Sellers Tips Written by a Buyer!

Shipping Fees
When listing items it is obvious the description of the product be as accurate as possible, but it is also just as important for us "buyers" to know up front the shipping costs before we place a bid. This could be a set rate, or the calculator link listed on your listing pages. Just so long as we don't have to "hunt" for it.
If it is left up to the buyer to figure out the shipping charges, less chances are they are going to place a bid. I have left many items of interest behind without placing a bid, due to not knowing the shipping cost. It is not wise to "hide" the true amount you would like to get for you product by using low starting bids, and extremely high shipping fees. I came across an item I would have loved to bid on, but when I checked the shipping calculator, the shipping fees were from $21 - $35 (more than what the item was worth) This item was very small (set of Salt and Pepper Shakers) and listed to start bids at $0.99. Out of curiosity, I found an item that would be very similar to weight listed by the SAME seller, geing from the same location, and once again clicked on the shipping calculator - the shipping on this item was listed from just over $5 - $8. Doesn't make sense does it? It didn't make sense to me either, so not only did I NOT place a bid, but I made a note to myself to avoid this seller all together. I felt like the seller was being dishonest or sneaky by hiding 'profits' in their shipping costs. Higher purchase price and lower shipping fees appear to be more honest and will always get my bids first.
Charity Listings
When listing an item in which part or all of the profits would go to a charity organization, make this clear on the item's listing page. A simple paragraph about the charity and how much of the sale would be donated to them is very helpful.
I recently won an item, and did not know until it arrived, that I just helped an Animal Sanctuary - as part of my bid went to them. If I would have known this in advance, I would have bid higher, if for no other reason than to help the animals. I am not alone, there are many others on okay that feel the same way I do, and enjoy helping charities through our purchases.
okay has made it easy for you to mark your Charity items with a ribbon graphic, and is offering specials for those that give at least 90% of the sale to charity. You may read more on this topic here:okay Giving Works for Sellers. When listing through the Giving Works pages, your items are also tagged for those of us who prefer to buy from sellers that we know donate to charities. I often look through the charity listings FIRST - and don't mind paying higher prices for the same merchandise another seller may have at a lower price, all because I know my money is not only getting me a nice item, but also helping those less fortunate. Bottom line - letting your shoppers know in advance that their money is helping others, equals higher bids for you, and more money for your charities.
Photos
When posting the photos of your images try to post it from all sides. In other words show the back, front, left, and right side, if applicable. This gives us buyers a better idea as to how the item will truly look in person. Clean, crisp images are more important to me, than large images. In other words, I would rather see a small crisp, clear image, than one that is large and fuzzy. If I can't get a good look at it in the photo or image, I won't place a bid, no matter how much I think I want the item.
If there are any flaws at all on the item, be sure to include a photo of it as well. This will ensure there are no surprises to the buyer when they receive their purchase, and it makes the seller stand out as an honest seller - meaning - more return customers! Honesty really is the best policy.
Packaging
When packaging your items keep in mind how far they are going, and what shape you want them in when they get there. I once won a puzzle and believe it or not, it came just as it was - not wrapped at all - just an address label on the puzzle box. Not much damage done to the box, but I was surprised it made it to my door! Always wrap the outside box with shipping paper. When shipping fragile items, make sure to pack them tight to avoid being tossed around in the box.
Include a small note with the item, even if it simply says Thank you for your business. I love the little Thank Yous I get with my items, and it makes the transaction a bit more personal, which in turn, keeps your satisfied customers geing back. Just like good old fashion country stores! Nothing is better than walking into a store where the employees all know you. This is impossible on okay of course, but - with a Thank You note, it makes the buyer feel like she/he knows you, and that their business with you was appreciated. I have made some very good okay friends that way, who I continually do business with.