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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

kagalive1985
Community Member

Hi Guys,

I'm out of full-time work due to a chronic disability so I thought I might start an E-Bay store.

I'm mostly listing books, DVDs, Video Games and a few bits and pieces.

I was just wondering if anyone has some tips on getting my store off the ground, driving customers, generating sales etc?

Would you recommend free postage or a separate postage costs?



Warm Regards,
Kagalive

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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

I think your best off having a look at what others are doing with the listings in the chosen category.


 


Most people realise that it is not really free postage. It may upgade the rating though (does anyone actually know how ebays rating system work??)


 


I find most orders for a listing happen between the week before and week after a listing is created or extended (I use good till cancel : 30 days). Having something ending all the time is good I find.


 


List multiple items in the same listings.


 


Look into how you are going to package and post as I found this to be the hardest thing to get right. Buy packaging and post material (stamps even at below face value) in bulk to save money. I would buy a spung to moisten the stamps though.


 


Most DVDs and maybe some books can be sent as a large letter with Australai Post I believe.


 


Some buyers seems to think it is ok to commit fraud, and assume because paypal have a buyer protection policy that it is OK. On the flipside sellers seem to think that paypal actually have a seller protection policy.


 


Dont take any BS from paypal or ebay, we live in Australia


 


 

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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

kagalive1985
Community Member

Thanks heaps for the info... I'll definitely research posting rates and keep my eyes on any 'dodgy' buyers activity levels.



I am also using good till cancel: 30 day format for my listings.

Just wondering if I should switch my items to auction format, the listing fees are significantly higher but I'm curious about the increased exposure...

I also learned featured listings and subtitles are a good way to throw my profits down the drain. (Way over-priced imho).



Thanks again,
Namaste,
- Kaga

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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

A couple of auctions running here and there, or ending at peak times every day or so can help get traffic to your listings and store, but I would keep the majority of stock as BINs. Not too many buyers have the patience for auctions these days, and while very popular items can still do well, ma lot of auctions these days are lucky to get a bid (even with start prices well below value). 



Stock photos are ok as the galler picture, but I highly recommend having a scan or photo of the actual item for sale both in the gallery and listing. People like to see the item they'll be buying, especially when it's something like a secondhand book. 



I'd also suggest larger font for your description text, my personal opinion is that pictures and description of the item for sale should dominate the listing page, not things like Terms of Sale.



Consider grading components of your items that other seller's don't, as it can help to increase buyer confidence in the product, as well as help to avoid any issues where the buyer is surprised / disappointed about something (it may seem over the top, but I often grade the case and the insert with things like pre-owned DVDs, CDs etc, and of course making a note of any noticeable flaws, even if just a barely visible crease at a corner (you never know when a customer is a finicky collector ๐Ÿ˜‰ ).



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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

Get a slider from Australia Post - this way so you can make sure your book or dvd slides through ok in the 2cm gap. Sometimes you might neeed to 'pop a few bubbles' to get a DVD through ok



Free postage is a big no no if you have a $2 item that has be sent as parcel rates. For $8.60, your fees will gobble up any profit. i only use Free Postage when I can make the same profit if i dont use it



As for padded envelopes - buy in bulk! some sellers on eBay are way cheaper to buy from in bulk than if you but in bulk at the Post Office, some also offer free registered postage to you

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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

Try to do a good description as well. If you list a DVD, write in what the DVD is about - this way the potential buyer can read about it (some larger sellers dont do this). Do the same for CD's - When I look for CD's I like to know what songs are on it or I wont buy it, especially when I am after a certain song ๐Ÿ™‚

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Newbie Ebay Seller Tip Request

kagalive1985
Community Member

Thanks for the tips! - I'll be sure to implement them in my future listings.

Hope all is well,
Namaste,
- Kaga ๐Ÿ™‚

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