by Kathy Terrill | Sep 6, 2020 | eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay Holiday 2020 shopping has already begun!
3 Top Tips for eBay 2020 Holiday Selling!
Holiday shoppers are already flocking to eBay in search of the perfect gift for everyone on their list! eBay has mentioned the uptick in Holiday shopping several times in their eBay for Business podcast. After a challenging year spent mostly at home, people are really looking forward to the holidays.
To make the most of what’s shaping up to be a very busy and very prosperous 2020 Holiday season, smart sellers plan ahead — starting right now.
So, here are three top tips for maximizing your eBay Holiday sales a success!
1- To begin, whip your workspace into tiptop shape. Review and analyze your eBay workflow. Furthermore, can you improve your inventory management? Revamp your desk logistics? Update your shipping area? So, could you streamline any of your processes in any way(s)? What tweaks, changes, or refinements might help you to be more efficient and productive during the upcoming holiday rush? Implement these changes now, while you still have time to do so!
And speaking of shipping, savvy sellers are prepared for holiday shipping snags. Stamps.com gives eBay sellers the gift of a free subscription; all you pay for is the postage you purchase (at a discounted rate). Grab your complimentary Stamps.com eBay seller account via my referral link. If the Grinch throws a glitch into eBay Labels, you’ll still be ready to ship on time! Here are more tips for Holiday shipping .
Along with ensuring your workspace is shipshape, also order your holiday shipping supplies. Will 2020 be the year you offer to gift-wrap sold items?
So, If you’re an eBay Store subscriber, be sure to use your quarterly coupon for eBay-branded shipping supplies. Further, to add an extra-festive touch to your packages this year, eBay is also offering special 25th anniversary supplies. Use my affiliate links and Check out the special edition thank-you postcards and stickers via their 25th Anniversary Store.
2- List holiday items ASAP.
Christmas goodies and Hannukah treasures sell all year ‘round. Additionally there’s always a big uptick starting in September that continues through December.
Don’t be late to the holiday party! However you source —wholesalers, thrift stores, auctions, garage and/or estate sales, retail arbitrage, and/or online arbitrage — be on the lookout for traditional holiday–themed décor.
With all of the turbulence this year and in the world right now, people yearn for cozy comforts of Christmas Past. So keep an eye out for ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. Also in demand now are home accessories and bric-a-brac; tableware. Table, bed linens; chachkes and apparel with a traditional holiday vibe are all hot sellers. Who doesn’t love an Ugly Christmas Sweater? And remember, Thanksgiving is a holiday, too!
3- Get a road map for the your eBay holiday selling season.
Seller plot your route to maximum sales. Come join me September 8-13, 2020 for my FREE 2020 eBay Holiday Sales Success Boot Camp. From sourcing the most saleable inventory to creating the most effective listings to promoting your eBay store and items via social media, it’s going to be a chock-full cornucopia of practical tips and proven strategies for achieving your best holiday selling season ever.
Complimentary eBay Holiday Sales Success Boot Camp!
Sign up today to reserve your complimentary spot in this week-long workshop.
Meanwhile, dust off your elf’s hat, roll up your sleeves, and put on your skates, because the holiday train is getting ready to leave the station.
All aboard for a profitable eBay selling Q4 journey, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Complimentary eBay Holiday Sales Success Boot Camp!
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 | 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!!!
by Kathy Terrill | Jan 5, 2020 | eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay 2020 has arrived.
eBay 2020 is here!
The new decade is here. We’re celebrating the beginning of not just a new year, but a new decade! As a seller, what are your top resolutions for eBay 2020? Reorganize your office/workspace or inventory? Finally get those death piles listed? Attend eBay Open in July?
Those worthwhile goals for eBay 2020 are all fine and dandy, but without consistent sales, you won’t have a business to organize. Healthy cash flow is the lifeblood of any commercial enterprise, especially your business on eBay.
In the hit reality series Shark Tank, what’s one of the first questions the sharks ask each would-be entrepreneur?
They ask the business owner,” What are your sales?” Now I’m asking you the same question, and you’d better know the answer. If you don’t, you’ve got some homework to do. Because as a seller, it’s essential that you know your numbers — including not only how much you’re selling, but also how fast you’re selling it (sales velocity). In other words, how long are items listed before they sell?
The answer to this question will vary by category and even by item.
For example, cell phone accessories have a different sell-through rate than Mid-Century Modern candleholders. Furthermore, MCM candleholders may have a different sell-through rate than Art Deco candlesticks.
Once you have some idea of your sales history, consider this: If a certain type of product typically takes four months to sell, what would it mean for your bottom line if it sold in three months? Or two? It could mean the difference between a business that stagnates (or even fails) and a business that flourishes.
Here’s why.
“Sell-through rate” (how fast your items sell) is also known as “conversion rate”, because it represents the process of turning an item into cash — i.e., converting it to dollars and cents. The faster you can recoup your initial investment, reap your profit, and get that money into your bank account, the better. Many sellers get into trouble because they have too much cash tied up in inventory that isn’t selling.
Don’t be that seller in eBay 2020!
I can help you to get cash flowing (and/or flowing faster). What you need — what every eBay seller needs — is to accelerate sales. And I’ve got some proven tips for doing that. You can grab them right here. eBay Sales Accelerator tips are my gift to you when you add yourself to the wait list for my exclusive membership group Social Media Insider.
Now, when evaluating your business look at what IS selling. It’s important to note your best selling products and categories. While doing this be sure to do the following.
First, check prices! The value of an item will fluctuate over time. You may be asking too much, or you may be leaving cash on the table by asking too little. Use Advanced Search to check sold prices on eBay. My YouTube Watch This Before You List On eBay!, will show you how to use eBay’s Advanced search feature.
If you have an eBay Store subscription, check Terapeak as well (under the Research Tab in Seller Hub).
Second, include 4 or more pictures in each listing. You can have up to 12, so take photos of all the sides of each item as well as closeups of details and/or any flaws. Showcase each item to its best advantage, because shoppers make their purchase decision based on your photos and description. Show them what they’re getting, preferably on a plain white background! More pictures can add up to more as well as faster sales plus a boost in eBay search.
Third, offer a robust return policy. Most customers want what they’re buying. But they’ll feel a lot more comfortable about buying from you if they know they can return an item that doesn’t work out.
Think like a buyer in eBay 2020!
It pays to think like your buyer!
Let’s say a buyer needs a widget. Two identical sellers have widgets listed at the same price with free shipping. One seller offers no returns, while the other offers 30-day returns. Which widget would you buy?
Look at your competitors’ return policies. How can you make yours better than theirs? If they offer 30-day returns, maybe you could offer 60-day returns. Or free returns. Or both! Check the number of returns you get in any given category to know what’s best for your business.
To score a free copy of my eBay Sales Accelerator with even more tips, add yourself to the waiting list for Social Media Insider, my VIP sellers group.
Here’s to a new year full of more eBay sales than ever, faster than ever!
by Kathy Terrill | Sep 29, 2019 | eCommerce Selling Tips, eCommerce Tips, Selling on eBay
eBay sellers Christmas is less than 90 days away. That is less than 12 weeks. That may seem like a long time to you. It is not. So, eBay sellers that means it’s time to start preparing for a profitable Q4 right now.
Not sure exactly where to begin for a successful eBay sellers Christmas selling season?
Relax, because I’m here to help you have your best Holiday selling season ever! The first thing to remember is that there’s really no wrong way to tackle Q4, as long as you tackle it. It’s your business; you get to be in charge of how you run it.
So don’t waste time and energy comparing yourself to others.
What works best for another eBay seller may not work for you — and vice-versa. Make the best decisions for your business and your life. It’s your eBay business.
If you’re like most eBay sellers, there are probably 3 things on your eBay sellers Christmas Q4 wish list:
- More sales than last year
- Get more done in less time
- Enjoy the holidays with family and friends
My proven Q4 success strategies can help you achieve all 3 of those goals to have a great eBay sellers Christmas!.
Go to your Active Listings page in Seller Hub, and click on Current Price to sort items by what’s most expensive. Which of your items are new with tags?
You may think an item is not a gift. Remember not everyone has your lifestyle. Your family may not gift power tools, but for someone else, it’s the perfect Chrostmas gift. Think outside the box when it comes to what you think is just right for a gift. Many, many items are giftable! Christmas present are not just dolls, teddy bears and video games!
The perfect Christmas gift is more than toys!
Don’t forget that used items also sell as gifts, especially if they’re vintage and/or collectible.
Next, check your unlisted inventory, and get gift-worthy items listed ASAP.
Make a list or spreadsheet, so you can easily keep track of your Holiday listings. Then cast a critical eye at your active listings. Do any of them need their photos redone? Or maybe put into a different order? Make sure your listings are still optimized for search, too, as item specifics may have changed. This recent video Lost In eBay Search shows you how invaluable correct item specifics are.
By now you should be pretty well organized. Check your holiday inventory at the beginning or end of each week, whichever works best for you:
- What’s selling or sold?
- Do you need to run a sale?
- What needs tweaking?
Create promotional campaigns, and make a note of what works — then do more of it!
Finally, to have the ultimate eBay sellers Christmas, plan to enjoy yourself
In between all of the above tasks, take time to bask in the company of family and friends and participate in holiday events.
Build that time and those events into your Holiday plan. You’ll be making memories while your business is making money!
Break out the wassail, and let’s share a toast: Here’s to your best eBay Christmas Holiday selling season ever!
