1. Holiday Selling Tip #1: Keep Shipping Competitive
   Jim "Griff" Griffith said part-time, full-time and even first-time sellers need to keep their competition in mind when joining the ranks of eBay sellers. "Shipping is a point of competition. You need to know what other sellers are charging for shipping similar items of similar size and either match that shipping price, or even beat it if you can."

   He also said that sellers who realize a larger year-end eBay profit can consider special $2 or $3 shipping promotions, or free shipping, especially during the holiday season, to bring in buyers. If free shipping is out of the question for a new or small seller, then consider charging buyers only actual shipping costs and no more than a couple of dollars for a handling fee. In many categories on eBay, shoppers are able to sort listings by price+shipping, so sellers with inflated shipping and handling charges will now be given less priority in search results.

2. Holiday Selling Tip #2: Personalize Your Auction Description
   Sellers need to use the description area of their eBay listing to clearly describe the item for sale and mention their terms of service, such as shipping and return policies, but Griff says they also need to use this area to promote themselves and the item in their own special way. Some sellers do well by adding in a good dose of humor or wit, and others might want to include gifting suggestions ideas to encourage buyers.

   For example, you could suggest a way to use the item for the holiday, or indicate the type of person the that would consider the item a perfect gift. According to Griff (and he would be the one to know), when sellers show a little bit of their own individuality in their listings, they instill confidence in buyers. "Talk to a buyer like a sales person would; be professional and show a courteous disposition, and remember, don't yell at your customers (e.g. don't type in all caps)."

3. Holiday Selling Tip #3: Buyers Procrastinate — Be ready!
   Ever notice how packed the malls are during the last couple days before Christmas ? EBay buyers are no different, there are procrastinators in the bunch. Griff said that sellers need to be prepared to honor last-minute requests for expedite shipping services this time of year. He also said that on eBay, in the last two weeks before the actual holiday, you should be prepared to include the shipping charges for next-day and two-business day shipping options in your listing. Not only will this help bring in some last minute holiday sales, but sellers who do this will have buyer preference over other sellers, helping you outdo your competition for holiday dollars. By listing with the Sell Your Item (SYI) forum, you can easily offer expedite shipping alternatives by choosing the "Get It Fast" option. Sellers unfamiliar with selling Get It Fast items can read more on the program, here.

4. Holiday Selling Tip #4: Return Policy In Place
   In the retail industry, the goal is to retain a loyal customer base, and retail outlets rely on many things, including good customer service and return policies to keep that customer base. This is their bread and butter, and it's no different on eBay. Sellers need to offer buyers the best experience possible, and you cannot do this without a good return policy. Griff said that regardless of what time of year you are listing an item, you need to have a reasonable return policy in place. "By not offering a return policy, you're turning away good business." He went on to say that a full money-back return is best, but if you are unwilling to do that, at least offer reasonable terms of service to your buyers.

5. Holiday Selling Tip #5: Honor Holiday Requests
   Time and time again you can spot a seller's warning of "We will only ship to confirmed PayPal addresses." Still, for many buyers, the cost and time associated with buying an item and having it shipped to their address, when they plan to mail it to a loved one for the holidays, just doesn't make sense. This time of year you can expect buyers to ask if you will ship to an alternative address, or you can one-up the competition by letting buyers know right in your item details that this is an option. Griff cautions that if a dispute arises through PayPal, the seller could be vulnerable by not shipping to the buyer's confirmed address, but sellers need to be willing to assume the risk over the entire scope of their eBay business.

   Sellers who offer to send items as a gift on behalf of the buyer should also consider purchasing the twenty-five cent Gift feature icon when they list an item. The Gift Icon is displayed beside your item listing in eBay search results. This time of year, "search by gift" is a popular way for buyers to look for items, and sellers can outshine the competition by offering this and other holiday services. Consider including (free) gift wrapping services or offering to enclose a holiday card or message with the item. Remember, if you do send items as gifts, you may not want to include a packing slip or invoice in the box. You can keep it for your own records, or for the cost of a stamp, you can mail it to the buyer.

More tips on getting ready for holiday selling on eBay can be found here in "eBay Watch: Tips for Sprucing Up Your Store for the Holidays." 

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