25 amazing tips to help you sell more effectively via eBay
More and more businesses are turning to eBay as a base for selling items. It offers a huge marketplace to benefit from, giving your products incredible exposure, without the hassle of an in-built webstore on an internet page.
However, if you’re not used to eBay or have previously tried and failed to sell on the online auction site, you might be put off from using it. Don’t give up, though, as it’s perhaps easier than you think.
Here are some useful hints and tips get those items sold.
1) Buy before you sell
Expert in eCommerce, Veeqo offers the first tip, suggesting that before you sell, you should buy first. It seems strangely counterintuitive, but it’s actually a very valid point. Obviously, you won’t have a good reputation as a seller straight away, so buy some items first and earn a solid eBay reputation. This will mean buyers are likely to trust you more when it comes to selling.
2) Download the eBay app
Of course, you might not be at your computer when an auction is taking place, or you might want to make quick changes to a listed item even when you are away from the laptop. Having the eBay app on your phone ensures you can keep up with everything on the go, meaning you can answer customer questions, fix an error on a listing, or track a sale as it is happening.
3) Visit similar sellers
If you’re just starting a little business and you’re using eBay as your market stall, see what other similar sellers are up to for some inspiration about what works well.
4) Remember eBay perks
The auction site allows you to list 20 items for free every month, although eBay will take a cut of the sale price, including postage and packaging. Remember to use your allocation! In addition to your 20 free listings, eBay often hosts a “free listings weekend” that you can use to your advantage. Keep a sharp eye out for the dates of these.
5) Keep up with trends
Being ahead of the game when it comes to trends and fashion is essential when it comes to selling. Remember to make a big deal of items that are currently in vogue when you list them.
6) Use keywords and detailed descriptions
A key tip for selling stuff that’s currently popular in the consumer market is to really sell the item in the description. Don’t just give the bare minimum details. For example, if you’re selling jeans, list the brand, style, colour, unique features, size, shape and any other tiny details that will increase search value and match exactly to your target market.
7) Learn the eBay language
Of course, experienced sellers and buyers will be well versed in some of the eBay acronyms, such as VTG: Vintage, BN: Brand New, and BNIB: Brand New In Box. To look like an expert seller, why not slip a couple of these into the item summary.
8) Keep your finger on the pulse
To see what’s currently trending on eBay, the Goofbid tool will show you some of the most popular search terms being used. Don’t fall behind the times.
9) Pictures say a thousand words
When uploading products to sell, a couple of great, high-quality photos are sure to make your items look more appealing, thus increasing sales potential. Poor and unclear images will certainly put buyers off.
10)Watch the clock
Be sure to check when the best selling times are for top success. Don’t have your auctions ending at crazy hours in the morning, or too late at night. But remember to be mindful of your audience, as customers in other countries will be shopping at different times.
11) Increase your audience
The auction site presents a great opportunity to sell to a massive audience, so why not take advantage of it? Think global, not local.
12) Seasons of change
Remember the time of the year you are selling too. For example, if it’s clothes you are selling, you might get fewer buyers for a pair of shorts in winter!
13) Expand your auction time
Keep your auctions going for as long as possible for maximum exposure to customers. A 10-day list is highly advised.
14) Use a Turbo Lister
If you have a number of items to sell, it can be irritating when you have to list them one at a time when you want to stagger out the auctions. Or you might want to upload many items at once for a more professional looking listing. A Turbo Lister is a great tool to use and is approved by eBay, so you know it will be perfect.
15) Think about what the customer would want to see
When you list your items, think about what you’d like to see if you were the customer. Be sure to include essential information and make the post as professional as possible.
16) Pretty packages
It’s not just about the first sale - it’s vital to keep your customers wanting more. An attractive package on delivery is sure to keep a customer’s attention.
17) Use social media
Advertise your item on as many social media platforms as possible. It’s free exposure - but be sure to use keywords in your posts to increase its visibility.
18) Don’t ignore PayPal
You might be put off using PayPal due to the charges, but the truth is it increases sales, as it’s an easy form of payment for customers. Take advantage of its benefits.
19) Ratings are everything
Having ratings on show can help boost sales, but of course it won’t do any good if your percentage value is low. Be sure to keep your buyers as happy as possible.
20) Be friendly to customers
A high rating can be helped by great customer service. Just because your sales are online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t focus on making a customer smile. Be polite, courteous and helpful.
21) Price fairly
Your items might be great, but if they aren’t listed at a favourable price (including postage and packaging) they aren’t going to go anywhere.
22) Reserves
Always remember to put a reserve on your item if you are putting it up for auction. You don’t want to let an expensive item go for a couple of quid.
23) Buy-it-nows
Sometimes customers are more likely to buy items that are listed as “Buy it now”, due to the effort it takes to keep up-to-date with auctions. Keep a variety of sales types in your list.
24) Postage prices
Be sure to price the postage of your items as appropriate. With too high a price, you could lose customers. With too low, you could lose money.
