Maximize Your eBay Holiday Sales

Enjoy a surge in income during the gift-giving season.

Just as with other retailers, eBay sees a sales peak each November and December as buyers get serious about holiday gifts. Wise ebay sellers enjoy a surge in income during the gift-giving season. What can you do to maximize your own profits during the holidays?

One good rule to follow is this: don't wait until the holidays roll around to start your sales campaign. Lots of online holiday shoppers start shopping early to avoid the last-minute shipping rush. To make the most of your eBay holiday sales, you'll need to start early, too.

Start listing your holiday items in September or October. This will give you several listing cycles in which to promote your eBay items before the holidays.

Remember that hot gifts are hot both online and off.

Do some research on "hot gifts" months before you start listing. That way, you'll have time to build up your stock of items projected to be top sellers. News programs and websites often have lists of the year's must-have toys and devices. You can also use ebay's "What's Hot" page to see which items are prime sellers. eBay Pulse lets you keep an eye on current trends. Remember that hot gifts are hot both online and off. If you find the next must-have at a great price, snatch it up! It will almost certainly turn nice a profit on eBay.

Candle-making supplies or finished candles?

Speaking of hot items, what else should you sell on eBay around the holidays? Anything that would make a good gift. Finished products tend to sell better than component parts. Think about it: would you rather be gifted with a package of candle-making supplies or finished candles? Most people will want the finished product. If you're a craft maker, really market and promote your finished crafts during the holiday season.

Time to target impulse buyers.

The holiday season is the perfect time to target impulse buyers. You can do this on eBay by adding the "Buy It Now" option to most or all of your listings. And you can even sugar the deal by offering free shipping for your "Buy It Now" items. With a deal this tempting, even random browsers will be persuaded to make a purchase. The small amount of revenue you lose on shipping will more than pay for itself with your increase in overall sales.

Go with shipping methods that guarantee a delivery date.

The postal system can get a little crazy over the holidays, so be sure to let your customers know if a shipment will be delayed. The sooner you warn them, the better. To avoid delays entirely, go with shipping methods that guarantee a delivery date. They can be a little costly, but your ability to get the package to the customer on time will result in valuable feedback and possibly word-of-mouth advertising. You certainly don't want to be known as an unreliable seller. Pay the extra cash and make sure your customers have a happy holiday.

Make some serious cash.

Finally, put a personalized holiday touch on your listings and e-mails. Even simple graphics or festive colors can show buyers that you're in the holiday spirit. Just don't go overboard; dancing elves and flashing lights are entertaining, but they can slow down buyers' computers and distract them from the contents of the page. The perfect holiday template is seasonal without being displeasing.

eBay is a powerful selling tool year round, but especially during the holidays. With just a little bit of effort, you can capitalize on the holiday rush, improve your seller rating, and make some serious cash.