Google Base Store Connector is a free application offered by Google. If you have your store indexed using Google Store Connector, your items will appear as search results on Google.

This application is free to download and use. Just download Google Base Store Connector and add your items either individually, using a spreadsheet, or as an XML file.

Popular product types in Google Base correspond with most categories on eBay including clothing, computers, books, automobiles, vacations, household items, just to name a few. Experiment with Google Base and study your store traffic reports to determine if Google Base Store Connector helps increase your traffic.

[Image Source: Flickr]

Post from: EveryJoe

eBay Sellers, Are You Using Google Base Store Connector?

Stumble Upon is a bookmarking social networking site with over 5 million members (called stumblers). eBay acquired SU back in April, 2007.

In a nutshell, users download a toolbar that allows them to stumble, or rate web pages they find on the internet. When a site is stumbled, other members see it, visit it, and may also rate it. The site has a very high “hit rate” as new content is constantly being added.

More and more entrpreneurs are using SU for business purposes. eBay sellers can use Stumble Upon to promote their eBay stores and listings. You can stumble your store pages, About Me page, item listings, and so on. If you submit new items to SU on a regular basis, the traffic will come. Stumble Upon works over time. Check your store traffic reports to verify that SU is sending you traffic. Click here for the exact steps on how to use Stumble Upon for your eBay items.

If you join Stumble Upon, be sure to add me to your friends!

[Image Source: Flickr]

Post from: EveryJoe

Use Stumble Upon to Drive Traffic to Your eBay Listings

Who are your customers why are they buying from you? Understanding this will help you meet your customers needs, meet the needs of new potential customers, and ultimately increase your sales and your customer base.

To get the most bang for your buck on eBay, you need to be aware of who your customers are, why they need your products, and why they buy your products. eBay Traffic Reports can tell you some of this, but how do you find out the rest? ASK THEM!.

When you feel you have a comfortable and open rapport with a customer, take a moment to find out more about why they buy from you. This is called Conversational Marketing. Often, I send an email like this:

“Hi, Ms. Customer. Thanks again for your purchase. We understand you have lots of choices on eBay, and are curious as to why you chose to buy the item from us. Could you take a minute to respond to this email to help us serve our customers better? Feedback from our customers helps us provide a better product, better service, and more effectively meet our customers’ needs. Thank you again for your purchase and the opportunity to work with you.”

Sometimes you will get an answer, sometimes not. But the answers can be very revealing. Some answers I have received are:

1) The item is not available here.

2) I like the privacy of internet shopping – I don’t buy this product in a store. It is embarrassing for me.

3) I collect these. They are hard to find.

4) I needed this for a special gift and could only find it on eBay.

5) You have a good variety of items that I can buy in one place.

6) These are very hard to find in stores. It is easier and faster for me to pay more on eBay than spend my time driving all over town to find the item.

7) I can get these at (LOCAL STORE NAME) but I have 4 kids and it is just easier to get them on eBay than pack up my kids and go to the store to buy them.

8) I am allergic to a lot of fabrics. I can only wear this kind.

9) It is for my (mom, grandmother, etc). She is very particular about clothing and this is what she likes.

10) I am in the service overseas and we don’t have shopping here. It is great to get things from back home!

When you get an answer like these, the light bulb will come on and you’ll think, “Aha! I should offer more of these.” All good information that I can use to make decisions about what to sell in my store! Think about how restaurant owners run their business. They often mill around and ask customers how they can make their food or service better, other items they would like to see on the menu, or other similar questions.

So don’t be afraid to politely ask your customers questions and get their personal feedback. It can help your business.

[Image Source: Flickr.]

Post from: EveryJoe

Why do Your eBay Customers Buy From You?

Have fun with video, and increase traffic to your listings by posting them on YouTube!

Post from: EveryJoe

Increase Your Sales on eBay by Using Video