Due to the growth of the internet, smartphones and search engines, selling online can make your business more efficient, and using an e-commerce platform can even give your traditional business an advantage over competitors without an e-commerce presence.
One way to make money online is by selling second hand items. While this can definitely be a great choice, prudent sellers will keep certain things in mind in order to maximise sales, build their reputation, and steadily gain customer trust.
Here are some best practices to consider for anyone selling second hand items online:
1. Be Upfront about the Condition of the Items
Since the items listed for sale are second hand, buyers and sellers would both understand that there might be some amount of wear and tear on them. Being upfront about these details will help answer customers’ potential questions, as well as build your reputation as an honest and trustworthy online seller.
2. Be Meticulous When Listing Details and Specifications
A good product description should include (when applicable) a meticulous list of details and specifications. This will depend on exactly what items you are selling online, but is important for things such as electronics. Customers will likely want to know as much as possible about these items before buying them, especially if they are second hand.
Whether as a seller or a buyer, it’s also a great idea to use a trusted platform for dealing in second hand electronics. Carousell’s InstantBuy Electronics feature displays inspected and certified products that have warranty options. Sellers are also carefully curated in order to ensure that both sellers and buyers get the best experience possible from online transactions.
3. Offer Buyer Protections for Customers’ Peace of Mind
Potential buyers are more likely to take the plunge and make a purchase if they know that the payment process will be reliable and safe to transact in. But what if you don’t have the resources to build your own e-commerce platform? E-commerce marketplaces are a great solution as reputable platforms often have secure payment processes in place, giving buyers confidence to purchase, and sellers more convenience in handling payments.
Carousell Protection makes online payments painless and secure, releasing the payment only when both parties are satisfied with the transaction. This protection is absolutely free for sellers, and they get their payment once the item has been delivered to the buyer.
4. Make It Easy for Customers to Find You Online
One of the most efficient ways to start making online sales quickly is to use a platform that makes it easy for customers to find you. If your product listings don’t end up in front of their eyes, none of these other best practices will matter much. Thus, it is imperative that you ensure maximum visibility for your online store and products.
Carousell has carefully-designed seller tools to help you stand out. Ads such as Bump, Spotlight, and Shoutout will drive traffic to your listings and increase customer views and interaction, making it much easier for you to sell second hand goods online.
Curious about other ways to rise above the competition and make your online business stand out? We’ve got some tips for you. What about an in-depth guide to consumer behaviour in e-commerce? Here you go.
Ready to start selling second hand goods using the best tools and advice possible? Contact us today.
