Being an eBay seller is a lot of responsibility. If you feel like you’re not doing everything you should be, then this simple checklist will help you keep on top of things.
Have you found out everything you possibly could about your items? Try typing their names into Google — you might learn something you didn’t know. If you find competition, then provide more information about your product than they do.
Do you monitor your competition? Always keep an eye on how items similar to yours are selling and what prices they’re being sold for. There’s little point in starting a fixed price auction for $100 when someone else is selling the item for $90.
Do you have pictures of your items? It’s worth the time to photograph your items. If you’re serious about selling on eBay but don’t have a camera, then invest in one immediately.
Do you email your sellers? Take the time to send a brief email when transactions go through. It can be a simple “Thank you for buying my item, please let me know when you have sent the payment.” Follow up with “Thanks for your payment, I have shipped your [item name] today.” You’ll be surprised how many problems you will avoid just by communicating with your customers.
Are you checking your email? Remember that potential buyers will send you email about anything at any time. If you don’t answer these emails, you will send them elsewhere to buy.
Does your item description page have everything that buyers need to know? If you’re planning to offer international delivery, then make a list of the international charges and display it on each auction you list. If you have any special terms and conditions, like refunds, then make sure these are displayed too.
Do you package your items correctly? Your packaging should be professional and make a good first impression. Use appropriately sized envelopes or boxes, wrap the item in bubble wrap to prevent damage, and print labels instead of hand-writing addresses. Always use first class post — don’t be cheap.
Do you follow up? Over deliver by sending an email a few days after you ship an item, saying “Is everything alright with your purchase? I hope you received it and it was as you expected.” This may sound like you’re giving the customer an opportunity to complain, but you should be trying to help your customers and gain valuable feedback, not just taking their money and running.
Being a good eBay seller is about providing honest and competent customer service. This is the absolute best way to protect your reputation. Very soon, we’ll discuss eBay feedback in detail.