It’s time for eBay 2020 Back to School shopping time as we’re nearing the end of July.
The eBay 2020 shopping season has begun!
As an eBay seller, you well know that your business life revolves around the retail calendar. Like everything else this year, the eBay 2020 Back to School retail moment will be very different due to the ongoing nationwide Coronavirus pandemic.
According to The National Retail FederationBack To School spending will be over 33 billion dollars this year. That’s well over last year’s 26.2 billion dollars. Most of the shopping will be done online.
Where and how kids will be attending school in the Fall remains uncertain. Some schools will conduct classes online either all or part of the time; other schools are planning to stagger physical classes. Home schooling probably will continue to be an option as well.
But shopping for back-to-school items still starts NOW.
What does that mean for eBay sellers?
It means that going forwardthrough early September, back-to-school supplies and clothing are going to be in high demand! Think backpacks, notebooks, sports equipment, electronics, apparel, and more. In addition to those traditional necessities, non-medical masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes will also be on parents’ shopping lists.
To help you source back-to-school inventory that sells, I’ve put together a free guide to eBay 2020 back-to-school products.
You can download itHERE.Meanwhile, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Clothing probably will be more casual than in previous years. Not all schoolchildren will be attending classes in person. For example, teachers and students interacting via an online platform may need to have a certain look from the waist up. But they can sport something very different from the waist down.So shorts, leggings, and sweatpants are likely to be part of the 2020 school uniform.
School sports have been impacted by the pandemic, too. Those that allow for social distancing, such as tennis and baseball, will most likely see higher equipment sales. The contact sports of football, soccer and volleyball look to be less popular this year.
Also liable to be hot tickets for are electronic devices: laptops, tablets,smartphones, etc.
You don’t necessarily have to source the gadgetsthemselves. Instead, add some of their many accessories to your virtual store shelves. Remember, kids and parents are spending a lot of time at home right now, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon.
Crafts supplies for school projects will be in demand as well for eBay 2020 Back To School shoppers.
You can often find excellent deals on this type of item at your local drugstore, grocery store, or office supplies outlet.
Furthermore, the availability of certain products tends to differ in different parts of the country. For instance, those glitter markers you see in abundance in your area may be rare — and highly coveted by buyers! — in other locales.
Another strategy to consider is bundling back-to-school items.
Back To School Supplies bundles sell on eBay!
Put together a listing for a colorful ring binder, notebook paper, and notebook pocket folders along with coordinating pens, pencils, and erasers. Or perhaps a backpack complete with a starter kit of supplies: a multi-subject notebook, pen and pencil set, highlighter, and attachable charm, such as a tiny plush unicorn or teddy bear.
Getting creative will literally pay off, becauseyour unique listings will stand out in the crush of back-to-school search results.
eBay sellers have a moneymaker with eBay affiliate marketing!
It is eBay’s affiliate marketing program, eBay Partner Network. If you’re like most eBay sellers, you wouldn’t say no to an additional revenue stream. That’s why I’m going to introduce you to affiliate marketing and the eBay Partner Network (EPN). Because who doesn’t like to make money even when they’re asleep? And with EPN, you can both make money and save money! In short, EPN is an eBay seller moneymaker.
Affiliate marketing is one of the very first types of performance-based online marketing.
Back in the very early days of the internet, a lot of online marketing was pay-per-click: If somebody clicked on your link, you got paid. Maybe only a few cents, but those clicks added up.
Unfortunately, not all of those clicks generated revenue for the companies whose links garnered them. So pay-per-click gave way to pay-per-sale: If somebody clicks on your link and it leads to a sale, then you get paid.
Lots of major companies (and plenty of not-so-major companies) offer affiliate marketing opportunities; it drives traffic to their site, and increased traffic means more sales.
Brands spend about 10% more every year. In 2020, companies that offer affiliate marketing are projected to collectively spend about $6.8 billion. In fact, 16% of all online sales are thanks to the impact of affiliate marketing. Why shouldn’t that include sales of your eBay items?
Basically, affiliate marketing is a referral program. Here’s how it works. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
First find a product you like. Next, Promote it to others. Finally, earn a commission for each resulting sale
For eBay sellers, though, there is now an additional benefit if you do affiliate marketing through the eBay Partner Network (EPN for short).
EPN is eBay’s affiliate marketing program. You don’t have to be an eBay seller to be participate, but if you are an eBay seller, there is a brand-new advantage to doing so: Not only can you earn money promoting your items (as well as those of other sellers), you can also save money on eBay fees.
eBay sellers road map to free final value fees!
That’s because eBay is rolling out a new feature for EPN: If a shopper clicks on one of your EPN affiliate links for your own item, then buys the item within 24 hours, your Final Value Fee (FVF) will be 0%. In other words, you get a free FVF from eBay! Depending upon what categories you sell in, that means about 10% of the item price goes right back into your pocket. Wouldn’t you like to make 10% more on what you sell?
Setting up an affiliate marketing campaign isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things you should know before you get started.
And once you do get started, there are certain guidelines to follow, along with some rules of thumb.
That’s why I’ve created an exclusive guide to making money through the eBay Partner Network. It’s called EPN Guide- eBay Partner Network: a Moneymaker for eBay Sellers. This hit guide is your road map to making EPN pay off for your business on eBay!
Cheer the cha ching of sales and free final fees, using affiliate marketing links from EPN!
This year, thanks to the ongoing restrictions imposed by the corona virus pandemic, the typical eBay sales slowdown doesn’t seem to be happening.
As Senior Vice President and General Manager for Americas Jordan Sweetnamrecently reported in his eBay announcement Your Business: Our Results, eBay’s GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) is up. Buyer growth is accelerating. Major categories are growing; and there’s more organic traffic coming to eBay. The company is even launching a brand-new advertising campaign, complete with nationwide TV commercials featuring eBay’s small and medium-sized sellers!
eBay sellers, that’s a whole lot of good news. And it leaves you with two options as a seller. Which of them you choose is entirely up to you.
Option number one is GO FOR IT!
Many eBay sellers are reporting holiday-level sales. If that’s happening for your business, you may want to just keep on keepin’ on. So in other words eBay sellers, keep sourcing, and keep selling. Check out my popular video eBay Sellers: HOT Sales Niche Discovery for exclusive tips on finding in-demand inventory. These are proven sourcing strategies that can pay off, big time, for your business on eBay.
Discover hot eBay products!
Taking advantage of the current upturn in eCommerce sales is definitely one way to find a silver lining in the COVID-19 cloud. But remember every business is unique. So what’s happening in your business may not be happening for other businesses, and conversely. If you want to max out on listing and selling, more power to you!
But there is another option that’s equally OK: namely, to cut yourself some summertime slack. So, maybe you’ve got kids at home to spend time with and keep occupied. Or you’ve planned some vacation travel. And perhaps you’re going to get started on home renovations.
Whatever the reason this may be your chance to slow down for awhile.
And that’s fine, too! But if you do decide to take time off from eBay, please don’t forget to turn on your store’s vacation settings. This includes an email auto response, and/or extend your handling time. Doing this protects you from dings for late shipping.
Just click on “Vacation settings” in the Seller Tools module of your Seller Hub Overview page, or click on “Change Settings” in the upper right-hand corner of your My Messages Inbox page. Then follow the screen prompts.
You can opt to allow purchases of Fixed Price items while you’re away, or you can postpone any sales until after you’ve returned and your store has reopened. Auction-style listings will still run as originally scheduled, which is why you need to extend your handling time. Ditto if you opt for allowing customers to make purchases while you’re away.
Be sure to write a welcoming message for customers who visit while your store is on vacation, encouraging them to come back and buy!
Whichever of these two roads you decide to travel this summer, pursue your chosen path guilt free.
Summertime eBay sales that are guilt free!
Everyone’s business is different, and every business owner’s priorities may be different as well. Do whatever is best and right for you, your business, and your family.
Whether you take the eCommerce expressway or Easy Street, enjoy your summer journey!
eBay Seller Protections are good news for eBay sellers.
eBay Seller Protections for smart sellers!
On eBay, buyers are not the only folks eBay protects! eBay sellers benefit from several layers of very significant seller protections. Additional protections exist for sellers offering free returns. And eBay offers special consideration for its Top Rated Sellers.
But first, let’s talk about what sellers can do pro-actively to safeguard themselves. This centers on giving buyers a great eBay experience.
To start, create great eBay listings.
Use good clear photos when listing. Write accurate descriptions. Does your item have a mark or flaw? Let buyers know. Take a close-up of it. Call it out in the item condition field too. Then, repeat it in your description. Its also good to include note of a flaw in your eBay title. Pointing out imperfections helps to deter buyers’ claims they didn’t know about flaws.
The vast majority of transactions on eBay go smoothly. Most sales end with buyers and sellers happy. Still, there are times when things go awry. Sometimes you make an honest mistake. For instance, you didn’t notice a tiny chip in a crystal vase. This error then results in a buyer opening an INAD (Item Not As Described) case.
But other times, an unscrupulous buyer makes an INAD claim. They look to get free return shipping or a refund without having to return the item.
eBay Seller Protections totally has your back.
eBay shields sellers from abusive buyers with its ‘Abusive Buyer Policy: “If eBay finds a buyer’s behavior is abusive, we will take action on the buyer and remove negative and neutral feedback and defects, including opened cases in service metrics.” This eBay Seller Protections article has all the details.
Basically, eBay protects you from · False INAD claims and abuse of returns.
Additionally sellers are protected against wrongful use of eBay bidding or messaging. Protections include buyer’s misuse of eBay’s Buyer Protections. Also eBay guards sellers from buyer demands for something not included in the original listing.
Sellers can receive help when events are beyond their control.
eBay protects sellers for late delivery of an item that was shipped on time. This includes sellers protection for a late delivery due to severe weather or carrier disruptions .
So, think you’ve got an abusive buyer?
Are eBay sellers protected from abusive buyers?
Read eBay’s Abusive Buyer Policy. Encounter the occasional bad apple buyer? Be sure to report them to eBay. y. Use the “Report buyer” link either from the Overview page in Seller
Hub or from your Manage Orders page. Furthermore, you can also access “Report a buyer” from the Abusive Buyer Policy page.
Don’t just complain about your abusive buyer on the eBay discussion boards and eBay sellers Facebook groups. Report buyer’s bad behavior to eBay. Enable eBay to do something about it!
Offer free returns and get even more eBay seller protections.
Get an item returned after the buyer has used or damaged it? You can deduct up to 50% of their refund. eBay can also remove any negative or neutral feedback on qualifying returns. Additionally defects, can be erased and/or opened cases in service metrics. So, seller do the math. Are free returns a wise choice for your business on eBay?
Furthermore, Top Rated Sellers also qualify for this particular protection. In addition, eBay reimburses return shipping up to $6 for false INAD claims.
There is one more form of eBay protection to be aware of.
Protection exists for Verified Rights Owners. This is eBay’s VeRO program.
Owners of intellectual property rights and their authorized representatives can report to eBay listings that infringe on those rights.
Intellectual property includes brand names, logos, and content. Be sure that any item you list is authentic. So, if you’re not 100% certain, it’s best not to list it!
Furthermore, don’t use brand names for generic products. Velcro is only Velcro when it’s made by Velcro. When not from Velcro, it’s a hook-and-loop fastening. By the same token, a one-piece infant bodysuit — a.k.a. romper or creeper — isn’t a Onesie, unless it’s from Gerber’s trademarked Onesie line.
Note: When you legitimately can use either of those or similar terms as keywords, be sure to capitalize them!
Under the terms of the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, eBay is required by law to pull any listing that’s reported as a VeRO violation. There is a variety of reasons listings can be taken down through the VERO program. These include Unauthorized use of images, copyright, Brand name misuse and Counterfeit. The consequences of a VeRO violation range from a stern warning to account suspensions of varying lengths. When you receive a VERO, the violation and consequences are cited. If a seller can appeal and or correct the violation, the steps are laid out.
In closing, you now know how thoroughly eBay protects you as a seller. eBay protects all it’s sellers. There are additional layers of security for sellers who offer free returns. And Top Rated Sellers have the highest level of protections, benefiting their achieving and maintaining high standards. All eBay seller can list and sell with confidence.
More than ever before, eBay meets Mother’s Day needs this year!
eBay meets Mother’s Day shopping needs !
eBay Mother’s Day 2020 is going to be a little different. But the good news is, it’s also going to be more meaningful. Thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world is self-isolating. People are quarantining at home. Folks are social distancing.
Right now, many realize the value of celebrating connections and showing loved ones how much we care. eBay meets Mother’s Day 2020 shopping needs.
eBay meets Mother’s day 2020. What does that mean for you, my eBay seller friend?
Right now, it means ka-ching! Because millions of online shoppers are hot on the trail of the perfect gift for Mom.
Yes, some states are beginning to ease up on restrictions. Brick-and-mortar retailers are gradually starting to reopen. But while some folks are getting out and about, shopping is very challenging. Some stores mandate face masks to enter stores.
Other stores have long, long, lines to get in, due to social distancing requirements. Additionally, many people are wary of ending their quarantine too soon. Rather than deal with in person shopping stress and constraints, shoppers are turning to eBay!
So eCommerce is where it’s at for Mother’s Day gift shoppers in 2020.
In 2019, consumers spent a record $25 billion on Mom; this year, the NRF predicts that consumers will spend an average of $205 apiece on cards, gifts, and special meals for Mother’s Day. That’s about $8 per person more than last year.
Now is your chance to step up to the plate and cut yourself a generous slice of that Mother’s Day pie! What do you have that would make a good Mother’s Day gift?
For inspiration, download your complimentary copy of my free guide What Sells for Mother’s Day.It’s page after page of products that make terrific gifts for mothers. Then review your inventory,both listed and unlisted.Chances are you’ve got plenty of mom-worthy items on hand! If something’s not listed yet, then get it listed — pronto.
As shown by the eclectic assortment of items listed in myfree downloadable guide, moms have an incredibly wide variety of interests. That means you’ve got an equally wide gamut of giftable goodies to offer, including books; clothing and accessories; collectibles; crafts; electronics; games and puzzles; home décor; kitchenparaphernalia; movies; sporting goods; tech devices; and so much more. Even power tools, for DIY moms!
Remember, too, that Mother’s Day gift items don’t necessarily have to be new.
If Mom collects anything, whether it’s vintage or contemporary, pre-owned treasures will be cherished additions to her collection.
Environmentally conscious moms also like the idea of keeping useful items out of the world’s landfills, so think gently worn and/or vintage clothing and estate jewelry. These categories will appeal to retro-minded moms as well.
And since it’s difficult right now to shop brick-and-mortar retailers, make it super easy for customers to shop with you! Pick out your perfect Mother’s Day items and put them into a specially created Mother’s Day Gifts category in your eBay store; then showcaseyour curated listings on social media, especially Facebook (which is hot-hot-hot right now).
Download my free guide What Sells on Mother’s Day,and start racking up sales. And if you’re a mom yourself, I wish you the happiest of Mother’s Days, full of loving elbow bumps and virtual hugs.
Even six feet apart or from opposite sides of a Facetime or Zoom screen, families can still be heart to heart!
Freebie guide for hot Mother’s Day products on eBay!
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