eBay and Beyond Streamlining your eCommerce Business The Selling on eBay Series Presented by Barb Galloway Copyright 2012

How is eBay doing? Over 100 million active buyers Over eBay $5 BILLION, Paypal $4 BILLION in 2011, expects $12 BILLION in mobile business alone in 2012 Added mobile apps for Smartphones, tablets- downloaded 70 million times

Problems at eBay eBay began facing more and more competition Problems with fraud and counterfeit merchandise Disgruntled buyers New management Etsy bonanza QuiBids uBid Amazon.com

Seller changes for 2012 IRS reporting 1099 k (Started 2011) Delayed release of Paypal funds Top rated seller rules change DSR change – automatic stars Free pictures on listings – up to 12 Must state return policy eBay giving higher search ranking for listings that follow “best practice”

Ideal eBay Seller Take numerous pictures Very detailed and accurate item description Offer Paypal as payment option Pack items carefully Ship either the same day or within 1 day Print/pay for shipping labels within eBay Communicate with buyer Leave detailed, positive feedback for buyer

Is eBay still a good option for your business? Best for beginners Easy to use Great support Inexpensive to start HUGE customer base Largest variety of items Bargain prices Direct seller contact YES! !

Is eBay the ONLY online solution I need for my business? Some items sell better on other online sites Some items will sell for more on other sites Some sites offer better/different services It depends on YOUR business! No!!

What are the differences? eBay: Very flexible environment A lot of support Easy to learn o Very work intensive- must be organized o Extreme competition o Full responsibility

What are the differences? Etsy: Simple and attractive layouts Specialized markets Easy to set-up o Limited merchandise o Relatively new/small marketplace o Not as well known

What are the differences? Amazon Handles collections and customer service Everyone is equal in searches FBA program o Limits on categories o More complicated setup o More expensive setup/sales

Main types of Sellers Used items, “thrifters”, one-of-a-kind items Higher end collectibles Bulk retailer – new, commodity merchandise Authorized dealers eBooks, original photographs and artwork Craftsperson, handmade & specialty items

So…..which is best???

eBay and Amazon working together Start with eBay Open an eBay Store Brand your business Market your business Become and expert – write articles and reviews Constant evaluation of product line Sourcing products – supply Check listings/prices on eBay and Amazon

Start working on Amazon Open Amazon account Sell a few media products on Amazon Study and evaluate readiness for FBA Consider opening Amazon WebStore when your sales warrant the extra cost FBA for your eBay sales Consider Amazon Prime

Constant Improvements Keep records, follow rules and always watch the bottom line Think ahead - research

Resources New eBay changes for 2012: eBay help:

Resources Expert eBay Sellers: Resources:

Etsy Resources: Amazon Resources: Research:

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