Electronic commerce Essay Example for Free

Electronic commerce Essay With rising prices on many items, and an unstable economy, many people have begun to buy and sell things online. Much of the time, you can get better deals shopping online, and make profits selling online. One of the biggest online auction sites is eBay. EBay gives people the chance to buy items online by bidding, and offers sellers the chance to sell some of their old stuff just lying around, or sell items they have gotten somewhere else. Being an eBay seller can be fun, exciting, and rewarding and also make you some extra money in the process! To become a successful seller, there are a few things that you should do to become the most profitable and reputable. First, you are going to need to set up your eBay account online. You simply go to their website, www. ebay. com and enter in all of the required information. Next, make sure you set up a PayPal account. PayPal offers you the ability to accept payment from buyers, as well as offers protection to buyers, and buyer’s like that added protection since after all it is online. You can get to PayPal’s website at www. paypal. com. Be sure to enter in all of your banking information so you can transfer the money you have received from your sales, into your bank account. PayPal is secure, so don’t worry about that. The selling process is about to begin! Figure out what exactly you are going to sell. Whether its stuff laying around the house or items you are buying in bulk and reselling on eBay. Make sure you research your item to see if it has sold recently, so you can get an idea of what it’s worth. Next, you will want to take really good photos of the item that you’re selling so the potential buyer can have a great idea of what they are actually bidding on. When setting your starting bid, be sure to start it a few dollars less than the last comparable item sold for. Now, you will need to put in the items title. Typically it’s a short description of the item, such as, â€Å"Brand New Avent Bottles Package of Three. † This will give potential buyers the ability to view your item when searching for an â€Å"Avent† bottle. Next, you need to add a detailed description of the item. Be sure to include in the description any information about the item, the dimensions, if needed, any flaws, and in some cases, how the item can help them, almost like a selling point. Afterwards, you will need to select the appropriate shipping information by entering the dimensions and weight of the package, along with what carrier you are shipping with. Also, be sure to list as a 7 day auction. Using 7 day auctions gives eBay buyers more time to search for your item. Finally, review all of your information for accuracy, and list your item! While the item is up for auction, you will be able to monitor through your eBay account how many people have viewed the item, and how many potential buyers are watching your item. Be sure to answer any questions you receive via email from buyers promptly. By answering in a prompt manner, buyers will more likely be able to get an answer to their questions, and judge if they want to bid on your item. Also, this gives potential buyers the impression that you are great seller by addressing their needs in a timely fashion. EBay also offers a mobile app that will send you updates almost instantly. If you download this app, you will have the ability to get notification on your smartphone, if anyone has something they need assistance with. At the end of your auction, hopefully your item has sold. If it has not, you always can re-list the item again. However, if it has sold you should pat yourself on the back. Typically, buyers pay within three days of close of auction. After your buyer pays, you will receive notification, and will be able to print a shipping label online. The shipping charge will be deducted from your PayPal account, and you will get a discount for being an eBay seller. Be sure to ship your item right away, as buyers want the item they have paid for in a timely fashion. Another thing, EBay reputation is a big thing potential buyer’s look at. As an eBay seller, if you do not have a good selling reputation, chances are no other buyers will bid on your items. Also, if your buyer has a problem when they receive your item, be sure to address any concerns they may have, and treat them like you would want to be treated as a buyer. Finally, leave positive feedback for your buyer, they should return the favor. If you enjoyed your first selling experience, keep it up! EBay is an easy way to make money, and have fun!