Show me the MONEY!
Posted by Mywhateversource.com on THURSDAY February 11, 2010
Just when I was ready to tear my hair out from an ebay overload, I got these amazing tips from a
great friend of mine. The advice saved my insanity. here are a few hints on what to do on ebay.
Maximize your title. Include key words buyers are most likely to search for (like brand names or
NEW), and always check the spelling. Use each of the 55 characters you are allotted wisely; don't
waste them on words like and or the.
A good description is concise, well organized and easy to read. You should include the item style
or model number, brand and estimated value when you can. Also, if the size is relevant (like
showing how big or small a toy piece is), use a quarter or a dollar bill in the photo for comparison's
sake so people can see what size the item actually is.
Share the real deal. Even if you think it'll lower your sale, note things that are wrong with your
item in the description. And include photos of the nicks or scrapes. That way, when the buyer
receives it, she won't be surprised and give you a negative feedback.
Clean it up. Toys that are easy to clean will sell better than those that build up dirt, grime, and
germs. Before you photograph and place a used toy for sale, give it a thorough scrub down.
Check your e-mail 24/7. When someone asks you a question via e-mail, respond quickly an
honestly. If you seem trustworthy, people are more likely to buy from you. (Confession: I turned
into a full-blown eBay addict-going on line at 1am, one Saturday to answer potential buyers'
questions. I couldn't suppress the panicky thoughts of "Must avoid negative feedback".
Pay attention to categories and prices. Check out other items just like yours and see where
they're listed. Putting them in the right category-for example, making the distinction between
"Dress Shoes" and "Athletic Shoes"-will ensure you've got the right eyeballs on your goods. Once
you find the item, check out how it's priced, assess whether yours is in the same condition,
then price accordingly.
Don't forget the fees. eBay charges a small fee ($.10 to $4.80) to list your item-the cost
increases when you add several photos or choose multiple categories. Plus, if your item sells,
they'll take a commission which is usually between 4 and 8.75
percent of the final selling price. Don't worry: It's all easy to process if you set up a PayPal account
(basically, a middleman service that allows you to move money into and out of your bank or
credit-card account).
The SHIPPING Dilema!
Posted by Mywhateversource.com on THURSDAY February 11, 2010
Be Warned. There's no FedEx. Bummer. Though it's often a cheap option, FedEx is not an
official partner of eBay. So when you list your item, eBay will only give you the choice of USPS or
UPS for posting shipping charges.
Go for the flat rate. If your item fits in a flat-rate box or envelope, you can ship it anywhere(no
matter the weight)for one fixed price. The box cost nothing at the post office, and it's a
headache-free solution. Plus you can pay for and print out the shipping label online, and then just
stick it in your mailbox.
Add a handling fee. Increase your shipping costs slightly(up to $1.50)to cover your packing
materials, labels, and time (and any slight miscalculations you may have made). If you end up
overcharging by a lot, you can always give the winning bidder a partial refund.
Buy Delivery Confirmation. This add-on is only about $.50, and it proves your package was
sent and received(or not received).
Steer clear of oversize boxes. These are the most expensive to ship. And irregular-shaped
boxes will cost you even more.
Overestimate shipping time. Give a large window when you're letting a buyer know when they
will receive the item. That way, if something goes wrong, you've got a bit of a buffer.
