Reputation is everything

Over the last few weeks I've once again been selling a few previously loved but no longer wanted items on EBay. Apart from generating a small pot of PayPal cash for odds and ends, I've cleared some valuable cupboard space.

In order to trade successfully on EBay you need to acquire and maintain a good reputation. In EBay, this translates to receiving good feedback, both from those who buy from you, and from those who sell to you. In order to receive good feedback as a seller, you need to do a few simple things well: describe your for-sale items accurately; be fair about postage and shipping costs; communicate effectively, and ship your goods to the buyer promptly.

Potential buyers can tell from reading the feedback left by others,whether you are a good EBayer. If you are, it gives them the confidence to bid on your items and spend money with you, even though they don't know you personally.

Call it feedback, or call it case studies, customer quotes and testimonials, or call it your reputation; it's the same for everybody in business. Buyers gain confidence and trust from learning of the positive experiences that others have had in transacting with you. Your reputation as a provider of quality goods or services grows, helping to generate more customers. Whether you're shifting unwanted gifts on EBay, or providing a service to the local community, or selling complex technology solutions to global enterprises through a network of international office locations, your reputation makes a vital contribution to your success.

On EBay, buyers and sellers are all supposed to leave feedback; in reality, some do and some don’t and in the wider world of commerce nobody has to do it unless they choose to. I found an effective way of encouraging people to leave EBay feedback was to enclose a small thank you card with their purchase.

When you believe you have delivered good service, don’t be afraid to ask for a testimonial or a reference, and encourage your buyers to tell others about their experience with you. In time, along with growing your reputation, you'll build a resource of positive feedback, which you can use on your web site, in your brochures and advertisements, in marketing letters and more, to attract even more customers.

31st Oct 2010