eBay Essentials: Tips for New Sellers
- thelistedlife
- Aug 12, 2024
- 3 min read
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Getting Started
So, you want to sell stuff on eBay? Awesome! This blog post will go beyond the typical- find your item, photograph your item, list your item etc. as there are many other excellent resources out there that go into all of this in great detail! What you'll find here are eBay specific considerations and tips to successfully showcase your items.
Decide How You Want to Sell
Once your listing is drafted and looking sharp, you'll want to choose how to sell your item.
Fixed Price (Buy It Now): Set a price and let buyers purchase immediately. This is great for popular or high-demand items.
Pros: Quick sales, no waiting for bids
Cons: Might miss out on potential higher bids
Auction: Set a starting price and let buyers compete.
Pros: Potential for higher sales, creates excitement and urgency
Cons: Risk of not selling, extra fee if you want to change to duration of your bid timeframe
Building a Good Reputation
People love to buy from sellers they trust. Want to look like an expert to your eBay customers? Start by becoming one yourself! Buy a few things on eBay. It might sound weird, but trust me, it works. When you buy something and receive positive feedback, eBay starts to see you as a legit buyer and seller. Plus, it helps you understand how the platform works from a buyer's point of view. Think of it as leveling up your eBay game.
Shipping Your Items
Be nice to your buyers and always ship their stuff quickly. If you state 2-day handling time, be sure to get that item out within 2 days!
Check out my blog Shipping Like a Pro: Must Have Supplies for Effortless Reselling for all my essentials for getting my orders out!
Honesty is The Best Policy
Be upfront about your item's condition. Detailed descriptions and clear photos are your best bet. Mention any flaws or imperfections, no matter how small. Remember, honesty builds trust. If something goes wrong, owning up to it can save you from negative feedback. Sometimes, a happy customer is worth more than that quick sale.
eBay Extras
eBay has some cool tools to help you sell more. You can offer people the chance to make lower offers, or you can buy a little advertisement to get your item in front of more eyes.
There's also an eBay Store subscription which is essentially a paid upgrade for your eBay selling account. For a monthly fee, you gain access to several perks that can help boost your sales and professional image. These perks often include:
More free listings: You can list more items without incurring additional fees.
Lower final value fees: You'll pay less in fees for each item sold.
Store customization options: You can personalize your store's appearance with your own branding.
Advanced selling tools: Access to features like analytics and promotions.
Shipping Supplies Discount: Every quarter receive a coupon to use to purchase eBay branded shipping supplies. Check out some of those polymailers in my Instagram Reel
Essentially, an eBay Store can help you stand out from other sellers and give your business a more professional look.
Starting on eBay can seem daunting but keep it simple at first, then expand, learn as you go and have fun!
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