Proper Packaging of eBay Sales

I took two packages I received from eBay sellers to my local studio and opened them in front of a camera.

This five minute video will show you how packaging influences your buyers.

One package is very well packed; the other is poorly packed.

While you are watching the video think about this. . .

Something is missing from both eBay packages. What is it?

If the player doesn't work, here's the eBay packaging video on Youtube.

Did you figure out what is missing from both eBay packages?

Neither box contains any communication from the seller. At a minimum the packages should have a simple thank you note with the sellers eBay name and address. This is important because it will allow the post office to redirect the package back to the seller if the label is lost or damaged on the outside.

Even better, the note should offer something for sale, or suggest the buyer should subscribe to a newsletter list. The time to go for the next sale is when the buyer is happy. After opening a well packed item, the buyer should be happy.

In my eBay packages, I've included everything from discount coupons good for five dollars off purchases, to pamphlets promoting books I've written to explanations of the benefits of subscribing to my free newsletter along with the sign up address.

All these things work well. Some work better than others. You'll have to try a few different things to find out what works best for you.

Here's general eBay shipping advice and eBay Packing with Paper Instructions.

Many of the articles and free reports here on IWantCollectibles were originally sent to readers of my Antiques and eBay Newsletter. Not all articles make it onto the website, and readers also get notices of free reports and special offers.

• Finding Products To Sell On eBay
  How to find products to sell on eBay is the most common question I get from my readers. This page has links to all the articles and reports I've written about finding eBay products.
• How To Be An Antique Dealer
  The best way to start an antiques or collectibles business. Part 1 of a five part series on being an antiques dealer.
• Understanding eBay Changes 2011
  This page covers eBay changes and has links to all articles on IWantCollectibles about working within the changes. Sign up for my free newsletter for articles covering new changes as they are announced.
• Tips for Starting an eBay Consignment Business
  Selling on consignment is the perfect way to start on eBay. This article is an introduction to consignment selling, and explains what you'll need to be successful. First in a series on eBay Consignment.
• Shopping For eBay Products At Garage Sales
  Thirteen tips for garage sale shopping. Part one of a two part series on garage and yard sales.
• Finding New Products for eBay
  If you want to sell new products you need to concentrate on items others are not selling. You need to find sources other sellers are unaware of. That is not hard to do. Here's a list of articles to get you started on the right path.
• eBay Auction Category, Title And Keyword Advice
  A series of articles about getting your items found on eBay. Covers category selection, eBay keyword rules, and researching keywords. Finally you'll learn how to write an informative, keyword rich title.