Online sales are becoming increasingly prevalent around the globe and in the UK they now account for a staggering 17% of all retail sales
. Whether your company solely trades online, or if you have never considered online sales until now, it is a good idea to look into the potential benefits of using online stores like eBay to help increase your sales.
The main advantage of using a website like eBay is that it is very straightforward to create an account and manage your sales. All payments are processed safely using eBay and you do not need to have any in-depth web or design skills to create your own eBay shop. Products can be quickly uploaded and edited and your eBay shop can be easily located by your customers using a link from your website.
If you do not already have a strong web presence then eBay is the ideal solution to begin trading online because it is a widely recognised and trusted website. Users can find your products easily with the advanced search function and you can ensure that you get their custom by continually checking the prices and services of your competitors. Many people like to use eBay because it is an independent sales service that enables users to give honest feedback. If you offer a good product and service then this will be reflected in your feedback, which should in time generate further sales.
When setting up your eBay account it is important that you include accurate descriptions and photos of your products so that the customer knows exactly what they are buying. Make sure that you choose a reputable courier service to handle the delivery of your goods and offer a choice of delivery options from express through to economy.
Always ensure that you have a solid system in place for handling orders prior to advertising your products online. This includes sufficient stock and a reliable delivery process. It is surprising how often customers leave negative feedback on eBay regarding delivery issues so it is vital that you take the time to ensure you have a reputable courier service in place before processing any sales.
Check that your courier offers an online service that allows you to trace your deliveries should you encounter any delays or issues and make sure that your customer can easily contact them if they need to arrange a re-delivery or collection from the depot. It is also important to make sure that your goods are well packaged to reduce the risk of damage in transit and check that your courier offers sufficient cover if you do need to make a claim.