We all know one of the best ways to increase your sales on eBay is to get more eBay feedback that’s positive—and here are seven ways you might not know of that can help you do just that.
1. Be prompt in your payment
One way to bolster your feedback and reputation is to be a buyer. And when you purchase an item, pay as soon as you win the bid (or click ‘Buy Now’). Sellers appreciate not having to wait or ask for the money, and this helps up your chances of getting (great) feedback. If you’re starting off with a blank slate and have no reviews, then start off with buying a bunch of small, inexpensively-priced goods as a quick way of getting that feedback.
2. Write about your purchase right away
If you’ve never been in the seller’s shoes, then it can be tough to know just how much they rely on their feedback. Even if you’re not going to use your newly-bought item right away, take it out of the packaging and check it over. And then take the 30 seconds to sit down and write a quick note that the item came as described and you’re happy with how it was sent.
3. Send off items that are well-packed
People tend to write up bad experiences a LOT more than the good ones, so packaging items well has two effects: one, you’ll want to avoid getting an almost-guaranteed lousy review by wrapping things up safely and securely; and two, you’ll get more eBay feedback where buyers can tell other buyers that you’re a seller who takes care in packaging things and they’ll know their future purchases will arrive clean and unbroken.
Bonus tip: Try to avoid using newspaper as packing material because the ink can get on the item itself. Use packing material specifically made for the purpose.
4. List and sell quality items
While it may be a little ethically dubious to sell re-gifts, it’s at least listing items that are new and/or in good condition. The last thing you want to do is scrounge around your home for items that are collecting dust, and then passing them off as something else to your buyers.
People do not want to receive junk, so be accurate about how you list its condition. To ensure it arrives in the condition you listed, wrap it in something like a Ziploc bag so it doesn’t get wet or smelly.
5. Don’t try to make extra money by shipping a different way
You might think that it’s easy money to list one shipping method, and then send it a cheaper way. Don’t. It’s lying and being unfair, and one of the quickest ways to lose trust with your buyers. Whatever shipping option(s) you listed, stick to it when sending it out.
If the buyer selected the fastest (and most expensive) shipping option, it’s because they want the item right away and they’d be pretty happy about writing a quick note praising you for it.
6. Indirectly ask for more eBay feedback
Most, if not all, experienced sellers on eBay will tell you that it’s a little gauche to ask the buyer for a review. Instead, go about it indirectly. First, email the buyer that they’re the winning bidder and that you hope they’ll be satisfied with their purchase and say so, and that you’re always available if they have any more questions.
This wraps up the majority of purchases. If they haven’t paid for it yet, send a follow-up invoice a few days after the bid. And if you still haven’t received a review about a month after the purchase, then it’s okay to shoot them a quick message asking if they’re happy with everything. Just make sure you’ve left them positive feedback first.
7. Include a note with the purchase
Think hand-written notes have gone out of style? Think again! It’s a super handy way to give buyers a nudge to leave you nice feedback or get in touch if they have any issues.
Final thoughts
It’s smart to use these seven tips when you’re trying to get more eBay feedback but, for savvy sellers, feedback automation within eDesk is the way to go. Why? Because it’s fast, tends to your eBay feedback when you might not manually be able to, and creates a consistent approach. If you’re at all on the fence about it, then go ahead and enjoy the first 28 days on us totally free, no credit card needed.
