8 online sales tips for private sellers

Buying and selling between private individuals, via the internet, on websites such as Vinted, is very popular these days. It often allows us to find a beneficial way to get rid of things we no longer need, or, on the other hand, to find irresistible “bargains”.

For those interested in the world of e-commerce, it is worth knowing some essential ideas. These are our 8 tips for private individuals who want to sell online.

1 – Take great photos

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. This certainly applies to digital commerce. Everyone is interested in seeing what they plan to buy, and, when it comes to buying online, this is the only way.

Some things to keep in mind:

Always use photos taken by yourself. Do not be tempted to use photos found on the internet of an identical item; the buyer is interested in seeing exactly what they are going to buy.

Take high-quality photos; low-resolution photos do not make the best impression, neither of the product nor of the person selling it.

Use appropriate lighting. Daylight is normally the best choice: other types of lighting sometimes make colors look different in images. Use a plain background, preferably.

Show the item from all sides and in its entirety; the buyer may be interested, for example, in inspecting the item for defects, so present as complete an image as possible.

Be careful to take photos of all defects and imperfections. Transparency and complete honesty are essential.

2 – Use concise titles that include the most important keywords

Thinking about the words a potential buyer may search for and using them in the listing title is a basic point that many online sellers forget. Review your titles and decide what is important. If the item is a small green sweater, that is what should appear in the title. If the title is “unique clothing item, buy now”, it is likely that no one looking for a green sweater will find it.

3 – Write clear and detailed descriptions

This is not a domain where minimalism is ideal. People who buy online often want to know as much as possible about the product. They may want to know the size of a book to see if it fits on a shelf, or whether a jacket has an inside pocket. Write careful descriptions. As with the photos, do not forget to mention any defects or imperfections in the description.

4 – Set a suitable price

This tip does not require much explanation. No one is interested in spending more money than necessary. Take a look at listings for other items similar to the one you intend to sell to get a rough idea of the price they are usually bought for. Of course, many details can make an important difference, such as the condition of the item.

5 – Build a relationship of trust with buyers

A lack of trust in the person on the other side is one of the major constraints of digital commerce. Face-to-face interaction in a physical store is hard to beat in terms of establishing a human connection and an image of professionalism. Many people avoid buying online precisely for that reason: without knowing the person on the other side personally, they feel insecure. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to win buyers' trust and build a positive reputation. Make sure you do not fail to keep commitments. Also, do not forget that social networks can be a powerful tool. Through social networks, it may be possible to find potential buyers you know personally, which overcomes this difficulty.

6 – Be prompt

Making an effort in this area is a sensible investment of your energy. The world of digital commerce does not go well with slowness and wasting time. This applies both to replying to messages and to shipping items after the order. Acting promptly will help you make a better impression and avoid disappointed or dissatisfied customers.

7 – Pack items carefully

Proper packaging, done with care, will allow you to make a good impression on the buyer, avoid damage to the item, and avoid unnecessary extra shipping costs due to packages being too large.

The costs of packaging and filling/protective materials also have to be taken into account. If you usually receive purchases at home, it may be possible to save money by reusing packaging and materials.

An additional tip is to include a thank-you note in the package you send. It is a detail that will help set you apart and leave a good impression. Often, this practice attracts positive comments and reviews from customers.

8 Choose a trusted transport company

One of the factors that sets digital commerce apart from traditional commerce is the huge importance of parcel transport. A fundamental requirement is to choose a transport company that is up to the task.

InPost specializes in a strategy that has become increasingly popular and is the answer to the challenges of modern online commerce. parcel delivery to a location other than the home, through the use of Parcel Lockers, is characterized by speed and efficiency, low environmental impact, and convenience for the customer.

Find out more about the advantages of this approach on our website and in this blog.