The new decade is here. We’re celebrating the beginning of not just a new year, but a new decade! As a seller, what are your top resolutions for eBay 2020? Reorganize your office/workspace or inventory? Finally get those death piles listed? Attend eBay Open in July?
Those worthwhile goals for eBay 2020 are all fine and dandy, but without consistent sales, you won’t have a business to organize. Healthy cash flow is the lifeblood of any commercial enterprise, especially your business on eBay.
In the hit reality series Shark Tank, what’s one of the first questions the sharks ask each would-be entrepreneur?
They ask the business owner,” What are your sales?” Now I’m asking you the same question, and you’d better know the answer. If you don’t, you’ve got some homework to do. Because as a seller, it’s essential that you know your numbers — including not only how much you’re selling, but also how fast you’re selling it (sales velocity). In other words, how long are items listed before they sell?
The answer to this question will vary by category and even by item.
For example, cell phone accessories have a different sell-through rate than Mid-Century Modern candleholders. Furthermore, MCM candleholders may have a different sell-through rate than Art Deco candlesticks.
Once you have some idea of your sales history, consider this: If a certain type of product typically takes four months to sell, what would it mean for your bottom line if it sold in three months? Or two? It could mean the difference between a business that stagnates (or even fails) and a business that flourishes.
Here’s why.
“Sell-through rate” (how fast your items sell) is also known as “conversion rate”, because it represents the process of turning an item into cash — i.e., converting it to dollars and cents. The faster you can recoup your initial investment, reap your profit, and get that money into your bank account, the better. Many sellers get into trouble because they have too much cash tied up in inventory that isn’t selling.
Don’t be that seller in eBay 2020!
I can help you to get cash flowing (and/or flowing faster). What you need — what every eBay seller needs — is to accelerate sales. And I’ve got some proven tips for doing that. You can grab them right here. eBay Sales Accelerator tips are my gift to you when you add yourself to the wait list for my exclusive membership group Social Media Insider.
Now, when evaluating your business look at what IS selling. It’s important to note your best selling products and categories. While doing this be sure to do the following.
First, check prices! The value of an item will fluctuate over time. You may be asking too much, or you may be leaving cash on the table by asking too little. Use Advanced Search to check sold prices on eBay. My YouTube Watch This Before You List On eBay!, will show you how to use eBay’s Advanced search feature.
If you have an eBay Store subscription, check Terapeak as well (under the Research Tab in Seller Hub).
Second, include 4 or more pictures in each listing. You can have up to 12, so take photos of all the sides of each item as well as closeups of details and/or any flaws. Showcase each item to its best advantage, because shoppers make their purchase decision based on your photos and description. Show them what they’re getting, preferably on a plain white background! More pictures can add up to more as well as faster sales plus a boost in eBay search.
Third, offer a robust return policy. Most customers want what they’re buying. But they’ll feel a lot more comfortable about buying from you if they know they can return an item that doesn’t work out.
Think like a buyer in eBay 2020!
It pays to think like your buyer!
Let’s say a buyer needs a widget. Two identical sellers have widgets listed at the same price with free shipping. One seller offers no returns, while the other offers 30-day returns. Which widget would you buy?
Look at your competitors’ return policies. How can you make yours better than theirs? If they offer 30-day returns, maybe you could offer 60-day returns. Or free returns. Or both! Check the number of returns you get in any given category to know what’s best for your business.
Time for sellers to look for their eBay New Year’s super sales power, with Holiday shopping winding down.
eBay New Year’s Super Sales Power Tips!
Using your eBay super sales power, with 2020 arriving, there is no reason for sellers to see declining online sales. Now that customers have finished their holiday shopping, they’re ready to start buying for themselves. January is famous in retail circles as the season for self-gifting. Folks have received holiday bonuses, gift cards, and/or cash gifts; now they’re eager to spend that money. Let’s get them to spend it with you!
What can you do to attract shoppers to your eBay items and exercise your eBay New Year’s super sales power??
Two words:Promoted Listings. It’s not enough to simply list your items and wait for buyers to find them; you need to promote your listings as well. If you’re not already using Promoted Listings, then this is the perfect time to start. And if you are, then it’s time to fine-tune your campaign(s).
It’s available to all sellers in good standing for use with fixed price listings. Here’s how it works.
Promoted Listings helps boost your item’s visibility by showing your listing in prominent places on eBay, including search results and product detail pages. It puts your merchandise in front of more buyers when they’re actively searching and shopping on eBay, thus helping to improve the likelihood of a sale.
I have a special freebie guide for you, Winning With Promoted Listings. Use its killer tips to super charge your sales results with Promoted Listings
The sales power of eBay Promoted Listings!
What fees are involved with Promoted Listings?
That’s the beauty of Promoted Listings: How much you pay is up to you — and you only pay when a buyer clicks on your promoted listing, then buys the item within 30 days. You set the ad rate at whatever percentage of the item’s final selling price (minus shipping and taxes) you’re willing to pay.
Furthermore, if you’re Top Rated and/or subscribe to an Anchor or Enterprise Store, you automatically receive a quarterly Promoted Listings credit. Top Rated Sellers receive a $30 credit; Anchor and Enterprise Store subscribers receive a $25 credit; and sellers meeting both criteria receive a total PL credit of $55 per quarter. Don’t let your credit go to waste!
eBay provides guidance for creating Promoted Listings campaigns.
In Seller Hub and as you list you see the trending rate for that category. Setting rates can be tricky, though, so test — test — test. HERE is the list of Ad Rate Trends on eBay.
Some sellers set their ad rate at ½% across the board and swear by it, while others are equally fervent about setting their rates at or just above or below the trending rate. Listen to other sellers, but always test for yourself.
Your cost to use this program should never be higher than the rate of sales. But if setting your rate at or near the trending rate dramatically increases your sales, then it’s well worth the cost.
Watch your sales results from Promoted Listings.
Use your Promoted Listings dashboard. If you have high numbers for impressions and clicks with little or no sales, it’s time to examine your listing’s desirability. Use the tips in eBay Titles Matter Than Everto upgrade your listing.
In closing, use the sales juice of eBay’s Promoted Listings to be your New Year’s eBay sales power. Watch your results and adjust as needed. Every eBay seller’s business is unique. Look at your results and make choices best for your business.
Now is the time to focus on last minute eBay Holiday sales!
Last Minute Holiday Sales To Do List For eBay Sellers!
I don’t know what the weather’s been like in your part of the country, but winter has definitely arrived in my hometown NYC, the Big Apple. That means two things! I better bundle up and Christmas is here very soon! And you know what that means. It’s time to start checking items off your last minute eBay Holiday selling to-do list. I’m here to help!
The first to-do on your last-minute eBay Holiday list should be inventory.
Brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers are slashing prices to the bone this time of year. They are trying to get items sold before the end of Q4. Take advantage of last minute Holiday sales events and stock up now on bargains to list in the new year.
Furthermore, don’t forget that Christmas sells year-round on eBay. This is the time to source products for your store’s Holidays categories! And when you’re scavenging through retail and online stores in search of holiday deals and steals, don’t overlook local drugstores and even dollar stores. You’ll be amazed at what you can find there. Remember eBay is home to an enormous diversity of goods from business & industrial to auto parts, electronics, games, toys, clothes, make up, luggage and more!
In addition, think wholesale sources for your eBay inventory.
Consider reputable wholesalers like BULQ. BULQ offers liquidation goods by the pallet or case. This is extremely advantageous for small sellers. A pallet may be too much for you to handle, especially in terms of storage space. For most sellers a case is very doable. BULQ ’s merchandise includes name brand overstocks and returns from some of the country’s major retailers, including Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. And it’s delivered right to your doorstep — convenient all year round, but a godsend when you’re snowed in!
BULQ reports that they anticipate excellent holiday-themed merchandise arriving daily starting towards the end of December through January.
New listings are posted every day at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm. So bookmark BULQ.com and check back often to catch the best bargains. If you see a lot you like on BULQ, you better purchase it quickly, as each lot is unique and can sell in a matter of minutes!
Now that you’ve taken care of your future inventory, let’s move on to your current inventory!
It’s time to discuss the sold items that I hope are flying off your shelves and out the door. How are your shipping supplies holding up? Even if you think you still have plenty, it’s time to reorder them now. You want to be sure to have enough on hand for shipping all your last-minute sales! For free USPS supplies, go to https://store.usps.com/store/results/free-shipping-supplies/shipping-supplies/_/N-alnx4jZ7d0v8v
Better yet, order free co-branded eBay-USPS shipping supplies right from ebay.com.
These include the popular Priority Mail Shoe Box as well as regular Priority and Priority Flat Rate boxes. Dress up your packed items and packages with eBay-branded tissue paper, stickers, and thank-you cards from eBay Shipping Supplies. (If you’re a store subscriber, be sure to use your quarterly coupon for these.) You’ll also find competitively priced polyvinyl and bubble-padded shipping envelopes there.
All good packaging for eBay Holiday sales isn’t complete without shipping labels!
And speaking of labels, do you have a backup system in place for purchasing and printing shipping labels in case eBay Labels goes kerflooey? Stamps.com has a full-featured free option especially for eBay sellers, so set up an account and have it ready, just in case. Use THIS link to set up a free account for eBay sellers with Stamps.com. You only pay for postage when you need it. There is no monthly maintenance fee.
Don’t Neglect Social Media!
With the frenzy of inventory shopping, and shipping sales, don’t forget to maintain posting schedule for your social media. You want the customer traffic social media brings you. Read eBay Holiday Sales Success 3 Ninja Tips for juicy tips for your eBay social media!
Now you’ve got your last-minute to-do list. Let’s make like Santa and check it twice:
1. Inventory
2. Shipping supplies
3. Plan B for purchasing and printing shipping labels
Must Haves For eBay Holiday Last Minute Sales!
One more last-minute holiday reminder: be sure to take time to reflect on your many blessings and enjoy the Holiday season with family and friends. Ho, ho, ho!
Using these 3 eBay Holiday Sales Success Ninja tips, even with Black Friday coming soon, you’ll be ready to crush it!
eBay Holiday Sales Top 3 Ninja Tips!
Now, it may feel as if you have all the time in the world to take care of eBay Holiday sales. Guess what, fellow seller? You don’t. Right now, you want to grab all the sales you can. Also, get those sold items shipped. And you still want time for family, friends, and holiday festivities. Your top priority needs to be maximizing productivity for eBay Holiday sales success!
To save precious moments for savoring the joys of the season, you’ve got to make every minute count. Promoting your listings via social media will boost sales, but can you spare the time? Of course you can! In fact, you must. The trick is to budget that time, then use it wisely and well. Here’s how to make doing so as easy as 1, 2, 3.
First, pick a platform to attract eBay Holiday shoppers!
Social media offers many choices. There is Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. But very few solopreneurs have time to use them all, especially this time of year. Take a few minutes to check your various accounts: Which has the most followers? Which is garnering the most likes and comments? That should boil it down to one or at most two accounts.
If it’s two, then opt to concentrate on the one you most enjoy. Time is going to be in increasingly short supply due to eBay holiday orders. Additionally you’ll field questions from customers, etc., so you’ve got to focus. It will pay off! My YouTube Get Customers & Sales, No Matter What Is Going On With eBay explains this further.
Second: Decide how often you’ll post.
There are lots of recommended best practices for social media. However many such tips are designed for small businesses that have a social media team. You’re likely to be your own social media manager (along with all the other business hats you wear), so be brutally honest: How much time each week can you realistically devote to social media? That means business-related posts and pinning, not catching up on what friends are doing, watching funny videos, or sharing the latest meme. Thirty minutes? An hour? Even if it’s only half an hour, that’s fine.
Just figure out whether you’re going to use that. Pick whatever works best for your schedule and lifestyle. It may be one choice one week and a different choice the next. As long as you put in your 30 minutes, exactly how you do it is up to you.
Third: OK, you’ve selected a single social media platform.
Let’s say your top pick is Pinterest. You’ve allotted it half an hour per week. The next step is super important: Write that down. Set a phone reminder, put it on your electronic calendar, jot it in your daily planner or on your paper calendar, or any or all of the above. Just make sure you have it on record so you can cross it off your list as you get it done!
Next comes the hard part: actually doing it.
You’ve got two choices: post live in real time, or schedule your posts? Again, this is totally your call as well as a decision that may change from one week to the next. Remember how precious time is during the eBay Holiday sales season! Every minute counts.
Most sellers find that scheduling saves time by allowing them to create posts in batches.
Buffer and HootSuite offer free schedulers for Facebook and Twitter plus paid upgrades for Pinterest and Instagram. In addition, Facebook has a free scheduler for Business pages. You can also take advantage of Creator Studio for Facebook Pages and Instagram. It’s still in beta, so not all accounts have access to all features yet, but you should definitely check it out.
Enjoy my special social media freebie guide for you!
Use the ninja tips in the The Essential Social Media Cheat Sheet to create social media posts that are irresistible to customers! Now you’re ready to utilize social media in a way that works best for you and your shoppers.
eBay Holiday sales Success is here, with The Essential Social Media freebie tip sheet!
So, Holiday time eBay sellers:
1. Pick one social media platform on which to focus 2. Decide upon a weekly time allotment and how you’ll allocate that time 3. Choose between scheduling and posting live (switching back and forth as needed).
eBay titles hold the search juice you’re looking for!
Optimized eBay titles helps your listings be found in eBay and Google search results. Titles are key information for shoppers who increasingly buy on mobile. Furthermore, along with your hero image, or first photo, the title is what’s going to catch buyers’ eyes. Your title can inspire shoppers to click on your listing.
Yet many sellers are not optimizing their eBay titles!
Small wonder, since eBay’s own Seller Center doesn’t even mention titles in its enumeration of listing best practices. And eBay’s Help page about optimizing listings for best match just says, “Write a clear and concise title with correct spelling and no more than 80 characters.” Correct spelling should go without saying. But while “clear and concise” may be concise, it’s not particularly clear!
So just what constitutes an effective title for your eBay listing?
Let’s start with eBay’s stipulation of “no more than 80 characters.” To write an effective title, you should use as many of those characters as possible — at least 75, if not more. And those characters should comprise keywords: the words that buyers use when searching for your item.
Keywords are attributes that describe your item, such as brand, size, color, model, and, of course, “the noun”, meaning what the item is, such as a dress. They are terms that buyers will type into a search engine to help them find an item like yours. In other words, think like a buyer. What words would someone looking for your item, type into the search bar? Use THOSE words.
So it’s important to think like a buyer when composing titles for your listings.
Keyword order is important, too. In general, lead with the item’s brand name. But if there’s no brand name, lead with the keywords that most clearly and concisely tell buyers what the item is. For example, if you’re listing unbranded Thanksgiving place mats featuring a cornucopia design, don’t lead with the keyword “Placemats”. Instead you’d want to lead with “Thanksgiving cornucopia”, then”Placemats”. Why do this? Because the attribute of most interest to a potential shopper is Thanksgiving or cornucopia, not placemat.
Similarly, if the item is a no- name brand, don’t lead with brand in the title.
Rather lead with what’s of interest. Is it a cell phone case or a dress? Or perhaps the pattern of polka dot or plaid is most appealing. Use eBay search. See what eBay suggests when you type in relevant keywords.
You can actually enlist the help of eBay’s search engine, to help you determine the most important keywords for your item and in what order you should put them. To find out how, check out my YouTube video“How to Write Great Titles for Your eBay Listings Quickly”. This tip will save you time. Let eBay search tell you exactly how buyers search for your item!
Here are some additional tips for optimizing the titles of your listings.
Titles are not sentences; think “Keyword Keyword Keyword” Never waste valuable characters on words such as “L@@k” or “Wow” or “Beautiful”, because nobody searches for those. Using terms like these are “old school eBay” used in years past. They are not effective now.
Don’t include excessive punctuation such as exclamation points, quotation marks, commas, etc. It’s not needed and wastes valuable characters. Also avoid special characters, such as stars, hearts, or emojis. Style your title in conventional title case, capitalizing the first letter of each keyword. Avoid UPPER CASE TITLES and rAnDom UpPeR aNd LoWeR CaSe TitLeS as they are hard to read! Remember most of your shoppers are on mobile. Again, think like a buyer.
If you’ve got listings that have been up for awhile with no sales, try tweaking their titles using the tips in this post and in my YouTube video. HERE is some additional information to move your listings ahead in eBay search results.
Titles aren’t rocket science.
But they can mean the difference between an item that sells and one that doesn’t. Because so many shoppers are on mobile know that your pictures and your titles are what shoppers see first. Done right, they land you in front on more shoppers and the RIGHT shoppers. Titles are THAT important.
Attention to titles pays off in better eBay and Google search ranking. And that means more sales!
When creating your title, it pays to think like your potential eBay buyer!
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