Web Diner's Guide to E-Commerce for Small Businesses |
Tips for Online Auctions |
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We recommend browsing several online auctions for a number of days before you jump in to sell or buy anything.
At the early part of this year, I jumped in myself and started selling some of our older computer books and software. These were items taking up closet and cupboard space - too valuable to throw out, but I didn't have anywhere to sell them. I listed dozens of books and software packages on eBay and ended up making around $2000.00. We'd also like to take this opportunity to mention that online auctions can be quite addictive!
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| A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! |
Getting a good photo of your product is important. Browse the following tips and tutorials to find out how to create great images.
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| Describe, Describe, Describe! |
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Be as complete and as honest as possible with your description of the item you're selling.
Be sure to offer measurements, model numbers, speed, and any other details that identify your product. Be careful to point out any defects or problems. Be completely thorough and honest in your description. Since the buyer won't be able to actually touch or see the product before buying it, the integrity of your description is very important. Offer links to online reviews of the product if they're available. Suggest how the product might be used. If you have a web site, be sure to offer a link. Include information on shipping and payment options.
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| Group Small Items that are Alike |
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When I sold some items recently on eBay I got much better results grouping like items together - a group of books by the same author, for instance. For larger items, however, I think it's best to sometimes list them individually. I sold several Photoshop filters seperately and I'm convinced that I received higher bids that way.
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| Feedback Makes the World Go Round |
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Whether you're buying or selling, feedback is the equivalent of your online reputation. For sellers, getting positive feedback is important, as it establishes your online credibility. Be sure to leave positive feedback about buyers and encourage them to leave good feedback about you. The more feedback you have, the better your items will look to potential buyers. Ebay doesn't differentiate the feedback that you receive as a buyer or a seller, so one way to raise your positive feedback rating is to be a good buyer as well as a good seller.
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| Great URLs for Selling on eBay |
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I'd suggest using the US Postal service's priority mail for things you're selling on eBay. You can get the boxes and heavy envelopes for free from the US Postal service. You can order priority mail shipping containers from this web site: US Postal Service Shipping Supplies Online You'll also find helpful shipping rate calculators: Here are some helpful eBay pages you'll want to bookmark, too:
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| More Web Sites with Auction Info |
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A beginner's guide to Ebay
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