| As we look at eBay (and the other online sites) if I | | | | process is going. Thank them for buying, thank them |
| was able to show you where they were 10 years ago | | | | for payment, and tell them the item has been shipped. |
| would be a far cry from where they are today. Even | | | | Do not over charge on the postage, this will harm your |
| if we went back 12 months you would not recognize | | | | business and eBay will find you out if you over charge, |
| the sites. And if you looked at the back office | | | | and will tell you off. |
| workings it would be a different world. | | | | Step Three - Feedback, I always leave feedback |
| So how can we as sellers stay on top of our game, | | | | straight after the customer has bought. I think this is |
| and still make a profit. Many people are saying sites | | | | fair, as they have bought off me and they have paid |
| like eBay no longer work, my answer is yes they do | | | | prompt, so they deserve the feedback straight away. |
| work but we need to look at them and treat them in a | | | | Now I know some sellers only leave it after they been |
| different way from what we have done in the past. | | | | left it. No one way is right or wrong, but for me I have |
| And also to look around and start to use other selling | | | | found leaving it as soon as the customer has paid |
| platforms to market our products. | | | | works. |
| Step One to stay ahead of the game - Sell good | | | | Step Four - Package up your items well, and use clean |
| quality items and sell at sensible prices that reflect the | | | | and new packing materials, and when you do have to |
| product. Look around and source products that your | | | | use old boxes make sure that they are strong and will |
| niche or market are wanting and can afford, this is not | | | | last going through the postal system. I always put a |
| always what you want to sell, but hey they are the | | | | Thank You card in my package it just looks good and |
| buyers, they have the money and they pay your bills, | | | | makes the customer feel special. Another idea I have |
| so listen to them and sell and stock what they want. | | | | used if the item profit allows it, is to add an extra little |
| In this stage I do want to say, do not under cut people, | | | | gift. Also on the Thank You card I do mention about |
| yes by all means have a sale, but why undercut | | | | feedback and how to leave it, and also if they do have |
| everyone on eBay you will just get a bad name for | | | | a problem with the item to email first to sort it out. Hold |
| yourself and not make any money as I can tell you, | | | | the customer by the hand as there are still a lot of |
| there will be a few big boys or girls out there who can | | | | new buyers out there. |
| afford to way undercut you and drive you out of | | | | Step Five - Have an eBay newsletter and an about |
| business and also spoil the product for everyone. | | | | me page and keep these up to date, your customers |
| Step Two - Once your item has sold, where possible | | | | will love it, keep coming back and will also recommend |
| ship on time and ship the same day. On my store I | | | | you to their families and also to their friends. |
| have a 2 day handling process, I do not normally go | | | | I hope these five small steps will help you with your |
| those 2 days, I ship the same day, and if it is in the | | | | eBay business and will allow you to stay fresh and |
| same country my customer get the item the next day. | | | | stay ahead of the pack. Good luck and stay focused |
| Also keep the customer up to date with how the | | | | and do not let others tell you eBay no longer works. |