How to Run an eBay Store

I am going to write about how I manage my store and run it smoothly to save time, money and keep customers happy.

I start my day by looking at my messages and answering any questions that potential customers have about items I have in my store. Most are about measurements of clothing (Clothing is my primary product) I do have a statement on my shipping policies that I do not ship out of country but I still get requests and usually go ahead and ship out of country for those who ask.

At this time I also deal with any unhappy customers. I try to make them happy without getting the short end of the stick. Sometimes a size or color is not right for them and they want a refund. My refund policy is that I will refund them their purchase price and shipping if they pay to ship the item back to me. Stating sizes and colors clearly and any defects or oddities about an item can save this trouble.

Next I see what has been purchased and paid for. I start setting up to print out shipping labels and packaging the items. I store my items in my attached garage in large bins/tubs. Each bin has a category of what is in it... coats, purses, kitchen, jeans.... etc. I go to the bin find the item that has been paid for and grab a box or poly envelope that it will fit in and head to my kitchen and weigh the item with the packaging material and enter the info on the site, print out the label that is paid for through my paypal account, cut it out, tape it to the box or envelope and place the item in the package seal it and go on to the next.

I take the items to the post office in the morning after I drop my kids off at school. Making my morning smooth and easy. No lines at the post office since all of my packages are already paid for I just leave them on the counter near the teller and walk out. You will want to ask your USPS teller where to leave the paid for packages at your post office.

I find my items at an outlet thrift store that sells items by the pound, I do a lot of digging and some repairing at home but most of the items I get to resell are in excellent condition right from the store. I spent about 5 to 7 hours a week finding and purchasing items for my eBay store. I plan on branching out to buying out garage sales after the people are done with their sale. I plan on selling the small items on eBay and the large items via Craigslist.

I bring the items home, photograph them and list them and start over the next day.

I figured out that the $15.95 store is a great option until you get to 227 items listed in your store and then you will want to upgrade to a $49.95 store so you are only paying .05 per listing. It all evens out. I pay me ebay fees a few times a week to stay up on them.

I hope this has helped you and encourages you to sell on eBay and start your own store. You can check out my store here. http://stores.ebay.com/The-Cherry-Picker-Boutique