by Kathy Terrill | Aug 11, 2018 | eCommerce News, eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
The eBay Fall Seller Update 2018 is out. It’s fairly painless — except for the new Service Metrics and increased media final value fees. I’ll explain later why they are so critical. The eBay Fall Seller Update is in 3 sections:
- Marketplace Updates
- Inventory Optimization
- Service Metrics & Shipping
FIRST: eBay Fall Seller Update Marketplace Updates
If you want to let customers call with questions, you can now share a phone number through My Messages. Opt-in via “Manage Communications With Buyers” in your account settings.
Marketplace Updates include changes to payments. Read about them at ebay.com/payments. Some sellers are participating in the beta program now. So, if you’re interested, fill out the survey linked from that page. Note: If you opt in, you won’t be able to use PayPal or the Global Shipping Program (GSP), and there is no opt-out.
It’s time to update HTTP URLs to HTTPS! Starting September 15, 2018, sellers with HTTP content in their listings will not be able to submit or relist them until they meet the more secure HTTPS criteria.
The eBay Fall Seller Update reminds sellers to have no links with HTTP in listings
Fee increases primarily affect media sellers. The Final Value Fee for Books, DVDs, & Movies goes from 10% to 12% for non-store subscribers. Additionally, store subscribers Final Value Fees for media also increases. Store sellers media Final Value Fees go up from 9.15% to 12 %. This is a relatively substantial increase. Consider raising prices and/or bundling items into lots to save on shipping. Also, Reserve and Subtitle fees will increase, too.
SECOND: eBay Fall Seller Update Inventory Optimization
This relates to eBay’s new product-based shopping experience. It refers to listing within the eBay catalog. The 2018 Fall Seller Update states which categories must be listed with the catalog as of September 15, 2018. More will become mandated from mid-October to February 2019.
Sellers listing in these categories can now submit information and new products to the catalog. For details, go to eBay.com/StructuredData.
As of October 15, 2018, there will be updates to Condition in Electronics, Home & Garden; Health & Beauty; Musical Instruments; and Business & Industrial. The revised terminology will help sellers better describe their items and make it clearer to buyers exactly what they’re purchasing.
My complimentary Fall Seller Update tip sheet walks you through all the details. Grab yours HERE.
THIRD: Service Metrics & Shipping
Here comes the tricky part! This new initiative means keeping a keen eye on your Item Not as Described (SNAD) returns and Item Not Received (INR) cases. Find these under the Service Metrics tab under Performance in your Seller Hub. According to eBay, this dashboard shows how your customer service compares to that of sellers with a similar selling profile.
The idea behind Service Metrics is to help ensure buyers have a good experience. If they don’t, many of them leave eBay and never come back. As of October 1, 2018, if eBay finds you have a very high SNAD rate compared to your seller peers, you may be charged an additional 4% final value fee on each item sold.
My YouTube, eBay Fall Seller Update 2019- Seller Beware details this.
Starting November 1, 2018, if you have a very high INR rate, eBay may extend the estimated delivery time shown in your listings. This will impact your ranking in search, so be sure to upload tracking numbers to eBay. As long as tracking shows an item as “Delivered”, eBay will protect you.
Updates to eBay Labels roll out next month (September 2018).
That’s it: the 2018 Fall Seller Update in a nutshell. By and large it’s good news for sellers. The fee increases for media hurt. The big concern is the Service Metrics. Watch your metrics closely. If you spot an uptick in SNAD returns, revise listings accordingly. Watch for glitches or errors in your data, and report inaccuracies to eBay ASAP.
The final takeaway from the Fall Update is, sellers, know your numbers!
by Kathy Terrill | Jul 20, 2018 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
Feeling slow summertime eBay sales blues?
Contrary to what the old song says, there IS a cure for any eBay sales summertime blues. I’ll list the ingredients; then it’s up to you to concoct the mixture that works best for your business.
The first step towards stirring up eBay sales is to check prices.
Keep an eye on prices for your listings on eBay!
Market values can change over time…demand for your item may increase or decrease…new competitors may undercut you; there are lots of reasons why it’s important to stay current on pricing.
Check out my “Advanced Search” YouTube video to learn how to quickly research SOLD prices on eBay so that you know what your item is selling for. If necessary, adjust your pricing. Don’t forget to note whether sold items offered free or paid shipping, so you can take that into consideration. In addition, be sure to check the size and condition of sold items to ensure they’re truly comparable to what you’re selling.
Also, consider shipping. If you’re not yet selling internationally, you’re missing out on millions of potential customers.
Open your business up to that world of possibilities by going global. For heavier items, expensive items, and items shipping to countries that do not yet offer USPS First Class International’s Electronic Delivery Confirmation (eDelCon), opt into eBay’s Global Shipping Program at ebay.com/GSP. GSP users have seen their sales increase by up to 15%!
And it’s easy: With GSP, you create a shipping label through eBay as usual to generate a global tracking number. It’s automatically uploaded to your and your buyer’s My eBay page. Then you ship the item to eBay’s Global Shipping Center in Kentucky. eBay does the rest, including filling out customs forms, paying import fees, and providing international shipping to your buyer.
Small and/or lightweight and/or inexpensive items may be shipped directly via USPS First Class International with eDelCon. eBay Labels and third-party providers automatically generate and fill out customs forms. For more details enjoy my blog post International Sales Mean Cash
Selling internationally increases eBay sales!
So you’ve checked your pricing and are shipping worldwide. Now let’s check your listings’ formats.
It’s best to have a mix of fixed price and auction listings because while some shoppers love to bid, others prefer to Buy It Now.
For fixed price listings, add the Best Offer option. Best Offer lets the buyer know that you’re willing to haggle a bit. If you get an unacceptable offer, always counteroffer, with a note thanking the buyer and telling them how much of a discount you’re offering and why your item is worth it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many lowball offers can be turned into sales!
You can also send Private Offers in response to questions received through My Messages.
Just click “Reply with an offer” in the upper right-hand corner of the message. Again, add a note explaining your offer is for $X, which is Y% off.
Promotions Manager is free to eBay Store subscribers; use it to create special offers, discounts, and sale events. Store subscribers and Top Rated Sellers can also use Promoted Listings to boost item visibility by 30%.
Pull ahead in sales with eBay Promotions!
With Promoted Listings, you choose an ad rate: a percentage you’re willing to pay if your item sells from its promoted listing. You only pay if a buyer clicks on your ad AND purchases the item within 30 days. Top Rated Sellers receive a quarterly $30 Promotions Listing credit, while Anchor and Enterprise Store subscribers receive a $25 credit. Top-Rated Anchor and Enterprise Store subscribers receive both.
So go ahead and cure those slow summer sales blues.
Now that you know the ingredients — check pricing; sell internationally; vary your listing formats; use Best Offer and Private Offer; try Promotions Manager and Promoted Listings — you’re sure to be able to cook up a recipe for success!
P.S. For even more summer sales success tips, listen to my recent interview on eBay Radio.
by Kathy Terrill | Jul 1, 2018 | eCommerce News, Selling on eBay
Going to eBay Open 2018? Read and save this handy checklist!
So you’re getting ready to head for Las Vegas to attend eBay Open 2018, July 24-26 at Mandalay Bay. It’s the seller event of the year. Three chock-full days of nonstop eBay education, information, and inspiration. The event features:
- General sessions keynoted by eBay executives.
- Workshops by eBay team leaders.
- Panels led by top sellers.
- Networking with your peers.
- Food, festivities, and eBay fellowship!
Plan ahead NOW, in order to make the most of this annual seller celebration.
Plan Ahead To Get The Most From Attending eBay OPEN!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED MOST!
◊ Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll cover a lot of ground during this conference — in more ways than one — including Mandalay Bay’s miles of marble-floored corridors.
◊ Sweater, shawl, or hoodie
Convention meeting rooms get chilly!
◊ Water Bottle
You’re in the Mojave Desert; stay hydrated.
◊ Chargers for all your devices
There won’t always be wall plugs available, so bring plenty of portable juice.
◊ Business cards
Get cards free from VistaPrint, or use your eBay Store Subscriber Discount. Don’t forget a case to hold them, along with those you’ll collect from other sellers, eBay peeps, and third-party providers. You can also use apps like CamCard to scan business cards. Read about ir in my Tips For Attending Networking Events.
◊ Notebook and pens or pencils
You’ll want to take notes, jot down questions, etc.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO!
◊ Review the agenda and workshops, and plan a tentative schedule
Don’t worry if you can’t catch them all. You’ll be able to watch videos of the sessions later (although you’ll miss out on the Q&A). This year’s three tracks are:
- Modern Marketplace (eBay’s new product-based shopping experience; shipping; returns; photography; buyer insights; and seller panels)
- Profitable Growth (Google SEO; pricing; merchandising; social media; and shipping)
- Purpose (how to run a million-dollar business on eBay; managing your financials; sales tax; community; and eBay for Charity)
◊ Check out the sponsors
Click on “Learn more” for a snapshot of what each provider has to offer. For example, BULQ makes product sourcing easy. They sell liquidation goods by the pallet or case, shipped right to your doorstep, complete with an itemized and guaranteed manifest.
◊ Sign up for a 15-minute Biz Boost (formerly known as Customer Care Center)
These one-on-one sessions will give you the tools and guidance you need to optimize your business. Check the emails you received from eBay OPEN.
◊ Got questions? This is your chance to get answers directly from eBay executives and team leaders. Make a list of what you’d like to ask!
GET SOCIAL!
◊ Join the Going to eBay Open 2018 Facebook Group
Chat with other attendees and get tips about the event and Vegas. By the time you get there, you’ll have made new friends!
◊ Get your eBay spirit on with eBay-branded apparel and/or tech gadgets
Shop The eBay Merchandise Shop for the latest eBay-branded gear; check out the eBayana category for more.
◊ As soon as the eBay OPEN app is released, put it on your devices.
◊ Visit the Mandalay Bay website
Find out what’s movin’ and shakin’:
- restaurants and bars
- entertainment
- other amenities include shops, a spa, and Mandalay Bay’s world-famous beach (bring sunscreen!)
Join their M Life Rewards Program to earn points for every dollar you spend. You’ll also score discounts at shops, special ticket offers, and casino comps. Active military and veterans are eligible for discounts as well.
WHAT NOT TO MISS!
With planning you don;t miss out at eBay OPEN!
◊ Monday’s unofficial meet and greet, hosted by the Dallas eBaybes & eMales
6pm-10pm PT at Mandalay Bay’s Skyfall Lounge; venue dress code “upscale casual”, eBay colors encouraged
◊ eBay Radio’s live broadcasts from the eBay Open Studio:
- Tuesday, July 24 — 4:30pm-5: 30 pm PT
- Wednesday, July 25 — 8:30am-9: 30 am PT (Best eBay Outfits Contest)
- Thursday, July 26 — 12:30pm-1: 30 pm PT
◊ eBay Open Studio seller videos and live streams — tell your eBay story!
◊ Happy Hour: Wednesday, 5:15pm-6: 30 pm PT, in the Expo Hall
Meet and mingle with eBay bigwigs and employees!
◊ Thursday’s closing party, 7pm-11pm PT at the Brooklyn Bowl
◊ eBay Canada’s Seller Social (for Canadian sellers)
Wednesday, 6:30pm-8: 30 pm PT, at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill
NOW YOU’RE READY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EBAY OPEN 2018!
Be prepared to get caught up in the excitement. If it’s your first eBay conference, you may even feel a little overwhelmed. You can’t be everywhere at once, so keep an eye on social media to stay up to speed on everything that’s happening. (Hashtag: #eBayOpen2018.) Above all, enjoy this once-a-year opportunity to spend time with your tribe. You’ll come home re-energized and armed with new strategies for making your business even more successful!
by Kathy Terrill | Jun 12, 2018 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
Looking for more eBay sales? International sales can increase your business immediately.
So, why say no to more sales?!
To begin, shipping globally on eBay can be accomplished in several ways.
First, sellers can ship themselves. Additionally, businesses can ship international sales with eBay’s Global Shipping Program. For each listing, sellers choose how to handle their non- US sales. It is not an all or nothing proposition. So, sellers can mail product X themselves using eBay shipping labels. Also, shipping product X can be done using products like Stamps.com, Endicia, and ShipStation. Then with product Y they select eBay’s Global Shipping program.
There are several advantages to eBay’s Global Shipping program, commonly called GSP.
First, it takes a lot of stress off the seller. When a GSP item sells, the sellers simply mail to a shipping hub in Kentucky. From there, the item is packed and mailed overseas. The seller is only required to get the item to Kentucky. From Kentucky onwards, it’s eBay’s job. eBay is responsible to have the international shipping product arrive safely in county Q. Should it arrived damaged, eBay refunds the buyer. This keeps more money in the seller’s pockets! Also, eBay screens the GSP listings. If it’s illegal to import your product to country G, it will not be visible to that nation.
Amazon sellers that use FBA to fulfill their eBay orders can use GSP.
Many Amazon eBay sellers are completely unaware of this. eBay’s GSP shipping center is in the US. Savvy FBA sellers opt their eBay inventory into GSP for the sales boost. It’s a fast smart way to make more money.
Listen to international sales tips in my YouTube, Where Did The eBay Customers Go?
http://https://youtu.be/X0joTyMLzwo
Some sellers are nervous to ship overseas. The Global Shipping program reassures sellers with its shipping protections.
That being said, protections are not free. eBay’s Global Shipping program is a premium service. It includes door to door tracking. Customs and import fees are charged up front. The basic rule of thumb for using GSP is this. If an item is under 4lbs, ship it yourself. Should the product be over 4lbs, use the Global Shipping Program. Furthermore, if the product is very valuable and or fragile, consider GSP. You have a built-in insurance policy with GSP.
If your items are light, often shipping yourself is best.
GSP will make lightweight item’s shipping expensive to buyers. You can lose sales. Shipping USPS first class international includes tracking to many countries. Here is the current list of countries with this tracking. It’s called e-Delcon.
It’s wise to edit the custom’s form when shipping to a generic description.
A DKNY dress is a women’s dress. An Under Armour shirt is a men’s shirt. You are not falsifying the document. You’re not changing the price or marking a purchase a gift. You are mailing a dress. You’re shipping a shirt. Using the generic term helps the package not get sidetracked by a handler interested in the contents. Shipping GSP there is no need to do this.
So, still feeling a bit nervous?
It’s fine to start shipping globally in increments. Begin shipping to Canada. Later add UK and Australia. Then consider shipping everywhere. Again, GSP takes any jitters away. But if your items are lightweight, it can make your items expensive. You’ll lose sales to sellers who ship themselves.
Offer GSP and your own shipping.
You must choose one or the other for countries you will ship to. Sellers can ship themselves to some countries that are non-GSP nations. Then use GSP for the eligible countries. HERE is the current list of GSP eligible nations. To do this you would customize shipping under shipping details. You can block countries you don’t want to ship to in your site preferences. If you leave GSP checked in shipping details and include you own shipping for the SAME country, your shipping is shown to buyers. They will not see GSP. For GSP to be offered, it must be the only option to country X.
Almost daily articles speak on the massive increase in online shopping. This recent post by B& T Magazine highlights how Australians are shopping online is just one.
Every day more people everywhere are shopping online!
Online shopping is increasing daily.
No matter the size of your business, you can be an international seller. Shipping everywhere increases your eBay sales. That’s great news in all languages.
Special note – Thanks to Feedspot for recently selecting us as a top blog to read for eBay Seller News!
by Kathy Terrill | May 27, 2018 | eCommerce Tips
The eBay Summer Seller Update for 2018 is out. Like most of the seller updates, it’s a mixed bag.
You may have quite a bit of work ahead with the eBay Summer Seller Update.
To begin, the eBay Summer Seller Update is in four sections. They are Inventory Optimization, eBay Stores, Selling Metrics and Shipping and Returns. I will address key facts that impact the majority of people. I encourage you to read the entire update.
So, in Inventory Optimization, four categories now have mandatory item specifics.
The four are Coins, Comics, Pottery & Glass and Tires. In light of this, note what categories you sell in. Many sellers have Pottery & Glass listings. Look to start implementing the mandatory changes now. Be ready for the July 31, 2018 deadline. Furthermore, study the product categories that must list with Product Pages. I break down key points in the entire update for you HERE.
Equally important are the impacted categories of cardio equipment, cell phones, and smartphones. Included are computers/tablets, networking tablets, and ebook readers. Also counted are humidifiers, internet & media streamers and major appliances. Portable fans, programmable thermostat, and small kitchen appliances join the list. Space heaters, TV video, and home audio are included. As are internet and media streamer, TV’s, and voice-enabled home assistants too. More details on these changes are HERE.
Now, the next part of the seller update is for eBay store owners.
So, if you use the sales function of Promotions Manager and Sales event, heads up.
Items must be listed on eBay for a minimum of 14 days before they can be put on sale. I detail this new policy and other eBay Summer Seller Update facts in my YouTube Stop The Drowning.
http://https://youtu.be/6-XxWo1ejSg
Furthermore, Seller Metrics and Shipping will have new features.
With a few exceptions, as of June 25 sellers will need to list with zip codes. Additionally, in July eBay will add new seller metric data to Seller Hub. Sellers will be shown how they compare to other sellers in key data. The focus seems to be on returns. Of course, data is welcome. Let’s see if this will be helpful information. eBay will need to tightly compare apples to apples to give sellers data that’s useful. eBay Radio has great information on this and entire update HERE.
Good and bad news for sellers on Returns!
So, eBay is moving ahead with only five return policies allowed. There are a few exceptions. eBay makes it easier for buyers to return. A simplified return process will be in place. In light of this, sellers need to select an approved policy. If they don’t pick one, one will be assigned. Details are HERE.
In closing, sellers have work to do.
Goal Of eBay Summer Seller Update – Sales!
Studying the update, look at the categories you sell in. Are you impacted by the changes? Look at your returns policies. Are they compliant with eBay’s new standards? Starting in July, look at your new return seller metrics. Comparatively, how do you stack up? The update points sellers to data and policy compliance. The end goal is more sales from more shoppers. Now, that’s certainly welcome news to sellers!
by Kathy Terrill | Apr 23, 2018 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
To begin, many, many eBay sellers are solopreneurs.
By avoiding these following top five time wasters, you’ll be on the road to eBay selling success!
Numerous sellers are doing all the tasks to run their eBay business. So the seller is sourcing inventory, researching products and taking pictures. Additionally, they are shipping, doing customer service and social media. So, how on earth does someone get all this done with time left for family and friends? The answer is, avoid these top five time wasters that can consume your day.
The number one time waster for sellers is excessive research.
Before you start a deep dive on prices for items, do a quick search using eBay’s advanced search. This video shows you how.
http://https://youtu.be/ikJu5KFnvH0
If you find your item sells for $20 or less, you want to list as quickly and efficiently as possible. You have a good idea of the selling price already. Put it aside to photograph and list. Move on to the next item. Spending 30 minutes research a $20 item is not an effective use of your time.
Your second biggest time waster is social media.
Social media is a huge help for eBay sellers. There is an abundance of helpful content to be found. Additionally is the perfect way to attract shoppers to your products. However, it can also be a huge time suck. The Journal Of Applied Psychology recently spoke to how we have an altered sense of time when we’re online.Use your clock. Before you hop on Youtube, Facebook or Instagram, note the time. Decide how much time you’re allotting to social media. Stick to your choice. If you don’t, that 30 minutes you need for a listing is gone. Use social media, but watch the clock.
Third biggest time waster is not grouping tasks.
Whether it’s listing, shipping or running errands grouping like tasks will save you oodles of time. I can product source on my way home from the post office as it’s right on the way. Time saved fifteen minutes. Similarly, I can take pictures in batches, and then edit in batches. Time saved an hour. Go through your regular tasks. What can be grouped? Start doing them that way.
Fourth biggest time waster is not prioritizing.
Fourth biggest time waster for eBay sellers is not prioritizing.
Some things are more important than others. For sellers listing and shipping are at the head of the list. Right behind that is customer service. With those done, then look at your time. How much will you allocate today for product sourcing, social media, learning a new skill, and or bookkeeping? Take a bit of your day and write down what needs to do regularly. Then use a paper or electronic calendar and schedule those items. Similarly, do you want to keep a running daily, weekly, monthly to-do list? It’s a wise business practice to write things down and plot your days, weeks and months.
Your final biggest time waster is not saying no.
Unless you have extensive staff and family help, you can’t do everything every day. Step four is a big help in realizing this. Look at what needs to be done to run your business. Unless you’re adept at using scheduler, or have an assistant you don’t need to be active on all social media every day. Select the one most effective for you. Similarly, you don’t need to source inventory every day. Now, as you grow your business that can change. Using the first four steps, discover what is important for your eBay business. Then learn to say no to what is not needed right now.
In closing, we all have different needs and lifestyles. Taking the time to analyze what works for you and what doesn’t, you make the right choices for you. By not choosing wisely, you sabotage your success. Likewise, you’ll be frustrated every day.
By avoiding these top five time wasters for eBay sellers, you’ve cleared the path to your success. Time to list!
