by Kathy Terrill | Jul 25, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
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 Federation Back 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 forward through 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 it HERE . 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 gadgets themselves. 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, because your unique listings will stand out in the crush of back-to-school search results.
For even more ideas, watch this video, What Will Sell On eBay For Back To School!
Yes, we’re all being affected by COVID-19. But that doesn’t have to stop you from having your best Back to School selling season ever on eBay!
by Kathy Terrill | Jun 28, 2020 | eCommerce News, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
There is a new eBay seller moneymaker in town.
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.
In fact, 81% of all brands use affiliate marketing nowadays.
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!
eBay sellers can earn no final value fees!
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 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 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!!!
