Need some cash? I know I do. Well, we all I know I need cash…but hush. Ebay is a great way to make some extra money by selling what you have and cleaning out your room in the process. Many people have great luck when selling online in auctions or using the “buy it now” option. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you get some extra cash before the weekend!
To get started, you must determine what you are going to sell, and make sure that it is clean and ready to ship at a moment’s notice. Yes, that means don’t think about selling that purse when you still have your wallet and crap in it! Also, don’t try to sell anything that you don’t own…because that causes problems that homegirl can’t help you with. Sorry.
To sell like a champ, follow these 5 simple steps!
- Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes
- Take Great Pictures
- Write a Killer Description
- Price It Right
- Be Agreeable
Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes
It is easy to just think like a seller, with money on your mind. However, think about how you shop when you are looking for something. What kind of keywords do you use? What kinds of pictures catch your eyes? Lastly, what kind of posts do you stray away from? It can be a very slippery slope after coming off sketchy to a potential buyer. Make sure to be patient and clear when dealing with clients, and you’ll be sure to sell your items with no issues!
Take Great Pictures
People are visual. What is the first thing that you look for when trying to buy an item online? The pictures! Make sure that your pictures are clear and your items are displayed honestly: without hiding any flaws. (This will make for a bad review later) Make sure to take pictures of your item from each angle and use a lot of light.
Write a Killer Description
Be sure to define your item with plenty of descriptive words. Make suggestions about how to use your item to try to sell it. Be a salesperson. Use words like, “Fantastic” or “New” and “Updated” to spruce up your item listing. Be sure to tag and use keywords correctly. Ebay is an online “marketplace” in which sellers and buyers come freely to bid and barter on items they want!
Price It Right
By using a total like $13.99, a person is most likely going to associate the total of the item to be $13 instead of $14 plus tax and shipping. It is a trick that many stores use during sales and blowouts to move merchandise. Many consumers will associate the price with the lower number to justify the purchase. Try listing your item under the regular sale price by $5. This way, you are giving a great deal for your item. It may not be in the best condition, or be outdated by a couple of models. Give your buyer a break and be realistic with your prices!
Be Agreeable
If a buyer asks for a lower price, don’t disagree just yet! Compromise by lowering the price and asking if there is a way if he or she is able to pay for shipping. If the buyer is demanding lower prices and you don’t want to budge, don’t. But, don’t be rude in the process. If your item arrives broken, or isn’t what they wanted, take caution with voiding out returns. Without returns, many consumers will believe that there is a reason that you don’t want to take your item back. It is also important to have an open line of communication. Answer each question from the consumer with openness and honesty. If there is a problem with your item, describe it and be upfront. If you were in the buyer’s shoes, you may want some of these answers, too! It is important to keep the lines of communication open in order to have repeat customers.