There are other options to selling items on the Internet other than eBay

Some sellers of goods have been using eBay with great success.  There are, however, sellers who have “bones to pick” with eBay about how they operate, and their lack of help for sellers.  These issues can surely be debated for hours.  Each individual seller of goods will have to decide which forum or platform is best suited to their needs.

There are other platforms available to seller’s should they choose to use them.  There is no effort here to place any priority or emphasis one over the other.  We’re merely making known the availability of other resources for online sellers:

• Amazon.com
• ETSY.com
• Bonanzle.com
• Gazelle.com
• Craigslist.com

There are others, including some on a local basis, online sellers can use.  We invite you to look at each of these for the possibility of giving you additional options to sell your wares.  Again, these options are not given in any order of priority or favorite status, but simply as ideas and opportunities.

Another consideration is that some of these are new or start-ups in this area.  This could mean their exposure and customer draw could limited.  Like most all things we do for our business–research of our own should be foremost.

Competition is a good thing in most cases.  The fact eBay has some competition, and it has been there for them from the beginning, don’t sell them short (pardon the pun).  eBay still offers a great opportunity for individuals to market their wares to a broad geographic and demographic world.

Ideas to help lower the cost of shipping eBay items to customers

One of the major complaints offered by eBay customers is the cost of shipping which is added to the cost of successful bidders. When and where you can reduce or eliminate the shipping costs, you will be doing your customers and your eBay business a big service. Prime shipping services are the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Federal Express (FedEx) and United Parcel Service (UPS). Using one of these services will generally get your precious cargo to your customers quickly and at a reasonable cost–depending on your item. Here are some helpful tips to get you going (not listed in any order of preference):

Use First Class Mail

If shipping within the United States, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) offers reasonably good value and speedy service. For packages weighing less than 14 ounces (total weight including the packaging), First Class mail will get your items delivered in two to three days. Poly mailers are inexpensive and provide good protection for most small items.

Use Priority Mail

If shipping within the United States, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) offers reasonably good value and speedy service. For packages weighing more than 14 ounces (total weight including the packaging), Priority mail will get your items delivered in two to three days. Be sure to put fragile items in strong mailing boxes. The USPS have boxes available at no cost which work well for many items. Using Tyvek envelopes is an acceptable option for non-fragile items that will fit inside the envelope. The envelope is lighter in weight which helps reduce mailing cost. Weight and dimension (box size) have a factor in the cost of shipping. Use the smallest container possible, but don’t risk damage to your goods. Also, allow for, and use, adequate packing material like “poly foam peanuts” or “bubble wrap” (both very light weight) to buffer you item within the box.

Use Parcel Post when time is not a major factor

Again, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers a good value in shipping using their Parcel Post service. The cost is usually cheaper than First Class or Priority Mail, but generally takes a few more days for delivery (from 3 to 7 days). All of the items that pertain to both First Class and Priority noted above apply to Parcel Post as well.

Use Federal Express (FedEx)

Federal Express (FedEx) offers several shipping options. They can be faster and cheaper in some instances. You should check their services and charges from your area. The packing, size and weight issues for postal service will apply in some form with FedEx as well. They offer basic insurance of up to $100 for items shipped by them at no additional cost. This can be a nice feature. International shipping can be a challenge, but still a viable option as long as your buy is willing to cover the expense. You can use local “shipping service” stores to ship via FedEx.

Use United Parcel Service (UPS)

United Parcel Service (UPS), like Federal Express, offers several shipping options. They can be faster and cheaper in some instances. You should check their services and charges from your area. The packing, size and weight issues for postal service will apply in some form with FedEx as well. They offer basic insurance of up to $100 for items shipped by them at no additional cost. This can be a nice feature. International shipping can be a challenge, but still a viable option as long as your buy is willing to cover the expense. You can use local “shipping service” stores to ship via UPS.

Additional Helpful Information

Both UPS and FedEx provide online tracking of their packages.  This could be helpful at times.  The USPS, on the other hand, requires you to purchase separately confirmation which can be followed online as well.  This added expense is usually borne by the shipper rather than the customer.

All of these shipping services offer “home” pick-up, but may require a certain amount of consistent business to eliminate any cost for doing so.

The USPS offers several shipping helps: boxes, envelopes and shipping labels.

All of these services have online channels to help you in your shipping, including finding rates to various areas and payment online.  If you are a frequent shipper these added elements may be of significant benefit to you.

Also check our article “Packing and Shipping eBay Purchases”

We’ll make the the assumption you have already created a literary masterpiece, or you plan to do so shortly.  Either way, you are looking at how to best promote your eBook–we assume you want to earn something for your effort–so, you want to sell your work.  This can be a great way to add income you don’t already have, and publish information you possess that others would love to acquire or know more about.  Promoting or marketing (selling) your eBook  can be a part of your initial plans.  If so, this information should be helpful.

You need to consider these facets as you approach your marketing efforts:

Create a fact filled eBook
Develop a website to help promote your eBook offering(s) — a site specific to your subject is very helpful
Formulate a dynamic marketing plan
Provide ad copy that is focused on your subject, vibrant and forceful with reasons  for readers to want to have your offering
Provide a check-out, payment and delivery system which is simple to use

We’ll touch base on each of these facets with a little more information to assist you in your promotion and marketing efforts:

Create a fact filled eBook

With this facet we’ll make a simple assumption you have created your literary masterpiece–or soon will.  With this as a given, we’d only advise you to fill it with definitive facts.  This is what readers are looking for  . . . unless you’ve written a novel.  A novel needs to have a beginning and end with a road of reading to get you from the beginning to the end.

Be sure to have your work proof read by yourself and others to identify spelling and grammatical errors. Thank goodness for “spell checkers” as well as the grammatical guides offered with such text editing programs as Microsoft Word.

Develop a website to help promote your eBook offering(s) — a site specific to your subject is very helpful

This particular element is too broad to cover in this article.  We recommend you look at some of the many helpful programs and information found on the Internet to guide you in this step.  Having your own website has some specific advantages, however, control is the biggest.  If it’s yours, you can say and do what you feel is best, but we’d suggest listening to others for help. The use of templates can be most helpful, and a short cut method to providing you with a pleasing site for people to land on.

Utilization of search engine optimization is essential. You will be well served to do some research on this topic to be sure you maximize your opportunities on the Internet with the help of the search engine’s rankings.

Simple is helpful when promoting your eBook offering.  Your website should be equally void of too much glitz or flashiness.  Simple sites load quicker, and tend not to confuse readers with what you’re offering them.  The primary goal of your website is to draw the readers attention to what you are offering them in the way of information, and to get them to take action–buy your eBook.

Formulate a dynamic marketing plan

Having a marketing plan will help you focus your energies and resources on the areas that should provide you with the best and widest exposure to the market place.  Here are a few ideas to consider as you structure your marketing plan to help you along the way:

• Make Your eBook Offer A Website Landing Page - This landing page should be a page that provides basic information about your eBook subject matter.  Things to include on this page would be an eloquent and descriptive heading; a narrative  about what your book is about; an index list of chapters; testimonial quotes from satisfied readers–which may include comments and recommendations from noted individuals; a straight-forward review of benefits the reader should be able to gain; directions on how to buy your eBook (a “buy now” button).
• Provide  Free Sample Chapters - Give your potential buyers a taste of what they can expect from your eBook.  You may give them “teaser” pieces from more than one chapter.  Also, there is something tempting about getting something for “free.”
• Promote “Word of Mouth” Advertising- Your readers can be a great source of referrals.  Suggest to them that they share with friends the opportunity to get their own copy of your eBook.  Mention your book on social media outlets.  Where possible, have a review placed on other websites and blogs.
• Create A List – One of your greatest resources will be the creation of an “opt-in” list.  You can use this list to generate leads.  There will be no better group of people to share your advertising and hype with than those you already know are interested in what you offer.  This may have more importance for a “second” offering than for a first publication.
• Generate Honest Anticipation and Hype-  Utilize all of the mediums (social networks, blogs, etc.) to share what you are offering.  Ask for input and suggestions . . . this creates hype and curiosity from those who participate.  They may have worthwhile input to help strengthen your eBook’s content, and make it richer and more helpful.
• Obtain Reviews From Others - Ask other reputable websites and blogs to review your work.  If other readers like what your eBook offers, you can expect others to be equally satisfied.  You may want to offer a free copy of your book to other blogs and websites to review, but they should be highly-regarded sites and individuals to add to your books credibility.  As a last resort, if you have to, you can purchase reviews from websites and bloggers.  PayPerPost and ReviewMe are two such services-but this is not our prime recommendation.
• Pay Others to Refer Your eBook- “You can give a little to get a lot.”  Sharing in the rewards of successful referrals that culminate in a book sale may be a simple method of adding sales.  Providing an “affiliate” opportunity may be just the answer to get wide spread coverage of your eBook to interested readers.  You may want to read our article: Affiliate Marketing Primer.
• Advertise To Your Niche Market- Use the many online forums to advertise your eBook offering.  Direct your attention to those communities that are centered around your niche market.  Utilize links to your eBook’s landing page where possible.  If some expense needs to be incurred, consider what the potential return could be, and give it a test run.
• Price Your eBook Reasonably- Remember your general expenses to produce and market an eBook is not overly excessive–so don’t expect, or price, your book out of the reach of your target market.  Look to see what others are charging, and “be in the ball park.”  You can give your book away for free, but if you’re seeking income you need to charge for it.  You may well find that charging a modest price will result in more overall sales, and hopefully more net income to you.  If your offering is so dynamic and unique you may be able to suggest a much higher price.  You have to be the judge here, but you can price yourself out of the market if you aren’t careful.
• Offer A Course That Includes Your eBook- This gives you a double focus: training and selling.  Make your course viable, but simple, and rely on your eBook to really “teach” the course.
• Sell Direct Via Retail Sites- You can offer your eBook to readers using retail sites such as eBay, eBookMall, Amazon and Clickbank.

Here are some other articles on our website that could be of help to you.  You may want to review other articles on our site that likewise could assist you:

Creating An Internet Marketing Plan
Developing Marketing Strategies for Your Web Business
7 Critical Affiliate Marketing Product Promotion Mistakes to Avoid

Provide Ad Copy that is focused on your subject, vibrant and forceful with reasons for readers to want to have your offering

Writing vibrant attention getting ad copy is a real challenge even for the professionals.  Don’t feel disheartened if you find this part of your eBook publicity campaign exigent.  You are not alone in this thought-provoking responsibility.

Writing articles seems to be a breeze for many.  Articles are much easier in many respects because they are informational in their structure.  You generally have sufficient space to write a descriptive presentation about your subject matter.  Ad copy, by contrast, has limited space with which to “grab attention and make a call to action.”

Readers are looking for answers and solutions!  Your ad copy should answer a readers question, help them solve a problem, or fill a need–physical or emotional.  They have the need.  Your ad copy must tell them you have their solution in a succinct direct way.  Don’t be overly wordy, but say what you need to say–not more not less.  Tell them what there problem is . . . they’ll recognize it . . . give them your solution.  Sounds easy, right?

Too often we see ads that go overboard in their promise of help.  This is often referred to as “hype.”  Webster’s Collegiate New World Dictionary says hype is: “to put on: DECEIVE: increase: to promote or publicize extravagantly”.  The dictionary also says: “STIMULATE, ENLIVEN.”  You want to avoid the first definitions, but maximize the second definitions.  Deception will eventually kill your long term opportunity.  Your ad should provide positive affirmations and solutions.  Be truthful, but don’t over kill or emphasize what you say your offer will accomplish–say what you mean, but mean what you say.   If what you have to say isn’t true–don’t say it!!!

Your ad needs to stand out from the other ads marketing the same or similar product–eBooks.  They need to attract attention, but not be gaudy or overly glitzy.  The appearance of your ad matters . . . just don’t over do things.  The KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle applies here.  Using different sized fonts, capital letters, bold and color (read this article on the “feelings of various colors”). The judicious use of these elements can’t be over emphasized.  A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAYS!

Be sure you focus your ad on the reader and not on you.  Your helping them not the other way around.

Don’t forget to proof your ad for grammatical and spelling errors.  Look professional–be professional!!!

A review of what you need to create effective and grabbing ad copy:

State a need
Provide solutions or answers to the need
Be truthful, but modestly bold
Keep your copy short
Utilize fonts, capitals, bold and color judiciously
Focus the Ad on the reader

A sample ad copy might look something like this:

“DO YOUR EYES FEEL TIRED AFTER A DAY AT WORK? “Discover How to Relax Rest Your Eyes in Minutes.” ORDER MY BOOKLET – “10 Easy Steps to Removing Stress from Weary Eyes.” All you have to do to get started relieving your TIRED EYES is CLICK HERE NOW!“

Provide a check-out, payment and delivery system which is simple to use

You’ve got a reader committed to purchasing your eBook offering.  Now what?  Make placing the order and payment process as simple as possible.  Provide your customers with ease of purchase.  You’ll need a “check-out” or “shopping cart,” and be able to accept various forms of payment, including foreign currency.  IF YOU DON’T ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS YOUR MARKETING SUCCESS WILL BE HAMPERED!

Here are some links to shopping cart and payment services that can provide you with the help you need to be able to market your eBook online and get paid for it.  There is no order of preference in the listing.  We make to recommendation specifically because each eBooker’s needs are different.  We suggest and recommend you research any and all of these offerings (in addition to others you may find on the Internet).

Google Checkout
Clickbank
PayPal
ShopperPress
Total Merchant Services
QuickSales
Americart

The following are some simple, but important, sales tips from eBay’s Jim Griffith (eBay’s Senior Manager of Seller Advocacy).   These tips could be most helpful to you as you start a eBay business or want to expand or improve an existing eBay business.

Considering there are over 86 million eBay members who are actively engaged in e-commerce via eBay’s marketing platform, you can see there is plenty of competition out there.  This should in no way be a discouragement to you in your own quest for success.  What you need to do is be engaged in utilizing and maximizing the opportunities, features and functions eBay offers its members.

Here are some tips from Jim to help you understand and get involved with their online auction platform and business system: (These suggestions are more directed to the new eBay members, but has great relevance for those already involved.)

•  Do your due diligence.  “Before starting an eBay business, make sure you do extensive research on the market you are intending to enter, in the [auction] category you are intending to enter.”  This is critical.  Being in the wrong category can easily reduce your chances for sales.  We recommend you take the time to thoroughly review the “sellers” portal on eBay’s University Learning Center for more detail and instruction.
• Start slow and build inventory over time.   Piling up a large inventory with low sales is not a good use of precious capital.  You should keep sufficient inventory to meet the demand of the time.
• Take fulfillment seriously from the get-go.  “Your follow-through has to be good from the start.  You need to be able to ship fast and at a low cost.  Being overwhelmed by those responsibilities can be devastating for sellers, becasue it will almost certainly lead to low ratings.”   Creating as positive an experience for buyers as you possibly can is imparative for long term success.  Repeat customers and word of mouth advertising can become your life blood and reward for excellent service and quality products.
• “Never take your eyes off the marketplace.”  Know what is happening in the marketplace–especially with respect to your competition.  Be up to date on hot products that are selling, pricing, shipping costs and other relevant issues in the market in general–your specific market niche in particular.
• Keep abreast of changes to eBay policies, procedures and features.  These issues may have a significant impact on how you do your business.  They may require to adapt and make changes from time to time.  Visiting eBay University frequently will be helpful, as well as checking the “general announcements”  and “system announcements” page.
• Be reasonable about sales expectations.  Keep your goals in line with factors that you can control, and be aware of the impact of issues you can’t control like economic slowdowns.  If you keep your perspective on what you can do, and hope for the best, you most likely won’t be disappointed.

eBay Introduces Quality Click Pricing To Its Affiliate Partners As A Part of Their Commission Payment Re-vamp

This pay-per-click (PPC) or QCP (Quality Click Progam) program is eBay’s current method of rewarding their partner affiliates.  Their intent is to adequately reward partner affiliates with providing quality traffic to eBay.  The primary structure is to pay more for clicks that direct potential customers to, and who ultimately purchase, on eBay.  The more traffic sent to eBay, and the more completed sales transactions from these leads, the higher payout for the partner affiliate.

This is not a complicated commission pay-out model.  There are some who will benefit from it more than others, because of the level of quality leads (targeted traffic) and sales they direct to eBay.  This system will help eliminate those who simply sent traffic to eBay on a helter-skelter random basis–if something was sold they got a commission.  Those who relied soley on the lead to commission income from sales may not be as happy. 

So how does this program actually work?  The affiliate directs potential customers to eBay sites.  When a visitor clicks on an eBay link the affiliate is paid for directing the potential customer to eBay.  The actutal amount paid for this click is based on both a short term and long term pattern of traffic directed by the affiliate to eBay, and how many of those leads convert to an eBay sale–incremental revenue value. 

In essence eBay is paying affiliates to direct qualified traffic to them, and rewarding the affiliate with a performance payout.  The more traffic you send them, and the more this traffic buys through eBay, the higher the affiliate’s payout.

The angst with this new payment model is having to be more dedicated and focused on the quality of your site and pages at directing potential buyers to eBay.  Specific campaigns devoted to a focused or single product may prove to be more profitable.  This means a bit more work for some–those wishing to score higher payouts will work to make it happen.  Those affiliates who put in the effort to build their marketing and branding will be rewarded for their efforts.

What are the “quality” factors eBay is looking for?

• Both Short and Long term incremental value
• Increase of ACRUs (Active Confirmed Registered Users) coming from the website
• Traffic directed in the first few days, and those creating a longer term relationship,  which provides sales and revenue to eBay
• Targeted content that creates or inspires purchases on eBay
• Articles which instill buying action from site visitors linking to eBay

This appears to be a win-win proposition for both eBay and publishers who are willing to concentrate on providing eBay with quality leads and buyers.

Why do I need to worry about branding?   If you’re asking yourself this question you are missing a significant element in your success with Internet Marketing.  Your goal is to have your website become a household name.  You want to be the ”go to site” for those seeking what you offer.  Generating and creating loyalty from visitors and customers is paramount.  The rewards are well worth the effort. (more…)

Cartoon from www.wizardofdraw.com

You’ve done everything as well and as right as you can to get your precious wares sold.  When things go as planned there usually is no problem.  The buyer is happy.  They have received the item(s) they bid and paid for.  You have received payment and successfully shipped your merchandise.  So what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, from time to time, things do not go as originally planned.  The buyer fails to receive their item(s), or it arrives damaged (see our article on shipping and packing your sold items), or the item is not what was presented or posted on the eBay auction.  These are some of the reasons for a dispute arising between the buyer and the seller.  Non-payment is the biggest reason for sellers to have conern.  Either way, some resolution must take place.

If you haven’t already, we recommend you review eBay’s dispute resolution process.  Be fore warned, however, that eBay tends to side with the buyer–not the seller.  That doesn’t mean you can’t come to an amiable reconciliation, but the process can be nerve racking and tedious to say the least.  You need to understand this is, as much as we dislike it, a part of doing business.  Hopefully, you’ve done everthing humanly possible to satisfy your customer.  Statistics show the overwhelming majority of eBay transactions–thousand of them a day–are completed satisfactorily and without a hint of problem.

There are some eBay sellers who refuse to accept the affirmation that “the customer is always right.”  Oh, they may be wrong about your situation, but if you don’t square things amiably with them you loose.  They won’t likely be a repeat customer.  They will tell their friends and others, and you get a poor “feedback” posted for all eBay users to see.  Unless this is a high priced item, you may need to chalk it off to “lessons learned” and goodwill business.  “You may win the fight, but lose the war!”  It may be farsighted to lose one battle to stay in the fight (business).

Once a dispute takes place, forget the reason, the first thing that should take place is for the buyer and seller to communicate–by email or by phone.  Often, disputes can easily be resolved with being able to deal directly with the problem together.  The problem or dispute often is a party to misinformation or understanding.  In the case of missing or damaged goods, the seller needs to step up to the plate and make things as right as possible.

Should the communitcation break down between buyer and seller, and can’t be resolved mutually, the buyer has 60 days from the close of the auction or completed sale to report to eBay that a dispute exists.  You must wait a minimum of seven (7) days after the auction close before you can file an unpaid item dispute.  In the past disputes were handled by PayPal, but are now dealt with by eBay.

The seller has 10 days to respond or resolve the dispute, or the buyer can file a formal complaint with eBay Trust and Safety division.  If sellers pay for their item(s) using PayPal, they will be given a full refund should the dispute not be resolved.

Should the buyer return your item you then can have your final value fee refunded.  This can be significant at 8-12% of the closing bid price of your item.  When possible, you should take advantage of this opportunity to recoup some of your expenses.  The insertation fee along with any upgrade charges will not be refunded.

We hope you don’t have to go through this process–it’s not fun, but just the same, you are now a little better prepared to deal with it should it happen.

You’ve done all of the right things to get your item(s) sold on eBay. You’ve received payment. Now the responsibility is on your shoulders to get your sold item to your waiting customer.

RULE #1: Get your customer’s item(s) to them in the safest way,  and in the least expensive method.  Customers want the item–unbroken, and they don’t want to pay more than they need to get it there.

“Be penny wise” rather than “pound foolish.”  Don’t be one of those who try to use shipping and handling as a means of boosting your profit on sold items.

Rule #2: Don’t be skimpy on the packing material you use.  Ensure the box or container is sufficiently large enough to accommodate your customer’s item plus adequate packing cushioning to make certain their treasure arrives in tact and unbroken.  At least 2″ of packing on all sides of your item should give you the cushioning  needed to protect the item.  Delicate items may require a little more. The reason you want to be super sensitive to this important aspect of your business is because once you deliver your package to the shipper (USPS, FedEx, UPS or who ever) you no longer have control of the package, and you are at the mercy of their handling it to delivery.  Shipper’s concern for your package isn’t what you concern is.  Plan on your package being abused to some extent in the shipping process–not necessarily from workers trying to damage you goods, but from the number of moves the package will take and the equipment used to process it along. If you pack well you will have less worry too.

Using the label “FRAGILE” may give you some sense of comfort, but is seldom considered in the fast moving processing of shippers.  Not pointing fingers, but it may appear more as a “bulls-eye” than a warning of the need for special handling.

Given this warning, the responsibility is yours to make your package as safe as possible.

Rule #3: Depending on the item, and the method of shipping always try to include insurance on the package.  Most customers are willing to pay the small amount of cost associated with covering their precious cargo.  The more expensive the item, and the more delicate the item is, the more significant this rule becomes.

Methods and Materials Tips:

• Use clean unmarked strong cardboard boxes.  These boxes should be a free of external markings–previous shipping labels, company labels or printing. (You may have to wrap your package with “butcher paper” or clean brown paper to cover excessive box markings.) The cleaner the better (new if possible) eliminates potential confusion by shipping works and machinery.
  • When packing with used boxes be sure they have adequate strength to protect you item.  Check the “burst strength” rating found on the bottom of most boxes.
    • Used boxes can have their burst strength capacity altered by previous abuse.
    • Light boxes may be fine for trying to reduce shipping costs, but may be a poor choice for packing because they were used as interior boxes to segregate quantities in a larger package system.  Their integrity is usually suspect.
      • Lining an inferior box on all sides with sheets of Styrofoam board at least 1/2″ can add the needed strength–but not all of the required cushioning your container needs.  This material is light and durable versus additional cardboard which is durable, but weighty.
• Wrap your items in plastic (a silver anti-static bag for electronic items) to help protect them from the elements or liquid spills that can occur in the shipping process.
• Wrap or envelope your items in adequate additional cushioning packing material:
  • Bubble wrap (pink anti-static bubble wrap for electronic items) for at least one layer is a good beginning.
• Use a foam filler (with a layer on the bottom of your container before positioning your item in the box) to fill all void areas.  Packing peanuts are the most usable because of the fill ability and their crush strength.  When shipping electronic items use pink anti-static peanuts.
  • Ensure you have used enough filler to keep your item from moving around in your shipping container.  Movement makes your item susceptible to damage.
  • Avoid using paper (newspaper or shredded paper) or material with a low crush capability–these items usually will ad unwanted weight too.
• Use only a packing tape designed for that purpose only.  Scotch tape, masking tape and duct tape are not manufactured for this purpose and can fail during the shipping process.
• Use shipping envelopes for items that have little or no breakage potential.  Putting cloth items in plastic bags will help protect from liquid leakage.  Photograph and other flat items may require stiff backing to help protect them from being bent.  Of the packing options envelopes present the least amount of protection–but may still be very suitable for some items.
• Address labels need to be attached securely.  The address should be clearly written or typed in letters large enough to been seen clearly by processors.  Pre-glued labels work, but we recommend typing them in large type and attaching them with clear packing tape across the entire label so moisture won’t affect it, and equipment won’t easily tear it.  Large packages may require two address labels–From: and To: separately. Writing directly on clear boxes will work using a permanent marker.

There is no question that having an auction title that is interesting and descriptive is a vital part of your selling process on eBay, but it isn’t the only area of importance when it come to telling prospective buyers about your wares.  The title is the drawing card–your “billboard” that should direct browsers to the item(s) you have listed to get further details and information.

Once prospective buyers have come to your listing(s), then the title has done its job effectively.  You now have the responsibility to market your particular offering(s).  You do this with your pictures (a critical element in the selling process on eBay).  “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Your written description provides them with more detail you can offer them.  Here are some useful rules, tips and hints to help you write great informational product descriptions for your eBay listings:

• Journalism’s: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? are good beginning questions to ask yourself about the product(s) you are marketing.  They all may not apply in every situation, but you have a starting point to work from.
  • Tell them what you’d like to know if you were the buyer–remember they aren’t seeing what you’re seeing until they purchase it.
  • You are their eyes, ears and nose in this presentation process.
  • Make sure you address all of the features and functions you indicated in your title.
• Be Honest - “Honesty is the best policy” has never rang truer than when you are telling people about your wares.  When all is said and done, they will know how truthful you were in your description when they see for real after having purchased it.
  • If there are flaws – tell them.  You may want to include a picture that shows the defect.  Just because it may have a flaw or defect doesn’t mean they won’t buy it–but they need to know it’s there.
• Be Thorough in Illustrating the Benefits Your Item(s) Provide – Customers may already have some idea about what your product will offer them, and what they can expect out of it, i.e. time saver, quality, etc.  However, you would be well served to share some of the benefits you see in their buy this item.  They may not have considered advantages you could share.
• Be Descriptive and Create a Need for Them – Don’t assume your photograph(s), as important as they are, tell the whole story.  You need to embellish the features and functions your item(s) provides.
  • Consider detailing colors (photographs and the internet can alter true colors.
  • Give as specific measurements as you can provide (photographs don’t always display dimensions and size–unless placed with something of reference.  You generally shouldn’t add extraneous items to your photograph (see article on photographs).
  • Tell what it’s made of.
  • In the description write up, use acronyms and abbreviations sparingly.  You are not restricted by space as you are in the title.  This will keep from buyers having to assume what you meant if they don’t know what the acronym or abbreviation means.
  • Indicate anything that is not included: “batteries not included.”
  • Share what it will and will not do–as far as you have knowledge of what it will or will not do.
  • Specify or identify Brand names if it is a branded item.
  • Indicate the Model if there is one.
  • Give the age of the item if you know it.
  • These suggestions should help you glean some of the important things buyers may want or need to know.  This list isn’t all inclusive–every product is different.  Your task is to highlight and describe as accurately as possible your wares.
• Be Suggestive – Write creative suggestions about how your item(s) may be used, worn, etc.  Creating greater need and functionality to your wares can increase your sales.
• Be Factual - Buyers are more interested in the facts . . . so provide them as best you know them.  You may want to include quotes from the manufacture if you have them.  Don’t be over zealous in trying to “puff-up” your item.  This goes to the honesty issue.
• Ask Them to Bid – If you don’t ask for the sale, you most like may not get one.  Definitely invite them to bid or buy.  What do you have to loose?  Just don’t make it appear you’re begging.  Be direct and forthright–they won’t be offended for having done so.
• Include Detailed Shipping Information – Including the Best Estimate of Cost as Possible - DON’T OVER CHARGE TO MAKE UP FOR POOR PRICING OR TO MAKE IT APPEAR THAT BUYERS ARE BIDDING ON A BARGIN. Be sure to incorporate detailed information about shipping methods you will be using, the cost associate with the selected shipping method, and a reasonable time estimate when they should expect to receive their item(s).   If extra care and packing are required let them know that too–especially if this requires additional expense for them.  Customers do not like to receive broken merchandise–unless that is what you are selling, and have told them so.  Don’t leave them to their own assumptions–they will usually be wrong.
• Provide Clear Payment Information - This information should include the types of payment you accept such as PayPal, and that payment is due by a date acceptable to you (usually at the close of the auction).
• Money Back Guarantee - If you offer a money back guarantee let them know that along with any specific requirements you follow.  Being liberal here is a good policy.

Product description are so important, but writing lengthy reviews may not be grabbing the attention of potential buyers.  Be thorough, but be as concise as possible without fudging on the details.  This is equally true when a prospective buyer emails you for more information.

You don’t have to be a noble laureate to write good, functional and informative descriptions.  If you have reservations about your skills, invite a family member or close friend to help you, or at least edit what you have written.

Use good grammar and spelling.  Misunderstandings come from errors in both of these ares.  Always take the time to read your description before you list.  Does it make sense to you.  Have some one else read it, as noted above.  Does it make sense to them–if not, do some rework until you feel comfortable with it.

This is work, it can be done–now go do it!!

Selling on eBay offers a great means of adding extra income to the household budget, or you can make it your sole source of income.  Either way, there is a cost of doing business with eBay.  As a seller you have to aware of the fees you will pay to use their auction and selling services.  The two principal fees are: Insertion Fee and the Final Value Fee.

Insertion Fee: This is a non-refundable fee you pay for the privilege of using the service offered by eBay to sell your item(s).  This fee is predicated on the starting price of your item(s) and any upgrade services you may use which they offer: sub-category, bold, photo gallery with multiple photographs, etc.  These added options can help create more sales because of the enhancements they represent.

Final Value Fee: eBay charges you a final value fee if your listing ends with a winning bid.  This fees is assessed regardless of whether or not you complete the sale with the buyer.  You can get a fee credit if your item received no bids, or if you used the “reserve price” option and your minimum bid price was not met. on the first try, and you decide to relist the item.  (Be cautioned that if a buyer backed out of the sale,  and did not buy the item, you may also request a final value credit, but eBay is slow in accepting such requests.  You’ll have to fight to get it–one eBay drawback.)  The final value fees vary for other categories, such as eBay Motors and Real Estate. Check with eBay on these items.

The combination of these two fees (in their totality) is considered the “cost of doing business.”  You can reduce some of these fees when you have multiple identical items to sell using the “Dutch Auction” option.  (In a Dutch auction, buyers specify the quantity of the items they would like to purchase and the amount they are willing to pay for each one. Winning bids are determined by multiplying the bid price by the number of items bid on.  Winning bids are determined by multiplying the bid price by the number of items bid on.)

New sellers to eBay are often shocked to see the amount of cost to sell an item on eBay.  Armed with this knowledge you should be able choose the pricing option best suited for you (starting bid, buy it now and reserve), and to set your item(s) price at an appropriate level.  You don’t want to give your merchandise away, but you don’t want to overprice it to the extent you have no bidders our buyers.

For the actual fee structure go to eBay.