August 17, 2010
A Few Tools For Products Sourcing On EBay - Using Seller Central
You could have already discovered that selling on eBay could be fun and profitable. However after you’ve cleared your garage and attic, and auctioned off everything your husband owns, where can you go to find new product ideas?
Making use of eBay’s Resources
Many people really don’t realize that eBay itself is really a terrific place to locate product sourcing ideas. Besides being an easy selling venue with built-in traffic, it also contains a goldmine of useful data about what that traffic would like to buy. Considered one of eBay’s best-kept secrets is their Seller Central page (http://www.EBay.com/SellerCentral). Very few people, even PowerSellers, know about this unique resource. Consequently, not many people are taking advantage of the tools available there:
* The merchandising calendar - this can be a great spot to get sourcing leads as it shows you specifically what products eBay is going to be promoting over the next few months. It provides dates and lets you know which item categories you need to list your products in for it to be displayed on eBay’s homepage. When a user clicks on that item, your auction will pop right up.
* The hot items section - this can be basically a monthly trend-watching report. It lets you know what items are moving, producing more bids, and getting higher final cost prices. It lets you get a feel for where the demand is.
Whether you’re searching for products in the trade show or a rummage sale, Janelle Elms (http://JanelleElms.com), of eBay University, recommends, “Print this report and keep it with you at all times.” She explains, “If you do not know what to look for, this will help direct and maintain your mind focused to what’s moving on eBay.”
* The hot categories section - this resource takes the most notable categories and offers you tips on how to sell in those categories, insider secrets about your buyers, and trending info. For every category, there is a section called ‘In Demand’ that lets you know not just the top-selling items in that category, but also the top keywords that buyers are using to locate these products. Use those keywords inside your listing titles. When you have any left, insert them in your description. Essentially, eBay informs you what to sell and then lets you know how best to list it.
Catering to Your Buyers
Advises Elms, “Don’t ever attempt to sell to the buyer what you consider they need to own.” Users are already letting you know what they would like to buy - you just need to listen. These power tools show you what customers are saying they want and how they’re saying they wish to find it. EBay users are ready to spend money with you - all you need to do is give them what they’re looking for.