Top Ten Selling Tips

1. Don't sell too cheaply - you will only end up in a price war and this will result in a loss of margin and interest in the item.

2. Don't Panic! If at first you don't sell much don't worry.  It takes a while to get seen and for potential customers to get used to your presence.

3. Strive for the very best in customer service.  You will be suprised how easy this is and how many other sellers don't bother.  You'll get customer referrals if you offer a good service, you can't get better advertising than that!

4. Be honest  with your description and service terms.  Creating high expectations will almost always result in bad feedback and/or customer returns.

5. Concentrate on niche products and markets - build on your successful sales.

6. Localise. The internet offers the opportunity to sell globally - we all know that, but have you considered generating sales locally?  Here's how you can do this - and it works!

- first make sure your web site has your business addesss on it in a cleary identifiable place (it should have this on anyway by law).  Imagine it as if it were your own local high street shop.

- the advertise your products and website in your local area - this could be via cards in shop windows, adverts in local newspapers and magazines etc..  make sure you feature in your ads that you are local business with online ordering and you will be amazed how many local sales you generate.

7. People like to deal with people.  This adage is as old as the hills - but it's true.  Ask yourself how many times you have bought from somebody you like - exactly! Make sure you develop a personality on your web site, listings and customer communication.  You will be amazed how quickly you will build a a reputation as a good person to buy from.

8. Know your competitor.  It's know use trying to go head to head with a competitor.  Try an analyise their methods and look for weaknesses - then expliot their weakness.  This way you will steal niche customers.

9. Add someting extra.  This could be free shipping, a free gift, ebook or an incentive for a referral.  This doesn't have to cost you the earth - think about the value of the 'extra' from your customer's perspective. If it's of value to your customer they will buy from you.

10.  Be a Solution Provider. Try and promote items (and your business) as a solutions.  99% of people keying search terms in search engines are looking for solutions.  For example, your (potential) customer is invited to a formal dinner and does not know the correct dress to wear.  Your answer is: a smart dress shirt, bow tie and waistcoat and bang! their problem is solved.  You sold 3 items in one go!