| The key to becoming a PowerSeller is to increase the number of auctions you close ”and to increase your final selling prices. To that end, anything you can do to make your auctions more effective will improve your chances of achieving PowerSeller status. What can you do to improve the success of your eBay auctions? Here are 10 tips that will benefit any eBay seller, PowerSeller or not: -
Tip #1: Focus your sales activity. Occasional sellers can get by selling onesies and twosies that they pick up here and there. High-volume sellers focus on a specific type of merchandise ”and sell lots of it. By focusing your activities, you can be much more efficient in your packing and shipping, as well as have a better feel for the category you're working with. -
Tip #2: Buy low, sell high. It goes without saying ”you want to make as much money as possible on each item you sell. That means obtaining your inventory at the lowest possible prices. Some sellers try to double or triple their cost when they sell an item. You may not be able to achieve this type of profit margin, but you should definitely be aiming to reduce your product costs however possible. -
Tip #3: List in volume. You won't become a PowerSeller by selling one or two items a week. You need to list in volume to sell in volume. That means running multiple listings simultaneously , having listings close daily, and utilizing the Dutch auction feature when you have multiple quantities to sell. -
Tip #4: Be organized. When you're closing a large number of auctions every week, you have to get the process down to a science. That means being more efficient every step of the way ”from creating your listings to shipping out the merchandise. Wasted time and energy costs you money. -
Tip #5: Create professional-looking listings. The better-looking your item listings, the more auctions you'll close ”at higher prices. For best results, invest in a good-quality digital camera (for crisp product photos) and utilize a professional auction creation and listing service. -
Tip #6: Write powerful headlines and descriptive listings. Pack as much useful information as you can into the item list's headline; avoid fluff words and focus on words and phrases that are "search-friendly." In the body of your listing, be as descriptive as possible. Include all the information a buyer might need to make an intelligent purchasing decision. -
Tip #7: Use auction management tools. Running dozens ”or hundreds ”of auctions a week can task even the best-organized sellers. Utilize one of the many auction management programs or services to help you track every step of your auction activity ”including the crucial post-auction communication and shipping processes. -
Tip #8: Accept credit-card payments. A large number of your potential customers want the convenience of paying via credit card. Don't turn away business; at the very least, sign up as a PayPal merchant so you can accept payment by plastic. Make it as easy as possible for your customers to pay. -
Tip #9: Provide stellar customer service ”and fast shipping. Remember, the customer is king. Bend over backward to satisfy your auction customers ”which includes shipping your merchandise promptly and securely. -
Tip #10: Take it seriously. To run a successful eBay business, you have to be serious about it. For most PowerSellers, it's a full-time activity. Treat it like a business ” not a hobby or occasional pastime. Be professional in everything you do, and you'll reap the rewards. In fact, this entire section of the book is focused on increasing your eBay sales ”which can help you achieve PowerSeller status. Read on to learn even more ways to become a more effective and efficient eBay seller! The Absolute Minimum eBay's PowerSeller program recognizes those sellers that generate the most revenues in their eBay auctions. Remember these key points: -
Membership in the PowerSeller program is free ”but by invitation only. -
You qualify for the PowerSeller program by being an eBay member in good standing, and by averaging at least $1,000 in sales for the past three months. -
All PowerSellers have the option of displaying the PowerSeller logo in their auction listings. -
The rewards of PowerSeller status are chiefly psychological ”although you do get improved customer support and access to a healthcare plan. |
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