If you've ever tried, you probably know - you don't need an advanced degree to sell stuff on eBay. The challenging part is getting people to buy. There are several rivals in the marketplace, plus product prices can be cut-throat and there are fees associated with listings - whether or not items get sold.
From my own experience selling on eBay, I've discovered some quick-to-implement ideas that make it easier for me to get buyers - and also help me attract more potential buyers, which results in increasing the selling price. Taking advantage of these same tactics, you can make more money with your very next listing.
Let's get started. Follow steps 1-9 below:
1. Specific Titles Work Best
By this I mean brand names, colors, abbreviations, size, model numbers and on and on. Since the allocated space contains a specified number of characters, we must select the title that contains the best keywords. Most of the time, additional keywords give a competitive advantage, because this offers buyers more ways to stumble across your product.
2. Include a Variety of Photographs of Your Product
Pictures you want to include will of course depend on the product you are selling. Good pictures often are multiple displays of the piece being sold not to mention ones that zoom in on special features. Many times it's a good idea to provide verification of a brand new product or brand-name item with a photo.
When taking photos, take into account questions that shoppers may think of, and which ways images can assist in answering those concerns. The more concerns you can answer - and trust you can develop by way of your eBay sales page - the more buyers you are likely to attract.
3. Provide Multiple Payment Plans
Today's shoppers want choices, and they don't want to be told what to do. Numerous payment choices is a really easy way to increase the group of people who make offers on items you have for sale. More bidders in most cases results in increased activity and a bidding frenzy.
4. Keep Shipping Low - or Free
Costly product shipping rates can be a turn off to customers - and inexpensive products with expensive shipping charges don't encourage buyers. Unless merchandise is large, high mailing charges are not usually necessary.
Give the normal and least expensive rate you can go with, letting buyers decide whether to pay extra for faster delivery if they prefer. No-charge shipping is another simple way to attract extra people who will bid. Visitors will pay more for an item at a time when they understand that they do not have any extra fees to cover.
5. Accept Customer Returns (When Possible)
In many cases, shoppers won't request a refund for items they buy unless it's definitely horrid. Put yourself in their shoes - it's not convenient to take back purchases. So keep in mind, making bidders aware up front that they can return a product instills their trust in you instantly. It offers them an extra excuse they should do business with you.
6. Keep Your eBay Feedback Rating at 100% Positive
This factor may seem self-evident, but the strange thing is that numerous folks don't remember to post their comments. They frustrate sellers who have worked hard at closing a positive sale.
There is a simple two-step quick-fix to increase the communication you get.
First, when bidding has ended and a person has purchased the merchandise, email your customer. Make him/her aware of when the product will be mailed and when he should expect to receive the merchandise. Include a brief message that you would greatly appreciate feedback when he receives the merchandise.
Second, when you think the buyer should have received the piece, send him a reminder note. Remind him that you wanted to be sure that he got the order and to call you if he has concerns. Briefly state that you'd appreciate his feedback. Then place a link or details on adding comments.
Make it easy to leave feedback, and these reminders should keep your positive feedback growing. This tactic works simple because in most circumstances, customers don't provide comments because they forget or they don't know how.
7. Add a Detailed Run-Down of the Product
Specific details are advantageous in an auction. Some buyers are looking for extra information while other people don't, so it doesn't hurt to paste as much information as you can in an easy-to-skim layout. Use bullet points and feature necessary details for people who skim over the description.
Another critical reason for why you should write a lengthy write-up is to help your product get located by as many shoppers as possible. When customers wade through products on eBay, you never know which search words they will type. Thus, the more labels you insert on your sales page that describe the item, the more likely searchers are to locate your page.
8. Keep the Starting Bid at a Minimum
Shoppers think of eBay when they want a deal. You don't want to list items at a small discount - give shopper a special that will get their attention. The lower you start your bidding, the greater number of bidders you will attract. And so, we all know what happens next.
9. Select Your Auction End Time Wisely
When you place your item listing, check that your auction won't end at a time when most potential buyers are busy or sleeping. Interestingly, I have obtained several highly discounted purchases (on the buying side) on items where the auction ending was late on a Saturday. Seemed like other bidders was not on eBay because people had other plans on a Saturday night...
From my own experience selling on eBay, I've discovered some quick-to-implement ideas that make it easier for me to get buyers - and also help me attract more potential buyers, which results in increasing the selling price. Taking advantage of these same tactics, you can make more money with your very next listing.
Let's get started. Follow steps 1-9 below:
1. Specific Titles Work Best
By this I mean brand names, colors, abbreviations, size, model numbers and on and on. Since the allocated space contains a specified number of characters, we must select the title that contains the best keywords. Most of the time, additional keywords give a competitive advantage, because this offers buyers more ways to stumble across your product.
2. Include a Variety of Photographs of Your Product
Pictures you want to include will of course depend on the product you are selling. Good pictures often are multiple displays of the piece being sold not to mention ones that zoom in on special features. Many times it's a good idea to provide verification of a brand new product or brand-name item with a photo.
When taking photos, take into account questions that shoppers may think of, and which ways images can assist in answering those concerns. The more concerns you can answer - and trust you can develop by way of your eBay sales page - the more buyers you are likely to attract.
3. Provide Multiple Payment Plans
Today's shoppers want choices, and they don't want to be told what to do. Numerous payment choices is a really easy way to increase the group of people who make offers on items you have for sale. More bidders in most cases results in increased activity and a bidding frenzy.
4. Keep Shipping Low - or Free
Costly product shipping rates can be a turn off to customers - and inexpensive products with expensive shipping charges don't encourage buyers. Unless merchandise is large, high mailing charges are not usually necessary.
Give the normal and least expensive rate you can go with, letting buyers decide whether to pay extra for faster delivery if they prefer. No-charge shipping is another simple way to attract extra people who will bid. Visitors will pay more for an item at a time when they understand that they do not have any extra fees to cover.
5. Accept Customer Returns (When Possible)
In many cases, shoppers won't request a refund for items they buy unless it's definitely horrid. Put yourself in their shoes - it's not convenient to take back purchases. So keep in mind, making bidders aware up front that they can return a product instills their trust in you instantly. It offers them an extra excuse they should do business with you.
6. Keep Your eBay Feedback Rating at 100% Positive
This factor may seem self-evident, but the strange thing is that numerous folks don't remember to post their comments. They frustrate sellers who have worked hard at closing a positive sale.
There is a simple two-step quick-fix to increase the communication you get.
First, when bidding has ended and a person has purchased the merchandise, email your customer. Make him/her aware of when the product will be mailed and when he should expect to receive the merchandise. Include a brief message that you would greatly appreciate feedback when he receives the merchandise.
Second, when you think the buyer should have received the piece, send him a reminder note. Remind him that you wanted to be sure that he got the order and to call you if he has concerns. Briefly state that you'd appreciate his feedback. Then place a link or details on adding comments.
Make it easy to leave feedback, and these reminders should keep your positive feedback growing. This tactic works simple because in most circumstances, customers don't provide comments because they forget or they don't know how.
7. Add a Detailed Run-Down of the Product
Specific details are advantageous in an auction. Some buyers are looking for extra information while other people don't, so it doesn't hurt to paste as much information as you can in an easy-to-skim layout. Use bullet points and feature necessary details for people who skim over the description.
Another critical reason for why you should write a lengthy write-up is to help your product get located by as many shoppers as possible. When customers wade through products on eBay, you never know which search words they will type. Thus, the more labels you insert on your sales page that describe the item, the more likely searchers are to locate your page.
8. Keep the Starting Bid at a Minimum
Shoppers think of eBay when they want a deal. You don't want to list items at a small discount - give shopper a special that will get their attention. The lower you start your bidding, the greater number of bidders you will attract. And so, we all know what happens next.
9. Select Your Auction End Time Wisely
When you place your item listing, check that your auction won't end at a time when most potential buyers are busy or sleeping. Interestingly, I have obtained several highly discounted purchases (on the buying side) on items where the auction ending was late on a Saturday. Seemed like other bidders was not on eBay because people had other plans on a Saturday night...
About the Author:
Bob Garrett researches small businesses for Home Business Center, Inc.. If you're looking to find out more about how you can start an eBay business from home, Home Business Center has some great tips on getting started.
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