eBay Listings That Keep Customers Attracted

A stellar example of doing things right is eBay seller Beachcombers! In her eBay Store, Beachcombers!Bazaar, store owner Jody Rogers has several informative FAQ pages about her Henna temporary tattoos and other products. By explaining her products, Jody can ratchet up sales far beyond those sellers who don't take the time to build their businesses.

Her store is colorful, friendly and offers lots of good reasons to shop there. She uses friendly customer service tactics like "no questions asked" returns (with no return shipping costs for the customer) and custom gift boxes so shoppers can select a group of gifts in one order and make a great impression. If you're into her bangle bracelets -- or know someone who is -- she offers a "bangle bracelet of the month" club. Now that's merchandising for success!

Once you've got the customer, it's time to go full-gear into customer service. Send out these emails:

• Thank you for your order.

• Your order has shipped (make sure to include a tracking or delivery confirmation number).

• A post-sale thank you and an invitation to return to shop.

Shipping quickly will get you lots of return customers and excellent feedback. And feedback always pays off in more customers. Here are a few feedback examples from my profile:

• Thanks so much! Fast shipping and received in excellent condition!

• Great service, nice to do business with, we need more like 'em. A++++++

• Super fast delivery. Certainly will do business with again. Thank you!

I'd easily shop with someone who has that kind of feedback. Wouldn't you?

Do Try This at Home

I'm always shocked when I order an item on eBay and it takes two weeks to arrive. That's just not acceptable. If there'll be a delay in sending out your item, be sure to email the customer. Also, pack your items carefully. Ask yourself how you'd feel if your item arrived in the condition you sent it out in. Use new padded envelopes and boxes (though you can recycle bubble wrap).

Keep in mind, also, that as an eBay store owner, you can send out newsletters to buyers who've requested them. Write news about new products you carry, trends in fashion (if that's your thing), ideas for gift-giving holidays and anything else you think your customers will find interesting. You can also use your newsletters to offer your customers a seasonal deal. How about a two-week sale? And free shipping is always appreciated, as is a 15% discount for a limited time.

Go the extra mile to give customers a reason to buy your items. Don't fall into the "I just don't have time for that stuff" pitfall. Investing the time to keep your customers informed will be well worth the effort; not taking the time will eventually drive you out of business.