Thought I would do some short tutorials called "Lets Talk About...."  My focus will be on common subjects that come up often for new eBayers and can perhaps add a tidbit of information for old hands -- saving some time and effort finding out the hard way. Today, I want to visit the issue of shipping...

Last week I got a sweet little item in the mail and, and sadly it was broken....so shipping can be tricky. When you ship - wrap with care.  If breakable, the item should be wrapped with bubble wrap and plenty of padding to avoid movement inside the box.  Really delicate items do best in a “box inside a box” set up (explained below). Some tried and true rules for shipping include:

 -  for fragile items use the "box within a box" principle.  That is take the box it comes in, wrap that in bubble wrap or nest it in peanuts, shred (if you have it in your regular worplace) or crushed newspaper.  Put that it in a slightly larger box, then put the smaller box inside that, making sure the item in the smaller box does not rattle and that the smaller box inside the larger one does not rattle around.

 -  Use recycled peanuts, shredded paper, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, recycled newspaper or other wrapping materials  - don't have any? Drop by some of your favorite retailers and ask if they do.  Recycling and way we do so is good for you and your family, your customers and the earth.

 -  Wrap items that may rub against each other and cause damage (such as shoes) seperately inside the box  -  Looking for a way to recycle all those plastic grocery bags?  Wrap individual items in them before placing in them in the shipping box or envelope.

Your ads should always include details concerning when you ship (i.e. daily, or three times a week; Mon, Tues, Wed etc.).  If you do list shipping times, make sure to keep your promise and get the item sent within the time stated in the ad.  Things happen though, and when they do, communicate with your customer and let them know. Even if you state that you ship once a week, it really is a lovely surprise when purchases arrive before they are expected.  This kind of customer service brings great positive feedback and customers return again and again.

Please recognize and respect that people often purchase something for a specific occasion or purpose.  If you don’t keep your word on getting an item to them, you disappoint your buyer.  At best, the customer is disappointed, at worst it may cost you a customer for life.  No seller on eBay has "too many" customers, so keeping them coming back IS important.  Further, when you fail to keep your implied delivery promise, you have also endangered your excellent feedback rating – especially if the buyer is new to eBay.  New folks often have hair triggers for leaving negative feedback when disappointed and they often will not advise you they are upset first.

Finally, to be sure the customer remembers who just delivered the beautiful item (and great deal) to them, include an invoice, card with your logo, a statement or business card.  Whatever enclosure you use, it should have your website information, name, and address so a happy customer can be sure to find you again.  Many enclosures include a document showing the item(s) name, number, and price paid.  I always like to include a hand-written note right on the packing slip thanking the buyer and hoping to see them again soon.  My focus in all I do is to provide as much “personal care” to my customers as possible. This includes an email to tell them the item has been shipped and providing a tracking number.  I believe it is the personal touch that will be most remembered over the long term.

I hope this short tutorial helps you.  If you find time in your busy day, please drop by my store (The Write Place) where YOU name the price you pay every day.  Please also check out my daily Auctions (Pepper120851) for the greatest deals on quality ladies clothing, accessories, collectibles and gift items.

Thanks for stopping by, Pepper120851