From year to year, the categories “Clothing” and “Shoes” consistently rank among the top three most popular categories. The reason behind this popularity is that entering the industry is easy for traders, requiring no special equipment. These categories hold great appeal for sellers who are new to eBay. However, the increased competition among online sellers has also made the “Clothing” and “Shoes” categories challenging.
To simplify the process for those starting out on eBay, we have crafted this article to delve into why clothes and shoes are excellent choices for beginners. We will also share some effective tips for successfully selling clothes on eBay. Finally, we caution you against potential pitfalls that can undermine even the most flawless listing. Make sure to avoid these mistakes. So, let’s get started!
Why sell clothes on eBay?
Let’s face it: we all have those impulsive purchases that end up gathering dust in the back of our closets. And then there are the clothes that no longer fit or suit our tastes. Fashion tends to come full circle, so you can either wait for the day when those high school jeans become trendy again or cherish your prom shoes as a nostalgic keepsake. Alternatively, you can breathe new life into your wardrobe and make some good money.
Whether you’re decluttering your space or aiming to start your own small business, there’s no better platform than an online marketplace with a vast global customer base—eBay.
Do’s for selling clothes on eBay
These valuable tips will empower you to make the most out of your selling experience on eBay.
Get some inspiration
Getting started with something new can be quite challenging. You find yourself filled with fears and doubts, wondering if this idea is truly worth investing your time and effort. But don’t let it overwhelm you, because making a sale is absolutely achievable! Numerous eBay sellers demonstrate it on a daily basis.
To absorb the essence of successful transactions and gain valuable knowledge, you can begin by conducting some research and observing how other sellers are thriving. Utilize eBay’s Advanced Search page and the “Sold Listings” filter to discover which clothing items are in high demand among buyers and get an idea of what an effective selling listing entails.
Create selling images
Prior to making a purchase, customers rely heavily on visual appeal. Therefore, it is crucial to present your clothing items in an appealing manner. Simply laying them on a table and snapping a photo with a flashlight won’t effectively convey the color and appearance of the item being sold.
Instead, opt for a high-quality camera and capture images in natural daylight. Ideally, you should consider trying on the clothes yourself and photographing them. However, this may not always be feasible, so using a mannequin or at the very least a hanger is recommended. Additionally, remember to take pictures from various angles and pay attention to details such as attractive buttons, tags, or flaws present.
Set winning listing type
When it comes to choosing the right listing format for selling apparel, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s why we encourage you to take risks and try out different things. However, we do have some guidelines to get you started.
For clothing listings, fixed-price options tend to be more popular with buyers. You can set the price slightly lower than the original retail price, taking into account any defects or overall condition. Auctions can work well for exclusive items like branded clothes or shoes, but feel free to experiment and see what works for you. The key is to test things out and see how they pan out. So don’t be afraid to take a leap and see where it takes you on your eBay adventure!
Price objectively
Talking about prices, put ourselves in the buyer’s perspective. Consider how much you would be willing to pay for a product. Sometimes, it can be challenging to detach sentimental value from an item, so it might be helpful to use a practical tool—the eBay fee calculator. This handy tool allows you to calculate your potential profit from selling an item and determine the fees you’ll need to pay to eBay. It’s a practical way to approach pricing objectively and make informed decisions.
Optimize your listing
Don’t overlook the significance of your listing title and description—they play a crucial role in attracting potential buyers. While buyers may primarily focus on high-quality photos to gather essential information, eBay places importance on the content you provide in the description and title fields.
To optimize your eBay listing, consider incorporating relevant keywords such as brand, size, color, and style directly into the title. This ensures a more accurate description of the item you’re selling. Additionally, be sure to mention the item’s condition, category (sometimes using two categories can be advantageous), and its item specifics. These details rank you higher in eBay search and help buyers find your listing more easily.
Automate business with M2E Pro
Integration with M2E Pro can greatly improve your sales experience, providing you with a number of benefits. This powerful tool allows sellers to automate their eBay selling processes, streamlining operations and saving valuable time. With M2E Pro, you can seamlessly manage inventory, listings, and orders across multiple eBay accounts and other e-commerce platforms from a single, centralized Magento interface https://m2epro.com/marketplaces/magento2-ebay-integration
M2E Pro’s eBay integration allows you to list and update clothing items efficiently, ensuring accurate stock availability and pricing. What’s more, M2E Pro offers advanced features such as syncing with eBay’s Promoted Listings to increase their visibility and increase sales. With automated inventory management, real-time order processing, and streamlined list management, you as a clothing seller can expand your online presence, improve efficiency, and ultimately maximize your eBay selling potential.
Choose minimalistic packaging
When it comes to selecting packaging for your garments, the principle of “less is more” often applies. Since clothing items don’t require special protection against fragility, there’s no need for elaborate boxes or additional materials like bubble wrap.
By opting for simpler packaging, you can save a significant amount of money and reduce the overall cost of your items. Keeping the packaging minimal and efficient not only helps your budget but also ensures a streamlined shipping process for your garments.
Dispatch ASAP
This tip applies to all eBay sellers, no matter what you list for sale. Customers want to receive their orders quickly and, if possible, without shipping charges. Meeting these expectations with short processing times and low shipping costs can positively impact your seller rating and make your items stand out from the rest.
Mind the season
Maintaining a balance between your income and eBay insertion fees is crucial, and one way to achieve this is by being mindful of the season. It is important to realize that selling a ski suit in July or offering slippers for Christmas may not be the most effective strategy.
To list your items wisely, it’s beneficial to consider the current season and the corresponding demand for specific clothing items. Observing trends in retail stores can provide valuable insights into when it’s appropriate to switch to seasonal clothes.
Don’ts for selling clothes on eBay
Here we list some of the factors that can prevent you from making a successful sale. Try to avoid making these mistakes.
Ignore cleaning and ironing
Selling used clothes is perfectly acceptable on eBay. While buyers understand that the items have been worn previously, it’s essential to wash them before the sale. This is a must to ensure cleanliness and maintain a positive buyer experience. Additionally, it’s a good practice to disclose any stains or imperfections in the product description that cannot be removed. Ironing the clothes can also be advantageous, as it enhances their visual appeal in product photos and creates a sense of freshness when delivered to the buyer. These steps contribute to a professional and satisfying buying experience, increasing the likelihood of successful sales.
Never include any details
While it’s true that buyers may not read every word in the “Description” section of your eBay listing, it’s still crucial to provide important information that can significantly impact their purchasing decision and potential returns. Including essential details such as measurements, fabric composition, and washing recommendations is essential.
These specifics can greatly influence a buyer’s choice and ensure they have the necessary information to make an informed decision. Even if buyers skim through the description, having these crucial details readily available can help build trust and minimize any potential misunderstandings or issues down the line.
Refuse to accept returns
Receiving a return request from a buyer can be frustrating, but it’s a part of life’s ups and downs. However, escapism is not an option! Handle return requests professionally, finding fair solutions that satisfy both you and the buyer. By prioritizing transparency and fairness in your return policies, you can enhance buyer trust and establish a positive reputation on eBay.
Closing thoughts
In conclusion, selling clothing on eBay comes with its challenges and complexities. It’s important to recognize that there is much more to learn about this vast e-commerce platform in order to truly excel. However, every great endeavor begins with small steps.
With patience and dedication, you can become a successful seller on eBay and showcase your clothing products to a vast global audience. Remember that it takes time to establish yourself, but with persistence and diligence, you can achieve your goals and thrive in the world of eBay selling.
