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Hi Griff, great topic! Very excited about the event!

I noticed eBay offers three levels of the Stores program: basic, featured and anchor. Do members see higher sales with the anchor stores? Or can a member have just as much success with the basic? Are there different strategies for each?

Vince

Hi Vince,

It's not so much that each Store level requires a different business strategy. Success is possible with all three Store subscription levels. Which level is ideal for a specific business depends of course on the needs and the size of the business.

eBay Stores can be an important tool in a seller's strategy kit but the seller needs to fully understand how to make the Store work for their business. The Stores pages explain in good detail, exactly what features come with a Store and how the seller can use each of the features to boost business. So, for anyone just starting out, I definitely recommend the Basic Store level. In fact, it would be a mistake for a seller to jump in with the Premium or Anchor level right off. Once a seller understands how to use all of the features of a Basic Store (that is, he has been using them for a time and is comfortable with his command of the Store features), only then should he consider moving up to the next level. Many business discover that they are perfectly suited at the Basic level and they never move up. Others find that they need more in the way of exposure and marketing, and will opt to try a Premium or Anchor level. The good thing: If you do try a higher level and it is not quite working for you, you can always move back down a level or two to Premium or Basic.

Griff

An online bookstore is nothing new. How do I get my online bookstore to stand out from the competition?

I like your realistic perspective but don't loose heart. It is possible to enter a category like "books" and stand out (though with so much competition, it won't be easy). As in any business, you should create a "look" and a brand that is unforgettable.

Buyers in categories like "Books" tend to look for items on the basis of two criteria: rarity and value. You didn't say what type of books you plan on listing but if they are rare books (first editions, out of print, etc) pricing won't be as critical. But if you are offering books that can be purchased from other sellers, other venues or off line, then your price is critical. Research to make sure your prices are the lowest. Not just lower. The lowest.

And if you are selling on eBay, with Books, you really do need to have an eBay Store. The Store format is ideal for large inventories (it the cheapest option for listing inventory on eBay). Also, with the eBay Store, you have access to marketing tools to keep your customers informed of any new stock you are about to list as well as sales for current stock.

Finally, as in any situation, if you want to really stand out, take a look around at other book sellers, determine what it is they all seem to share in common when it comes to marketing and pricing, and avoid those things like the plague.

Griff