How to Start a Successful Ebay Store

Auctions and store inventory items do not receive the same level of prominence on eBay. Auctions and fixed price items receive top-attention to search results. These formats are commonly referred to as "core" listings. Store inventory items appear at the bottom of the search results (most of the time) with no gallery picture. A great introductory photo may appear if your item is the ONLY item that fits the search results. Also, starting an eBay store is not a waiver for holding auction-format listings. Your auction will be your advertisement for your store, how else will people find you? It's a good idea to mix format combinations for best results.

First off to start a store, you should think of a suitable name for your line of products. This will be included in your store name URL, so choose wisely! It is usually recommended that you choose a name that will suit your products, or that relates to your products. Ebay gives the example of someone starting an eBay store selling computers is more suited to call their store "Bob's Computers," or something describing your products, as opposed to "Zebra Park," which has nothing to do with the product line. Next, you should design your own logo either in a photo editor program like Photoshop or by hand-designing your logo and uploading the results via camera or scanner to eBay. More on this later.

Now, to start your subscription, log into your Ebay account and head to "my ebay." Next, go to the "my account" section and click the "subscriptions" link. Click on "subscribe" next to the BASIC eBay stores subscription. If you're tempted to get the other subscriptions, read their benefits and see if what they offer is something suitable for you. Basic should do the trick for most ebay sellers. Head on over to the eBay Stores Discussion Board if you're curious on if higher level of store subscriptions are worth it. Usually, you will be met with a resounding but honest "no!" Remember, you only get what you put into your business. If you don't have the time to learn more and perfect your store, don't expect great results, because it is time consuming.

There are many things to change and tweak once you have subscribed. Head to the "manage my store" page and start adjusting the following links: store theme, store logo, store listing header. Upload a logo here, choose the appropriate colors, and choose what you'd like to say about your store as a greeting. Many eBay store sellers use product brands in the store description to increase search engine traffic.

Next, choose what categories you would like customers to use to navigate around your store. Don't overuse the store categories, it can be tedious for customers to find items and they might give up if there are too many categories. Subcategories can also be used, if for example, you sold bubble wrap, and you listed different size rolls under the "bubble wrap" header and listed each one.

You can choose list view or gallery view for your items. Gallery view is much more desirable for most items, this will show a small picture of the item you are selling next to the item. Gallery photos in your store cost 1 cent, well worth it.

Next, customize your store header Head to the "display settings" link under "manage my store." Carefully write your store description/greeting, and include any thoughts or news you might find important.

A number of custom pages can be created to add to your content in your store. This is a very underused feature in eBay Stores. Each custom page is indexed seperately in the search engines. This can be very valuable in bringing in new customers, and creating a comfortable, convenient shopping experience for your customers. Including information relevant to your products will give buyers a better experience. You can include your policies, frequently asked questions, sizing charts, customer praise, product information, or anything you feel would help buyers shop with you. A "Basic" store subscription will give you 5 custom pages, while the higher subscription levels offer more.

Here are some ideas of what to put on your custom pages:

• A size chart for your items


• A resource for the items you sell (like a little about the company's item you sell regularly, and why you're the perfect seller of these items!)


• Link to your custom pages in your auctions and Squidoo pages for additional traffic


• Highlight your eBay best selling items if you have regular items you sell again and again


• Create a customer loyalty program by giving your customers points for every dollar they spend (this will bring them back again and again!)


• Tell them why your store is a secure, easy place to shop


• For the best optimization possible and to reach the most people, fill this page to the rafters with information, pictures, and links headed to your store. Don't forget to link to this page everywhere you can!

Promotion boxes will help highlight your desired items, and there are a number of different ways to promote. Scrolling gallery, countdown, or newly listed are among the options to choose from. Choosing your keywords of commonly searched items in the "search engine keywords" will help search engines find your items and store.

Now, simply list your store inventory to store inventory format, mixing some auction-style and fixed-price format listings in to help boost sales and create interest. Try to direct as many people to your eBay store as possible in your listings. Promote your store using the promotional flyer by printing and customizing the flyer and including it with customers' items. Include your store URL! Sending a store newsletter, either custom or automatically, will help generate repeat buyers as well.

eBay has other tools for their store subscribers, such as the "Markdown Manager" feature. See our guide on this as well! The store widge will also allow buyers to view and bid on items in your store OUT of your store. Simply place the widget on your personal website, my space or other site and draw some traffic! See our guide on creating your own store widget. Explore all of the links in the "manage my store" section and adjust anything you feel would enhance your store. There are many more features and marketing strategies available to the store subscriber, simply search around eBay!

Also be sure to make good use of your completed auctions to drive traffic to your current ones.

A final consideration for your store would be HTML customization. You can individually customize your store even further by creating your own layout in your listings, header and virtually every aspect of your store through HTML. There are also eBay store designers that will provide this service to you at a cost, search "ebay store design" under the "buy" tab and you'll see many to choose from!

If you're not HTML savvy and would like further customization options, hit the eBay Stores Design Center. This will offer a customized eBay Store Header, customized front page, and more options that can spruce up the look of your store.

Promoting your store inside and outside of Ebay is essential to business growth. Here are a few ideas on how you can do just that:

1. Visit the stores discussion boards. They have excellent tips on increasing your exposure and visibility with store directories, campaigns, and insider tips. If you ever get stuck, other sellers are always there to help.

2. Make a lens on Squidoo. Promote each niche within your store and really talk it up. Tell us why we should buy from you, and tell us what you carry. You'll also get money back for sales you refer to your own store.

3. Start your own blog. Blogging will increase your search engine traffic and can make you an authority figure in your line of business.

4. Use email marketing. Ebay allows you a certain number of free emails to customers, but you can also try the many different email marketing companies if you go over the limit.

5. Network with people interested in the niche that you sell by visiting relevant forums.

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