How do I get more sales on eBid?

[craig7501]

I've decided to start this thread as we seem to be seeing questions asked by new sellers on how to get more sales through eBid, because most new sellers don't read the help section.

Although no-one can guarantee sales anywhere (on any site), the following information may increase your chances of more sales here.

DO:

1. List items as an auction with a Buy It Now
2. Put items in a store (seller+ members get 5 free stores)
3. Have clear multiple sale prices as google shoppers like to buy more than one
4. Use your banner notices to run a special sale
5. Use your banner notices to give buyers information
6. Keep your terms positive and not punitive.
7. List items in the correct category.
8. Use 5, 7 or 10 day listings with 10 auto reposts.
9. Use Gallery format.
10. Start at a price that you'll be willing to sell at.
11. Describe yourself in your 'About Me page'
12. Keep postage costs realistic.
13. Log in to my eBid often.
14. Explain the item you're selling in detail.
15. Advertise your auctions in plug your auctions room
16. Use social tabs to advertise your eBid Auctions
17. Seek help using the Kitchen Table forum if you're stuck
18. Send your previous buyers emails or send them flyers advertising eBid
19. Offer buyers an incentive to buy from you here (free delivery, discount if purchasing more from you in same day, Free Gift if spending over certain amount)
20. Answer questions within a reasonable time frame
21. State your terms within your 'about me page' or on the auction or both
22. Familiarize yourself with the banned/forbidden items at http://uk.ebid.net/help_selling.php#29
23. Buy a few items to kick start your feedback
24. Post within a reasonable time
25. Provide customer/buyer with tracking number if appropriate
26. Describe the item if New/Used or Unused where appropriate
27. If you're listing mulitple items use a dutch auction
28. List items so they end on different days
29. Make your items stand out to attract buyers
30. Be patient, wait 2-3 weeks, then visit the forums for help
31. Purchase some official eBid merchandise to advertise eBid, T-shirts, caps, window stickers, bumper stickers, etc
32. Use vistaprint to print off 250 free business cards to your stores on eBid
33. Use your buddy point link in your emails to attract buyers
34. Print off some door 2 door flyers and drop them in your neighbours letter boxes to attract them to eBid
35. Use plenty of good clear pictures in your listing
36. Add a video to your auction if appropriate
37. Honour your sales, customers are likely to recommend you to others if they have a great buying experience with you
38. Have auctions available to other countries, it will broaden you selling market
39. List auctions will true quantities.

TRY TO AVOID

1. Stating that you are not responsible for items damaged or lost in transit. You ARE responsible.
2. Use RUS (Run Til Sold) with the exception of relatively rare or unique items to eBid.
3. Use 1st Bid
4. Use all capital letters in auction titles
5. List items and not return
6. Advertise the other site in your about me page or on auction descriptions
7. Have links to other e-commerce sites
8. Display your email address, home/business address, telephone number anywhere on eBid
9. Pimp your auctions more than once every 24hrs in the plug your auctions room
10. Expect sales straight away
11. List anything that breaks eBids Rules
12. List duplicate items
13. attempt to sell of site if an item sells for less than what you were expecting.
14. I will stop the auction on the first bid because of low stock (this will put buyers off)

Add your suggestions here if you feel I have missed something. I'll add it onto the main version in the selling, buying thread which is closed.

The above list can also be found here

[redmerlin777]

Well that's a Good start .

I must admit I have come across a few horrendously inflated shipping costs. I usually send a polite message to the sellers explaining this is a reason why they didn't convince me to buy!! Greedy sellers do not do themselves or other sellers here a favour!!! We need to keep our good reputations.


I have also bought things on eBid... and waited.... and waited.....
OP is soooooo right... don't abandon your sales here. Visit and work on it and eventually things will get easier.


My advice to refugee sellers is to make a HUGE effort to attract sales not only on eBid but also amongst work colleagues and friends.

Invest in Buying some eBid car stickers.....Think how many people may pass your car in Supermarket car park.

Send emails or flyers telling your customers from elsewhere about your move to eBid.

Need Help... then read all the information in the various help forums here...

We are a helpful bunch

[redmerlin777]

OH! I forgot my best marketing tactic......
I wear an eBid T shirt at the Post Office when I post my parcels... I often get chatting to people who have never heard of eBid and are still using the "Other" place.

Gaining the interest of sellers all helps to make eBid grow and attract more buyers by increasing the range of goods.

[JanetB]

Do not type descriptions in bright pink - it'll blind you.

[Juliebabe25]

@ Craig

As I told you this thread is a good idea.

But I think you should re-post it under a more positive title.

Eg

How To Get More Sales On Ebid

this is better than "How do I get more sales"

Then get Gazza to Lock it and make it a sticky !

@Redmerlin

That wearing your e-bid t shirt to the post office is a great idea.

[craig7501]

I wore my e-bid t-shirt to post office today, the woman behind the counter say's do you sell alot on eB*y, I said excuse me but do you mind not swearing at me. She took another look and said eBid what's that? I said a rival to eB*y, lower fee's, free listings and alot more friendlier. Left a box of eBid business cards too.

[derene8187]

do not type descriptions in bright pink - it'll blind you.

:d

lol!

[deltadelta48]

Looks very very good Craig! Can't think of any area that it does not cover now. This is basically what we were talking about a few weeks ago, a summary rather than asking new sellers to sift thru conversations to get the tips.The conversations are so distracting that they often miss something really really important.

Where can it be posted so that new sellers can see it?

[MagnetsAndHangers]

I think you should also add to the opening post.......Although no-one can guarantee sales anywhere (on any site), the following information may increase your chances of more sales here.

[craig7501]

Consider it added Mags