale whenever you can, especially if you're into arts and crafts. Most materials can be purchased in bulk and listed on EBay for a nice profit. Candle makers can sell wax and wicks, and jewelry makes can sell bands, beads, and all sorts of baubles. Remember that finished products sell best around the holidays, but component parts can also bring in a lot of profit, especially if they’re rare or hard to find.
Figuring out what to sell on EBay is easy once you figure out what you love. But remember other family members' hobbies, too. If your little girl is into ballet, you might try listing ballerina gear and related toys and products. If your husband really loves to fish, try your hand at selling fishing equipment and novelties on EBay. Parents have an advantage here, because they can use their children’s sports and activities to come with all kinds of exciting ideas. Look to other relatives for inspiration, too. If your mother collects figurines or your father is a wood worker, you have probably watched and listened as they went about their tasks. This gives you a perfect inroad to start selling those craft-related items on EBay.
When you do something you love, it makes work enjoyable. The same goes for EBay: when you sell what you love, listing merchandise seems less like work and more like a hobby unto itself. The best part is that this hobby can be both fun and profitable. Find a niche market and sell products you enjoy selling. Buyers will appreciate your enthusiasm and your inventory. Once you become known as the place to go for certain items, you’ll be all set for a great selling experience on EBay.
How do you know what you'd like to sell before you start listing merchandise? Start with your hobbies, things you enjoy doing offline. Then look at all the items associated with that hobby. If you love surfing, you could sell surf boards and equipment. But don't stop there; list related products on your EBay auctions, such as beach wear. Beach goers need flip-flops, sunscreen, swim suits and cover-ups. Try to sell as many related items as you can to outfit customers for a trip to the beach. Be a one-stop shop. If you open an EBay store, it's even simpler to put up an entire inventory of merchandise related to surfing - or any other hobby or passion.
Before you start your first EBay auction, explore the Internet to see which items are hot sellers. Using other auction and merchant sites, look for items within your niche market. Does one jump out at you because it has more demand than supply? If so, you should try selling that item yourself.
Use your connections to your advantage. If you have access to a large supply of items that your competitors aren't listing, put those items up for sale. Buy wholesale whenever you can, especially if you're into arts and crafts. Most materials can be purchased in bulk and listed on EBay for a nice profit. Candle makers can sell wax and wicks, and jewelry makes can sell bands, beads, and all sorts of baubles. Remember that finished products sell best around the holidays, but component parts can also bring in a lot of profit, especially if they’re rare or hard to find.
Figuring out what to sell on EBay is easy once you figure out what you love. But remember other family members' hobbies, too. If your little girl is into ballet, you might try listing ballerina gear and related toys and products. If your husband really loves to fish, try your hand at selling fishing equipment and novelties on EBay. Parents have an advantage here, because they can use their children’s sports and activities to come with all kinds of exciting ideas. Look to other relatives for inspiration, too. If your mother collects figurines or your father is a wood worker, you have probably watched and listened as they went about their tasks. This gives you a perfect inroad to start selling those craft-related items on EBay.
When you do something you love, it makes work enjoyable. The same goes for EBay: when you sell what you love, listing merchandise seems less like work and more like a hobby unto itself. The best part is that this hobby can be both fun and profitable. Find a niche market and sell products you enjoy selling. Buyers will appreciate your enthusiasm and your inventory. Once you become known as the place to go for certain items, you’ll be all set for a great selling experience on EBay.
Register a Domain to Promote Your Ebay Auctions
Branding and name recognition are sought after by merchants and marketers both online and off. Some names have gotten so big that they’re now used as verbs, such as ‘Google’, ‘Photoshop’ and, yes, ‘Ebay’. On a smaller scale, you can get your own name recognition by registering a custom domain name and using it to promote your Ebay stores and auctions.
Why would you pay for a domain name when you could just use your Ebay storefront URL to draw customers? Two reasons: marketability and customer convenience. It’s much easier to market a custom domain name than it is to market a long URL filled with random numbers, letters, and other characters. Likewise, it’s easy for customers to remember a custom domain name. Marketing is all about getting people’s attention and keeping it long enough to cinch a sale. Most domain names can be reserved for under ten dollars a year. With the potential payoff that name recognition brings with it, those ten dollars are definitely a worthy investment.
There are some rules to remember before you reserve a domain name for your Ebay store. First, never reserve a domain name that actually includes the word ‘Ebay’. Name recognition is a hot commodity, and Ebay will not be happy if you try to capitalize on their trademark. There’s a secondary issue as well. The Internet is a very fluid place. Ten years ago, we didn’t have YouTube, MySpace, or many other modern day giants. Ten year down the road, who’s to say that Ebay will be the auction site of choice? It would be a shame to spend several years cultivating your name recognition, only to have another auction site spring up overnight and bump Ebay out of top position.
What you do with your registered domain is entirely up to you. Some Ebayers simply have the new URL forward to their Ebay store. Others build an entire web site around their auction listings and seller bio. With widgets, feeds, and other little extras, it’s possible to have a very informative web site that still promotes your auctions and storefront.
The Ebay pros do caution against using affiliate links on your web site to promote your own auctions. This is against Ebay’s terms of use, and can get your account suspended. You can, however, use your web site to promote other goods that you sell elsewhere. If you have an offline store, post contact information so that local buyers can drop in and check out your goods. You can also sell merchandise directly through your web site. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination – and, of course, by Ebay’s rules!
If you’re having trouble thinking of a snazzy name for your new domain, try using your Ebay account name. If that name is taken, try following it with ‘auctions’ or ‘auctionsite’. Many domain registration services make suggestions for alternate domain names. Remember to make the name easy to spell and remember, and look at it with a critical eye to make sure the words don’t inadvertently combine to spell something embarrassing or offensive.
Ebay stores and auctions offer modern solutions for sellers. But to take full advantage of the possibilities, serious sellers should never underestimate the power of branding. Get an inexpensive custom domain name that will stick in buyers’ minds, and watch those bids roll in.
Why would you pay for a domain name when you could just use your Ebay storefront URL to draw customers? Two reasons: marketability and customer convenience. It’s much easier to market a custom domain name than it is to market a long URL filled with random numbers, letters, and other characters. Likewise, it’s easy for customers to remember a custom domain name. Marketing is all about getting people’s attention and keeping it long enough to cinch a sale. Most domain names can be reserved for under ten dollars a year. With the potential payoff that name recognition brings with it, those ten dollars are definitely a worthy investment.
There are some rules to remember before you reserve a domain name for your Ebay store. First, never reserve a domain name that actually includes the word ‘Ebay’. Name recognition is a hot commodity, and Ebay will not be happy if you try to capitalize on their trademark. There’s a secondary issue as well. The Internet is a very fluid place. Ten years ago, we didn’t have YouTube, MySpace, or many other modern day giants. Ten year down the road, who’s to say that Ebay will be the auction site of choice? It would be a shame to spend several years cultivating your name recognition, only to have another auction site spring up overnight and bump Ebay out of top position.
What you do with your registered domain is entirely up to you. Some Ebayers simply have the new URL forward to their Ebay store. Others build an entire web site around their auction listings and seller bio. With widgets, feeds, and other little extras, it’s possible to have a very informative web site that still promotes your auctions and storefront.
The Ebay pros do caution against using affiliate links on your web site to promote your own auctions. This is against Ebay’s terms of use, and can get your account suspended. You can, however, use your web site to promote other goods that you sell elsewhere. If you have an offline store, post contact information so that local buyers can drop in and check out your goods. You can also sell merchandise directly through your web site. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination – and, of course, by Ebay’s rules!
If you’re having trouble thinking of a snazzy name for your new domain, try using your Ebay account name. If that name is taken, try following it with ‘auctions’ or ‘auctionsite’. Many domain registration services make suggestions for alternate domain names. Remember to make the name easy to spell and remember, and look at it with a critical eye to make sure the words don’t inadvertently combine to spell something embarrassing or offensive.
Ebay stores and auctions offer modern solutions for sellers. But to take full advantage of the possibilities, serious sellers should never underestimate the power of branding. Get an inexpensive custom domain name that will stick in buyers’ minds, and watch those bids roll in.
Some Quick Tips To Selling On Ebay
If you’ve been a buyer or seller on Ebay, you have probably noticed that the winning auctions share some similar traits: they are easy to read, they have photos of the items being sold, and they accept a variety of payment methods. To increases the success of your own auctions, take those tips to heart and use them in your own listings. In addition to those simple rules, here are a few other pointers to help you make the most of your Ebay sales.
Some experts recommend starting every bid at $1.00. This makes sense, when you think about it. Buyers will want to cash in on a good deal, so they’ll be tempted to bid on a product that costs so little. In fact, if your listing is eye-catching, you will likely have several bidders on dollar items. This strategy helps ensure that bidders will buy your item the first time it’s listed, which saves you money on listing fees as well.
Speaking of listing, be sure to give your items enough time on the auction block. Listing an item for three days probably isn’t sufficient. The longer an item is listed, the better the chance that someone will see it and bid on it. Try for seven or even ten days for most items. And keep in mind that most bids take place in the final hours of the listing as buyers who have been watching the item scramble to place the winning bid. Don’t be disheartened if your item doesn’t get bids until its last day. It’s just the nature of the marketplace.
PayPal is the preferred payment method on Ebay, and you’ll have noticed that the top sellers accept it. On top of PayPal, accept other methods of payment such as personal checks and money orders. That way, more people will have the chance to buy your items. You don’t want to lose out on a sale just because someone didn’t have access to a certain payment method at the time. Make transactions easier on your buyers by being flexible about methods of payment.
Shipping is another factor that’s important to Ebay buyers. Most of us have, at some point, placed a winning bid on an inexpensive item only to find that we were getting gouged on the shipping costs. Overcharging on shipping will do nothing for your reputation. Instead, charge at or only slightly above the rate you’re actually paying to ship the goods. Ebay has a nice shipping calculator that buyers can use to see how much their shipping will cost, by zip code. Incorporating this tool makes you seem like an honest merchant and also helps prevent any unpleasant shipping surprises for the buyer.
After your product has been sold, jump right in and get it shipped. Shipping speed is very important to buyers. Nobody wants to still be waiting for their Ebay items weeks after the auction has ended. Slow shipping can lead to negative feedback and complaints, which can, in turn, lead to decreased sales. Be prompt about your shipping. A reputation as a fast, accurate shipper is an asset for Ebay sellers. If you do anticipate a shipping delay, let the customer know as soon as possible. Most buyers will be understanding if you just keep them informed.
These tips from the pros will go a long way toward increasing your sales on Ebay. Put them into play and you’ll soon reap the rewards of a studious seller – more bids.
Some experts recommend starting every bid at $1.00. This makes sense, when you think about it. Buyers will want to cash in on a good deal, so they’ll be tempted to bid on a product that costs so little. In fact, if your listing is eye-catching, you will likely have several bidders on dollar items. This strategy helps ensure that bidders will buy your item the first time it’s listed, which saves you money on listing fees as well.
Speaking of listing, be sure to give your items enough time on the auction block. Listing an item for three days probably isn’t sufficient. The longer an item is listed, the better the chance that someone will see it and bid on it. Try for seven or even ten days for most items. And keep in mind that most bids take place in the final hours of the listing as buyers who have been watching the item scramble to place the winning bid. Don’t be disheartened if your item doesn’t get bids until its last day. It’s just the nature of the marketplace.
PayPal is the preferred payment method on Ebay, and you’ll have noticed that the top sellers accept it. On top of PayPal, accept other methods of payment such as personal checks and money orders. That way, more people will have the chance to buy your items. You don’t want to lose out on a sale just because someone didn’t have access to a certain payment method at the time. Make transactions easier on your buyers by being flexible about methods of payment.
Shipping is another factor that’s important to Ebay buyers. Most of us have, at some point, placed a winning bid on an inexpensive item only to find that we were getting gouged on the shipping costs. Overcharging on shipping will do nothing for your reputation. Instead, charge at or only slightly above the rate you’re actually paying to ship the goods. Ebay has a nice shipping calculator that buyers can use to see how much their shipping will cost, by zip code. Incorporating this tool makes you seem like an honest merchant and also helps prevent any unpleasant shipping surprises for the buyer.
After your product has been sold, jump right in and get it shipped. Shipping speed is very important to buyers. Nobody wants to still be waiting for their Ebay items weeks after the auction has ended. Slow shipping can lead to negative feedback and complaints, which can, in turn, lead to decreased sales. Be prompt about your shipping. A reputation as a fast, accurate shipper is an asset for Ebay sellers. If you do anticipate a shipping delay, let the customer know as soon as possible. Most buyers will be understanding if you just keep them informed.
These tips from the pros will go a long way toward increasing your sales on Ebay. Put them into play and you’ll soon reap the rewards of a studious seller – more bids.
Maximizing Your Holiday Sellings Through Ebay
Just as with other retailers, Ebay sees a sales peak each November and December as buyers get serious about holiday gifts. Wise Ebay sellers enjoy a surge in income during the gift-giving season. What can you do to maximize your own profits during the holidays?
One good rule to follow is this: don't wait until the holidays roll around to start your sales campaign. Lots of online holiday shoppers start shopping early to avoid the last-minute shipping rush. To make the most of your Ebay holiday sales, you'll need to start early, too.
Start listing your holiday items in September or October. This will give you several listing cycles in which to promote your Ebay items before the holidays.
Do some research on "hot gifts" months before you start listing. That way, you'll have time to build up your stock of items projected to be top sellers. News programs and web sites often have lists of the year's must-have toys and gadgets. You can also use Ebay's "What’s Hot" page to see which items are top sellers. Ebay Pulse lets you keep an eye on current trends. Remember that hot gifts are hot both online and off. If you find the next must-have at a great price, snatch it up! It will almost certainly turn nice a profit on Ebay.
Speaking of hot items, what else should you sell on Ebay around the holidays? Anything that would make a good gift. Finished products tend to sell better than component parts. Think about it: would you rather be gifted with a package of candle-making supplies, or finished candles? Most people will want the finished product. If you're a craft maker, really market and promote your finished crafts during the holiday season.
The holiday season is the perfect time to target impulse buyers. You can do this on Ebay by adding the “Buy It Now” option to most or all of your listings. And you can even sweeten the deal by offering free shipping for your Buy It Now items. With a deal this tempting, even casual browsers will be persuaded to make a purchase. The small amount of revenue you lose on shipping will more than pay for itself with your increase in overall sales.
The postal system can get a little crazy over the holidays, so be sure to let your customers know if a shipment will be delayed. The sooner you warn them, the better. To avoid delays altogether, go with shipping methods that guarantee a delivery date. They can be a little costly, but your ability to get the package to the customer on time will result in valuable feedback and possibly word-of-mouth advertising. You certainly don’t want to be known as an unreliable seller. Pay the extra cash and make sure your customers have a happy holiday.
Finally, put a personalized holiday touch in your listings and e-mails. Even simple graphics or festive colors can show buyers that you’re in the holiday spirit. Just don’t go overboard; dancing elves and flashing lights are entertaining, but they can slow down buyers’ computers and distract them from the contents of the page. The perfect holiday template is seasonal without being obnoxious.
Ebay is a powerful selling tool year round, but especially during the holidays. With just a little bit of effort, you can capitalize on the holiday rush, improve your seller rating, and make some serious money.
One good rule to follow is this: don't wait until the holidays roll around to start your sales campaign. Lots of online holiday shoppers start shopping early to avoid the last-minute shipping rush. To make the most of your Ebay holiday sales, you'll need to start early, too.
Start listing your holiday items in September or October. This will give you several listing cycles in which to promote your Ebay items before the holidays.
Do some research on "hot gifts" months before you start listing. That way, you'll have time to build up your stock of items projected to be top sellers. News programs and web sites often have lists of the year's must-have toys and gadgets. You can also use Ebay's "What’s Hot" page to see which items are top sellers. Ebay Pulse lets you keep an eye on current trends. Remember that hot gifts are hot both online and off. If you find the next must-have at a great price, snatch it up! It will almost certainly turn nice a profit on Ebay.
Speaking of hot items, what else should you sell on Ebay around the holidays? Anything that would make a good gift. Finished products tend to sell better than component parts. Think about it: would you rather be gifted with a package of candle-making supplies, or finished candles? Most people will want the finished product. If you're a craft maker, really market and promote your finished crafts during the holiday season.
The holiday season is the perfect time to target impulse buyers. You can do this on Ebay by adding the “Buy It Now” option to most or all of your listings. And you can even sweeten the deal by offering free shipping for your Buy It Now items. With a deal this tempting, even casual browsers will be persuaded to make a purchase. The small amount of revenue you lose on shipping will more than pay for itself with your increase in overall sales.
The postal system can get a little crazy over the holidays, so be sure to let your customers know if a shipment will be delayed. The sooner you warn them, the better. To avoid delays altogether, go with shipping methods that guarantee a delivery date. They can be a little costly, but your ability to get the package to the customer on time will result in valuable feedback and possibly word-of-mouth advertising. You certainly don’t want to be known as an unreliable seller. Pay the extra cash and make sure your customers have a happy holiday.
Finally, put a personalized holiday touch in your listings and e-mails. Even simple graphics or festive colors can show buyers that you’re in the holiday spirit. Just don’t go overboard; dancing elves and flashing lights are entertaining, but they can slow down buyers’ computers and distract them from the contents of the page. The perfect holiday template is seasonal without being obnoxious.
Ebay is a powerful selling tool year round, but especially during the holidays. With just a little bit of effort, you can capitalize on the holiday rush, improve your seller rating, and make some serious money.
Taking Winning Ebay Auction Pictures
Though there have been millions of items listed on Ebay, there is one characteristic shared by most winners: they have a good photograph. Ebay is a virtual marketplace, but buyers still like to see what they’re paying for. Auction listings that include quality photos reassure the buyer that they are making a good purchase. That means more money is your pocket, just because you snapped a picture!
But all Ebay photos are not created equal. Here are a few tips for making the most of your item photos.
First, make sure your item is in top shape before photographing it. If your item is dusty or stained, buyers won’t want to make the purchase. Before you take the picture, wipe down any merchandise with a hard surface. Wash clothing or other soft items. You want the merchandise to look its best.
If a product is worn or has a few scrapes on the surface, carefully document these through your item description and photographs. It might seem counter-intuitive to point out flaws in the item, but it pays off in the long run. You don’t want to get a reputation for dishonesty. Plus, minimal damage rarely puts off Ebay buyers. They’re looking for a good deal. As long as the product is in working condition, a little wear and tear is often deemed acceptable.
When setting up your photography session, aim for natural light and good contrast. Take pictures near a window when the sun is shining. Avoid using a flash if you can; flash photos often turn out too bright and detract from the item’s detail. For best results, light products should be photographed on dark backgrounds, and vice versa. Take pictures from two or three different angles if possible. Do ensure that the item is displayed by itself, unless it’s a part of an entire lot for sale. And when you take the picture, get as close as you can without distorting the image. You want the item to fill the camera screen.
Take care when selecting a surface and background on which to display your item. Too-reflective surfaces can reveal the photographer’s image, and messy or busy backgrounds can distract from the item. For a professional look, use a very simple surface and background that show off the item well.
Many Ebay sellers use Photoshop or similar programs to clean up their photos before listing. This is fine, as long as the resulting picture is still representative of the item. Try to keep colors and hues as close to the original as possible. Photoshop can be used to lighten up too-dark pictures or to sharpen images. Save the photos as 400 by 300 pixel JPEGs of the highest quality. That way Ebay won’t reduce their resolution too much when it resizes the uploaded images.
Ebay sellers should consider using Ebay’s built-in image hosting service. It’s cheap and reliable, and it’s subject to Ebay’s technical support. They let you list your first image for free. Every successive image costs just a few cents. This convenient service is worth investigating.
It’s long been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. On Ebay, a picture can be more valuable yet: it can bring you buyers.
But all Ebay photos are not created equal. Here are a few tips for making the most of your item photos.
First, make sure your item is in top shape before photographing it. If your item is dusty or stained, buyers won’t want to make the purchase. Before you take the picture, wipe down any merchandise with a hard surface. Wash clothing or other soft items. You want the merchandise to look its best.
If a product is worn or has a few scrapes on the surface, carefully document these through your item description and photographs. It might seem counter-intuitive to point out flaws in the item, but it pays off in the long run. You don’t want to get a reputation for dishonesty. Plus, minimal damage rarely puts off Ebay buyers. They’re looking for a good deal. As long as the product is in working condition, a little wear and tear is often deemed acceptable.
When setting up your photography session, aim for natural light and good contrast. Take pictures near a window when the sun is shining. Avoid using a flash if you can; flash photos often turn out too bright and detract from the item’s detail. For best results, light products should be photographed on dark backgrounds, and vice versa. Take pictures from two or three different angles if possible. Do ensure that the item is displayed by itself, unless it’s a part of an entire lot for sale. And when you take the picture, get as close as you can without distorting the image. You want the item to fill the camera screen.
Take care when selecting a surface and background on which to display your item. Too-reflective surfaces can reveal the photographer’s image, and messy or busy backgrounds can distract from the item. For a professional look, use a very simple surface and background that show off the item well.
Many Ebay sellers use Photoshop or similar programs to clean up their photos before listing. This is fine, as long as the resulting picture is still representative of the item. Try to keep colors and hues as close to the original as possible. Photoshop can be used to lighten up too-dark pictures or to sharpen images. Save the photos as 400 by 300 pixel JPEGs of the highest quality. That way Ebay won’t reduce their resolution too much when it resizes the uploaded images.
Ebay sellers should consider using Ebay’s built-in image hosting service. It’s cheap and reliable, and it’s subject to Ebay’s technical support. They let you list your first image for free. Every successive image costs just a few cents. This convenient service is worth investigating.
It’s long been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. On Ebay, a picture can be more valuable yet: it can bring you buyers.
Increasing Your Sales On Ebay
Ebay offers Internet users a wonderful opportunity to make money from the comfort of their own homes. Some sellers have tremendous success; they make Ebay look very easy, and their merchandise almost sells itself. In reality, these Ebay power sellers put a lot of effort into their listings. Here are some of their most vital tips to help you make more money on Ebay.
First, build your reputation. Your positive feedback is your lifeblood on Ebay. Before you start investing in high-dollar items to sell, list some inexpensive merchandise. Always respond courteously to your buyers, and ship your items promptly. This will bring the positive feedback you need. Once you've established yourself as an honest and reliable seller, you can start listing your more expensive merchandise. Buyers who see your high feedback rating will feel more comfortable bidding on your items.
This next tip might seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many sellers overlook its importance: put pictures on your listings. Buyers want to know exactly what they're paying for, and what condition the item is in. Photograph the item from every angle. Document any damage honestly; you don't want negative feedback from buyers who weren't expecting wear and tear on their purchase. If you sell jewelry or other small items on Ebay, try to include a coin or other item in the photo for size reference. Buyers are sometimes unpleasantly surprised by just how tiny their purchases are.
While you're posting pictures to your Ebay listings, take a look at your written descriptions. Do they have enough keywords to draw the attention of search engines? Do they have enough facts to satisfy customers' questions? If the listing seems too short, add more facts about the item that will persuade customers to buy. Also watch out for typos and misspellings. Such mistakes might not seem like a big deal, but they turn some customers off. Carefully review everything you've written. Remember, Ebay listings are advertisements for your merchandise. Learn to market your goods in a way that convinces buyers to choose you over the competition.
Once buyers have decided to purchase your item, they will want convenient payment options. Don't expect to make a lot of sales if buyers can only pay with a check or money order. Buyers all over the world love the convenience of credit card purchasing, and they have come to expect this payment option wherever they do business. It's simple to accept credit cards through Paypal, so there's really no excuse for denying buyers this option. The more payment options you offer, the easier buyers can buy from you. Convenience will draw more buyers and bring them back in the future.
We touched on this point earlier, but it bears repeating: be professional. Your items might draw buyers, but your customer service will bring them back, possibly with friends. Follow Ebay’s rules and don’t try to take dishonest short-cuts just to make a few extra dollars. If you charge improper tax or gouge buyers on shipping costs, you will eventually earn negative feedback. The same goes for slow shipping or rudeness. Treat your customers well. Their feedback, for better or for worse, will impact your future sales.
Ebay businesses are easy to start, but if you put these tips into action you’ll really increase your profits. Happy selling!
First, build your reputation. Your positive feedback is your lifeblood on Ebay. Before you start investing in high-dollar items to sell, list some inexpensive merchandise. Always respond courteously to your buyers, and ship your items promptly. This will bring the positive feedback you need. Once you've established yourself as an honest and reliable seller, you can start listing your more expensive merchandise. Buyers who see your high feedback rating will feel more comfortable bidding on your items.
This next tip might seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many sellers overlook its importance: put pictures on your listings. Buyers want to know exactly what they're paying for, and what condition the item is in. Photograph the item from every angle. Document any damage honestly; you don't want negative feedback from buyers who weren't expecting wear and tear on their purchase. If you sell jewelry or other small items on Ebay, try to include a coin or other item in the photo for size reference. Buyers are sometimes unpleasantly surprised by just how tiny their purchases are.
While you're posting pictures to your Ebay listings, take a look at your written descriptions. Do they have enough keywords to draw the attention of search engines? Do they have enough facts to satisfy customers' questions? If the listing seems too short, add more facts about the item that will persuade customers to buy. Also watch out for typos and misspellings. Such mistakes might not seem like a big deal, but they turn some customers off. Carefully review everything you've written. Remember, Ebay listings are advertisements for your merchandise. Learn to market your goods in a way that convinces buyers to choose you over the competition.
Once buyers have decided to purchase your item, they will want convenient payment options. Don't expect to make a lot of sales if buyers can only pay with a check or money order. Buyers all over the world love the convenience of credit card purchasing, and they have come to expect this payment option wherever they do business. It's simple to accept credit cards through Paypal, so there's really no excuse for denying buyers this option. The more payment options you offer, the easier buyers can buy from you. Convenience will draw more buyers and bring them back in the future.
We touched on this point earlier, but it bears repeating: be professional. Your items might draw buyers, but your customer service will bring them back, possibly with friends. Follow Ebay’s rules and don’t try to take dishonest short-cuts just to make a few extra dollars. If you charge improper tax or gouge buyers on shipping costs, you will eventually earn negative feedback. The same goes for slow shipping or rudeness. Treat your customers well. Their feedback, for better or for worse, will impact your future sales.
Ebay businesses are easy to start, but if you put these tips into action you’ll really increase your profits. Happy selling!
Getting Your Listings Seen On Ebay
It’s true that Ebay is an enormous virtual marketplace with millions of vendors all over the world. With that kind of competition, it’s vitally important to go above and beyond the competition to get buyers to notice your listings. Luckily, the steps you should take, though critical, are few in number. Anyone can implement these tips to draw more eyes to their Ebay auctions.
First, think like a buyer. Would you want to buy merchandise sight unseen, or would you prefer auctions with pictures? Do rushed or incomplete descriptions put you off? What if you saw a listing from a seller with several negative feedback comments stating that the merchandise was shipped late, or wasn’t as described? Chances are you wouldn’t want to buy from such a seller. Neither will buyers feel comfortable buying from you if these things are true of your listings and reputation.
So, to get Ebay shoppers to click on your auctions, always include clear photos of the item. Be sure to photograph any damaged spots as well. Use Ebay’s inexpensive photo hosting service, and always upload your pictures as 400 by 300 pixel jpegs of high quality. Ebay will resize the photographs to those dimensions anyway; if you create the pictures at that size, you will lose minimal detail after uploading.
Listings should be easy to read. Very disorganized listings can be distracting, and some buyers won’t want to spend time trying to decipher them when there are so many other, more user-friendly listings available. To keep buyers reading, use a template or HTML to make the item description easier on the eyes. You don’t need a lot of fancy code to make your item description clean and readable. Ebay offers an inexpensive listing designer that you can use if you’re not comfortable writing your own HTML tags.
While you’re evaluating the layout of your item description, also make sure that your listing isn’t filled with typos. If it’s hard to read, buyers will go elsewhere. Another thing to watch out for is the length of your item description. Buyers like to know details. If your listing has one short paragraph passing for an item description, you probably haven’t given them all the details they want. Go back and share more information about the item. If the product is damaged in some way, in addition to documenting the damage with a picture, you should also describe it in the text of your listing.
Offer a variety of payment options, including PayPal. Buyers will frequently skip auctions that require a check or money order as payment. PayPal allows buyers to use their PayPal account, bank account, or credit card to make a purchase. Most Ebay auctions offer Paypal, so yours should, too.
On Ebay, sellers have to compete against many other sellers hawking the same wares. If one seller has well-organized information and a good photograph of their item, they will draw the most views and bids. Don’t run buyers off with a hard-to-read listing. Employ these simple tips instead to make sure your auction gets seen on Ebay.
First, think like a buyer. Would you want to buy merchandise sight unseen, or would you prefer auctions with pictures? Do rushed or incomplete descriptions put you off? What if you saw a listing from a seller with several negative feedback comments stating that the merchandise was shipped late, or wasn’t as described? Chances are you wouldn’t want to buy from such a seller. Neither will buyers feel comfortable buying from you if these things are true of your listings and reputation.
So, to get Ebay shoppers to click on your auctions, always include clear photos of the item. Be sure to photograph any damaged spots as well. Use Ebay’s inexpensive photo hosting service, and always upload your pictures as 400 by 300 pixel jpegs of high quality. Ebay will resize the photographs to those dimensions anyway; if you create the pictures at that size, you will lose minimal detail after uploading.
Listings should be easy to read. Very disorganized listings can be distracting, and some buyers won’t want to spend time trying to decipher them when there are so many other, more user-friendly listings available. To keep buyers reading, use a template or HTML to make the item description easier on the eyes. You don’t need a lot of fancy code to make your item description clean and readable. Ebay offers an inexpensive listing designer that you can use if you’re not comfortable writing your own HTML tags.
While you’re evaluating the layout of your item description, also make sure that your listing isn’t filled with typos. If it’s hard to read, buyers will go elsewhere. Another thing to watch out for is the length of your item description. Buyers like to know details. If your listing has one short paragraph passing for an item description, you probably haven’t given them all the details they want. Go back and share more information about the item. If the product is damaged in some way, in addition to documenting the damage with a picture, you should also describe it in the text of your listing.
Offer a variety of payment options, including PayPal. Buyers will frequently skip auctions that require a check or money order as payment. PayPal allows buyers to use their PayPal account, bank account, or credit card to make a purchase. Most Ebay auctions offer Paypal, so yours should, too.
On Ebay, sellers have to compete against many other sellers hawking the same wares. If one seller has well-organized information and a good photograph of their item, they will draw the most views and bids. Don’t run buyers off with a hard-to-read listing. Employ these simple tips instead to make sure your auction gets seen on Ebay.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)