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I’m directing this article to those just starting their eBay Selling Venture.
Whether you’re selling books, DVDs, CDs, collectibles, or clothing, all things (except for eBooks and services) need to be mailed. And it’s the postage, handling fees, and mailing seem to cause a great deal of anxiety among new sellers.
You’ve heard the advice – don’t overcharge for shipping. That is excellent advice, indeed, as nothing turns off potential buyers like sellers who gouge you on the shipping costs. It’s also a lousy practice that can rack up bad feedback.
However, I will play Devil’s Advocate here and suggest that you don’t go overboard and give so much of a break on shipping that you’re chipping away at your profits. It’s good to remember the “hidden costs” of shipping: bubble wrap to secure your breakables, tape, shipping envelopes, boxes, etc. Then there’s the gas you put in your car to take all those trips to the post office.
You might think I’m being cheap, but if you added up all your eBay expenses for the year (as some did for their recent taxes), you might be shocked to see how all the packing materials and gas for your car added up and took a little chunk out of your eBay profits. And they do add up.
Some people are even more surprised to find they underestimated the weight of their packages, causing their profits to shrink even further.
How can you be fair to both you and your buyers?
1. Buy a scale. It may sound simple, but purchasing a scale can save you a bundle in shipping. If you’re just eyeballing the weight of the package, you can often guess too low and be in for quite a shock when you go to the post office and see the package will cost twice what you thought to ship.
2. Know the dimensions of your packaging before listing the item. Some packages cost more to ship because of their dimensions. Knowing the weight alone isn’t enough.
3. Offer the buyer a variety of shipping methods. Some prefer speedy delivery with Express mailing, while some prefer to save money with parcel post even though the wait is longer. When using parcel post or other slower ground shipping, it’s always a good idea to alert the buyer by email that it can take anywhere from 8 to 10 days.
4. Save yourself money whenever possible by using boxes that have been used. Most stores are happy to let you rummage through their old boxes and take some home with you. But, do remember to choose boxes that are presentable, secure and strong enough for your items. And, if you have breakables, don’t skimp on the bubble wrap.
5. Give yourself a small handling fee that will cover your expenses. Some sellers add on an additional $1 or $2 to the shipping fees for their handling fees (depending on the cost of the item and how much packaging you have to use). I really advocate doing this because your expenses will add up if you do a lot of selling on eBay. Be upfront with your buyers that you have a small handling fee so they can’t complain about it later.
Be fair to yourself and your buyer. This will keep you both happy in the long run.
How can providing exceptional customer service help establish credibility for sellers on eBay?
As one of the pioneers of e-commerce, eBay has long been a trusted platform for buying and selling goods online. Millions of people utilize this platform for various purposes, ranging from selling used items to building their entire business. However, getting started with selling on eBay can be challenging, particularly for newbies.
In this article, we offer five eBay selling tips for newbies to help them navigate through the process and increase their success rate.
1. Conduct Thorough Research
The first and most crucial step before listing any item for sale on eBay is to research the market. You need to understand both the demand and supply dynamics of the item you want to sell. Review your competition, including the product quality, pricing, and shipping costs. This information will help you determine the most attractive and profitable approach for selling your item.
2. Accurate Listing Description
When creating a listing for your product, it’s essential to ensure that the description is complete and accurate. A clear, concise description, accompanied by high-quality photos, can go a long way in attracting buyers. Moreover, using the right keywords in your title and item description makes it easier for potential customers to find your product.
3. Competitive Pricing
The price of your item is crucial in attracting buyers. You need to ensure that your pricing is competitive and reflective of the item’s value. It’s essential to avoid overpricing, as this can discourage potential buyers from making a purchase. You can review pricing of similar products to determine the most suitable price range.
4. Exceptional Customer Service
Good customer service is a vital component to succeed as an eBay seller. Providing exceptional service can ensure that your buyers are happy and satisfied, resulting in positive feedback and repeat purchases. Ensure that you respond promptly to customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly and professionally. Additionally, shipping your products as soon as possible and providing tracking information can help establish credibility.
5. Continuous Improvement
The e-commerce world is continually evolving, and it’s essential to keep up with the changing trends. Continuously improving your approach can help you stay ahead of the competition and increase your sales. You can regularly review your listings, pricing, and your customer service process to identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, selling on eBay can be a profitable venture, but requires dedication and hard work. By following these five tips, newbies can establish themselves as trusted sellers and grow their business on this platform. With consistency and commitment, you can become a successful eBay seller.
