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On the JJ Barnes Blog, if you’ve been having a big new years resolution declutter, now is the perfect time to master second hand selling so I’m sharing my top tips for selling on eBay.
“New Year, New You” often involves a serious decluttering session. If you’re looking to turn that unwanted clutter into cash, now’s the perfect time to master the art of second-hand selling! In this post, with the help of Nick Drewe, retail expert at online discounts platform Wethrift, I’m sharing my top tips for selling on eBay, helping you maximize your profits and minimize your stress.

Top Tips For Selling On eBay
Research the market before setting your prices
Before you even list your item, it’s crucial to do your research and understand the market value. Here’s how:
- eBay’s “Sold” Listings: This is your goldmine! Search for similar items that have already sold. Pay close attention to:
- Selling price: Note the range of prices for comparable items.
- Item condition: Consider the condition of the sold items compared to yours.
- Shipping costs: Factor in shipping costs when comparing prices.
- Completed Listings: Look at listings that didn’t sell. This can help you identify potential pricing mistakes or areas where your item might need improvement (like better photos or a more detailed description).
- Competitive Analysis: Check out other online marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace to see how your item is priced on those platforms.
- Consider Condition:
- New: Command a higher price.
- Used – Excellent: Price accordingly, but be realistic.
- Used – Good: Adjust your price to reflect any wear and tear.
- Used – Fair: Be very competitive with your pricing.
- Account for Shipping Costs: Factor in packaging, shipping materials, and the cost of the shipping label itself.
- Don’t Underprice: While you want to be competitive, underpricing can devalue your item and potentially hurt your sales in the long run.
By thoroughly researching the market and understanding the value of your item, you can set a competitive price that attracts buyers and maximizes your profits.
It’s always a good idea to scope out the market before you set your price. Doing a quick search across eBay for people listing similar products of comparable quality will help you to benchmark how much to list your item for. You can guarantee that any potential buyers will also be doing their own research to make sure they can’t secure the same deal for cheaper elsewhere.
-Nick Drewe

Auctions vs fixed pricing
When selling on eBay, you have the option to list your items as auctions or at a fixed price. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Auctions:
- Pros:
- Potential for Higher Prices: Bidding wars can drive up the final selling price beyond your initial expectations.
- Increased Visibility: Auctions can attract more attention and generate excitement among potential buyers.
- Cons:
- Unpredictable Outcome: You may not always get the price you’re hoping for.
- Time-Consuming: You’ll need to monitor bids and potentially adjust your strategy during the auction.
- Risk of Low Bids: If there’s little interest, you might end up selling the item for less than you’d like.
Fixed Price:
- Pros:
- Predictable Income: You know exactly how much you’ll make per sale.
- Faster Sales: Buyers can purchase immediately, leading to quicker transactions and faster payments.
- Easier to Manage: Less time spent monitoring bids and adjusting strategies.
- Cons:
- Potential for Lower Prices: You might miss out on potential bidding wars and higher prices.
- Risk of Items Not Selling: If your price is too high, your item may sit unsold for a longer period.
Which Method is Right for You?
- Auctions are generally better suited for:
- Rare or unique items
- Collectibles
- High-demand items
- Fixed prices are generally better suited for:
- Common items
- Everyday goods
- Items you want to sell quickly
Ultimately, the best selling method will depend on the specific item you’re selling, your desired selling price, and your personal preferences. You can also experiment with both methods to see what works best for you.
Unlike many resale sites such as Depop, eBay resellers benefit from being able to list items under a fixed price, or auction bidding. When it comes to selling a rare product where demand outweighs supply, auction pricing works best if you want to drive up a bigger profit margin on your item.
Make use of the ‘Best Offer’ pricing setting on your ads. This will allow sellers to make you an offer on your listing, rather than waiting for the bidding to end. You then have the choice to accept or reject their offer, which is particularly handy when it comes to speeding up the selling process, if the price is right of course.
-Nick Drewe

Be strategic with your timing
Timing is everything when it comes to selling on eBay. Here’s how to maximize your chances of success:
- Peak Browsing Times:
- Weekends: Many people browse eBay in the evenings and on weekends.
- Weekdays: Weekday evenings (around 7-9 PM) are also popular times for online shopping.
- Avoid “Graveyard Shifts”: Avoid ending auctions late at night or early in the morning when fewer people are likely to be browsing.
- Consider Paydays: If possible, try to end your auctions around payday weekends when buyers are more likely to have extra funds available.
- Seasonal Trends: Adjust your listing strategy based on the season. For example, you might see increased interest in outdoor gear during the summer months or holiday decorations closer to Christmas.
By strategically timing your listings, you can increase visibility and attract more potential buyers, ultimately leading to higher sales and better results.
If you are setting your pricing to the auction model for a high-demand product, set your listing to end on a weekend, or during the evening between 7-9 pm, maximising the number of bidders likely to be online. If you set your listing to end in the middle of a working weekday, you will receive much lower engagement.
-Nick Drewe
Postage
Offering competitive and reliable shipping is crucial for a successful eBay selling experience. Here are some key tips:
- Accurate Shipping Costs:
- Use eBay’s Shipping Calculator: This tool provides accurate shipping estimates based on the item’s dimensions, weight, and destination.
- Consider Packaging: Factor in the cost of packaging materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape) into your shipping calculations.
- Offer Multiple Shipping Options: Provide options like standard shipping, expedited shipping, and local pickup to cater to different buyer preferences and budgets.
- Fast and Efficient Shipping:
- Ship items promptly: Aim to ship items within the timeframe you’ve promised in your listing.
- Use a reputable shipping carrier: Choose a reliable carrier like USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
- Purchase shipping labels online: This saves time and often provides discounts.
- Track your shipments: Provide buyers with tracking information so they can easily monitor the delivery of their purchases.
- Proper Packaging:
- Use appropriate packaging materials: Protect your items from damage during transit using bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes.
- Securely seal packages: Ensure that packages are securely sealed with tape to prevent them from opening during transit.
- Offer Free Shipping (if possible): Free shipping can be a powerful incentive for buyers. If you can absorb the shipping costs, it can make your items more attractive.
By offering competitive shipping rates, providing fast and efficient delivery, and using proper packaging, you can enhance the buyer experience and build a positive reputation as a reliable seller on eBay.
If you’re not sensible with your postage and shipping, the costs can eat up a large proportion of your profits, especially if you’re selling low-value items. Weigh your items in the packaging that they will be shipped in, and factor this in when setting your price. There are many useful tools, such as the eBay Fee Calculator where you can calculate your fees and profit margin. Free shipping can entice potential buyers, but be mindful that this will reduce your profit margins.
-Nick Drewe

Take good quality photographs
High-quality photos are essential for attracting buyers and selling your items quickly. Here’s how to take photos that showcase your items in the best possible light:
- Lighting is Key:
- Natural Light: Utilize natural light whenever possible. Position your item near a window, but avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.
- Avoid Flash: Flash can create harsh shadows and distort colors. If necessary, use soft, diffused lighting from lamps or lightboxes.
- Choose a Neutral Background:
- Plain Backgrounds: Use a plain white or light-colored sheet, poster board, or a dedicated photo backdrop.
- Minimize Distractions: Avoid cluttered backgrounds that can distract buyers from the item.
- Show All Angles:
- Multiple Photos: Take multiple photos from different angles (front, back, sides, top, bottom).
- Close-ups: Include close-up shots of any important details, such as logos, labels, or any signs of wear and tear.
- Highlight Key Features:
- Showcase Unique Selling Points: If your item has any special features, be sure to capture them in your photos.
- Use a Tripod (if possible):
- Reduce Blur: A tripod helps to stabilize your camera and prevent blurry photos.
- Edit Your Photos (if needed):
- Basic Editing: Use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, and color.
- Cropping: Crop your photos to focus on the item and remove any distracting elements.
Pro Tip: Use a ruler or coin in one of your photos to give buyers a sense of the item’s size and scale.
An essential for selling your clothes and accessories online lies in the quality of the photos you upload to tempt buyers with. Ensure that when photographing items, the image is high resolution and clear. Always make sure that the lighting is good, and try to avoid taking photos against a messy backdrop, as this may be off-putting to potential buyers.
When reselling clothing, consider modelling the item yourself, or on a mannequin if you have one, so prospective buyers can get a clearer idea of how it fits on the body. Take photographs from all angles – the front, from behind, and on the side. If your item has any standout features, such as sequins or jewels, take some close-up shots.
If you are selling a designer brand item, take a close-up photo of the brand tag, logo and its original packaging and include these within your listing.
-Nick Drewe

Be detailed on your listings
A well-written description is crucial for attracting buyers and providing them with the necessary information to make a purchase decision. Here’s how to write compelling eBay listing descriptions:
- Be Honest and Accurate:
- Describe the item accurately: Be upfront about any flaws, imperfections, or signs of wear and tear.
- Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon or overly technical terms.
- Highlight Key Features:
- Focus on the benefits: Explain how the item will benefit the buyer.
- Mention unique selling points: What makes your item stand out from the competition?
- Include Specific Details:
- Size and measurements: Provide accurate measurements for clothing, shoes, and other items.
- Brand and model: If applicable, include the brand and model number.
- Color: Describe the color accurately (e.g., “true red,” “navy blue”).
- Condition: Use descriptive terms like “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “poor” to describe the item’s condition.
- Use Keywords:
- Research relevant keywords: Use eBay’s keyword search tool to find relevant keywords that potential buyers might use to search for your item.
- Incorporate keywords naturally: Include keywords throughout your description, but avoid keyword stuffing.
- Proofread Carefully:
- Check for typos and grammatical errors: Typos can make your listing look unprofessional.
- Read your description aloud: This can help you catch any errors or awkward phrasing.
As well as your HQ photos, you will need to write up a detailed description of the product you’re selling. Be specific about the product, the brand, the size and the materials. Also list any unique features or selling points of the product. Make suggestions on what kind of outfits the piece would work well with, to help prospective buyers visualise the look.
When setting your listing title, be detailed. Include as many keywords as possible, including the product type, brand, size, and colour, as well as any additional relevant features that you think a potential buyer might search for.
Put yourself in the mindset of the buyer, and think about what you would be entering in the search bar to find a similar product. Optimise your listing to make your product searchable to your buyers.
-Nick Drewe

Be honest with your descriptions
In the world of online selling, honesty is not just a moral imperative; it’s a cornerstone of a successful business. When it comes to eBay, accurate and transparent descriptions are crucial for building trust with buyers and fostering long-term success.
Why Honesty Matters:
- Builds Trust and Reputation: Buyers rely on accurate descriptions to make informed purchasing decisions. By being upfront about the condition of your items, including any flaws or imperfections, you build trust with buyers and establish yourself as a reliable seller.
- Reduces Returns and Disputes: Misrepresenting an item can lead to unhappy buyers, returns, and potentially costly disputes. By providing accurate and detailed descriptions, you minimize the risk of these issues.
- Attracts Repeat Customers: Satisfied buyers are more likely to return to your store for future purchases. By consistently providing honest and accurate descriptions, you cultivate a loyal customer base.
Tips for Honest Descriptions:
- Be upfront about flaws: Don’t try to hide imperfections or damage. Clearly state any issues, such as scratches, stains, or missing parts.
- Use accurate terminology: Describe the condition of your items accurately using terms like “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “poor.”
- Provide detailed information: Include all relevant information, such as size, color, brand, and any other pertinent details.
- Use clear and concise language: Avoid using vague or misleading terms.
- Let photos tell the story: High-quality photos can help buyers accurately assess the condition of your item.
Remember: Honesty is not just about avoiding negative consequences; it’s about building a positive and sustainable selling experience for both you and your buyers. By prioritizing accuracy and transparency in your descriptions, you can cultivate a loyal customer base and build a successful and reputable eBay business.
It’s important to be honest and list any damages or faults with your items. If people feel that they’ve been missold, they will complain, request a refund, or leave potentially damaging reviews on your profile. Nobody wants the hassle of having to issue refunds and having their seller reputation tainted for the sake of one sale.
-Nick Drewe
Keep an eye on trends and seasonality
To maximize your eBay sales, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve by understanding and capitalizing on market trends and seasonal shifts in demand. Here’s how:
- Identify Seasonal Trends:
- Holiday Shopping: Plan ahead for major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. Stock up on popular gift items and adjust your listing strategies accordingly.
- Seasonal Changes: Adjust your inventory based on the seasons. For example, list outdoor gear and clothing in the spring and summer, and winter wear and holiday decorations in the fall and winter.
- Monitor Trending Searches:
- Utilize eBay’s search trends: Explore eBay’s search trends to identify popular search terms and categories.
- Stay updated on current events: News and pop culture events can significantly impact consumer behavior and buying trends.
- Leverage Social Media:
- Follow relevant hashtags: Stay informed about trending topics and popular items on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Engage with online communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to your niche to gain insights into current trends and consumer interests.
- Analyze Your Sales Data:
- Track your past sales: Review your past sales data to identify seasonal trends in your own sales history.
- Identify your best-selling items: Focus on restocking and promoting your most popular items during peak seasons.
By staying informed about market trends and adapting your selling strategies accordingly, you can increase your visibility, attract more buyers, and maximize your sales potential on eBay.
Pro Tip: Consider using tools like Google Trends to track search interest for specific keywords and identify emerging trends in your niche.
Being mindful of trends is a great way to time when you list certain items. For example, if a designer bag is trending on social media due to a celebrity being spotted with it, then it would be an ideal time to list the product for sale. Capitalise on the trend when consumer interest is at its highest, and always keep seasonality at the forefront of your mind when selling.
-Nick Drewe

Deliver good customer service
In the competitive world of online selling, exceptional customer service is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Happy customers translate into positive feedback, repeat business, and a strong seller reputation. Here’s how to provide top-notch customer service on eBay:
- Prompt Communication: Respond to buyer inquiries and messages promptly. Aim to answer within 24 hours, especially during peak selling seasons.
- Clear and Concise Communication: Use clear, concise, and professional language in all your communications.
- Be Helpful and Friendly: Maintain a positive and helpful tone in all your interactions.
- Resolve Issues Quickly and Efficiently: If a buyer encounters a problem, address their concerns promptly and professionally.
- Offer Flexible Return Policies: A generous return policy can help build trust and reduce buyer anxiety.
- Go the Extra Mile: Consider offering small gestures to enhance the customer experience, such as including a handwritten thank-you note or a small gift with their purchase.
Building a Strong Seller Reputation:
- Positive Feedback: Strive for positive feedback from every buyer. Respond to feedback, both positive and negative, professionally and constructively.
- Maintain a High Seller Rating: A high seller rating is crucial for attracting new buyers.
- Resolve Disputes Amicably: If a dispute arises, work with the buyer to find a mutually agreeable solution.
By prioritizing excellent customer service, you can build a strong reputation as a trusted seller on eBay, cultivate long-term relationships with buyers, and achieve greater success in your online selling endeavors.
Good customer service is a key element of being a successful eBay seller. Answer your messages promptly, and always aim to be friendly and as informative as possible with your replies. If you tell your customer that the item will be posted on a particular day, keep to your word, keep them updated on any updates from your delivery service, and always lead with honesty.
-Nick Drewe

Be flexible with your returns window
In today’s competitive online marketplace, a flexible return policy can be a powerful tool for attracting buyers and building customer loyalty. While eBay provides a basic return policy, offering more lenient terms can significantly enhance your buyer experience.
Benefits of a Flexible Return Policy:
- Increased Buyer Confidence: A generous return policy can alleviate buyer anxiety and encourage purchases, especially for high-value or high-risk items.
- Reduced Buyer Concerns: By offering a hassle-free return process, you minimize the risk of buyer’s remorse and potential disputes.
- Improved Seller Reputation: A flexible return policy demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, which can positively impact your seller rating and attract repeat business.
Tips for Implementing a Flexible Return Policy:
- Extend the Return Window: Consider offering an extended return window beyond eBay’s standard policy (e.g., 30 days or even 60 days).
- Offer Free Returns: If possible, offer free return shipping to further incentivize buyers.
- Clearly Communicate Your Return Policy: Ensure your return policy is clearly stated in your listings and easily accessible to buyers.
- Handle Returns Promptly and Professionally: Process returns efficiently and communicate with buyers throughout the return process.
Important Considerations:
- Item Condition: Clearly state the conditions for a full refund (e.g., item must be returned in original condition with all original packaging).
- Restocking Fees: If applicable, clearly state any restocking fees in your return policy.
- Buyer Responsibility: Clearly define the buyer’s responsibilities in the return process, such as packaging the item securely and providing proof of return shipping.
By offering a flexible and customer-centric return policy, you can build trust, reduce buyer anxiety, and enhance your overall selling experience on eBay. Remember, a satisfied customer is a repeat customer.
Setting your own returns window is another benefit of selling on eBay. Setting a generous returns window of 30+ days is a great way to entice potential buyers, as it gives them plenty of time to try on the clothes and decide whether they wish to return the item.
-Nick Drewe

Ask buyers to leave a review
Positive feedback is essential for building a strong seller reputation on eBay. While you can’t directly ask for feedback, you can gently encourage buyers to leave their comments. Here are a few tips:
- Express Gratitude: After the buyer receives their item, send a brief and friendly message thanking them for their purchase. You can include a simple message like: “Thank you for your purchase! I hope you enjoy the item. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.”
- Highlight Your Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: In your message, you can subtly emphasize your commitment to providing excellent customer service. For example: “I strive to provide all my customers with a positive buying experience. Your feedback is valuable to me as it helps me to improve my services.”
- Use Automated Tools (with Caution): Some tools can automate feedback requests. However, it’s crucial to use these tools responsibly and avoid spamming buyers.
- Focus on Providing Excellent Service: The most effective way to encourage positive feedback is to consistently provide excellent customer service. This includes prompt shipping, accurate order fulfillment, and addressing any buyer concerns promptly and professionally.
Remember:
- Avoid pressuring buyers: Never pressure or demand feedback from buyers.
- Focus on providing a positive buying experience: If you provide excellent service, positive feedback will naturally follow.
Reviews are essential if you want to establish yourself as a successful seller on eBay. Politely ask your satisfied customers if they wouldn’t mind leaving you a positive review, to reflect the level of service they received. This will help you build credibility and trust, making potential buyers more likely to buy your items. Star ratings out of 5 will be displayed across all of your future listings on eBay.
-Nick Drewe
List items regularly
Listing items regularly is crucial for maintaining a consistent presence on eBay and attracting potential buyers. Here’s why:
Increased Visibility:
- Consistent Listings: Regularly adding new items to your inventory keeps your eBay store fresh and visible to potential buyers. This increases your chances of being discovered through eBay’s search algorithms.
- Top Rated Seller Status: Maintaining a consistent sales volume can help you achieve Top Rated Seller status, which grants you access to exclusive benefits and boosts your credibility in the eyes of buyers.
Building a Loyal Customer Base:
- Regular Updates: By consistently offering new and interesting items, you attract repeat customers who enjoy browsing your store for potential treasures.
- Building Relationships: Engaging with buyers through regular updates and interactions fosters a sense of community and builds stronger relationships with your customers.
Maximizing Sales Potential:
- Capitalizing on Trends: Regularly listing items allows you to quickly capitalize on emerging trends and seasonal demands.
- Inventory Turnover: Consistent listing helps you maintain a healthy inventory turnover, ensuring that your items don’t sit unsold for extended periods.
Tips for Listing Regularly:
- Plan Ahead: Dedicate specific time slots for listing items, such as a few hours each week.
- Batch Listing: Utilize eBay’s bulk listing tools to streamline the process of listing multiple items at once.
- Stay Organized: Maintain a well-organized inventory system to easily identify and select items for listing.
- Set Realistic Goals: Start with a manageable listing schedule and gradually increase your frequency as you gain experience.
Improve the visibility of your seller profile by listing items regularly. The more ads you have live, the more likely that people will visit your seller page and consider you trustworthy.
-Nick Drewe

Conclusion
Selling on eBay can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform to declutter your home, earn extra income, and even turn your passion into a profitable business. By following these tips – from researching the market and pricing your items strategically to providing excellent customer service – you can increase your chances of success and build a thriving online presence.
Remember that selling on eBay is an ongoing learning process. Experiment with different listing strategies, analyze your sales data, and continuously adapt your approach based on your experiences.
Most importantly, enjoy the process! Selling on eBay can be a fun and rewarding experience. Happy selling!
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