Four habits of online sellers to avoid - By: Bobby Buys

You know which ingredients go into making a good seller on an online auction site and marketplace: desirable items; attractive prices; professional presentation; effective marketing; prompt delivery; and so on. And, of course, above everything else: an excellent reputation.

Simple, isn't it? But not always easy to live up to...

Sometimes, holding up a negative precedent can point you in the right direction. In that name, here are several real-life examples of what not to do in order to be a good seller on an online marketplace.

1. You do not try to recover from your mistakes by listing your own bad purchase for sale - with the very same vague description that misled you. The correct procedure is to point an accusing finger at the original offender through proper channels. And even if you end up out of pocket, you would not want to recuperate your losses by treating your customer like that rogue seller treated you, would you?

2. You do not try to use the "if so-and-so can do it, why not me?" excuse when caught red-handed. The correct procedure is to familiarise yourself with the rules of the site you are selling on. Whenever in doubt, ask the site's customer support, and do not fail to alert them about any untoward behaviour. You do not want to follow a bad example, would you?

3. You do not try to shift the blame onto the customer who complained to or about you. Rather use your energy to sort out the contentious issue. You never know - the customer could only want to be shown some understanding and sympathy.

4. You do not try to out-right your customers. We all know that the customer is not always right. However, your objective is not to prove a point; your aim is to provide the best possible service to your customers, regardless of whether they are in the right or in the wrong. After all, what would you rather be: a seller who is always in the right - or a seller who has a host of satisfied customers?

You may not be in a position to lower your prices in order to attract customers in these difficult economic times. Try instead to upgrade your service - and watch the difference. People tend to spend less during a recession and to be more selective about where they spend their money. Now more than ever, sellers need to treat their customers like gold. They are more important than any product you sell.

About the Author

bidorbuy.co.za is South Africa's largest online marketplace. Buyers and sellers come to bidorbuy to buy and sell virtually anything in auction format or at fixed prices. Contact details: bidorbuy Marketing Department; email promotion@bidorbuy.co.za, web site http://www.bidorbuy.co.za

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