Using Markdown Manager to Increase eBay Sales

eBay's Markdown Manager is a wonderful way to increase your eBay sales.  With this tool, you can put all your eBay fixed price items (or just some of your items) on sale -- at the percentage off that you choose.

When sales are sluggish, I have found that Markdown Manager ignites them ... it seems to bring new attention, since the prices are different from before.  And buyers seem to be drawn to a percentage off sale.

To find Markdown Manager, go to My eBay, then Account (top of screen), then Marketing Tools.  You'll find Markdown Manager on the Marketing Tools page.

To use Markdown Manager, sign in to the page.   First you will want to choose a sale title.  This is just for your reference, so it can be anything, i.e. Books 10% Off. 

Then you will need to choose a start and end date for your sale.  In my experience, a good sale period is 2 - 7 days.  I have not had success with sales less than 1 day or more than 7 days.

Then you can choose a percentage off.  This is up to you -- 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.  I generally have deeper sales (i.e. 20% - 25%) for 2 days, and smaller sales (5% - 10%) for 7 days.   But experiment with this, and see what works for you.

Then you can choose to put one category of your listings (i.e. Books, Sewing Patterns, Postcards, etc.) on sale, put your entire store on sale, or you can choose items selectively using any criteria using the link "Select listings individually."   I love this feature, and usually select items this way -- i.e. items under $8, or ephemera only, or items over $20, etc.

I am a great fan of Markdown Manager and Best Offer (an upcoming blog post!), and find both these eBay tools are great for generating sales.  I hope this is helpful for you too!

Selling on eBay: How Do You Keep It Organized?

When I first started selling online, I just listed my books, put them into clean liquor boxes, and waited for sales.  When the sales rolled in, I then had a scavenger hunt to find the book.  By the time my stock had grown to about 20 boxes, things were getting out of hand, and I knew I had to find a better way to organize my inventory.

Thankfully, I found it!

Now when I write a listing, I make a 3" x 5" card for each item.  On the card I write:

Name of item
Digital photo names (numbers)
File where photos are located
Box # where item is

I keep these cards filed in colorful plastic shoeboxes that I bought inexpensively at Target.   They are filed alphabetically by item name.

All of my books are in numbered boxes.   If I sell the book Betty Crocker's Cooking Calendar, I can pull the index card, see it is in box #31, pull the book, and voila, I'm ready to pack!

It is also easy to delete photos, as you know exactly where they are on your computer.

I've used this method for years and I swear by it as a simple way to organize books that have been listed online.

Mailing Books Safely with Recycled Products

I am always looking for great ways to ship using recycled products.  I have a good way to ship books safely while using recycled materials.  I have had good success with this shipping method, as I have never had a package damaged in the mail.

First, I wrap the book in a clean plastic bag.  I feel this is important, especially as some areas (like the South, where I live) are much more humid.  This helps protect your book.

Then I tape the wrapped book to a piece of corrugated cardboard that is just a little bigger than the book size.  I get free, clean corrugated boxes at the liquor store in my neighborhood and cut them up, so I keep a stock of cardboard in the house.

If the book is more delicate, like a Wonder Book or Little Golden Book, I tape a layer of Bubble wrap over the unprotected wrapped book.

I then put the wrapped book in a manila envelope, tape with clear wide packing tape, and I am ready to print postage.

I love the printed postage from Paypal.  I print labels on regular computer paper and affix it to the package with clear wide tape.

I hope these book packaging suggestions are helpful!  If you have other green-wise packing suggestions, I would love to hear them as well.

Vintage Linen Postcards - New York City - Times Square

Linen postcards are a wonderful starting point for a postcard collector. They are inexpensive, colorful, and fun. These linen cards were popular in the 1930's to mid-1940's. They were especially popular as American travel souvenirs - roadside Americana.

These New York City cards are so lovely that I thought you might enjoy them too. You'll see several pictures of Times Square here. Of special note -- the vintage cars and building/advertising signage. Great fun!

eBay: What should be included in a listing?

If you're new to selling on eBay, one of the first things to learn is how to write a detailed, buyer-friendly listing.  Here are a few tips:

PHOTOS (PLURAL)

Photos, photos, and more photos.  Photograph whatever's good about your item and also any flaws (very important).  You will want multiple photos for almost everything.   Think about what the buyer would like to see.  For instance, with books, I photograph the book cover, the front endpaper, at least one photo or illustration from the book, and the back cover.  I frequently also photograph the spine.

AVOID STOCK PHOTOS

They do not show the buyer what he or she is actually purchasing.   Most eBay buyers feel the same way.  I very highly recommend avoiding stock photos in all instances.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Describe what you are listing in detail.  I try to write a description as if the buyer cannot see a photo of the item;  I want to be detailed and descriptive.  Be sure to discuss the condition in detail.  List any flaws, however small.  (I also recommend photographing any flaws.)  Do not depend just on item specifics;  actually write a solid description.

SELLER'S TERMS

Please keep them brief and buyer friendly.  Keep terms positive and avoid negative phrases.  Have a buyer friendly return policy.  Remember that with Paypal buyer protection, the buyer can file if item is significantly not as described, and the seller will have to refund.  I feel very strongly that it is important to present yourself as a seller in a friendly, accessible way in the seller's terms.

I hope these listing tips are helpful, and I wish you wonderful sales!