How to Maintain Positive Feedback on Ebay

Ebay is a very useful tool for just about anyone, whether it be a person looking to supplement the household income or a small business looking to broaden its market. As with any retail business, success on Ebay is largely based on customer service. Maintaining a positive feedback rating is a crucial element to success on Ebay.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Describe your item on Ebay accurately. If the item you are selling is used, state that in the item description. Also be sure to point out any flaws in the item, no matter how small. Buyers on Ebay need to know the exact condition of an item. Many negative feedback ratings come as a result of the item not being in the condition described in the listing.
2. Answer any questions a potential buyer has in a timely manner. Communication with a potential buyer on Ebay is key. This not only makes a potential buyer more inclined to purchase the item from you, but it also helps them maintain interest in your store and keep you in mind when buying on Ebay in the future. Buyers tend to leave negative feedback for a seller that is a poor communicator.
3. Congratulate and thank the auction winner via email as soon as the auction has ended. Let them know the total cost of the item with shipping and handling fees and what their payment options are. Buyers do not like any surprises when it comes to shipping fees. Be as accurate as possible by using the U.S. Postal Service's shipping calculator which is provided by Ebay and on the Postal Service's Web site.
4. Pack the item securely. If the item is fragile, be sure to wrap it multiple times in bubble wrap, and ship in a sturdy box. If the item tends to wrinkle, fold neatly and send in a padded envelope to insure the item doesn't move around too much. Nothing leads to negative feedback more than a poorly shipped item that was damage upon arrival.
5. Ship the item in a timely manner. Unless the item requires lengthy international shipping, 2 weeks is the longest a buyer should wait to receive the item purchased from Ebay. Email the buyer on the day the item is shipped. Include the shipping method and any tracking numbers for the item.
6. Leave a positive feedback rating for the buyer. The feedback can be something as simple as "great buyer" or "good communication." Buyers may be more inclined to leave positive feedback for a seller if the seller leaves positive feedback for them.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep communications open with any Ebay buyer that frequents your auctions. This is a great way to keep your store in their mind when they search Ebay for specific items.