Learning the Art of eBay Success

Less than an hour after former eBay President and CEO Meg Whitman told 750 Summit attendees that the Internet “allows small business people to reach a global customer base at a minimal cost,” an issue breakout session covering eBay selling success was standing-room only.

Jason Miner, who works with eBay University and is a host on PayPal Radio, used his own experience selling on eBay to walk Summit participants through the process of selling their products on eBay.

But if you weren’t there, you didn’t miss out. Many of the tips he offered were the same ones you employ in dealing with your current customers every day: price your item right; have a professional appearance (from the item description to the product pictures to the correspondence between you and your buyer); and be upfront about your return policy. In short, make it as easy as possible for the customer to want—and trust—to do business with you.

A few specific tips that even this seasoned eBay user was surprised to learn:

• Take product pictures first thing in the morning in natural light.
• If it’s electronics you’re selling, make sure to take a picture and document the serial number. This not only lets potential buyers know you actually have the product, but it also protect you as a seller when the buyer tries to return the product.
• Cash is OK for pickups or deliveries, but if you accept cash (or a money order), eBay has no way of tracking the transaction in the case of a dispute.
• Once you’ve settled on an eBay name, secure that name for your e-mail address as well. It’s easier for a buyer to feel comfortable when he buys something from JohnsStamps on eBay and sends his payment information to JohnsStamps@aol.com.
• Your return policy can vary depending on the type of product you’re selling. Tailor your policy to the specific product.
• If you’re shipping to buyers overseas, don’t commit postal fraud. Oftentimes, overseas buyers will ask you to report a reduced value of the product you sold or report it as a gift. These are ways for your overseas buyer to avoid paying duty on the products—and it’s a way for you to commit postal fraud.

• www.ebay.com/educationcenter - Lots of ways to learn more about selling on eBay
• www.ebay.com/griff - Connect to eBay Radio
• www.paypal.com/securitycenter - How to protect yourself buying and selling online
• www.paypal.com/paypalradio - Connect to PayPal Radio