Dress Measurements

When listing a dress include the following measurements:
Length: from shoulder seam to hemline. If the hem is varied provide a range.
Bust: measure across from under the armpit seams and double. Do not stretch.
Waist: usually the smallest width area between the bust and hips
Hips: usually at the end of the zipper. Measure seam to seam and double
Sleeve Inseam: measure the inside seam to the sleeve hemline.

If it has a tapered hemline then include the width at the hemline.
If is a tank dress include the width of the strap

Brand Awareness

You want to increase your brand awareness and traffic to your store. Brand awareness helps develop confidence in your buyers.

Design a logo - you can pay someone to design one or even use software you may have on your computer that offers painting, font design, etc.

Take advantage of social networking sites like myspace and facebook
Set up a page for your store and include eBay widgets. eBay makes this easy with a few clicks and then copy and past the code they provide. Examples are on this blog. Have your friends become fans or friends of the site. Include a link to your store and a picture of your logo.


Use the logo everywhere you can on eBay: your store headliner, invoices, automated emails. You can do this through preferences and the Manage Your Store area on eBay. Also use on social network pages, tissue logos, packing slips, and return address labels or shipping labels.

PACKAGING

When your package arrives your buyers have their first impression. Then they will likely post feedback. You want that first impression to be positive.

Wrap your items in tissue paper
Pack your items to arrive safely. Ship fragile items in a box.
Use bubble, air pillows, packing peanuts and double-boxing as needed.
Print your labels online using labels or white paper

Consider logo stickers to seal the tissue paper and increase brand awareness
Include a packing slip of the order
Consider inserting a coupon to increase repeat buyers

Support other eBay sellers. Purchase your packaging materials, tissue, and logo stickers on eBay.

NOT ANOTHER GET-RICH-QUICK GUIDE

This blog is not a get-rich-quick scheme.

I provide basic information and insight on selling on eBay. Tips are especially useful for the beginner. If you are looking to clear out your closets and supplement your income then these guidelines will be helpful. If you have a brick and mortar store then opening up your market to the world is a great idea.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of people who have made a lot of money on eBay. Using these tips you can even make enough to consider quitting your 'real' job. Then again, maybe you will be one of those people that becomes a titanium seller instantaneously. I hope you do. I just want to make it clear that you are earning extra money and that requires some work.

eBAY HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS

Ideally you want to be building your inventory all year. Any items that don't sell on auction should be relisted in your store. Starting in October, or at least November, you should focus on preparing for the holidays.
Order your shipping supplies and review what you are going to sell.

From Thanksgiving, until the last shipping date to arrive by the 25th, almost all your time will be spent on shipping and maintaining your listings.

However, if you get a late start do not worry. You can still actively list new items. Your volume should still be higher for most categories than the rest of the year.

SHIPPING SUPPLIES

The USPS offers free shipping supplies for items shipped Priority or Express Mail. You can order these at usps.com. I only get an order to ship Express about once a year. Therefore, I pick up the supplies at the post office when needed.

A basic starter kit to order for priority mail.
Flat Rate Envelopes
Paper style Envelopes - for items not requiring a box
Medium Flat Rate Boxes - this size box fits most items
Shoes boxes - a great size box for shipping many items.

For smaller, lower-priced items you might find buyers are not willing to pay for Priority shipping rates. I purchase poly-bags for 1st Class shipping. You can buy them in bulk on eBay and save substantially over purchasing them at an office supply store.
Starter Kit: 2 sizes: approximately 6x9 and 10x13
I usually buy 100 each from the same seller to reduce the per item shipping charges.

Another option is the bubble manila envelopes. I have had bad luck with these. The seams tend to split. Plus, they have a higher per item cost and most items do not require bubble protection.

Bubble Wrap: I try to buy it by the large roll. I have found the shipping charges make purchasing this item at an office supply store the better deal. I try to find it on clearance after the holidays and stock up.

Boxes: most items that require a box can be shipped in the free priority mail boxes. The shipping for the 1-2 lb. rate is very similiar using Priority or Parcel. You will likely only need a few other boxes to start. Boxes can be pricey. I recycle ones I get from items I buy and if I am running low I ask my friends to save them for awhile. The boxes that electronic items are shipped in are a very good quality. I do ask my friends to save all of these. Just pick them up promptly or they might not want to continue saving them for you.

What Used Items to Sell on eBay for the Holidays

If you are selling items from around your house and would like to take advantage of the holiday shopping season here are a few ideas. Some are obvious but others may surprise you. You may also be surprised that people gift used items too.

Holiday Ornaments and Decorations - these sell all year
CD Music
Holiday Sweaters
Party Dresses and outfits - plus New Years and prom season
Warm Weather Clothing and Accessories
Sporting Equipment - all seasons
Gaming Electronics
Games - board, computer, gaming systems
Stocking Stuffers - hot wheels, Barbie clothes...
Toys and dolls including collectibles
Collectibles
Books
Holiday Color/Theme fabric and craft supplies
Serving Dishes
Unused Gift Cards and Certificates
Catalogs - Neiman Marcus and Victoria’s Secret
Jewelry - costume, vintage and fine
Princess Costumes - All year, not just at Halloween.
Children’s Stationary
Art and Craft Supplies
School Supplies
Formal Dresses and Gowns - Parties, holidays, New Years and cruises
Swimwear, Cover-ups - for tropical holidays
Cell phones and accessories - sell your old one. Clear the info!
Shoes
Christmas Pajamas
Frames and other photo supplies
Summer Clothes - it is not cold everywhere
Recipes - Read eBay’s guidelines. Basically, you need to mail it.
Unused Christmas Cards and wrapping supplies

Well those are just a few ideas off the top of my head