Tips for Operating an Online Store Efficiently

Does the prospect of operating an online store seem overwhelming? There are items to photograph, listings to make and packages to mail. Sometimes, operating one store can seem like working two, full-time jobs. By pacing yourself and recruiting help when necessary, eBay sellers can run their stores with less stress. Here are some easy tips to help pace sellers with an online store’s operation.

On online listings, designate mailing days. Sellers who try to ship items daily without any help take away from doing other store-related priorities. Mondays and Saturdays tend to be some of the busiest mailing days, so try to list shipping days that are off-peak. Take advantage of Sundays (since that is a non-shipping day) and use it to concentrate on other aspects of your business.

Additionally, reducing the number of shipping carriers may be more efficient for a seller’s shipping schedule. Consider having one or two shipping carriers. Take into consideration your buying audience when making the decision. If shipping to international locations, since customs information must be completed, consider keeping the Post Office as a carrier since it will be visited anyway, and adding UPS or Fed Ex as a shipping option. If not shipping internationally, cut-down on shipping trips by consolidating all outgoing packages with one carrier; preferably one that includes insurance and tracking in its overall costs.

To get organized, create a schedule and designate a task or two each day. For example, allocate time for photographing, listing creation, inventory, banking, shipping, marketing and other relevant tasks on a calendar. This will help build a routine and will eliminate any feelings of becoming overwhelmed. Perform the required tasks each day and make adjustments when necessary. It may be helpful to leave one day each week blank and use the day as a catch-up day.

Photograph items during the daytime and view them at night. This will allow for maximum light exposure during the day and provide the opportunity to see how the photo would appear to the buyer at night. If necessary, re-photograph items the next day. Since most buyers purchase eBay items during the evening and on weekends, having photos bright and clear are required for top-dollar product sales.

If after making a schedule there is still an overwhelming feeling, recruit help. Allow older children to serve as marketing assistants to help printout sales flyers and distribute newsletters. Inside of the newsletter, state store policies to prospective buyers regarding shipping dates and when new items are added. For other areas of help, spouses and adult family members can assist with photographing, item packaging and inventory.

When kept on a schedule, eBay sellers can take comfort knowing what is required of them each day and buyers can have a sense of ease knowing when their package will be shipped. The key to operating a long-term, successful eBay store is to enjoy your job, not get “job burn-out”. Take pride in everything you do, pace yourself and your business will be successful for years to come.