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 | Watch the Competition, Sell More
| Use eBay's powerful set of "my eBay" search tools to keep tabs on the Collectibles competition and refine your listing strategy.
Take a daily inventory of what competing sellers are listing, using your "my eBay" Favorites tab, featuring Favorite Searches, Sellers, and Categories. Then, distinguish yourself by listing what they're not!
Consider some of the benefits:
- Increased Sales: Hold premium items when similar ones are available. Your item will appear more rare and special, increasing bidder interest.
Tip: Diversify in your niche. Carry some lower-margin, high-turnover items to keep cash flow up. Then, you can wait for proper market conditions for premium lots.
- Higher Prices: Make a market in an unusual item or wait until supply is depleted and competing sellers can't undercut your price. Also, supply and demand is in your favor.
Tip: Consider sourcing some higher-end, retired material to differentiate yourself from volume collectibles sellers.
- Dealer Reputation: Mix in unusual items and you'll develop a reputation for hard-to-find, one-of-a-kind items. eBay's massive buyer base rewards diversity.
It's good to be unique, particularly when competition heats up and supply rises. Make it happen, leveraging your free my eBay search tools.
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 | pdpratt (5426), Pratt's Collectible Cutlery
Building Lasting Relationships
| Nothing sells an item better than a seller's passion for his or her merchandise. For Paul Pratt, owner of Pratt's Collectible Cutlery, a passion for knives defines his business.
Pratt's enthusiasm has led him to develop deep connections with his customers. Even though he generates 1,000 transactions each month, he wants each sale to have a personal touch. That's only fitting, since his operation is a true family business that includes his wife Patricia, daughter Danielle, and twin sons, Jace and Ryan.
Most importantly, Pratt values sharing stories and experiences with his fellow hobbyists. It enables him to create a bond and trust with his customers that is both personally and financially rewarding. "Often times, I'll reminisce with my customers," he says. "You really get to know people."
Besides building relationships with his buyers, Pratt adheres to various selling strategies. Most importantly, he starts every auction at $1 with no reserve, offers full refunds, and professionally merchandises his items in exceptional auction photos. Each item is photographed in a clear stand with the blade open.
To provide his inventory greater visibility, he also uses eBay's Highlight and Bold listing enhancements. Additionally, he recently upgraded to a Featured Store ($49.95/month), which allows him to obtain monthly reports on his sales and marketplace performance. Pratt has been encouraged by the results.
"It pays to experiment with eBay services," he says.
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