by Kathy Terrill | Mar 19, 2021 | eCommerce Tips
eBay’s newest Spring Seller Update is full of mostly good news.
For eBay sellers, the first sign of Spring every year usually comes in the form of a seller update. This year is no exception: The 2021 eBay Spring Seller Update was released recently. Thankfully for eBay sellers it’s mostly good news!
Let’s start with the eBay Spring Seller Update new initiatives around Listings and Promotions.
First of all, two words that should have you doing the happy dance: coded coupons! This is something for which sellers have long been asking. Starting in Spring 2021, coded coupons will be available to all eBay Store subscribers via Promotions Manager.
They’ll replace the codeless coupons previously offered.
The new tool lets you create and share a discount code that your buyer(s) can apply at Checkout. To use it once it goes live in April, go to the Marketing tab in Seller Hub and click “Create a Promotion”.
Also good news for sellers is the rollout of eBay’s new Unified Listing Flow.
It’s designed to provide a clean design and consistent interface across all of your devices, from smartphone to tablet to desktop. Furthermore, it brings eBay’s popular and coveted Background Removal photo-editing functionality — formerly only available in the mobile app — to the desktop. That alone is cause for celebration! You can opt in anytime now by clicking on the words “Try the new listing tool” in blue text wherever you go to list. I urge you to do so ASAP, and then to provide feedback to eBay regarding this new tool.
It is still under construction, so it behooves us to speak up now and help shape it to sellers’ best advantage. From now through mid-May, you may switch back to the traditional listing flow at any time. But the unified listing experience will eventually (as in sometime later this year) become first the default option and then the exclusive mode for listing on eBay.
The next bit of good news for sellers: Promoted Listings will now feature Automated Campaigns! Be on the lookout for this new timesaving tool on the “Create Campaign” page in your Promoted Listings dashboard within Seller Hub.
In addition, eBay is going to provide sellers with even more Terapeak data. They’ve also made significant improvements under the Performance tab in Seller Hub. A new Listing Quality report is already available to some sellers. It will be extended to all eBay Store subscribers over the next few months.
Now for the good news/bad news in the eBay Spring Seller Update:
Seller updates invariably include category changes plus changes to item specifics. By mid-May, sellers who list in Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories, Collectibles, and Media categories will see yet more “Required Soon” item specifics popping up in their listing flows.
Remember: Category and item specifics changes are all designed to help buyers find your listings more easily. It’s well worth the pain of updating your listings, because doing so will really boost your sales — especially since other sellers may not bother.
Let’s Talk About the Money, Honey!
Now get out your calculator. It’s time to take a look at the 2021 Spring Seller Update’s overhaul to Fees & Financials. Final Value Fees (FVF) are going up; that always stings, but it is what it is. Unfortunately, there’s no table showing the old and new FVF side by side for easy comparison. Offsetting these FVF increases, eBay is giving storeowners in Managed Payments lots — and I mean LOTS — more free listings for Basic, Premium and Anchor store owners.
eBay Spring seller Update 2021 is mostly good news for sellers!
So many, in fact, that it may actually pay to downgrade your Premium, or Anchor Store.
eBay has not said on eBay’s Announcements Board but I was told by a senior staff member that you can downgrade your store subscription with no penalty as long as you do it by April 30. Do the math: Depending on how many listings you have, the increased allotment of $0 insertion fee listings may allow you to save a bundle by moving down a level.
One tidbit of bad news: Top Rated Sellers and higher level store subscribers are not amused to learn that their popular Promoted Listings credits are going away April 1 st . Back on the sunny side, eBay promises that exciting store updates are on the horizon. These include a modern storefront with more merchandising options and better search function; optimization features to help drive repeat purchases; and (finally!) a newly improved store newsletter.
I talk about this and more in my YouTube “eBay Spring Seller Update More Fees Ahead!”
Where to find the 2021eBay Spring Seller Update!
Now that you know what to expect from this seller update, update, it’s time to read the details for yourself. Just go to ebay.com/SellerUpdate. I’ve given you a helpful overview here, pointing out the highlights (and lowlights).
Good luck, and happy eBay selling!!!
by Kathy Terrill | Mar 6, 2021 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay sellers are on the lookout to create consistent eBay sales power.
Creating consistent eBay sales power!
To begin, strong sales on eBay are always a goal for sellers. Generating consistent eBay sales is essential to running a healthy online business. So, right now a key to steady sales for eBay sellers, is understanding structured data. “But Kathy,” you say, “I’ve heard a lot of buzz about structured data, but what exactly is it, and why should I care?”
Let’s answer those questions in reverse order.
I will start with why you care about structured data. In words of one syllable: more sales! Now keep that in mind while I explain eBay structured data.
Simply put, structured data is what search engines utilize to understand the contents of a web page, such as one of your listings on eBay. It’s a standardized format. It provides information about what’s on a web page, or in this case, in your listing. The item specifics for that listing represent one example of structured data.
Here’s how it works:
Search engines are powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The searches themselves are driven by the engine. The search engine is governed by search algorithms and carried out by search bots known as web crawlers, a.k.a. spiders.
Search algorithms tell these web-crawling bots what to search for. Furthermore structured data provides a trail of breadcrumbs for them to follow. If you don’t fill out your listing’s item specifics, you starve those poor spiders .They will search elsewhere for listings with more nourishing content.
So I have three words of advice for you:
Feed the spiders! But instead of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, think title, item specifics, and description. All three areas of an eBay listing feed Cassini (eBay’s search engine). Your eBay listings requires essential data for its spiders to gobble up. Ditto for Google Search’s spiders.
Let’s start with item specifics. Fill them in, please! What are the default options provided by eBay? What are your choices?
Furthermore, the more item specifics you can fill in, the better.
The terms you use to do so comprise a type of standardized information called attributes: for example, brand, size, color, pattern, etc. They help describe your item not only to potential buyers, but also to the search engines that will surface your listing for that item in search results so that buyers can find it.
Other forms of structured data in your eBay listings include condition, price, item location, and features as well as payment and shipping information.
What makes structured data so crucial to eBay right now is at the heart and root of what eBay CEO Jamie Iannone calls “a tech-led reimagination of eBay” — and that’s not just a catchphrase, it’s a mission statement.
Basically, eBay is trying to find better ways to catalog thousands upon millions of items into four or so best options for sellers.
For buyers, current and future technologies such as voice shopping, augmented reality (AR), and virtual shopping will lean heavily on structured data. Cassini already depends upon it when calculating which listings should be included in search results and how they should be ranked.
So if you want to continue (or start!) succeeding on eBay, get acquainted with structured data.
Freebie Guide -eBay Listings That Sell!.
It’s your new best friend. Feed Cassini’s search spiders well for your listings to be ranked higher in search. Rank better in search and be found by more shoppers. More buyers translates into more sales, which in turn will bring you higher profits.
In closing, to learn more about using structured data in your listings on eBay, check out my YouTube video Big Money on eBay for This! Then download your complimentary copy of my free guide eBay Listings That Sell! It features more than 7 pages chock-full of pro tips. Furthermore, the free guide is loaded with proven strategies that will pay off for your business on eBay.
eBay Listings That Sell Free Guide!
With the pro tips in eBay listings that sell, you’re optimized for more eBay sales!
by Kathy Terrill | Jan 30, 2021 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
It’s 2021 and a brand-new eBay selling year.
Tips for 2021 and successful eBay selling!
But many of 2020’s same old challenges linger on. So how do you prepare your business on eBay for the unknowns that lie ahead??
Let’s break down eBay selling into two manageable concerns:
First, we’ll talk about inventory. Because without inventory, you’re basically out of business. Second, we’ll look at ways to get sold items safely to your buyer. Because if you can’t do that, then again, you’re basically out of business.
But here’s the good news: As an online retailer, you’re always open on eBay! And I’m going to share with you my proven, actionable strategies for addressing your concerns about inventory and shipping, so you may rest assured that your business can indeed not only stay afloat, but thrive this year!
Let’s talk product sourcing in 2021.
How and where can you find new merchandise with which to stock your eBay store’s virtual shelves?
Sure, many brick-and-mortar retailers have closed up shop. That doesn’t mean you have to! No matter how and where you acquire your inventory, it’s always smart to be alert for and test new sources.
For example, do you thrift? Great! But have you tried retail arbitrage? That’s where you buy merchandise at brick-and-mortar stores, then flip it on eBay. Opportunities for retail arbitrage abound, from NWT clothing on clearance to health and beauty products with limited nationwide availability to marked-down seasonal décor and a gazillion other possibilities.
If you already do retail arbitrage for your eBay selling, have you tried online arbitrage?
That’s where you find merchandise on eBay and/or other ecommerce sites that you can buy at a low enough price to allow you to mark it up and resell it on eBay for a profit. My video Score Hot Selling eBay Inventory has some super ideas for you in this area.
Two eBay sourcing pro tips:
Look for eBay listings with misspelled brand names.
Sort search results by “Ending Soonest” and look for undervalued items, especially in auction listings.
Don’t forget about wholesale! With many wholesale shows now taking place online, this could be the perfect year for you to try sourcing some wholesale lines.
Remember: Multi-quantity/multi-variation listings only have to be created once to run for months as GTC (Good ‘Til Cancelled), and they’ll move up in search results with every item sold from that listing. It’s much less labor intensive than listing one-off items, which (obviously) end each time the item sells.
So consider complementing your one-of-a-kind inventory with a commodity product — or two!
Now let’s consider shipping. You probably have a favorite carrier, or at least one that you use more than others.
That’s fine, but do keep an eye on what the other carriers offer. In addition to their discounted USPS rates, eBay has partnered up with UPS and FedEx. It pays to compare prices to ensure you’re making smart choices about how to ship your sold items!
However you’re shipping, be sure you have a backup provider.
eBay Labels is pretty reliable, but should it go down or get glitchy, you’d best be prepared to turn to an alternative source for generating your shipping labels and packing slips.
I have an account with Stamps.com for this very reason. Did you know that Stamps.com offers a free account for eBay sellers? Yes, FREE! All you have to pay for is the postage you purchase, and Stamps.com offers the same discounted rates as eBay.
If you’re shipping globally, you may want to start using eBay’s Global Shipping Program (GSP) and International Standard Delivery (eISD) exclusively. These shipping services offer special protections for sellers. Furthermore, eISD is cheaper than USPS First Class International.
One thing is certain: 2021 is fraught with uncertainty.
Get ready now, so that when the curve balls come your way, you’re ready to knock ‘ em out of the park!
Top 2 keys eBay sales success in 2021!
by Kathy Terrill | Nov 13, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay Promoted Listings are your Holiday superpower.
eBay Promoted Listings are a sales superpower
We’re already 1/3 of the way into Q4, and time is ticking away on the year’s biggest retail moment: Holiday. ‘Tis the season to sell, sell, sell — so let’s get your eBay items SOLD! What can you do to garner more sales? Three words: eBay Promoted Listings.
Promoting your listings will boost their visibility in search results by as much as 36%.
You don’t need a store to use eBay’s pay-per-purchase advertising tool, either.
In fact, now it’s even available to sellers using eBay’s quick listing tool. The only listings that aren’t eligible for promotion are those that use the auction format.
I’m going to share with you my top three tips for getting the best possible results from eBay Promoted Listings.
But first, a quick refresher course on how Promoted Listings (aka PL) works:
You specify an ad rate somewhere between 1%-20% for each promoted listing. That’s the percentage of the final sale price you’re willing to pay to eBay (in addition to the regular final value fee) if your item sells via Promoted Listings. You’re only charged that rate when a buyer clicks on your promoted listing, then goes on to purchase the item within 30 days.
Promoted listings appear in search results under the word Sponsored, so you can tell them apart from non-promoted listings. Your promoted listing(s) may appear in premium placements within search results on both desktop and mobile devices or in the Related Items module at the bottom of every search results page.
1- For Optimal Results, Optimize your eBay Listings.
Promoting your listing pretty much guarantees you more eyeballs will see it. But — and this is my first tip — you’ve still got to make sure that you optimize your listing for conversion. That means:
a -Making sure you’re following eBay best practices in your title, photos, item specifics, and description.
b- Having customer-friendly terms of sale.
eBay’s Promoted Listings team says that it also pays to double-check that you’ve listed your item in the right category. One quick way to research that is to use eBay’s Advanced Search function to check Sold items.
2 – Advice from eBay UpFront
At several eBay UpFront events, PL team members have suggested increasing your PL rate during the holidays. Remember, right now there are more sellers and more listings than usual vying for buyers’ attention! Raise your rate to give yourself a leg up on your competitors.
To help you strike the best possible balance between cost and performance, eBay provides guidance by displaying suggested rates for each item you set out to promote. The suggested rate is calculated based on a number of factors, including item attributes, seasonality, past performance, and current competition.
Suggested rates typically run between 5%-10% for most categories, but they may be as low as 2% or as high as 18%. To find the sweet spot for your own listings, start low, then increase your rate by 1% at a time until you start to see a difference in sales.
Conversely, if your item is selling very well, you may be able to drop your rate by 1% or more and still keep sales strong. Test, and carefully monitor your PL dashboard to measure the results of your experimentation.
3- Know Your Numbers
That brings us to my third top tip for making the most of PL: Check your Promoted Listings Dashboard (located in Seller Hub) at least once a week. Look at your impressions, clicks, and sales. Are you getting a lot of impressions, but few clicks? Then review that listing:
Is your price competitive?
Is your listing optimized for conversion?
Is it keyword rich?
Have you filled out all the relevant item specifics?
Are your pictures click worthy and enticing?
Have you listed this item in the best category?
Just a few minor tweaks can transform a listing from blah to WOW — and get your item sold!
For more terrific tips on skyrocketing your sales with Promoted Listings, claim your complimentary copy of my free guide Winning with eBay Promoted Listings! You can find it at my website, iLoveToBeSelling.com. This downloadable guide features proven, actionable strategies for making PL work its very best for your business on eBay. It’s 15 full pages of PL sales power tips!
Win big sales with eBay’s Promoted Listings!
Find out how to pay less in fees while making more sales, discover ways to harness Promoted Listings data for higher profits, and much more. I’ve even added some special bonus content: Fast Fix for Stale Campaigns.
The Bottom Line for eBay Holiday Sales
During the holidays, more shoppers than usual are flocking to eBay. However, at this time of year, there is also more competition for buyers (and their dollars). Use Promoted Listings wisely and well to give yourself a competitive edge — and get more sales!
You have an eBay Superpower – it’s Promoted Listings!
by Kathy Terrill | Oct 3, 2020 | eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
Ready or not, eBay 4th quarter is here.
eBay 4th Quarter. Here we go sellers!
That means it’s time to get down to business and sell, sell, sell. Yes, states are beginning to modify or even lift restrictions on retail stores, but safe shopping practices are still the order of the day. Check out the National Retail Federation (NRF) guidelines for brick-and-mortar retailers.
The good news for you, eBay seller, is that millions of consumers are choosing to shop online.
So your eBay 4th quarter could be amazing! Here are four things you can do to help make that happen.
First, be aware that products that may not have been big sellers in the past are now hot, hot, hot. Use Terapeak and eBay’s Advanced Search function to check prices and trends. In most cases, it’s best to look at recent prices, because prices from last year could be very different than what they are now. After all, a lot has changed since then!
Second, here’s a heads-up regarding Halloween: Don’t stock up on Halloween costumes; instead, think home décor! Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there will be much less traditional trick-or-treating this year. But there’ll be plenty of folks staying at home, so decorations and seasonally themed items should continue to be in high demand.
Third, it’s true that all four seasons sell well on eBay all year round. However, right now many shoppers are looking for Fall and Winter items. If you have any unlisted inventory, this is the time to sort through it with an eye towards the Q4 calendar.
For example, do you have any sweaters, coats, boots, and/or other Fall and Winter clothing on hand? If so, get those items listed ASAP!
Fourth, I’m here to help.
4th quarter eBay money making tips!
My free downloadable Fall/Winter Essential Products Guide takes the guesswork out of eBay 4th quarter inventory quandaries.
Complimentary Fall/Winter Essential Products Guide!
Its 20 pages list dozens of items that will keep selling throughout the holiday season. Print out this handy guide, then take it with you to thrift and consignment stores, wholesale sources, or your favorite top-secret destination for retail arbitrage.
So there’s your four-part plan of attack for eBay 4th Quarter:
Research hot items, trends, and prices.
Halloween costumes, no; seasonal home décor, yes.
Identify and list Fall/Winter inventory ASAP.
Download and print out your complimentary copy of my Fall/Winter Essential Products Guide, then take it with you when you go product sourcing.
The sooner you get started on putting this plan into action, the more amazing your Q4 sales are likely to be. Good luck, and happy selling!
