How to sell online
As the world moves online, more of our buying and selling is being done via the keyboard. Many companies have shifted to selling their products in both their walk-in stores and online, or purely online.
If you’re interested in selling stuff online without having to build your own website, there are many websites designed to help you do just that, generally for a small fee or commission. These websites make the online market accessible for just about anybody. Here are a few tips on how to start selling online successfully.
Position your product or service – Firstly, what is it you want to sell? It will help if you’ve got something unique or can create a point of difference in order to differentiate yourself from the plethora of products you’ll inevitably find you’re competing with.
Plan – The reality today is that competition online is intense and growing fast. With auction websites like eBay and other popular online marketplaces like Gumtree, there are many choices for buyers and sellers. There are also a growing number of e-commerce providers that allow you to set up an e-store. If you have a Facebook Business or Fan Page you can also now use this for selling. Your ultimate decision should be based on a combination of factors including reliability, security, ease of use and most importantly direct access to an audience that’s hungry for your product.
Your online shopfront – Whether it’s just a listing on eBay or a dedicated online shopfront, the more professional your online store looks, the more effectively you’ll sell. There are plenty of third party providers with templated landing pages that give you a range of options for presenting and selling your products. It’s very important to invest in the presentation of your products. That may just mean ensuring your photographs are slick, or you might consider using designers and copywriters if your budget allows.
Secure payment system – With so many choices and not knowing which services have good software and support, finding a reliable eCommerce solution can be tricky. One of the first things that you should do is look through the service provider’s website. If you’re considering a provider other than the recognised players, make sure it’s at least a professional looking website, with the provider’s contact information readily available. Choose a trustworthy provider who is easy to work with and is user-friendly. Remember the success of your online business will depend on your customers. So pick a website service that is easy for your customers to use when buying your products.
Payment method – Consider your customers’ payment options. Most websites accept payment methods like PayPal and credit cards. You need to ensure that your payment options are safe and secure in order to prevent identity theft from your customers. Do some research and compare the rates of the various payment methods available before making your choice.
You’re off – Once you’ve got everything set up, get stuck into it. With a well thought-out strategy, you can start earning from selling in the online marketplace from the comfort of home.