Still, with all the positives, I can still find something to complain about. No, it's not the fees, or the fact that PayPal has been force fed to all the sellers. No, in fact it really has nothing to do with ebay itself...it is the sellers.
I am all for a great deal, especially when someone misspells Steve Garvey as Steve Gravy, but only if I can find it. There are tens of thousands of listings, probably more, in which we must sift through to find what we want. You can narrow your search down to specific categories, but then that is assuming the seller listed the item you seek in the right category. What about a nice scan to see your item? Sometimes. Other times, a blurry scan or no photo at all. There are some key areas to focus on, not only to maximize your exposure, but hopefully to maximize your profit and it only takes a few moments. Maybe your $0.30 card isn't worth the effort? Well, then why in the hell did you post it in the first place...and require $5.00 S/H to boot! GET A CLUE!!!
My tips for Ebay sellers:
1) Find the appropriate category - Every item doesn't fit snugly into one of the generic categories, but at least get close. Aren't you sick of seeing regular 1984 Topps singles listed in the autograph section? I am! Take your time, bulk listers. You find out 15 items in that you used the wrong category. That doesn't happen if you pay attention.
2) Learn how to spell - If you misspell a player, team or other name wrong, you just lost most of your audience. Not to mention the ads that look like they were written by a child will turn most away, for fear of what they might be dealing with. Professionalism goes along way.
3) Put a little effort into your description - Go the extra mile to describe the condition of the item. Note the positives and make sure to at least mention the flaws. If you smoke, THIS IS A FLAW! YOUR STUFF STINKS! Add a little history or explanation about the item, where it's from...anything you know. Don't be afraid to do some research too. A favorite of mine is serial numbered items. Take the time to list them out. More people than you think are looking for specific numbers, and not just first/last and jersey number! It doesn't need to be in the title, but at least get it in the description! Lastly, but not least, your item is probably not "RARE", but you feel you must note this. Telling me a 1981 Topps scratch-off panel card is rare means I have just ignored you and the rest of your listings because you are obviously a fool.
4) Policies - State them clearly! I am especially sensitive to combined shipping rates. Great, you combine shipping, but you don't tell me how much. After I win 18 items, you inform me that your combined shipping is 10% each additional item with each starting at $3.00! You can ship me 18 cards for the price of a few, but you are going to charge me $18 anyway! Gotta make up those fees somehow!
5) Key words - Now, I am not suggesting you keyword spam. Nothing chaps my hide like looking at an auction and finding no reference what so ever to Garvey, or even finding it printed in the description, yet somehow my search lands your stupid tea cup in my list! Use appropriate key words to describe the team, player, set or other important tidbit of information that may draw a bidder to your listing.
6) Price appropriately - Save yourself the listing fee. Your "Rare" 1987 M&M's panel will not sell for $1.00, let alone $10.00. Better yet, use another site for the junk. Start your auctions low to save listing fees, but also it promotes more bidding. Buyers want to think they will get a deal. Often your low starting price will net you more in the end than had you listing it at your full asking price (if the item is worth it). The good stuff almost always sells where it should, because it's GOOD and people WANT it! They don't want what they already have 100 of themselves. You just never know with Ebay, your "common" parallel or insert might be the last item a super collector or set builder needs and is willing to pay dearly for it. Price your shipping and handling appropriately as well. $3.00 for a single card is pushing it. I know everyone does it, but you can expect to recoup ALL of your costs on every package you send.
7) Act like you care - This may seem simple, but act like a professional, even if you are selling to make cash for your next pizza party. In the long run, it will pay off. Answer questions promptly, package items won with care, ship timely and communicate. Leave feedback for those sellers who pay promptly and your reputation will grow and strengthen. Be a tool, and you are finished before you can get started.
I'm sure if everyone followed these simple tips, the bargains on Ebay would be harder to find, as everyone would be finding those hidden gems, but imagine how much more you could find if people put in a little effort.
0 Yorumlar