I started my store as a result of being retrenched. I Took my hobby, to the next level, I needed an income, here was an opportunity to try on-line sales. Things have changed and my business has grown, but I don't expect I will employ anyone. I enjoy working at my own pace in my own time.

 

I have a couple of rules which I stick too like glue, the main one is: - never get into debt buying stock.

 

As for promoting: All my items are buy it now. When things slow down I package offcuts and seconds and auction them at very low start prices. This generates traffic to my store. Checking my traffic confirms that when running auctions, my traffic almost doubles. Sales don't always double, but you have to have folks in your store to sell, so I am happy with that.

 

I wouldn't drop ship, I know how many mistakes are made when I import items from OS, I wouldn't inflict that on my buyers. I like to have some control over stock, stock levels and quality, something which can be a bit problematical with drop shipping.

I started selling on ebay many years ago here in the UK, just my second hand clothes. I decided to start selling all year round after a couple of years and had great success as there were not that many sellers of plus size clothes in Aus, as the australian site grew I started to list more, and more until a few years ago I opened a store. I have stopped selling in the UK as I would have to work twice as hard for half the reward. I now make enough in 24 weeks in Aus to more than cover my airfare each year plus indulge my gadget buying lol.

None of my stock is bought from suppliers, I just buy retail when the sales are on and from a couple of UK stores who have very reasonable delivery costs to Aus and of course being a hoarder I have a loft full of used clothes here and bring 40kgs back with me every year lol.

Hi, I am not a big fan of drop shipping. I have trouble with postal services. I have just got back from Thailand and I have posted a few boxes of stock from there. I did all the paperwork myself so I know it was done right it has full tracking and my stock arrived today in Russia and it is currently in Russian customs. I am in Brisbane
Thank god I insured this.
With drop shipping you have even less control then this.
To create more sales you will need more items to sell, why don't you have a look around your house and see if you have any thing to sell.
Good luck with it all eBay is a great way to make money And these boards are a great way to get advice and to keep up with all the changes.
Cheers W

I'm interested in a US store too but as I can't set up a US ID from here in Australia on ebay, how can I set up and run a US store? Just need some info about that if anyone can help.

Thanks,

I'm interested in a US store too but as I can't set up a US ID from here in Australia on ebay, how can I set up and run a US store? Just need some info about that if anyone can help. Thanks,

first up you will need a US Bank account... not easy to do it you are a non-resident

Yes I have a US bank account as I lived there for several years and the Bank were quite happy for me to retain my account with them when I was returning to Aus. So what else? It's ebays system of not being able to have a US ID that it seems would make it problematic to opening a US Store as I haven't got a US address.

I'd have to agree with you on that one. Plus, I think Positive Feedback helps. If buyers can feel safe purchasing with you, then there's quite likely a sale right there, subsequently there is the potential of repeat business, then a little word of mouth between users, positive feeback is then left for you, which is then visible to more potential buyers. Full circle - eBay-style 🙂

Represent your items accurately, honour your promises & if by some chance you cannot, inform the customer and offer them choices that you will support, whichever they may choose.

Letting the customer know they are a priority and it is their satisfaction; not the profit, nor the feedback that is of the highest importance, is always reassuring to the buyer. After all, where would sellers be without their customers?

Mind you, sellers sometimes can bend over backwards and unfortunately, they'll still get that unreasonable buyer. Honest trading is to the seller's advantage, as well as the buyer's. Seller's who cover their bases will have a greater 'leg to stand on' if they encounter untrue comments that accompany negative feedback, but that's an entirely different subject.

Ultimately: COMPETITIVE PRICES - QUALITY ITEMS - HONEST DEALINGS

Yes I have a US bank account as I lived there for several years and the Bank were quite happy for me to retain my account with them when I was returning to Aus. So what else? It's ebays system of not being able to have a US ID that it seems would make it problematic to opening a US Store as I haven't got a US address.

Um,  it looks like you can use a PO box,  but of course you would have to pay for that,  but i think its low like 100 bux a year.    It doesnt seem like they really pay attention to the address at all,  I mean I guess it has to match up with your paypal address but I have linked my paypal account to all different address' in canada and in Australia,  so who knows.

To have an ebay account that is registered in the US you would have to have a US telephone number.

I thought you could be registered on the Aus site and open a store on the US site.

Five of the most important things, when listing your items, is one - keep it simple - flashy backgrounds and busy pages are more of a distraction than an attractive buying option; two - do your homework - the title is imperative to buyers finding your items so work out who your competition is, what wording they use to get on front page, and what prices you are competing with for the same or similar items here in Australia; three - don't be discouraged by international competition - there are still plenty of buyers in Australia that will ONLY buy from Australian sellers; four - describe your items as accurately as possible but short and sweet. Be sure to include dimensions, if necessary, volume, features, etc, but keep it direct and the wording easy to understand; five - think about your marketing - what makes you different to other sellers of similar items and why should buyers purchase from you.  This is a great opening line for your item description pages and can be varied to suit each individual listing.  When your sales increase or you begin to list multiple items, a store is definitely a more cost effective option but until then... baby steps.

 

I think it's great ebay offers courses but believe forums like this, speaking to people living the issues, is a great option for help to get answers and 'food for thought'.   Hope something in here helps you.  🙂 healthwise2011