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Last Post Nov 15, 2009 2:20 PM by: webstoreproducts
Replies: 14
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webstoreproducts
Posts: 5

Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 2, 2009 8:36 AM
Good morning.

I have been selling on eBay (eBay id - webstoreproducts) since May and all in all it has been a good market place, but I am ready to take it to the next level. Below I have highlighted more about my business:

* Selling used prod primarily (high asp - ~$599+ per sale)
* Specialty product with limited qty skus
* Using all FP/OBO
* You can see my items here

That being said, what recommendations do you have for building better ads to ramp up velocity?

Best,

John
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tilework
Posts: 1,086
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 2, 2009 9:10 AM
Hello John ...

From the few items I looked at, there is very little description and no close-ups of the items. It looks as if you are getting plenty of views ...

I would work harder on explaining the items and post 5-10 pictures of each item in the listing with GREAT close-ups. You are asking customers to pay lots of money on something you are not really explaining what they may be purchasing.

THEN - you tell the potential buyer they can not return the item - nope - wouldn't purchase anything from you.

I wouldn't work on ads - I would work on better policies and more professional listings.

IHOPETHISHELPS
Paul

Thank you for visiting my store!

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webstoreproducts
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 4, 2009 8:11 AM
Thanks Paul. I know I need to get more pics in the body of the ad (so I don't have to pay eBay for additional pics) but I don't know how to do that. As for close ups, probably a good idea as well.

In regards to returns, some items offer exchange but not refund - as the product is:

* used (very clearly listed)
* specialty product (they know what they are buying)
* tested via a certified technician before listing
* WAY BELOW RETAIL - A GREAT DEAL!!

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted,

John
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redraidernettrader
Posts: 206
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 4, 2009 10:09 AM
I agree, you need to work on your listings.

Just looking at item #250440361543....It feels deceptive. The photo and title indicate 3, yet your listing says the auction is for only 1. Personally, I really don't like those type of listings, and usually steer clear of sellers that do that. I understand the reasoning, but there are better ways to do this - such as creating 3 listings and indicate in each one that there are more available and to check your other listings. Intice your buyers with "free shipping" or a discount if they buy more than one.

There are threads that tell you how to add more pictures into your listings using free services such as photobucket. Or else, pay for a service. There are plenty out there for the $10/month range. With the prices you are asking for, this would be a very worthwhile business expense.

Kim
Red Raider Net Trader
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webstoreproducts
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 6:25 AM
Thanks Kim. I changed the ad for the remotes (they have been posted for quite some time and it was not my intention to mislead). Do you have any recommendations for a listing tool? I am looking at Auctiva but wondered if there are any other low cost tools available.

Thanks again,

John
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tilework
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 6:55 AM
Good Morning John!

There are listing tools available at: Link

It all depends upon your needs. If you do not have somewhere to place many pictures and you have little or no HTML skills, Auctiva does a good job at taking care of your listing needs.

You plan on listing 100's or 1000's of items, you should consider Blackthrone Pro. Possibly TurboLister (free eBay tool) would help you.

IHOPETHISHELPS
Paul

Thank you for visiting my store!

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the-silver-lotus
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 12:43 PM
I need to get more pics in the body of the ad (so I don't have to pay eBay for additional pics) but I don't know how to do that.

For years I've been using imageevent.com to host my photos (and other stuff, not necessarily ebay). It costs $24.95/year and I first learned about it from another ebay seller who found it totally reliable. I've never had a problem with it, ever.

I put all of my photos, hosted on imageevent, in my description. All you have to do is use this html:

<*img src=http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename*>

(enter the URL for you photo and remove the * and the space those * leave)

Sallie
B-)
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redraidernettrader
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 1:48 PM
Yes, TurboLister is a free program that eBay provides that will help you list "faster" and "easier". You can use a place to host pictures for free too, such as Photobucket. I used to use this, but found it didn't suit my needs. TurboLister can glitch, and I constantly lost MANY hours. I got what I paid for...

Currently, I use Auctiva. They host the pictures and provide a nice layout (slideshow, thumbnails, etc) and also give you the "supersize" option for your buyers. It is worth the $10/month for me. You can check out my listings to see how the pictures post. I started with them when they provided their services for free.

Some of the other 3rd party listing providers are: Inkfrog, Vendio, and Seller Sourcebook. I suggest checking out all 4 before making your decision. I believe they are all in the same price range and host pictures. I've heard good things about all of them. Seller Sourcebook also provides templates that post on CL.

Being able to create listings all week and post them when I want is a great investment in your time. Having them provide photo hosting and display them nicely is priceless to your buyers and will increase your sales and profit.

Kim
Red Raider Net Trader
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redraidernettrader
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 1:51 PM
Thanks Kim. I changed the ad for the remotes (they have been posted for quite some time and it was not my intention to mislead). Do you have any recommendations for a listing tool? I am looking at Auctiva but wondered if there are any other low cost tools available.

Thanks again,

John


You are quite welcome!

I'm glad you changed it. I know you didn't mean to deceive, it potentially can come across that way. Everyone has their own interpretation, and you don't want buyers to get a bad impression.

Kim
Red Raider Net Trader
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rosachs
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 5, 2009 7:45 PM
My recommendation is for Blackthorne Pro, based on extensive personal experience that I've yakked about in numerous other threads.

In this case, I'm thinking the ability to use templates, automated image handling, sales tracking, and email features are going to be the most useful. The ability to update all listings, running as well as scheduled, will also come in handy. And the flat fee, regardless of extent of use.

For a designer template, fully Blackthorne integrated, talk to Sally, who also posts here from time to time. Graphic design and web design in a single package -- can't beat that! :)


Point is, you want to use a tool that's going to automate the parts of your business that are causing the most problems today. Things like terms, updates, embedded images -- these are all things Blackthorne does well. Get those worked out and you can start concentrating on growing the volume, rather than spending time working on problems more easily solved via automation. Computers don't get bored -- they can do the same dull things over and over and over and over.... :)

Good Luck!

-Bob.


RKS Solutions LLC logo
V.46 Trading Assistant, since 1997!
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janewt-1
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 6, 2009 11:40 PM
Sallie - if you use a site like this Link you can put in what looks like the HTML code so that

<*img src=http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename*>

would look normal
<img src=http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename>
but not cause the boards to treat it like a link (since it really isn't).
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tilework
Posts: 1,086
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 7, 2009 2:07 PM
I learned that if you break the code with something, ( such as <b></b> )

the following text:

<<b></b>img src=http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename>

Will show up as:

<img src=http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename>



If you are wanting to post a link and have it show up, put the <b></b> in the middle of the "http" like: ht<b></b>tp

So typing:

ht<b></b>tp://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename

will show up as:

http://imageevent.com/silverlotusphotos/pickafilename


There are posting tools as suggested previously:
http://uksitebuilder.net/editor/ebay.php
is one, but I really like:

http://practiceposter.com/

as a posting tool.

IHOPETHISHELPS
Paul

Thank you for visiting my store!

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webstoreproducts
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 10, 2009 11:30 AM
Thanks again everyone. I started using Auctiva today and wanted to get your feedback on this item 250528498324 This is my first attempt at using Auctiva but it certainly appears much better in my opinion. Let me know your thoughts and advice.


Best,

John
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janewt-1
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 11, 2009 1:29 AM
I always find white lettering on a stark black background hard to read.

You probably want to move the cross sell (scrolling display) below the item you have listed since you don't want buyers leaving the listing to look at other things before they've read that listing completely.

"We will facilitate the buyer's preference ...." in the shipping section is awkward and overly complex. If you mean you will ship via the means your buyer prefers in most cases, say that.
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webstoreproducts
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Re: Any insight on ramping up sales velocity (inlcuding seller tools)

Nov 15, 2009 2:20 PM
Thanks again. I have added several items using the Auctiva template and have been pretty satisfied with the results. What are your thoughts on mixing auctions in with the FP/OBO listings?

Cheers,

John
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