eBay Best Practices

Did you know that you can access tons of FREE information on eBay that will help you jump start your sales on eBay and give you insight that can help you understand the eBay online marketplace?

If you are new to eBay, I strongly suggest that you take a look at the information provided on the following link:

http://pages.ebay.com/sellercentral/bestpractices.html

Here's an excerpt from the site that will get you started:

Selling is a snap when you're armed with time-tested strategies for success. Follow these simple best practices used by eBay's most successful sellers and watch your sales soar!

Research Before you list your item, check to see what comparable items have sold for by searching completed listings-it's easy!

Pricing A high opening bid can "choke" bidding on your item. Setting a reserve price can often have the same negative effect. Learn strategies to maximize profit and limit risk.

Selling Formats Discover strategies for using auction vs. fixed price listings and choose the right selling format for your items.

Merchandise Maximize your sales through effective merchandising. A savvy title, well-written description, and clear photos can make a world of difference and give your item the edge!

Promotional Tools Learn how to maximize exposure with eBay's listing upgrades and advertising programs.

Packing & Shipping The right shipping solutions can help you save time and money. Learn how to select a shipping service, calculate shipping costs, pack your item, and track a package.

Buyer Confidence Offer customer-friendly policies that make it easy for buyers to purchase your items and encourage repeat business.

Feedback Learn why seller feedback is the cornerstone of the community.

Sell Free Items For High eBay Profits!

All eBay sellers will tell you that it's their goal to sell items on a repetitive basis that cost them little or nothing and bring in a decent profit after the fees are paid and the positive feedback is in.

How can you do that? It's easy! Find an item, or items that don't cost you upfront money and start selling!

Here's an example. I sell two items on eBay that fit the criteria - Japanese Maple Seedlings and Custom Initialed Cocoa Door Mats. http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=treasureholic1

I have a local source for the maples and they don't cost me a dime. I dig them up to order and ship them bare root USPS Priority Mail. No cost in the transaction but my time and some simple packaging.

The door mats are made here in South Carolina. The first thing that I did was research the company and review the products. When selling on eBay, it's best to find a unique product that only you sell. If you have exclusivity, it increases your ability to make more profit and ensures that ten other sellers won't be doing their best to under cut your price.

I found a mat that was unique to the eBay market. At that point I called the Director of Sales and asked him for the opportunity to set up a distributorship for the mats. It was simple, I provided minimal financial information and set up a house account.

When I sell one, I send the manufacturer an email with my buyer's shipping information. The factory custom makes the mat, ships it to my customer and bills me net 30.

All I do is pass the paperwork and don't handle the item at all. It's a great way to sell on eBay!

I hope this helps you find items that you can sell in a similar manner! Please email me and let me know who it works for you! treasureholic@gmail