7 Ways for Sellers to Prepare for Holiday Sales on Ebay

Start Prepping Your Ebay Store for the Holiday Months Ahead and Generate More Sales

The peak season on Ebay is largely between October and January for most sellers. Sales can often double, triple, or quadruple fold during these critical months. If you sell new clothing, electronic, jewelry, collectibles, and other common gift giving items, your entire sales for the year will revolve around these few months. Will buyers be buying less than in previous years because of the recession? Yes, they will be, but that does not mean you have to have lower sales than your previous years. You have an edge on the big companies - you can control your inventory, move it faster, and get in tune with your buyers needs by more direct communication, honesty, and come up with your own sales strategies on a whim.

To get started, your store should be prepped and ready to go.

1. Customize your store, make it look more professional, and ask yourself if you'd shop there. A professional looking store instills trust in buyers. You'll need a logo, a customized description, easy-to-navigate categories, and a search box would help, too.

2. Get your feedback in check. Has your feedback and DSR ratings (the star ratings on your account) been good or bad lately? These matter to your customers, and they matter for the Ebay search as well. Sellers with better DSR ratings are given top billing over those that do NOT have good DSR ratings. If you have been getting some lower ratings, analyze what you can do to change it. Often shipping costs is a concern for buyers. Free shipping might be the answer to raise your ratings for shipping.

3. Add custom pages to your Ebay store. Keeping buyers within your store for as long as possible is the key to interested buyers. If there isn't much to see or browse, customers won't hesitate to click the back button. Fill out your custom store pages to include information about your products, shopping guides for your store, or feature certain items on a special page. You should also refine and customize your about us page and see if it needs any updating.

4. Make it easy for customers to find your niche items. If you've focused on niche items in your store, make them simple to find. Make a store category just for those items, and link within your auctions to complimentary items. This could be batteries, it could be a carrying case, it could be a companion item. Let them know these items exist, and that they can make this store their "one stop shopping" for that certain person(s).

5. Market Your Store Off of Ebay. Ebay is just one place to market yourself... so are you taking advantage of all of the ways that you can channel buyers into your store? Try starting your own blog, writing on Squidoo about your store, and networking on Facebook to gain a following. Hint: this works best when you have a niche area that you sell in!

6. Analyze Sales from Last Year. What sold last year? What didn't sell? What promotions didn't work well? What did work? Was free shipping a big hit, or did you cost you more money than it was worth? Put data from last year into use today. If you didn't record your data into spreadsheets or an accounting software program, start today so you'll be ahead of the game in the next few months and for the next holiday season.

7. Brand Your Store. There are so many Ebay stores that are virtually faceless and are missing out on great opportunities by not branding their store. In terms of Ebay stores, branding can be done in a few simple ways. A professional store logo is a good first step. Size it correctly to fit into your store header, and place this banner in every auction. Also use the banner in emails, about me page, My World page, in your personal blog, Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else you may have an online presence. Printing it on packing slips, placing it in your checkout area, and on any guides you've written will also help get the image of your store out there. Again, branding will be much easier and effective if you sell in a particular niche. You can read more about advertising and marketing your Ebay store for free using social networking and other online tools on this guide.

On the next post, I'll go into several more ways that you can prepare your store for the holidays, and what your customers might be looking for. Here are some recommended guides to read in the meantime to get a headstart on your holiday preparation:

Making the Most of Completed Auctions
48 Easy Tips for Ebay
48 More Ways to Increase Ebay Sales

An Interview with Ebay Seller TheWishPearl, Seller of Genuine Pearl Jewelry

When it comes to selling on Ebay, it all comes down to finding that niche that you can fulfill, master, and continue doing over time. A successful business rarely happens overnight, as you can read from TheWishPearl's online business. She's been at it since 2003 and has an impressive feedback, as well as attractive listings and store layout. See what you can learn from her selling experiences on Ebay from these interview questions below!

What made you decide to sell on Ebay in the first place?

I started to sell on ebay in 2003. My brother who was already selling on ebay encouraged me to get involved. So I began by just selling odds and ends around the house, anything from books to toys to clothes. I noticed that people were actually buying! So I decided to look for a supply of real products to sell. Through a local contact and ebay seller , I came across these wish pearl pendants that he wanted to liquidate. I purchased them and opened my ebay store in 2005. Noticing that they were good sellers, I thought to myself, it is time to look for a regular supplier. So I turned to the internet and found a couple of wholesalers in Asia and have been dealing with them ever since. (Funny coincidence, my husband had bought me one of these pendants years earlier in Hawaii, while we were on vacation there).

What one piece of advice would you give other Ebay sellers based on your Ebay experiences?

Advice? That's a tough one. If you are really serious about selling on ebay or anywhere else, you must start small, have a lot of patience, willing to learn from others and not be afraid to make mistakes.

What auction tool, software or resource do you recommend other sellers use or check out?

For me it was important to build attractive auctions and make them look professional. The ebay forums are a big help, ebay staff are nice but they don't help much when it comes to HTML and promoting your business. I have been to 2 ebay live! conventions, Boston and Chicago, and will probably go to the one next year in Orlando. They are a lot of fun, a good learning experience and a great place to make contacts.

How do you integrate your Ebay store with other online ventures that you have?

Since ebay does not allow you to promote off ebay, you are limited in integrating your ebay business to other ventures. I do a little promotion on Squidoo, through word of mouth and eventually I may promote my ebay store on my own ecommerce website. One of my future projects is to create a blog and promote it there.

What do you sell in your Ebay store, and why should buyers check out your store? Do you have any plans for the future of your store?

I sell wish pearl pendant jewelry (oysters with pearls that you open yourself), pearl jewelry and accessories, oysters in a can that can be used as birthday party favors, and soon wedding favors as well as gifts for all occassions. Why should people buy from us? We offer very afforable, original gifts that can be purchased for any occasion, not just weddings, and have an excellent customer service reputation. Our DSR ratings and feedback are excellent. With the new changes coming in October, we would qualify as a top rated seller!

Visit The Wish Pearl on this website, or visit her ecommerce website at http://www.thewishpearl.com. You can also find her on Squidoo. Her reputation speaks for itself, as you can see by her excellent feedback and satisfied customers. Go ahead and check out her store!

Many thanks to Carol, owner of TheWishPearl, for this interesting interview. These never get dull. Keep reading, there will be another one in the near future!

In the meantime, here are some other Ebay seller interviews, in case you missed them:
* Interview with Paperfacets
* Interview with Paula Atwell
* Interview with Sylvester Mouse

A Fatal Mistake - Starting Ebay Auction Items too Cheaply

When you start your auction, starting price does matter. Ebay is the place where everyone is looking for a deal, and buyers know how to find them (for the most part.. if you don't, I suggest you read this page.) If you price your auctions too cheaply, the buyer will not only not bid, but maybe even stick around and see if they can snag that item up at that low starting bid.

So is it worth it to start an item so cheap? Sometimes, Ebay isn't the answer to everything. There are different avenues to sell your item, so it might be better off going back into your store inventory awaiting a buyer that's willing to pay more for it.

There are ways that you can prevent your item from ending at a cheap price, and not surprisingly, one of the best ways to do so is to conduct some prior research through completed items. Second, you'll want to avoid that temptation of starting the auction cheap just to make a sale! If you've had the inventory lying around for 6 months or so, it might be time to dump the item cheap, but if it's new... this could be a big mistake. I've had many, many auctions end at 99 cents that I've lost money on. However, these were items that I just wanted to get rid of so it was no big loss (like the picture of the track jacket in the intro, bombed out at under a buck and it was brand new!). Also keep in mind the PayPal fees and Ebay fees, these add up quick.

You can also use some of your items that aren't selling as loss leaders to bring buyers to your store. If the item simply won't sell, start it at the cheapest possible price and chalk it up to advertising for your store. You can always right the losses off on your tax return at the end of the year.

Cleaning House: How to Get Rid of Your Old Stuff on Ebay

Ebay was meant for cleaning house and dumping old stuff you no longer need into the marketplace, and off to an eager customer. Think what you have isn't worthy of selling? You'll be surprised on what you can sell. Yes, even used clothing (if it's in good shape and a brand name).

The process takes a little bit of time, but not only will you make a little extra cash, but you'll be making your home much more livable. In a way, it's good for the mind and the wallet!




Here are some things around your home that might go for some decent dollars on Ebay:

• Calculators, especially the scientific ones (now that it's back to school time)


• School text books


• Digital cameras


• Rare music records


• Old coins


• Antiques in your basement


• Kids Toys


• Video games (and systems


• Clothes that no longer fit


• Unwanted tools

While individually, many items will do well on auction, always check the completed price of auctions that have ended recently. Some might do better in lots, where the buyer can purchase several similar items and save on shipping costs. If you have a number of used articles of clean clothing that are the same size, try grouping them together in one big lot.

You'll also fare much better for most smaller items selling them on Ebay vs. a yard sale, or on Craigslist. You're opening up the bidding to the entire country, not just your backyard, and the item has a much better chance to reach its true worth on those auctions.

So where do you start if you'd like to clean out that old stuff from your home?

1. First, read this tutorial on selling on Ebay for the first time. It will walk you through how to register if you haven't already.

2. Read this lens on choosing the right keyword title. To get the most from your auction, you need a great title.

3. You'll also need to take great photos. It's easy with this photography tutorial for Ebay.

4. List your item. Choose the best time for your auction, then sit back and wait for the auction to end. Make sure you answer all of your buyers questions!

HINT: describe your item in as many words as possible. Buyers want to feel like the item is actually in their hands!

5. Accept payment for your item. You'll need to set up a PayPal account to do this. It's easy, and currently the best way to accept online payments. Yes, they do take 3% or so, but it's a small price to pay to get rid of your old stuff.

6. Ship out your stuff. Don't make the newbie mistake of not having enough packing supplies on hand. You may have to invest a few bucks in bubble wrap and packing tape, but you'll make your money back and then some. You can also find free packing supplies on Craigslist, or sometimes at your local recycling center. These tips will help you package your Ebay items without getting many breakages (hopefully none!).

7. When the item ships, leave feedback for the buyer. And one last thing: specify a return policy. Even if you don't accept returns, state so clearly in your auctions where everyone can see it. Copy and paste your policies into every auction, so there's no doubt where you stand. It will prevent future problems and your customers will appreciate the upfront honesty.

Once you've sold a few items, you'll start to get the hang of selling. Yes, it does take time, but there's no better option to sell off things around the home than Ebay.

Related Posts:
* Making the Most of Completed Auctions on Ebay
* Ebay Photography Tips
* Finding Inventory for Ebay

Intro photo of garage clutter by Irish Typepad on flickr, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.

An Interview with House of Sylvester Mouse, Ebay Store Seller

It's all about finding that niche. That's how you can succeed on Ebay, or in any online selling site. The more you know about your products, the more you'll tell your customers, the better you'll be able to answer their questions, and the more word will spread. Sylvester Mouse is a good example of getting involved in a niche on Ebay, and sticking to it. Crocheting, sewing, and patterns are what Sylvester Mouse specializes in. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview this Ebay store seller who has over 2,000 feedbacks under her belt.


What made you decide to sell on Ebay in the first place?

I started selling on ebay because I wanted to stash away a little cash so I could purchase gifts for my husband without having to pilfer the household account. It worked beautifully. I was able to save enough money to purchase a really nice gift that I otherwise could not afford.

What seller tool or resource would you recommend that other Ebay sellers use?

I would recommend using Auctiva to build and store your listings. They have a lot of great templates which give your store a more professional appearance. It is also really nice to be able to schedule the listings in advance.

What one piece of advice would you give other Ebay sellers based on your Ebay experiences?

My advice to new sellers would be to sell items you really know about. I enjoy selling crochet, needlework, sewing and craft items because I enjoy creating beautiful keepsakes myself. When a buyer asks a question about an item, I can easily answer because of my own personal experience.

How do you integrate your Ebay store with other online ventures that you have?

I have recently started writing lenses on Squidoo. At the end of each lens I feature some of my own ebay listings. Since I sell crochet pattern books, I wrote a lens on “Beginner Crochet” which lists several of my crochet instruction and pattern books for sale on ebay at the bottom of the page. As time allows, I plan to write similar lenses on cross stitch and some of my other craft interests.

What do you sell in your Ebay store, and why should buyers check out your store? Do you have any plans for the future of your store?

I do offer a few specialty items in the home décor and jewelry lines, but I mostly offer books, patterns, and kits of various crafts or needlework. I believe the most important characteristics of an outstanding business are honestly and integrity. I treat customers the way I would want to be treated.

Soon I will be offering my very popular Christmas selections which include Beaded Ornament Kits, Felt Christmas Stocking Kits, Tree Skirt Kits and other holiday books & kits.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Visit Sylvester Mouse's Ebay store, and her Squidoo lenses here, like the one on Beginner's Crochet.

Thanks for the interview Cynthia!

More Ebay Seller Interviews:
* An Interview with Paula Atwell
* An Interview with Paperfacets
* Ebay Sellers Tips Directory

Integrating Ebay and Twitter

Ebay sellers, sell more using Twitter!

Twitter has seemingly grown overnight, and has become an enormous opportunity for sellers of all kinds to network instantly with people around the world. How? Through displaying your deep knowledge of your own niche. Twitter limits what you can say in just 140 characters or less, but you can include links to other resouces on your niche, your Squidoo lenses, Ebay guides, tweet new auctions, tweet auctions ending soon, and talk it up with like-minded buyers and sellers.

You were looking for customers before, well here they are. Let's say that you sell new speakers on Ebay. If I were on Twitter and I was into music, I might be interested in something that you have to say about the newest speakers, what to look for, and what to avoid. Coming straight out the gate bombarding the public with your own links isn't going to work, but providing legitimate information and tips on a better listening experience might get people interested.

Twitter also works perfectly with your blog. If you already blog about your products, then you can gain some followers and traffic by automatically posting your Tweets, or you can manually add new posts.

Is there competition in your field on Twitter? Don't work against them, work with them. By using the "RT" (retweet) tag, you'll be tweeting their information to your followers. It's sharing of information, and it shows that you want to provide them with the best information out there that can help them, not just take their money and run.

There's also Tweebay, where you can bid and buy through Twitter. Notify people that are following you of new items, and potentially reach new customers via the Twitter search option.

An Interview with Paula Atwell, Ebay Seller and Owner of Lake Erie Artists Gallery

While there are a number of venues to sell your personal artwork or promtote your business online today, Ebay is still a viable ecommerce solution that can deliver great results. Recently, Paula Atwell, owner of Lake Erie Artists Gallery, was interviewed on this blog about her Ebay selling experience. Paula sells a number of other artists' work in her gallery, including handmade jewelry and paintings, as well as her own pieces.

What made you decide to sell on Ebay in the first place?

Being that I have been in retail for about 10 years now, I am very aware that retail selling is constantly in a state of change. That is even without financial crises or big political events happening. Therefore I am always looking for new ways to create streams of income coming to my business. Although Ebay is not the mecca it once was because more and more competition has cropped up, I know several people personally who make a good solid income on the site.

What one piece of advice would you give other Ebay sellers based on your Ebay experiences?

I would say that it helps to really study how the site works, and if possible find a mentor. Realize that it is a business and there are lots of little costs on Ebay that add up quickly if you are not careful.

How do you integrate your Ebay store with other online ventures that you have?

My Ebay store is connected to Twitter so that each time an item is added, it is tweeted out to my Twitter followers. I have also created some Squidoo lenses about the Ebay store.

What do you sell in your Ebay store, and why should buyers check out your store? Do you have any plans for the future of your store?

I have been cooperating recently with a framer who is selling sports prints on the Ebay store. The Ebay store is an area that I am looking to expand in the next few months. I am going focus on sellling framed prints, and some unusual local Cleveland t-shirts, and also experiment with selling some Zazzle items on it. I think, though, that I will create special Zazzle items to sell on Ebay. I will also be linking it to my regular website to promote items there. Price is an issue on Ebay, so you need to do some research, and keyword research before listing items.

A good lesson from this interview: don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Paula has an online presence on several sites, including her own website. All of these tied together, and you have a nice stream of visitors. When one site experiences a lull, the other sites can help make it through those rough patches.

You can find Paula Atwell on Squidoo, on Ebay, and you can follow her on Twitter.

Related Posts:
* An Interview with Paperfacets, Ebay Store Seller
* Developing a Following on Ebay