Improve performance by making sure items are in stock
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Buyers should be confident that when they buy an item on eBay, it's readily available and will be delivered on time. Taking steps to meet buyer expectations can help you avoid:
Cases where a buyer didn't receive the item, or a buyer says the item doesn't match the description in your listing
Negative or neutral Feedback
Inventory issues
Before posting a listing or completing a sale, make sure you have the item in stock. It's never good to run out of stock after a buyer has already committed to the purchase.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid these situations:
If you're not sure how many items you have available |
Don't list any items, especially if you think you may be close to running out of stock. Always check before listing any items.
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If you only have a few items in hand or you have a one-of-a-kind product |
Avoid listing the item in multiple places—for example selling it on eBay and at another website or store at the same time.
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If your item becomes unavailable |
Let the buyer know right away that the item is no longer in stock, and when the item will be available again.
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Safe packaging and labeling
Packaging an item securely tells your buyers that you care about customer service. It also helps ensure the item arrives safely, reducing the chances of the item being lost or damaged in transit.
Using weak or not enough tape to seal a box may cause it to open accidentally during shipment |
Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape that is at least 2 inches wide. Don't use masking tape, cellophane tape, cord, string, or twine because it's usually not strong enough.
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Unclear, incomplete, or the wrong name and address can delay delivery. |
Double-check the shipping information. Properly label the package. Include your return address. If you're reusing a box, cover any previous labels or cross out any old and unnecessary information with a thick black marker.
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Using tracking information
Many shipping companies provide tracking information for packages, allowing you and your buyer to check the status of shipments. If the carrier you're using offers this service, be sure to take advantage of it. This gives buyers peace of mind. It can also save you time because you'll have fewer questions from buyers asking where their item is.
Tip: Tracking information and delivery confirmation may also give you proof if you ever have to handle cases where buyers say they didn't receive your item. Learn more about eBay Buyer Protection.
Here are a few ways that you can provide tracking information to your buyers:
Printing shipping labels on eBay |
If you print shipping labels on eBay, the tracking or Delivery Confirmation number is automatically added to My eBay. |
Uploading your shipping info to My eBay |
If you use a shipping service that provides a tracking or Delivery Confirmation number (such as FedEx, UPS, or the U.S. Postal Service), you can upload the information in My eBay
Here's how:
Go to the Sold section of My eBay. Select the item you want to upload a tracking or Delivery Confirmation number for, and then click the Add tracking number button. On the Add/Edit/Delete Tracking Number page, enter the tracking or Delivery Confirmation number.
Once you've uploaded the information, it appears below the item title in the Sold section of My eBay and on the Order details page.
We'll send your buyer an email with the tracking or Delivery Confirmation number. Your buyer can also find this information in the Purchase History section of My eBay and on the Order details page. |
Sending an email |
Although uploading tracking information in My eBay is ideal, you may also send the buyer a separate email through eBay Messages in My eBay, and provide the tracking or Delivery Confirmation number. |
