I can hear my readers groaning already at the appearance of this article -- but to be fore-warned is to be prepared.  It all is upon is so quickly!  So here it is, Pepper's advice on how to prepare for a GREAT holiday sales season that will soon be upon us:

1. Start your holiday sales and special campaigns within the next few weeks.   Online holiday shoppers start early!  I am not sure anyone should have bought the idea of “Cyber Monday” but….it is the beginning.  If you’re using 10 day listings and put your first holiday listings up as early as, say, mid- October you have only a few auction cycles to sell for the holiday season.  At 10 days per cycle, that time allows you 6 to 8 auction cycles to maximize your holiday sales.

2. Line up your suppliers early.  If you sell new items, arrange your initial supplies and suppliers in advance.  People love dependable sellers who have what they need, when they need it.  Have reliable suppliers lined up in advance (and secondaries just in case), so you have the correct amount of product you need during holiday sales.  You must know whether or not you can meet the demand before you can promote and sell it effectively.

3. If You Have the Experience to know what will sell (not guess, KNOW), Stock up on hot and in demand items.  What’s hot in the bricks and mortar stores is also what’s hot on eBay.  If PS3 is the item they line up at the stores for, it is the item to have available.  If Webkins sell like Beanie Babies used to and you have a supplier stock up now.  One way to increase holiday sales is to add popular items to your normal product listings.  New products, just for the holiday season also bring a new segment of the customer base to your cyber shop door for the coming year.  Check eBay Pulse or What’s hot on the homepage for additional ideas.  You will notice I have a caveat here about experience – Beanie Babies were once hot commodities but a lot of folks got stuck with a lot of plush toys – be careful!

4. Use more "Buy It Nows" in your listings as you get closer to the holidays -- then when people "Buy It Now" (BIN) -- ship fast!  Holiday selling is an environment that is fraught with impulse buys – and impatience.  Using more eBay "Buy It Nows" on your new merchandise listings (as opposed to using strictly auction-style listings).  This allows buyers to feed the impulses and get the item fast to satisfy those last minute gift requirements.  BIN gives you an edge with those impatient, impulsive online shoppers who don’t want to wait for your auctions to end.  The result?, you increase your holiday sales.

5. Promotions are king! Put out a newsletter with specials for regulars, consider offering free shipping on Buy It Now items.  Offer Free gift wrapping on new items, Blog your specials – Promote, Promote, Promote!  Yes, it is more work -- but you are looking for those things that make YOU the seller they buy from and return to.  Who doesn’t like more convenience and a bonus? However you choose to promote your auction and store, promotions in general are powerful ways to increase your holiday sales.

6. Speed up the payment process.  Make sure the buyer gets to choose how they pay and you offer every option.  If you don’t accept PayPal normally, I would change that policy during the holidays at least!  If you normally hold merchandise for a check to clear, reconsider this decision if you are dealing with good buyers (check feedback) and hold immediate shipping to purchases under $25.00.  Love it or hate it – PayPal is instantaneous and secure for all involved.  It always ads to your bottom line – through more Holiday Sales!

7. Make sure you are clear about shipping and return policies.  Nothing is more frustrating than waiting weeks for your items so make it clear the window in which you ship.  Conversely, nothing makes a buyer more comfortable than to be able to return something that does not meet their expectations.  Online shoppers want to both buy gifts; and KNOW when they will arrive.  When your shipping policies are clearly explained in plain English and you are a seller who stands by that commitment, you make it easier for eBayers to  to buy from you - simple. Many will also not take the time to ask.  So be up front and clear!  If it is easier to move on, customers will.

8. Watch your mailing and shipping dates carefully and don’t promise what you cannot deliver.  Regular mail slows way down during the holiday season. To increase your eBay sales over the holiday season, choose shipping methods that guarantee service within a certain number of days even if they cost a little more (USPS Priority Mail is a good example).  Help your customers meet holiday deadlines by keeping your shipping promises. Make sure that you advise your last-minute shoppers whether or not their items are likely to arrive in time for the big day.  If not, offer overnight or other options to assist. 

9. Update your store and associated sites to give your eBay pages a holiday theme.  Bring on the spirit!!  When it comes to increasing holiday sales, everything you do in your store set up adds to the sparkle of the holiday season.  Making your pages have a holiday theme won’t make more eBay sales alone, but it will put your customers in a wonderful holiday buying mood.

Although it is early, I hope this blog gets you thinking about the Holidays and preparing for a great holiday sales season.  Please visit my sales (PEPPER120851) for old fashioned eBay bargains ever day of the year and my store "The Write Place Ladies Clothing" where YOU name the price you pay every days!

Thanks for stopping by!

Pepper