ljh wrote:spoon72 wrote:I do agree that singaporeans are very conservative when it comes to online shipping, it's a different mentality, probably because singapore is so small . I am making a decent living on ebay and singapore buyers make up of perhaps 1% of my sales. ALthough i believe the singapore yahoo site is much more popular then ebay.com.sg
Thanks for the reply. It seems that it is not advisable if i only target on singapore market alone. Think you are doing quite well in ebay, so could you please advice, what are the important things to take note if i want to start selling things on ebay? for example shipping issue when i am selling to ppl from other countries. And what are factors to attract ppl to buy from you rather than other seller? thanks.
1. Costs, make sure you get them all accounted for, including paypal, or anyother payment system you use, also packaging materials, ebay fees, postage..
Some people have a standard postage fee, a little higher, than normal, to boost, the margins, you may have to sell some items at a loss, in the auction....it's not a good idea, to put high reserve on goods. it puts people off, bidding.
Expensive watches at over 1400 sing $ i have purchased at 700 sing $, and resold to UK for a 1000 Sing, although it doesn't go long before others jump in selling the same, then price is pushed down.
2. Check the ebay market out for products, competition and see, how you can be more attractive, on quality and price...
3. Give excellent service
4. Very light products cost very little in postage, and westerners will buy
5 choose the catogories very carefully...to get maxium viewing.
6. You don't have to hold stock, providing you can get it very quick, pack it and send it, within 24 hrs.
7. Most important of all, is your feedback.....any negative feedback, will cost you dearly....so make sure you do all you can to get positive feedback, even giving a refund, if it means saving your reputation
8. Be very honest, with your advertising, do not try to, cheat...it will cost you your business in the long run.
9. Always be polite and friendly, to make it a pleasent experience to deal with you.
10. Your pricing strategy is important in the buy it now, deals...have some special deals, to attract customers, very low mark up on some products, with higher mark up on others, and extra couple of $ on the postage will help you keep prices low on the buy it now deals, but do not abuse it. Consumers will complain to ebay, if they think you are over charging on postage.
11. Always have more than one supplier, so you are free to bargain the best buying prices..Practice your negotiating skills, to improve your purchasing skills, if you can sell sand to an Arab, you will be pretty good!
Maybe others can add to the list! It's enough to get you started.
