Author: Anne Zarraonandia

Anne Z is a certified USPTA tennis and pickleball professional who takes her many years of experience in teaching tennis to the online arena. Anne breaks down the tasks of online selling into simple language, especially for those who don’t have much computer, internet, or photography background.

eBay Tip #10 – Be Like Nordstrom!

Customer Service

Customer Service is king! Anyone who has ever bought anything knows that! If you want to be a good online seller, your customer service will allow you to stand out above the crowd! One of my favorite retailers, Nordstrom, does this the best! Have you ever needed to return any purchase, for any reason, to Nordstrom? It is no hassle and ALWAYS a pleasant experience.

The Customer is Always Right

If you want to be successful selling online, then there will be occasions when your buyer will not be happy! My policy is to validate there concerns, thank them for letting me know and always work with them on a positive solution, often with their input. You might wonder, “Doesn’t that lose you money?” NOPE, just the opposite. I bend over backwards, like Nordstrom, to be the best-seller for my buyer. Am I always happy about it? No, but I want my reputation to speak to future customers in a positive way.

Feedback

On eBay and other selling platforms, there is usually a Feedback system in place, so potential buyers can read comments from past transactions. Your online reputation is everything! I am closing in on 10,000 positive feedbacks on eBay and I am excited about it! Why? Because, anyone who looks at my feedback score can see that I’ve been a very good seller! That will attract new buyers!

The Nordstom Tire Story

I googled this phrase “Nordstrom Tire Story” just now and found 995,000 results for it. If you never heard it, back in the 1970’s a man returned a car tire to Nordstrom in Alaska and they refunded his money. Nordstrom doesn’t even sell tires! This story has become part of the Nordstrom lore and their reputation remains top-notch! Read what Snopes says about it here! As an online seller, this is the best example why you should accept returns (you won’t get as many as you may fear!). I strive to be like Nordstrom whenever I can in my online selling!

No Questions Asked

I want my customers to be happy! That is my primary goal. Happy customers return to your website. They buy more stuff! Take a return. Send a refund or partial refund. eBay will scope out the bad buyers, so leave that to them. In today’s online shopping world, customers look for peace of mind when buying! Let your customer service stand out and be known!

Sometimes They Won’t Return It

I have accepted returns for as long as I can remember on eBay. I probably only have 3 in a total of 1,000 transactions. Many times the item may not be worth returning to me because the shipping costs would not make it worth it. I will ask the buyer to kindly dispose of the item or donate to their local charity. Or a few times, I said I would accept the return and they didn’t follow through with it. I am not out any money, because I only refund money once I get the item back. Sometimes the buyer changes their mind, because you were so open to receiving it. You just never know!

Time is Money

The longer you as a seller go back and forth with your customer by messaging each other on eBay, the more time you are spending on it, rather than listing more items which can make you money. Your time is valuable. I will often use the line: “I am sorry that you are unhappy with the item’s condition”. (Validation!) And then I will write: “How can I best make this transaction a good one for you?” Both of these responses show that you are willing to work with the buyer. They often turn their attitude around and say “Thank you!” (best case scenario).

Kill Them With Kindness

When I have an unhappy customer, I try to be as nice as heavenly possible! I may feel like sending a nasty note back their way (you can write the message and NOT send to feel better). Instead, I try to remain as professional as possible. I will always sign my name. Once they feel heard, you can see the difference in their next responses. I once had a buyer say they were sorry because they were in a bad mood. Another admitted to over-reacting. Try your best to be kind and it will often work in your favor! Or sometimes you just move on!

You Might Re-Sell it For More $

I try to see a positive, even when a return does come my way. Perhaps the jacket didn’t fit properly, or they just plain changed their mind. No worries. I can re-list with a click of the mouse and re-use my old description. I often then raise the price of the item. I have sold it again for more money, many times! Seriously, this trick works! If one person was interested, why not get more dough when the next person is interested!

Recap

Tip #10

  • Goal: To achieve an excellent online reputation
  • Task: Answer customers questions, comments or complaints with polite validation
  • Task: Offer returns or refunds, no question asked
  • Task: Ask how you can make the situation a positive one for the buyer
  • Task: Be like Nordstrom!
  • Task: Be kind!

eBay Tip #9 – Organize Your Work Space

Organize Your Work Space

This is a tough post to write, since my work space is a work in progress and not perfect by any means. It’s the beginning of a New Year and we are all full of resolutions. One of mine is to clean up and organize my work space. I am lucky enough to have taken my eBay business out of my house into a “real office”. I share the office with other professionals, and I am the only eBay seller in the group.

Access to Computers

 

My portion of the office includes two work stations, many shelves and a small amount of counter space. It is to have a designated photo station and a connecting shipping area. Most of my boxes are ready to go, some need to be opened and taped up for use.

 

Label Everything

Since I sell on consignment for folks, some items I have are mine and the other stuff belongs to my clients. There are labels on everything, either by category or by number. I use Cross Post-It software for keeping track of my clients sales. See review of Cross Post-It here.

There are a few occasions when I can not find an item. It does happen, but I usually find it after rifling through boxes and shelves. It helps to have a somewhat photographic memory!

 

There are areas for listing, measuring and photo taking. My scale is always front and center since I measure and weigh every listing to be sure what kind of box it will be shipped in. About half of my boxes are brand new and the other half are from friends and neighbors. They save their Amazon boxes, bubble wrap and air pillows for me to reuse. I love recycling packing and shipping material.

Have Scale Handy at All Times!

Photo Station Ready for Action

Turn on a few lights and the photo station is ready for use! A simple white backdrop is key so the item stands out and is not lost in a cluttered background. I use my iPhone for taking pictures which are easily airdropped to my computer or go directly into the eBay listing. So easy and smooth!

Keep Organizing

It will take a couple of hours for me to get things cleaned up a bit, but in the meantime, my space works for me. I can find what I need: tape measure, tape, scale, etc for listings and shipping.

Recap

Tip #9

  • Goal: Organize Your Work Space
  • Task: Set up Photo Area
  • Task: Set up Scale
  • Task: Label all items so they are found easily
  • Task: Keep at it – It’s a work in progress

eBay Tip # 8 Get the eBay App

The eBay App

We have all become so mobile in today’s online world. The same is true with buying and selling on eBay. All it takes is a few clicks!

I love to list items on my phone because it’s so easy and quick to create, edit and monitor my listings. I can use my phone camera to snaps pics of the items I want to list and they are instantly added to my descriptions. I can buy anything listed on eBay with the same ease.

Here’s a quick run down of the eBay mobile app!

Download the App

It’s available for both iPhone iOS and Android and it’s FREE!

 

Login & View all your options on eBay

Find the item

What do you want to buy or sell? Find it by typing into Search bar or scan the UPC code.

 

My example below shows my results when I searched for “Rocketman DVD Elton John”.

Click and Buy or Sell Yours

Click “Sell yours” and fill in some details like price, condition and how you will ship and you are done! It’s listed!

Other Pluses

  • Communication is a breeze between buyers and sellers if you have questions about listings.
  • You can accept “Best Offers” if that option is included in your listing.
  • You can pay with PayPal when you purchase an item.
  • You can check your Feedback score under your profile. See mine (as of today, below).

Another Cool Feature

On the home page you can see what is Trending on eBay.

Cha-Ching

The single best feature about the eBay app is the “Cha-Ching” alert! It rings out when you make a sale, if your sound notifications are turned ON. It’s fun to get that notification in real time and know you are making money right then!

Works on iPad too!

The next best thing about the mobile app is the crossover listing feature. The eBay app works on the iPad and other tablets and allows you to list from anywhere you have internet access! If you begin a listing on your desktop computer and SAVE DRAFT, then you can finish the listing on your phone or tablet and visa versa!

Here is a draft started on my desktop computer.

Here is the same draft that I will finish listing on my iPhone.

And finally, I will add a few photos with the iPhone and finish my new listing.

 

The desktop and mobile modes of eBay sync with one another quite well. I often begin a listing on the desktop, where I can type more quickly and then finish on my iPhone, which allows me to add the photos. So easy! So awesome. I highly recommend getting the eBay app today!

Limitations with the App

There are a few limitations for us PowerSellers. I have been told by people at eBay that the app was basically designed for the casual seller, though any type of seller can use it to list on eBay. Hopefully down the road, eBay will see advantages in having a PowerSeller style app with a few of the missing features I highlight below.

  • Unable to search more than 600 of our own listings (currently I have 650 listings)
  • Unable to send a refund to a buyer with the app (must use a desktop to do that)
  • Unable to check a Sales Tax box in a new listing from the app (must use a desktop to do that)

Recap

Tip #8

If you want a simple and fun way to list on eBay, then I recommend getting the eBay app for your phone or tablet.

  • Task: Download the mobile eBay app on your phone or tablet.
  • Goal: Create an eBay listing with it.
  • Goal: Buy something from eBay using the app.
  • Goal: Listen for the “Cha-Ching” alert! Congrats, you’ve made a sale!

eBay Tip #7 – Items Needed to Begin Selling on eBay

Tip #7

Be sure to keep these items handy in one general selling area and away from the rest of the household! No one likes to go hunting for scissors or the scale every time you are ready to ship a package!

Basic Supply List – the Essentials

  • Computer or iPad or iPhone
  • Printer
  • Scale – up to 50 pounds is best
  • 2-up Labels
  • Digital camera or iPad or iPhone
  • Shipping Boxes
  • Paper, ink, packing tape
  • Scissors, tape measure or ruler
  • A backdrop or 3 sided Science Display Board
  • Bubble wrap

Additional Helpful Supplies

  • Fragile stickers
  • Do Not Bend Stickers
  • USPS Priority Stickers
  • Blue painter’s tape
  • Brown gummed tape-heavy duty packing
  • Tripod
  • Jewelry Easel
  • Plate Easel
  • Shirt Folding Accessory
  • Impulse Sealer
  • Polybags
  • Mannequins, styrofoam head displays
  • Additional Digital memory card for camera-more storage
  • Plastic tubs for storage
  • Banker’s storage boxes
  • Photo Studio Light tent
  • White Board for planning & dry erase pens
  • USB Scanner for scanning bar codes

Recap

Tip #7

  • Goals: Be prepared before you begin listing on eBay
  • Task: Gather or buy the essentials

eBay Tip #6 – What Should I Sell?

What should I sell is a question I get all the time from new online sellers.

Here are some ideas of how to narrow it down.

Are You Trying to De Clutter?

If so, then the items you no longer need is a great place to start. ====>

If the item can fit into an average sized box, then eBay may be your answer. You have the choice of using your own box or one that comes free from USPS.

Is the item heavy, but can fit into one of USPS’s flat rate boxes, then the shipping cost will be very easy to calculate and will ship to anywhere in the USA for the same exact cost. International rates will be higher.

The boxes are free and can be ordered online from USPS.

 

Small Flat Rate

There is the small flat rate box (5 3/8″ x 8 3/8″ x 1 1/4″) which will fit three stacked DVD cases and costs a reasonable $7.50. It’s perfect for jewelry or electronics or other small sized items.

Medium Flat Rate

The medium flat rate box is 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5″ and comes in a top loading or side loading style. Perfect for a lot of heavy magazines or books. One rate for delivery anywhere in the US up to seventy pounds. If you use eBay to ship, with seller discounts it will ship for $12.80 (as of today 1/6/2020).

Large Flat Rate

Large flat rate has a box that fits a large board game or what ever fits. One of USPS’s sayings “If it fits, it ships” is true for all the flat rate boxes. The large flat rate box comes in two sizes and can be ordered online: board game (23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″) or the top loading style (12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″). I personally use this size box when I ship “dead” or old, used tennis balls to buyers (for their dogs!). No matter where they get shipped the cost is predetermined ($17.60 as of 1/6/2020).

Some Selling Ideas

Items to sell in the de-clutter mode:

  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Dinnerware
  • DVD’s
  • CD’s
  • Record Albums
  • Books
  • Household item from the kitchen, bathroom, living room, play room, etc.
  • Sporting Equipment
  • Gardening tools
  • Electronics
  • Games
  • Jewelry
  • Toys

The list goes on and on. Do a quick search in the “search” tool bar on eBay to see if your items show up. There is a market for almost anything you can think of. Be creative. By selling on eBay you are trying to find a new home for your item and keep it out of the landfill for just a bit longer.

 

Flat Rate Padded Envelope

One of my favorite ways to ship many items from the list above is in a Flat Rate Padded Envelope. It provides a good value in the shipping cost area and will fit and protect many of the items you may sell. The size is generous (9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″) and costs $7.55 at present time (1/6/2020). They can not be found in most Post Office lobbies, so it’s best to order online. It’s very nice to have free supplies at your fingertips for selling online.

Places to Sell

If you have collectibles, then eBay is one of your best bets in selling online. You can consider Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Craig’s List. Click here to see a more detailed list of available sites. I will be reviewing them in the next few weeks and months, so you can make educated decisions on where your items will sell best.

Donation?

If you are unable to sell online and still would like to de-clutter, think of local charities who accept donations. I use a couple places in my town and my primary donation site is Goodwill. It happens to be located in the parking lot of my grocery store, so I can multi-task on shopping days and help others at the same time.

Keep an eye out for more posts on this website about what to sell. With over twenty years experience of selling online, I’ve seen the trends change and cycle up and down. I will also be posting about things that don’t sell well.

Recap

Tip #6

If you want to find items to sell, look no further than your own stuff. It might be time to de-clutter or Marie Kondo it, if it no longer gives you joy!

  • Task: Find a couple pieces of clothing you no longer wear or doesn’t fit
  • Goal: Pick a marketplace to sell and give it a whirl!

If you have already been selling on eBay or other marketplaces, what have you had successes in selling? Please share and comment below.

eBay Tip #5 – Selling Online is Just Like Sports

Tip #5

Before you can compete in any sporting endeavor, you must get in shape, train, practice and then to use a famous clothing company’s slogan:

Just Do It!

If you want to sell on eBay or any other market places online, you should prepare as a runner would for a race, or a tennis player for a match or a volleyball player for a big game.

Research (On Your Mark)

What kind of items do you want to sell? Are they vintage heirlooms left to you by your grandmother? Are they clothes that your kids have outgrown? Are they from a hobby you no longer do?

Once you have a few ideas on what you are going to sell, then let’s take a look at what price you might ask the buyer to pay. You can check to see what other similar items to yours are listed for on eBay, but that’s just the asking price. To find out the actual selling prices, you can do an advanced search on recent items sold very easily.

  • Look to the left of the main search bar at the top of the page
  • Click Advanced, then type in the name of your item in the “Keyword or Item Number bar”
  • Click “Sold Items” below that and hit “Search”.
  • The actual selling prices will appear in green and you can use that as a basic guideline for your selling prices.

If it is a newer item, you can check Amazon to see what the going price is on that market place. Repeat your searches on the online market place you plan to list you item: Poshmark, Craig’s List, etc.

Describe, Including Condition and Flaws (Get Set)

It’s time to write the description for your item. Add important info such as:

  • Size
  • Color
  • Model number
  • What’s included in your offer
  • Important identifyers
  • Take many clear, close-up photos (easy with our current cell phone cameras!)
  • And most importantly a fair assessment of it’s condition

 

Many folks I teach eBay to, over rate and forget to point out the flaws the item might have. Your feedback rating and customer’s success will directly connect to how honestly you evaluated the item’s condition. Be honest and fair and your buyer will appreciate knowing as much info as you can give about it.

Post Your Item (GO!)

Your description doesn’t have to be perfect for you to actually list it. Do your best. Buyers may ask questions if certain info is missing. There will be a learning curve. It is essential that you just try it and see what happens. In other words:

  • Practice
  • Practice
  • Practice

Just like in sports, you will win some and you will lose some. Be prepared for the unexpected. Mistakes will happen. I have accidentally sent items to the wrong buyer. I have inadvertently missed describing a small crack in a vase. I have made many other mistakes, and learned from every single one of them.

And when you make your first sale and they pay you via PayPal, you will feel like you’ve hit a Home Run! After shipping your first item and they leave you positive feedback, you will feel like you won the Olympic Gold Medal! After my twenty + years of selling online, I still get a charge for every single sale I make. There is nothing like it. Well maybe it’s close to success in an athletic competition. Yes, it’s very much like playing sports.

My advice if you are on the fence about selling online:

  • Get yourself in shape (Research what you are going to sell and for how much)
  • Train (Write a great description, with honest condition evaluation)
  • and Don’t Look Back! (Go! You can do it!)

Recap

Tip #5

  • You will find success by doing rather than waiting.
  • You will learn from setbacks and criticisms.
  • You will be stronger for having tried.
  • There is not much to lose.
  • In fact, you might learn a few things along the way and even make a little money!
If you want to try selling online and learn from a Real Pro!
Sign up for Anne Z’s online course:
The ABC’s of Selling Online Using eBay

 

eBay Tip #4 -Get A PayPal Debit Card & Save $

Tip #4

One of my favorite ways to save money selling on eBay, is to use my PayPal Master Card Debit Card. It returns a 1% cash back every month for purchases made.

 

Biz Only

I use it strictly for my online eBay business to keep my bookkeeping straight. What ever I spend in a month using the PayPal Business Debit Card will come back to me as a Cash Back Bonus, the following month. I pay my eBay fees every month which are roughly 10% of my sales. So If I sell $2K on eBay, my fees are about $200 and I will get $2 back.

Besides my eBay fees, my shipping costs are my highest expense each month. I use my PayPal Master Card Debit Card to pay for them and that earns me between $3 to $5 back on those fees. Each month is a little different, and I like getting any dollar amount directly back into my PayPal account even if it is small. Over the course of a year, it can easily add up to over $100 for me, given my eBay expenses: fees, shipping costs and other bills associated with my eBay business.

Once upon a time, users of the Cash Back Plan made 3%, which was awesome, buy hey, I’ll take 1% anytime. And like I said every little bit helps the bottom line. In order to take advantage of the Cash Back Bonus on PayPal, it is necessary to apply for a FREE business debit card and join the program. There is no cost in joining.

In fact, you don’t need to be an eBay seller to receive money back. If you are a business PayPal member and get one of these business debit cards, then eligible purchases you make with the card will put this 1% bonus in your account the following month.

 

For complete transparency here are my Cash Back Bonus numbers during 2019:

These numbers do not include my final payment of 2019, but I earn approximately $93 back this past year. Not too shabby!

Recap

Tip #4

Sign up for PayPal and Request Your Business Debit Card.

Activate it (no annual fee) and Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases!

eBay Tip #3 – Shipping Tools

Tip #3

Once an item sells on eBay there are a variety of ways to ship your item. Here is a rundown on some options:

1) eBay – Under the “bell” image at the top right corner of your eBay page you will see a list of actions. If your buyer has paid, then it will remind you that it’s TIME TO SHIP. Using eBay to ship will be one of the quickest and easiest choices.

Both the buyer and seller’s addresses are populated into the shipping label. You will need to fill in the measurements and weight of the package or envelope and select the method of shipping: first class (under 16 ounces) or priority mail, and if you are using a flat rate box with USPS.

Once complete, select Buy Postage and Print and you are done. Put a plain piece of paper your printer tray or a sticky shipping label (face down). Peel off and put on package. It’s ready to hand off and or be picked up by your mail carrier. Another option is to place on the counter at your local post office.

The USPS tracking number produced by creation of the label will automatically be loaded onto the eBay order page and the buyer can see it as well.

Process: All very simple and direct. Discounts will automatically show up as an eBay seller under costs.

2) Pirate Booty – This shipping tool is FREE to use. Requires a sign-up and gives discounts to shippers automatically. No credit card needed, no spam, no catch! Their tag line is: Get the cheapest shipping rates for all USPS services.

How it works: Measure your package’s dimensions and weigh it. Enter the package’s info and import buyer’s eBay (info in one click) and BUY postage. Print shipping label, put onto package and hand it to USPS. DONE!

I have used Pirate Ship for most of my eBay shipping during the past year and have been completely satisfied. For a few of my UPS and FedEx package’s I’ve used Ship Station – see below.

3) Ship Station – Shipping software (web based) for eCommerce! This is a robust option for shipping your eBay package’s. I have used this software for the past few years and was very happy. It’s very easy to compare shipping options to find the cheapest rates. It imports shipping info from over 70 eCommerce platforms. There are different payment plans from Starter to Enterprise with lots of options in between.

I am now using the Starter plan which allows me to ship up to 50 package’s per month and compare USPS, UPS and FedEx very easily. I use Ship Station primarily for my larger parcels, by size and weight. I have more options than Pirate Ship and eBay allow me to use.

I am a fan of Ship Station. Please use my referral link if interested in trying. You will love their customer service and product!

4) PayPal – Many sellers are not aware that you can ship directly from the PayPal page. On your main page dashboard there is a box that says: “You have orders ready to ship”. Click on that link and you will see a list of the names imported from eBay. Click on PRINT SHIPPING LABEL and you can fill out the necessary box size and weight and see the delivery options available, as well as their costs.

There are discounts from USPS for package’s with this shipping option too. If you spend a lot of time inside the PayPal website, then this option may be for you! The payment comes directly from your PayPal balance or any other added payment options you use. I have used PayPal for shipping in years past, but am not a regular user for shipping at this time.

5) UShip – Freight Shipping – Makes shipping big stuff easy and affordable by connecting people and businesses with discounted extra truck space. No matter what you’re shipping — a car, a boat, your mother’s piano, that massive collection of vinyl records, they have a solution for you!

I have signed up for an account, but have not used the software yet. This past summer I could have used it because I was selling a piano and needed some pricing on freight services. I will post once I use UShip. Sounds like a good option for really large items!

Recap

Tip #3 – Log into the Shipping Option your choice.

  • Task: Ship one item on eBay using a listed option
  • Goal: Find out which software you like best!

 

eBay Tip #2 – Sizely Clothing Measurement Templates

Tip #2

Blank Template
Blank Template for Men’s T-Shirt

As an eBay seller I have learned that including measurements in the descriptions of clothing listings is very important to the potential buyer. It will help your buyers purchase items that fit.

Not only will you reduce the potential number of eBay messages you’ll get from people asking for measurements, it will add value to your listing with an image that includes the important measurement numbers in it.

This online tool is called Sizely. It is used by over 35,000 users worldwide. There are many, many templates to choose from:

  • Shirts
  • Dresses
  • Jeans
  • Shoes
  • Glasses
  • Underwear
  • Outerwear

for Kids, Men and Women.

Some benefits include:

  • Fewer returns on clothing items
  • Increase Sales
  • Create the images in seconds
  • Over 200+ design templates available
  • Automatic conversion of the imperial and metric system for any international buyers that plan on purchasing from you.

The templates are extremely easy to fill in and customize. There are arrows showing where the measurements start and finish. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. It will save you so much time, once you use it, you won’t know how you got along without it.

4 Plans to Chose From

The Starter Plan is free to use and has a total of 25 template designs and 30/month with hosting of 30 images. Perfect for a seller just starting out.

The Pro Plan is ideal when selling on eBay, Poshmark, Etsy and others. It costs $12 monthly and has 165 templates Designs, 300 templates/month and 365 day secure image hosting.

The most popular plan is the Ultra for $25/month. You get 235+ template designs, 1000 templates/month and unlimited secure image hosting. Ideal when selling on Amazon, Shopify and others.

For high volume eCommerce sites at $179/monthly is the Enterprise Plan. 235+ template designs, 10,000 templates/month and unlimited secure image hosting. It features single template creator, size chart creator, dynamic size charts, size chart pop-up and size predictor.

There are some extra discounts on plans when you pay annually.

Here is the step by step way to use Sizely

  1. Go to the Sizely Website ***Full Disclosure: This is my referral link. It will allow me to introduce you to the product and will earn me credit towards a higher level plan on my end. It will not cost you anymore or less. I appreciate your support.
  2. Choose a plan: Starter, Pro, Ultra or Enterprise
  3. Find the template of the style clothing or accessory you are selling.
  4. Fill in the measurements and brand, model and size. Add notes if needed, perhaps color and condition.
  5. Click “Generate” and you will get a few choices of how to view this image: copy URL, save image, or html template code which you can copy into your listing.

The image will also be saved in your History menu at the top of the website. You can use in your listing on eBay and other platforms. It looks so professional, you will be busy looking for more clothing to list and create size and measurements charts for!

Sharing your new clothing link on your social sites allows new potential buyers to get a preview of the items you are selling.

Recap

Tip #2 – Create visual measurement charts for the clothing you want to sell on eBay with Sizely. Use these images in your listings to add value to your items.

For more info please read my Size.ly Review – here on this website!

January 2020 – 31 eBay Tips from a Pro Seller – Tip #1

31 eBay Tips from a Pro Seller

For the next month, I am going to share some of my favorite and most successful eBay tips. Each day in January 2020, I will add one of my secret tips to the list! This list will work for the new seller as well as the veteran eBayer. Or if you’ve never tried eBay, what are you waiting for? Time to jump in!

Who am I and Why Should You Listen to Me?

Anne Z

I am Anne Zarraonandia (AnneZ) and I am a professional seller on eBay. I’ve been buying and mostly selling on eBay since July of 1998. I’ve seen the marketplace change over the years and know what works and what does not. I’ve made a doozy of mistakes and learned from each one of them! I’ve learned to make adjustments over time and keep trying new things to make more sales and make more money too! It can be a process!

I am a trained Education Specialist (by eBay and self taught) and have taught hundreds of people how to begin selling on eBay. I teach in person classes in Mill Valley, CA and also teach people all around the world with my online course: The ABC’s of Selling Online Using eBay.

I have grossed almost a one half million dollars on eBay by selling everyday household items from shoes to toys to books to artwork to sporting goods to autographs to clothing and much more. I sell my own items, items on consignment and love to shop for bargains as garage sales and thrift stores to resell.

There is money to be made on eBay and I can show you how. I hope you find this list helpful!

Tip Categories

  • Listing
  • Shipping
  • Pricing
  • Photos
  • Communication
  • Sourcing
  • Consignment
  • Donation
  • Mindset
  • Cross Posting
  • Social Media
  • 3rd Party Tools
  • Money Saving

 Here’s Tip #1

If you are a newbie on eBay, the best way to create and build your reputation is by buying the supplies you will need to sell on eBay. With each purchase, your individual rating will grow and that number will show people you are trustworthy. Every new person on eBay starts with a (0) next to their user name. Your initial goal should be getting that number to a (10).
Today’s tip and task will be to increase your feedback score. Here is a list of some ideas of things to buy in order to achieve that goal! This will be a double win, you will increasing your feedback score AND buying the supplies necessary to sell on eBay!

1) Shipping labels – I like the having two halves to print two separate orders. There are many sellers on eBay who offer this product. The way they work, put into printer (usually face down), print a label, peel off and put on package. The other half can be used on your next sale.

2) Packing/Shipping Tape – In order to seal up boxes of items you will sell, it is key to have some rolls of clear packing/shipping tape on hand. Often they come with a dispenser or holder with a sharp edge to easily tear the tape off. Look for deals when you buy in bulk. A great way to earn a positive feedback with this purchase.

3) Postal Scale – How much does that package weigh? I always suggest getting a scale to new eBay sellers. They are cost effective and very handy to see what your item weighs before shipping. Even when you ship items using a flat rate box or envelope, the form will often need to be filled in with a weight. There are many good deals on eBay for shipping scales. Try getting one that can handle up to fifty pounds. A smart investment!

4) Measuring Tape and/or Tape Measure – I think it’s a good idea to have at least one of each. A metal measuring tape is so quick and easy for measuring boxes and a cloth or plastic tape measure suits measuring clothing. These small items can make a seller’s life a dream! We are in the midst of using dimensional weights for shipping packages for all our shipping services these days. USPS, UPS and FedEx all require weight and dimensions for package.

5) Cardboard Background – A Tri-fold display makes a plain background for your item photographs. A good business practice is to take clear, close-up pictures and your background will help you achieve that goal. Students use this product for their science projects. They can fold up and be easily stored flat, or leave up in a permanent location to make your photo taking a breeze. They can be found in stationary stores or on eBay.

6) Scissors – I don’t know about you, but I have misplace my scissors very easily when I share them with family members. Why not have your very own pair of scissors just for your eBay selling? Keep them with your other supplies and make a work station that is specifically for your eBay listing and shipping. Buy a few pair at a time and you will never be without this important tool.

7) Bubble Wrap – If you plan to ship fragile items, then bubble wrap is a must have for your shipping station. The larger bubbles are for more fragile items, the smaller can work for most other objects. If you buy by the roll it can be hung from above on a rod, out of the way. I must confess that I do not buy a ton of bubble wrap because I let my friends and family know that I can use bubble wrap that comes in their packages from online buying. This is a great way to recycle supplies and re-use at least one extra time.

8) Fragile Stickers & Do Not Bend Stickers – I buy these two products on eBay in bulk and use them practically every day on my packages. They come is varying sizes and are quite inexpensive when you buy in larger quantities. A seller should always have these on hand for their packages!

9) Paper – Plain white, 8 1/2” x11” letter sized paper is a must have for eBay sellers. While I use less than in the past, I still use paper for printing packing slips and other shipping labels that can slide into a clear package envelope with a sticky back. This is an alternative to using sticky mailing labels. Either one will work, but it’s nice to be prepared in case you run out of shipping labels.

10) Printer Ink – One can never have too much printer ink on hand. If you use an inkjet printer, you will need to frequently replace cartridges. If you have a laser printer like I do, then your ink will last much longer. In either case, have a back-up supply of ink is essential to the eBay seller. After all a goal is to sell your items and the more you sell, the more money you will make.

This list is a basic starting point of supplies you will need as you begin to sell on eBay. There are other items like a half mannequin for modeling shirts and tops you might want to sell. You may need other stationary supplies like pens, markers and post-it notes. My tip for today is to be sure and buy those needed supplies on eBay and watch your “Feedback” grow! You will become a trusted member of the eBay community in no time flat!

Recap

Tip #1 – Buy your essential selling supplies on eBay to grow your personal feedback. Once you purchase and pay the seller, they will leave you positive feedback. As your feedback number increases, you will become a more trusted eBay community member!

  • Task: Buy at least ten items on eBay 
  • Goal: Get at least ten positive feedbacks
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