I am an oldtimer of eBay (See? I still capitalize the B). I started as a seller in November 1997. For whatever the reason may be, I sold children's and educational software. During the weekdays I posed as a small business development center (SBDC) coordinator. By night and on weekends I was an eBay seller.

I was very successful, emulated my successful competitors and did one better by testing my software before posting it to auction. My content included personal references to the performance and contents of the software. Buyers loved that. I finally said goodbye to selling in February 2000. In fact, if you look at the feedback for that period (eBay ID - windhaus), you will see it was a lovefest between me the seller and my buyers, especially the repeat customers. I still frequent eBay for an ocassionally bargain.

The point is this......360true clearly described what it takes to be a successful seller on ebay. You must be a good communicator and provide the best of service. Make sure the content of the auction page is very well understood regarding the product and the terms of sale and delivery. Contact the winning bidder immediately. Deliver the product immediately after payment is recieved, and don't hesitate to "go the extra mile" once in awhile, especially with your repeat customers. This may not be a brick 'n mortar storefront, but all the good retail principals still apply.

In all my years as a seller I received only one negative feedback. The winning bidder received the software in a sealed box (as I had received it from the wholesaler). Only there was no CD in the box. That bidder wasted no time posting a negative feedback on me. I didn't even have a chance to solve the problem.

Regardless, I had an excellent record as a seller, and 360true explains why that was.

That feedback rating is the ultimate tool deciding your success or failure at eBay. Even an ocassional negative feedback can be harmful. As a bidder I always review the seller's feedback rating. Oh, and for all you sellers, if a bidder sends a question about an auction give them a reply. Otherwise, that bidder will not bid.

Steve Windhaus