What is the difference between a standard eBay auction and a product that is sold through an eBay store?
Great question!
eBay stores allow businessmen and businesswomen to sell items for less money than traditional auctions; however the items are sold at a fixed price and will remain listed on the web site for 30 days.
eBay stores are intended for serious individual in business looking to mass produce and sell select items for a fixed price. eBay stores usually thrive on offering vintage or rare items, or even common place items for a cheaper rate.
In order to run an eBay store you must pay at least $15.95 per month for the basic store feature. Some may hate the monthly rate but keep in mind that listing fees only cost two cents and gallery pictures only run one cent a piece while you are under the eBay store membership.
If you make one sell you have probably already paid off the membership fee for the month and the much cheaper listing fees will allow you to post numerous products without killing your checkbook.
In order to start a store on eBay click on the “Sellers” icon, followed by the “Open a Store” link.
You need to proceed with eight basic steps to create your very own and custom eBay store.
First off, select a color theme for your store. You could either select your favorite two colors or center your color theme on the product you are selling. Say you are selling mountain bikes. What types of colors would people associate mountain bikes with? How about green and light blue since the mountains are often filled with lush green trees and a clear blue sky?
Click “continue” and proceed to the “Store’s Name” text box. Here you will name your eBay store. Take your time and think hard about what name you want to select. Remember customers will remember a business name that is catchy and short. Brainstorm some creative names and narrow it down to the winner.
Next, enter a description about your store. Refer to which products you sell and what makes them popular. If your store specializes in bargain deals on bikes, make sure you mention that in the description. Sometimes it helps to mention where you are located or how long you have been in business (if applicable).
If you are talented or know somebody in the industry, create a few graphics for your store beforehand. You can use these business graphics to help advertise and profile your business. In terms of increasing your reputation and gaining notice, something as simple as a graphic can really help increase exposure.
After you name your business, enter the description, and graphics – click “continue.”
Sign up for the basic eBay store for now. There are other options available but I suggest you start with the basic plan. Keep in mind you can always upgrade to a bigger package in the future.
There are plenty of other customizable features for your store which you can now edit through the “supplied” link.
photo by thewanderingangel
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eBay Powersellers enjoy many special benefits and advantages that the average eBay user never gets to enjoy.
With millions of members on eBay, the company brilliantly devised a way to grant special status to a select group of sellers who constantly deliver a great product to their customers. Of the 180 million users on eBay, only about 4% of that membership enjoys “PowerSeller” status.
Powersellers enjoy more discounts from eBay, are allowed access to special areas, and earn more respect and interest from potential buyers.
For example, say you are considering purchasing a similar product from two different sellers. Both of the products are about in the same age and condition, so you hold little preference there. The auction is about at the same price and the shipping options are identical. However, upon further research you discover that one seller is defined as a “PowerSeller” and the other seller is not. You have no idea what an eBay “PowerSeller” means but you know that it sounds great. Which seller are you likely to bid for?
The nearly unanimous pick would go to the individual with the “Powerseller” icon.
Now you can begin to understand why earning a rank of an eBay Powerseller is so important.
While the terms of becoming an eBay Powerseller may change in the future, the current policy states that an eBay “Powerseller” must…
- remain an active member for 90 days
- average a minimum of $1,000 in sales per month, for three consecutive months
- maintain a minimum of four average monthly listings, for three consecutive months
- feature an overall feedback rating of 100, of which 98% or more is positive
- keep an account in good financial standing
- uphold the community values – including honest, timeliness, and mutual respect
- comply with all eBay listing and marketplace polices
As you can see, becoming an eBay Powerseller is serious business. eBay only offers the service to serous, respected, and honest sellers.
Obviously you cannot become an eBay Powerseller overnight. You need patience as well as a strong work ethic and dedication to selling products online.
If you are interested in becoming an eBay Powerseller, first build up your resume. Once the number of products you sell and the feedback you receive grows, then start to seriously consider the Powerseller options.
eBay offers different levels of a Powerseller including, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Diamond. The Powerseller tier is based all on the number of sales per month.
Keep in mind that eBay is not all about making money. As with any business, you need to build upon strong business ethics. Always place the customer first and do everything in your power to please him or her. Remember that the seller’s feedback and approval rate are considered when wishing to become a PowerSeller.
Communication is also very important. Answer any questions from prospective buyers during the auction process and remain in close, quick, and efficient communication during the payment and shipping process.
Last but not least, include professional listings for all your products. Make sure the product description is accurate and full of details while excellent photos compliment the sales page.
photo by muha
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