Well....it's geting to be that time of the year again and people are on the war path. They will grind and grind, ask millions of questions and drive you crazy. Just when you think that you have had enough, you get that one email from that one customer who is so grateful that she ran across your store. That's when it all starts to make sense. Back to basics. Customer service!!! The numero uno factor in your selling on Ebay or anywhere in the world for that matter.

Lucky for us, we are home....sitting in front of computers so we can make all the faces we want, curse all we wish and slap the heck out of the cat, lol. Never let it show. Never let it come across to the person on the other end of the line. People can tell weather you are joking .....or being snotty. In time, BAD customer service will CLOSE YOUR DOORS! It may take a while, but it is bound to happen.

This is a hard business. We don't see anyone so buyers out there think that we all have these huge stores and unlimited merchandise. I can't count the times I have been asked if I have something in a different size in "my store". Well.....let me look under the bed.....the drawers.....the TV stand. I am sure if I look hard enough, I will find it. Most people are so surprised when they hear that I operate out of my den. Hang my plastic mannequin from a hook in the ceiling and pray for sunny days so that I  have enough light to shoot pics!

If people do not like a seller, you won't be able to give your items away. I guess what I am saying is that everyone wants to think that they matter. That you remember them.

When I sell something, the very FIRST step, before sending the invoice is to contact the buyer and thank them for choosing to do business at my store. Next, I send the invoice to them with yet another little note. The next day, if I haven't received the Paypal payment, I email them again and ask them if they have received the invoice and if there is any way that I can help them. I use this opportunity to remind them of my shipping discount. Take advantage of add ons!!

When I ship the item, I send them yet ANOTHER email letting them know that it has shipped. They also get one from Paypal or Click n Ship. When I get their feedback, I email them again and thank them for their "kind words". It doesn't end there. I keep a file of who buys what and their size so that when I get something that I think will interest them, I can email them again. Staying in touch with people is probably one of the biggest factors for repeat business.

It seems like a lot and you know what? It is...but it is worth it. If you want longeivity here, these are some of the things that you will need to do. It's all in a days work.

All in all, if you are selling on Ebay, you need only be concerned with a few things. Treating people the way you would like to be treated. Rapid delivery of the item purchased. (you know you have nothing else to do anyway) Moral and ethical, honest listings. If that is all in place, the rest is easy. Well.....not really!!!

Barbara