The holiday shopping season is just about here!
Each year, we stock our stores with products we hope will sell like mad!
How do we choose them?
I tend to choose products that I would give as gifts...because of the quality, because of the price point...and just because I love them!
This year I'm stocking a LOT of purses and jewelry items from a new supplier. These are items that I don't see all over the internet. If I was browsing through a physical store I'd notice them.
NOW...I know that everyone's taste is not my taste, so I also try to provide as wide a variety as possible...
From motorcycle leathers to jewelry, from kitchenware to purses, from electronics to toys...I try to provide top quality products at rock bottom prices.
I've been doing this for years.
I've had my ups and downs (we won't talk much about the worst down) Suffice it to say it had to do with the 500 lb gorrilla (under a very different user name in 2005)...and it's one from which I'm still recovering in all kinds of ways.
I licked my wounds for a while and then started reconstituting my business...tentatively, VERY cautiously...with a determination not to fall prey to high priced sites that make it almost impossible for anyone except large corporations to make a profit.
It's working...too slowly...but it's working.
Why do I keep doing this? I could go out and get a 9-5 job.
I do it because I love it.
I do it because I'm addicted to computers...LOL
I do it because, when I make a sale and a buyer lets me know that they've gotten the product and love it, or that my commitment to customer service has made a real difference to them...I feel like I've not only satisfied a customer but also made a new friend.
So come on in...look around...if you have a question, don't be shy about asking...and most of all, enjoy yourself!
Let's make this holiday season a wonderful one!
Each year, we stock our stores with products we hope will sell like mad!
How do we choose them?
I tend to choose products that I would give as gifts...because of the quality, because of the price point...and just because I love them!
This year I'm stocking a LOT of purses and jewelry items from a new supplier. These are items that I don't see all over the internet. If I was browsing through a physical store I'd notice them.
NOW...I know that everyone's taste is not my taste, so I also try to provide as wide a variety as possible...
From motorcycle leathers to jewelry, from kitchenware to purses, from electronics to toys...I try to provide top quality products at rock bottom prices.
I've been doing this for years.
I've had my ups and downs (we won't talk much about the worst down) Suffice it to say it had to do with the 500 lb gorrilla (under a very different user name in 2005)...and it's one from which I'm still recovering in all kinds of ways.
I licked my wounds for a while and then started reconstituting my business...tentatively, VERY cautiously...with a determination not to fall prey to high priced sites that make it almost impossible for anyone except large corporations to make a profit.
It's working...too slowly...but it's working.
Why do I keep doing this? I could go out and get a 9-5 job.
I do it because I love it.
I do it because I'm addicted to computers...LOL
I do it because, when I make a sale and a buyer lets me know that they've gotten the product and love it, or that my commitment to customer service has made a real difference to them...I feel like I've not only satisfied a customer but also made a new friend.
So come on in...look around...if you have a question, don't be shy about asking...and most of all, enjoy yourself!
Let's make this holiday season a wonderful one!
Quality, Price, or Reputation - Which is More Important?
Posted 10-26-2009 at 06:33 AM by buyitwholesale
In the time I've been selling on the internet, I've worked hard to bring customers the highest quality products I can find at the lowest possible price.
I've always asked myself..."Which is more important"?
People clearly compare prices before they purchase an item. The search engines on the internet, and also within auction and direct sales sites, are geared to make that easily possible.
I've found, though, that over and over again customers who really want an item (and who are experienced online buyers) will look at factors other than price before purchasing.
I've had customers email me with a flat out question..."Why is your item higher (lower) than X's...why should I buy from you instead of them?"
I appreciate that kind of question.
LOTS of times my products come in below my competition's prices, but other times they don't.
Sometimes it has to do with the shipping option.
Sometimes it has to do with the seller's price point from their supplier.
Lots of times it has to do with the profit margin each individual seller must decide is acceptable to them.
I generally start bidding at the lowest possible price that will allow me to sell something and cover expenses. I do not use reserves...every time I have done so, I've gotten lots of bids that rarely, if ever, reach the reserve price. On sites that charge listing fees, that's just a waste of money!
What I see happening is this, in the order it happens.
1) The buyer looks for a product they love.
2) The buyer looks for the best possible price on the item.
3) The buyer looks at the item description (for goodness sakes, write your own descriptions!)
4) The buyer looks at the seller's reputation.
5) The buyer emails the seller with any questions (hopefully BEFORE placing a bid!)
6) The seller responds and does their best to close the deal.
As a seller, this is what I have to do to make sales (I believe):
1) Provide the best possible products I cn find.
2) Research the competition's prices and set my price within the ballpark, taking into consideration my own costs.
3) Write a wonderful description (I NEVER use boiler plate!)
4) Do everything in my power to keep my feedback reputation spotless.
5) Respond to buyer's questions, quickly and completely. I make an effort to be friendly, professional, and helpful.
If I make a sale, I keep in touch with my buyer from the beginning to the end of the transaction. I let them know when a product's shipped, provide tracking, and contact them when it's been delivered to make sure everything's OK and they're satisfied.
Does it take time? Sure it does.
Is it worth it? i believe it is, not only in order to build volume, but to keep buyers coming back...and also for my own peace of mind.
I would want to be treated by a seller the way I treat buyers. It goes back to that old "Do unto others" adage...and, especially during the holiday season when everyone's a wee bit stressed, that goes a long way!
I've always asked myself..."Which is more important"?
People clearly compare prices before they purchase an item. The search engines on the internet, and also within auction and direct sales sites, are geared to make that easily possible.
I've found, though, that over and over again customers who really want an item (and who are experienced online buyers) will look at factors other than price before purchasing.
I've had customers email me with a flat out question..."Why is your item higher (lower) than X's...why should I buy from you instead of them?"
I appreciate that kind of question.
LOTS of times my products come in below my competition's prices, but other times they don't.
Sometimes it has to do with the shipping option.
Sometimes it has to do with the seller's price point from their supplier.
Lots of times it has to do with the profit margin each individual seller must decide is acceptable to them.
I generally start bidding at the lowest possible price that will allow me to sell something and cover expenses. I do not use reserves...every time I have done so, I've gotten lots of bids that rarely, if ever, reach the reserve price. On sites that charge listing fees, that's just a waste of money!
What I see happening is this, in the order it happens.
1) The buyer looks for a product they love.
2) The buyer looks for the best possible price on the item.
3) The buyer looks at the item description (for goodness sakes, write your own descriptions!)
4) The buyer looks at the seller's reputation.
5) The buyer emails the seller with any questions (hopefully BEFORE placing a bid!)
6) The seller responds and does their best to close the deal.
As a seller, this is what I have to do to make sales (I believe):
1) Provide the best possible products I cn find.
2) Research the competition's prices and set my price within the ballpark, taking into consideration my own costs.
3) Write a wonderful description (I NEVER use boiler plate!)
4) Do everything in my power to keep my feedback reputation spotless.
5) Respond to buyer's questions, quickly and completely. I make an effort to be friendly, professional, and helpful.
If I make a sale, I keep in touch with my buyer from the beginning to the end of the transaction. I let them know when a product's shipped, provide tracking, and contact them when it's been delivered to make sure everything's OK and they're satisfied.
Does it take time? Sure it does.
Is it worth it? i believe it is, not only in order to build volume, but to keep buyers coming back...and also for my own peace of mind.
I would want to be treated by a seller the way I treat buyers. It goes back to that old "Do unto others" adage...and, especially during the holiday season when everyone's a wee bit stressed, that goes a long way!
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Recent Blog Entries by buyitwholesale
- Supporting Your Site (11-12-2009)
- Quality, Price, or Reputation - Which is More Important? (10-26-2009)
