by Kathy Terrill | Jun 12, 2020 | eCommerce News, eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay sellers summertime sales are rising!
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 Sweetnam recently 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!
by Kathy Terrill | May 17, 2020 | eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips
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.
A list of VeRO participants is available on eBay.com.
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.
eBay covers its sellers!
eBay protects all its sellers!
by Kathy Terrill | May 6, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
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.
In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), 78% of respondents said that this year, Mother’s Day is especially important to them.
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 my free 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; kitchen paraphernalia; 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 showcase your 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!
by Kathy Terrill | Apr 25, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Facebook Business Page Tips, Social Media Tips
A Facebook business page is a sales driver for eBay sellers.
Your Facebook Business Page is an eBay sales driver!
eBay sellers if you’re ignoring a Facebook Business page, you’re ignoring your shoppers. Facebook is on fire these days. With the vast majority of the world’s population in quarantine due to the global corona virus pandemic, it’s become a virtual lifeline. You’re probably spending more time there yourself!
As no less an authority than The New York Times recently noted the upsurge of Facebook traffic. “Now, stuck inside their homes and isolated from their families and friends, millions of Americans are rediscovering the social network’s virtues. That has lifted usage of Facebook features like messaging and video calls to record levels and powered a surge in traffic for publishers of virus-related news.”
In fact, Facebook is experiencing a surge in traffic, period.
What does that mean for you — and your business on eBay? It means you need a Facebook Business Page, stat! It’s absolutely free and will pay off big-time, even after the corona virus pandemic is over. You can set up your Page with just a few clicks, so what are you waiting for? Get started ASAP!
Or maybe you already have a Facebook Business Page. But you haven’t done much with it, and/or you aren’t seeing much traffic. This is your chance to change all that eBay seller. So strike while the iron is hot — hot — hot. Even if you don’t have an eBay store, you can use a Facebook Business Page to drive traffic to your listings.
“But Kathy,” you say, “I know I should set up a Facebook business page…but then what do I do with it?”
Well, for starters, you need to post to your business page on a regular basis, Try for at least once a week, more as time allows. But don’t just post about items you’ve got listed. Nobody wants to see a steady stream of product posts. If all you’ve been doing is sharing links to your listings and/or various store categories, it’s no wonder you haven’t gotten many visitors, let alone return visitors.
When all you do it post your products, you are seen as “spam”.
You are social media noise, rather than a fun and interesting seller! All you’re saying with non stop product posts to Facebook is “Buy my stuff! Buy my stuff! Buy my stuff!” It’s boring at best, as well as potentially counterproductive. Remember, it’s called SOCIAL media, not selling media. So be social! A good guideline to follow is the 80/20 rule. That means about 80 percent of your content should be social, while the other 20% can be about selling.
To help you get your new (or newly revitalized) Business Page off the ground, check out my free downloadable guide Sales Power Tips for Your Facebook Business Page. It’s packed with proven, easy-to-implement tips that really work.
So stop spamming your friends and family by sharing eBay links on your personal Facebook page.
eBay seller don’t spam your customers on Facebook!
An occasional selling-related post there is fine — for example, if you list a particularly interesting or unusual item — but your business really needs (and deserves) a Facebook page of its very own.
Want more shoppers? Set up your Facebook Business Page, and start posting! Just be sure to keep it social about 80% of the time.
Now…let’s get social with our eBay customers!
by Kathy Terrill | Apr 11, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
At times like this eBay sellers look to thrive not just survive.
eBay sellers – thriving during the COVID-19 crisis!
eBay sellers look to thrive economically during this COVID -19 pandemic. Here are my top tips to keep your online sales business strong during these tough times.
COVID-19 is a harsh reality for all of us right now.
It’s not just here in the USA; it’s global. COVID-19 impacts all eCommerce sellers worldwide. Sellers from Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to Poshmark, Shopify, and Walmart all feel CO-VID-19.
To begin, there is good news. Financial aid is available to help you get through this crisis. eBay has launched several initiatives. More potential resources are included in the recently passed Federal stimulus package. I don’t want you to miss out on anything, so let’s take it from the top.
eBay store subscribers received 50,000 free listings in March. And eBay Store sellers get another 50,000 this month (April). Don’t forget to activate this generous offer via the link in the Promotional Offers section of your Seller Hub Overview page.
Non-store subscribers get 200 additional free fixed price or auction listings for April; get details and activate the offer here.
Furthermore, eBay is supporting eBay sellers in other ways, including special seller protections.
Starting with your March 20th evaluation and running through your June 20th evaluation, your Seller Performance Standards will not be negatively impacted for 90 days. For details, check eBay’s announcement, “Protecting Your Seller Performance Through COVID-19”.
Additionally, eBay is in close communication with major shipping carriers. This includes USPS, UPS and FedEx. Sellers were updated April 3rd via an eBay announcement titled “Advising You About Shipping During COVID-19”.
eBay created a dedicated COVID-19 Community Hub. eBay Main Street launched a special page of COVID-19 Small Business Government Support Resources. For more details, read “Helping Each Other Through COVID-19 in the Ways That Matter the Most” on the eBay Announcements page. Keep an eye out for future announcements.
If your eBay sales are down right now, do your best to pivot quickly. Source, list, and sell items that are in demand right now, download my free tips eBay and COVID-19 A Seller’s Guide!
eBay and COVID-19 A Seller’s Guide!
Now let’s look to see what’s available for eBay sellers!
There are State and Federal programs to assist all small business owners. This includes all online sellers on sites such as eBay, Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, etc. Check eBay Main Street’s COVID-19 page. eBay’s Government Relations Team provides up to date links to Federal, State, and international programs.
Moving on to the recently approved COVID-19 Federal stimulus package. This legislation features unprecedented coverage for unemployment. There are benefits for unemployed workers.
Also there is coverage for contract workers who lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to COVID-19.
As an eBay seller, did you suffer work loss because of the corona virus? Explore whether or not you qualify for benefits. They are administered by individual states. So check out the links for your state on eBay Main Street’s COVID-19 Small Business Government Support Resources page.
Congress passed extensive loan and grant programs for small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19.
These funds will available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in conjunction with local banks. Check SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources for details.
These SBA loans and grants are welcome programs. But it can take awhile to actually receive your funds. If you’re in the same boat as many sellers, you may need money now. Payability is one company that offers highly effective financial options for qualifying online sellers. This could be especially useful if you’re in eBay’s Managed Payments program. Payability is also very useful for Amazon & Shopify sellers.
There are several ways Payability can help you can increase cash flow and liquidity.
Instant Access provides next-day marketplace payouts. Instant Advance lets you get 75%-100% of your monthly marketplace revenue in one lump sum (up to $250,000).
Yes, this is indeed a challenging time in many ways.
So take a good hard look at your own situation. What helps you and your business right now?
Unemployment qualifications changed. Benefits have expanded. Could this help you and/or your workers? Are any SBA offerings a good fit for your business? If you need funds quickly right now to cover bills or pay for inventory, consider the speed, ease, and convenience of Payability.
A healthy cash flow is critical to the success of your online selling business. Payability offers a lifeline at this critical sales time whether you sell on eBay, Amazon or on your website.
So analyze your choices, and then act.
In closing, move forward even during these difficult days. Don’t let COVID-19 break your business’ stride!
by Kathy Terrill | Mar 24, 2020 | eCommerce News, eCommerce Selling Tips, Selling on eBay
To start, let’s talk about eBay, COVID-19 and you.
Selling on eBay during the COVID-19 pandemic!
Selling on eBay during the current COVID-19 pandemic. It’s the challenge of our lifetime.
Never before have we as Americans been through a global pandemic like COVID-19. We’ve faced the fallout from 9/11. We’ve weathered numerous hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. But the coronavirus is a worldwide crisis that is a test like nothing else in our experience.
What can and should you (and all of us) be doing at this difficult time?
Before even thinking of eBay selling and COVID-19, protect yourself along with your family.
How do you carry out this mandate to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus? By knowing what is recommended right now — and staying up to the minute with information you can be sure is 100% accurate and reliable.
To do so, go directly to the COVID-19 page on the Center for Disease Control website (CDC.gov). There’s a clickable banner right at the top of the CDC home page. Don’t trust media reports or what you see on Facebook; get your COVID-19 info straight from the source!
The Announcements page can be reached from the Selling Announcements module on your Seller Hub Overview page or via the Announcements link at the bottom of any page on eBay.com.
By the way: Some of you will see right on eBay’s home page one way eBay has your back at this time; click on the Shop Small button to see more. If you don’t see the “Open right now and here for you” banner on the home page, just go directly to eBay’s new Small. Mighty. Open for Business page. It’s highly reassuring — even inspirational!
eBay has already announced that they will defer fees to support small and medium-size businesses through COVID-19. If you’re an eBay Store subscriber, watch your My Messages and regular email inboxes on March 25 for details on how to request support, or check the Announcements page.
Additionally eBay Government Relations eBay Main Street has information for sellers. Unsure of actions your state is taking? The page on COVID-19 that eBay Government Relations is maintaining has up to date information for sellers.
With eBay shipping and CO-VID 19, take advantage of USPS’ scheduled pickups.
It’s hard to get to the post office when you’re sheltering in place. Luckily, you don’t have to go there; USPS will come to you. Every day except Sundays and holidays.. Because that’s how they roll. Schedule your package pickups via the USPS website (USPS.com) in just 4 easy steps.
It used to be that you had to have at least one Priority Mail package going out in order to schedule a pickup, but now USPS will pick up any class of package. It’s best to schedule package pickup no later than the night before the day you need it. Often if asked nicely, many carriers will take and scan your package(s) on the spur of the moment.
Now that you know what you need to do right now, let’s talk about what’s selling right now!
Folks are home. What do they need?
Some eBay sellers are doing very well, while others are struggling. Furthermore, many part-time sellers who have been laid off or are on hiatus from their full-time jobs are expanding their business on eBay and need to stock their virtual shelves.
So think about it: People are staying home.
In fact, many are stuck at home by local government order. Topping the list of products these folks need are household essentials and food. Ponder pantry items. Also think over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
Educational and entertainment items for kids are also in high demand. Look at books, DVDs, games, puzzles, and crafts items of all kinds.These in demand craft items includes lots of egg cartons, wine corks, clean and empty glass jars, plastic pill bottles, and the cardboard tubes from rolls of paper towels and toilet paper.
Adults need to entertain themselves as well. Jigsaw puzzles and many games are fun for all ages, as are the full gamut of crafting options. Think sewing patterns and fabric; knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, and other needlework supplies. Also think about adult coloring books, perhaps bundled with a set of colored pencils or markers (especially the new glittery versions); and model anything kits.
And don’t forget scrapbooking. This is a perfect time for millions of hunkered-down Americans to get caught up on printing out and showcasing their photo libraries.
In addition, lots of folks are using this time as an opportunity to learn new skills or try new hobbies.
They need books and DVDs that teach crafting, DIY home improvement, auto mechanics, languages, and more.
I share even more ideas with you , along with some thoughts regarding the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in my recent YouTube video Sales Success On eBay Despite Coronavirus Outbreak!
In sum, today more than ever, you need to think like a buyer.
Look through your unlisted inventory. Look around your house or apartment. Do you have something on hand that other people need and/or that’s in high demand right now for whatever reason? Get it listed ASAP! My free tip sheet Dominate eBay Search will help those listing stand out to shoppers and get sold!
Take care…stay well…and sell on, fellow seller!!!
