Whether you’re thinking about listing some items on eBay because you’re cleaning out your closet, or trying to make some extra money this holiday season, there are some things you need to know before you get started. While eBay does make things pretty straightforward, with listing tools that auto-suggest based on images, etc., there are still a few tips that can help you make sure you’re actually going to sell the pieces you list.
Ahead, we broke down the five top tips for selling (and making money) on eBay.
Consider Item Quality
When you’re selling something, whether it’s clothing or a collectible, the item’s quality will affect its sellability. Certain things will sell, even if they’re not in the best condition, but that will impact the price.
Use Good Photos
You don’t need a full-blown product studio to have good photos on your listings, but you do need to think about lighting. Natural light, where you can see the full product, and its condition, is going to help you sell quickly. Also, the more photos, the merrier. This will help with trust and could mitigate any questions people viewing your listing may have.
Accurate Descriptions and Fair Pricing
You should never, ever try to trick people into thinking the item you’re selling is in better condition or is different from what it actually is. If the quality is not excellent but the item is still something you know people might want, like a vintage bag or a rare record, you should describe that item accurately. In the same way, you can use eBay’s tools to find similar items and conditions so that you can price accordingly.
Communication Is Key
People will inevitably have questions about everything from fit to shipping. Being a good seller means communicating back and answering promptly; otherwise, you risk losing the sale. Also, think of your eBay page as its own store and treat the customers that way. It always helps to keep people up to date on the transaction, letting them know personally when it’s packed and shipped, and thanking them for their business.
Packaging
The last piece, but certainly not the least, is packaging. We all know things can get banged up in the mail, but make sure, when you pack your items to sell, that the box fits the product and is in good condition, so that when it arrives, everything is as you said it would be in the listing. Tip: It never hurts to include a thank-you note or something personal to let the buyer know they are appreciated.
Even with all of these tips, sometimes it takes a little poking around to figure out what works for you. Don’t get discouraged because there is definitely someone ready to give your preloved pieces a new home.
