Hi from a Newbie!

[Handmadegiftboxes]

Hi all, I just discovered this site today when looking for new ways to sell my handmade items, I am amazed at how easy the process has been and now have my own store selling my hand made gift boxes. Please feel free to have a look and any tips or pointers would be very much appreciated. Please bear in mind I am still in the process of listing but will hopefully get more items on in the coming days. This seems a really friendly site so I am looking forward to being part of it.

[kreativebargains]

Welcome to eBid.

You need to add something to your About Me Page. A little about yourself, your items and anything else relevant like combined shipping, returns etc.

You have opened your store but there are no items in it yet. If you edit the listings you can then add them. it's up at the top left where you put them into your store.

As you have a store I would add the store link to your signature. That will make it easier for us nosey folk to get to them.

Most sales come through Google, so you need to make the most of that. Take a look at http://uk.ebid.net/help_selling.php #48. You will probably need an exemption for your store to get uploaded to Google Shopping, but in my opinion it is worthwhile, any exposure for your listings will help.

Still on Google, keywords. You are allowed 81 characters so use them to get keywords in. For example your listing "HANDMADE GIFT BOX FOR 'MUM'" You could change that to "Unique Handmade Heart Shaped Embellished Gift Box For Mum". As Google does not allow too many capitals I would also change to Capitals on the first letter as eBid removes them to ensure they are uploaded and this takes control of how things look away from you.

For International shipping why not ship worldwide. People might not pay for the shipping for a single item, but I am sure the boxes are not too heavy and shipping several could be viable and get you some multiple sales. I have had a few sales to Australia and the USA where the shipping has cost more than the item.

You could buy a few cheaper items from established sellers in order to get a bit of feedback.

Hope that helps, and I am sure somebody else will be along to add more.

[suesjools]

Hi and welcome to eBid. Agree with the above. A few thoughts if you haven't already tried these:

1) Offer international shipping whenever possible to widen your potential customer base.
2) If seller+ use your 5 free stores to organize your items.
3) Use BIN prices whenever possible (in addition to auction style if desired) to ensure your items are uploaded to Google shopping.
4) Use Plug Your Auctions section of the forum (1x per 24 hours, delete/close old post before adding new one) to advertise your items for sale.
5) Use social media sites to advertise your listings.
6) Add a signature link to your forum posts so members can click to view your listings.
7) Check out the Help pages and Astral's FAQs page (info. about signature link on Astral's page), lots of good info. here.
8) Tell everyone you know and meet about eBid, including former customers on other sites.
9) Use MaO if it's your thing or offer combined shipping or similar to give buyers more incentive to purchase from you.
10) List as many items as possible to give buyers more choices.
11) Use 7-10 day listings instead of RUS to ensure your items move up searches.
12) Participate in the forums and eBid activities (as the monthly YDC charity auctions if it's your thing) so members get to know you.

Any questions just ask, we don't bite, well, not too hard anyhow.


Astral's Knowledge Base:

http://www.ebid.net/forums/showthrea...ries&highlight=

Good luck and best wishes for many sales to all,

[tkauctionworldwide]

Hi all, I just discovered this site today when looking for new ways to sell my handmade items, I am amazed at how easy the process has been and now have my own store selling my hand made gift boxes. Please feel free to have a look and any tips or pointers would be very much appreciated. Please bear in mind I am still in the process of listing but will hopefully get more items on in the coming days. This seems a really friendly site so I am looking forward to being part of it.

You can also put a link to your listings on Twitter, facebook

[Handmadegiftboxes]

Gosh thankyou soo much for all the above tips I will certainly be taking your advice. Thanks again x

[Oldandintheway]

G'day & welcome to eBid. Nice looking items.

You may also want to consider international shipping?
It helps with exposure.
Not sure if you're aware that items are only seen by those in countries you ship to!
Good luck & cheers.

[burgyeb]

Hi, Welcome to eBid! Very nice gift boxes; hope you do well here.

[titanicmom4]

how do you add a link to your signature line in the forums?

[madelaine]

Welcome to all new members.

Everyone has something to learn from

http://www.mootango.webspace.virginmedia.com/ebidkb.htm

and it includes how to create a forum sig!

[pamelajonesart]

Hi welcome...Good luck hope you have lots of sales