eBay Workshop June 29th - "How to 'Jump Start' eBay Motors Sales with Parts Compatibility"

Topic: How to 'Jump Start' eBay Motors Sales with Parts Compatibility. A “how-to” workshop with solutions & services for all eBay Motors sellers

Host: Infopia

Date: Tuesday, June 29th

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. PST (Pacific Standard Time)

Location: eBay Workshop Board

Description: Shifting your business to utilize eBay Parts Compatibility can be an intimidating prospect. This “how-to” workshop presents 'Jump Start' services for Infopia and non-Infopia eBay sellers.

The workshop will also include demonstrations of Infopia’s unique manual fitment functionality, including the ability to map the fitments of Brand Name parts to their generic equivalents. Infopia Fitment products have been designed for ease of management and long-term maintainability.

Topics and demonstration will include:

• One time and on-going EPID Matching to both
• Manufacturer or Brand for any Seller
• Structured fitment data upload for manual fitment
• Use of “similar to” capabilities to match fitments of Brand Name parts to Generic Equivalents
• Creation of new fitment-enabled listings utilizing
• Ad Factories and Custom Schedules
• Using Product Catalogue
• Auto-generation of multiple listings optimized for eBay maximum fitments per listing.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Visit http://certifiedprovider.ebay.com/ to learn more about eBay Certified Providers and the services and solutions they offer to help an eBay seller grow their business.

Thanks,

Ginger Leishman - eBay Certified Provider Program

Infopia and ChannelAdvisor are First to Support eBay Motors Parts Compatibility

If you sell parts that fit multiple vehicles on eBay Motors, some of our Certified Providers can help.

Parts compatibility is a more efficient way for sellers to list parts that fit many vehicles. Sellers no longer have to create and manage many listings or to include the names of all compatible vehicles in the listing title to ensure that their items appear in search results. Instead, sellers can create one listing describing a single part and add an extensive list of compatible vehicles in the new Compatibility tab that we have created in the listing description. The information included in the Compatibility tab will be searchable.

Listing with parts compatibility also helps buyers find parts that fit their vehicles more easily, because buyers will see more precise search results containing exact parts for their specific vehicle.

Seller Benefits:

Save on listing time and Insertion Fees. With parts compatibility, you don’t have to list one part multiple times to ensure all compatible vehicles appear in search —a huge savings in Insertion Fees and time spent managing and creating listings.

Get a boost in search results. Listings with parts compatibility information will get an extra boost in search results. Since we use information from both the Compatibility tab in your listing and your title to match the buyer's search, you can now dedicate all 55 characters in your title for popular keywords like brand name and part number. Your listing will show up in more—and more relevant—buyer searches.

Gain more satisfied buyers. Parts compatibility helps increase buyers’ confidence that they’re purchasing parts that will fit their vehicles, and also helps reduce questions and returned items.

Starting in March 2010, compatibility listings will be available in certain sub-categories on a gradual roll out schedule. You can list with parts compatibility in the U.S. on eBay and on eBay Motors in the following sub-categories of Car & Truck Parts as they become available: Lighting, Lamps & Accessories, Air Intake & Fuel Delivery, Exterior, Tires and Wheels.

Parts compatibility should be available in all sub-categories in the following categories by the end of 2010:

• Car & Truck Parts
• Vintage Car & Truck Parts

Sellers in the categories enabled for parts compatibility can take advantage of this new way of listing with a listing and inventory management solution from the Certified Providers listed below.

Certified Providers:

ChannelAdvisor

Infopia

eBay Sellers Can List Faster with Product Details and Certified Providers

List even faster when you use eBay Product Details!

Quickly fill out item descriptions and add photos when listing to eBay with Product Details. Depending on your item and the category you are listing in on eBay, you may be able to include information from our catalogs in your listing, known as product details. Adding product detail information not only makes listing easier, but also helps your items gain added visibility on eBay in our product details page.

Some categories contain items associated with products in our catalogs. If you are listing in one of these categories, you'll be able to add product details along with a stock photo from our catalog to your listing.

Product details can help you create complete listing descriptions that are more visible and appealing to buyers in the categories: Books, Movies, Music, Video Games, Digital Cameras, PDAs and Cell Phones.

Benefits:

• Easier, faster listing
• More complete and detailed descriptions
• Item visibility in product details page—easier for buyers to find your listing
• Can be added to your existing listing templates

eBay Certified Providers provide listing tools supporting product details, thereby allowing you to list even faster, easier and manage your inventory.

Certified Providers work with all levels of eBay sellers from beginners to advanced PowerSellers to online retailers.

Certified Providers:

Kyozou

Mercent

Infopia

Seller Sourcebook

Vendio

Monsoon

ChannelAdvisor

inkFrog

Auctiva

Three Lessons to Learn When eBay Sellers Look Back on 2009

Blog post provided by Infopia

The economic slump of 2008-09 has taught internet retailers valuable lessons to take into 2010.
When resources became slim, business owners learned how to make much more out of much less.

This all reminds me of a story: A wise high school teacher once told her class about her days of a poor new college graduate starting out her new life on her own. She beamed as she told her students stories of painting cinder blocks to use as side tables, pleating sheets for drapes in her new apartment and creating over 20 recipes to make with ramen noodles. She told her students that the creativity and ingenuity she gained with the experience was invaluable. A student raised his hand to ask, “Would you want to go back and live that way again?” She replied, “No way! But, I’d never want to take that past experience back.”

Many internet retailers may one day feel the same way about 2009 and the economic slow down that preceded. Here are a few lessons to take with you into 2010.

1. Low Shipping Fees are Imperative to Staying Competitive
The recent economy has changed the way that online shoppers buy. Even as the economy recovers, online shopping will still trend this way. Online retailers have become leaders in the battle against traditional brick and mortar stores. One of the factors that contributes to the success is the ability for shoppers to compare rates. Shipping cost has become a large factor in this comparison. Many online retailers have implemented lower cost shipping methods to stay competitive.

2. Cost Control
What business expenses can be cut? What costs can be negotiated? Retail rent space, packaging materials, contractor fees, etc. can all be negotiated. Many internet retailers had to negotiate costs out of necessity. If you don’t ask, you don’t know if you are getting the best cost. Now that retailers have been forced to make these types of requests, they are able to be sure that they are getting the best price in the future.

3. Customer service is priceless
We have all heard the age old saying, ” the customer is key.” Many internet retailers have learned how to retain their customers with email marketing and loyalty programs. Converting new customers has been more difficult in the recession. Competition has driven many retailers to use excellent prices and promotions for hot items. Benefit descriptions and promotional banners also helped internet retailers in 2009 to beat their competitors.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

5 Best Practices for Handling Online Returns

5 Best Practices for Handling Online Returns

When it comes to allowing customers to return items, some online retailers and eBay sellers find it difficult to manage returns and accurately keep track of their inventory. Below are 5 Best Practices eBay sellers can use in order to increase customer satisfaction and reduce customer support inquiries around returning an item.

Best Practices:

1. Clearly display the returns policy for buyers
   It can make a big difference in the buyer’s mind when contemplating which seller to purchase from. If a buyer is unsure about how an item will look, fit, etc…, then an easy and clearly displayed returns policy, can clinch the sale.
   *note: All eBay sellers are now required to specify a return policy and handling time when they list items on eBay. If the seller's return policy is not to accept returns, it must be specified in the Return Policy drop down menu.*


2. Option of returning to a local store
   For multi-channel sellers with retail stores, customers may find it more convenient to return items at the store.


3. Include return and pre-paid shipping label in the package
   Enclosing instructions on how to return an item along with a pre-paid shipping label reduces customer contacts while increasing customer satisfaction.


4. Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
   Buyer contacts the seller and arranges to return items in order to have the item repaired, replaced or refunded. Seller will send a shipping label to the buyer with a specific number on the label for their shipping department. When the item is returned the seller’s shipping department can then accurately record the item’s receipt, evaluate and repair the item and potentially re-sell the item and account for the next sale.


5. Keep customers in the loop
   Save customers the hassle having to contact the seller. Sellers can save time spent dealing with questions about returns by providing confirmation when items have been received, when replacement items are sent out, and when refunds have been processed.

Benefits:

• Edit and update all listings to include current returns policy
• Track and record returned items for accurate inventory management and profit and loss accounting
• Easily create pre-paid shipping labels to include in package or email shipping label
• Create and manage RMAs for larger sellers and their shipping departments
• Automate buyer communication with confirmation of shipment emails

While some of the above best practices for handling returns require a change in the seller’s policy, most can be easily implemented with a solution from an eBay Certified Provider.

Certified Providers

ShipRush – shipping solution
ShipWorks – shipping solution
Infopia – listing solution with RMA feature
Kyozou – listing solution with RMA feature
Mercent - listing solution with RMA feature
Vendio - listing solution with buyer communication features to stay on top of returns

eBay Certified Provider Spotlight - INFOPIA

Infopia is an eBay Certified Solution Provider providing a comprehensive tool/solution for ecommerce retailers and eBay sellers since 1999.

Many of eBay’s larger sellers (Gold, Platinum, Titanium and Diamond) use a solution such as Infopia. Infopia helps sellers prevent overselling through accurately managed inventory for multiple locations and channels. Infopia allows for multi-channel inventory management, and enables sellers to create set automated listing rules or strategies.

Unique features to Infopia's multi-channel solutions are:

1. Salesforce integration
   Create a 360 degree view of your buyer. Know who your buyer is, issues they may have had with your product, spending habits and create targeted marketing for increase in repeat purchases.
2. Configurator
   Infopia is the only company with the ability and is allowed by eBay to offer the Configurator. Basically the Configurator allows an eBay buyer to custom create an eBay listing to their specifications. Think creating a computer and picking the accessories and upgrades you want.
3. Trade-In Program
   Sellers can take advantage of Infopia’s trade-in program capabilities and accept previously owned items and put the value of that item toward a new purchase on eBay. Example, a seller can accept trade-in of an old golf club from a buyer and give the buyer cash or credit it toward their new golf club purchase on eBay.

Infopia centralizes and automates an eBay seller’s business through a single all-in-one solution:

• Manage listings and descriptions from a single inventory database
• Supports eBay checkout
• Immediate Payment for Fixed Price listings
• Manage order processing, including checkout, payment, authorization and more
• Manage shipping with integrations for UPS, FedEx, USPS and Endicia

Benefits of Infopia:

• Centralize your multi-channel business in one place
• Reduce UPIs
• Attract customers with custom, configurable listings
• Expand buyer base with the Infopia trade-in system
• Maximize your profit potential with detailed analytics
• Automate online business management

eCommerce sellers interested in using a solution such as Infopia to manage their business can contact the Certified Provider and decide if they offer the right tool for their business.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Infopia on eBay Radio - Enhancing a Multi-Channel Solution

Listen on eBay Radio as Infopia discusses new enhancements and upgrades made to their all-in-one solution automating eBay sellers and online merchants businesses.

New Enhancements

• Upgrades to Third Party Checkout
• Integrated with PayPal Express Checkout
• Faster eBay listing with eBay Product Catalog integration
• Sales History Maintenance (improve eBay rankings and visibility)
• Full customer history records with Salesforce

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Thoughtful Product Descriptions Create Sales by Infopia

Blog post provided by Infopia

Product descriptions are essential to merchandising and selling successfully online. A picture may speak a thousand words, but rarely tells a potential customer why they should buy that particular product from you. The three following strategies will help you to write product strategies that will sell.

Get to Know Your Customers
Determining who your customers are will help you to determine what they value in a product and what kind of language you should use in the product description. The actual product you are selling will also determine your audience. If the majority of your customers are high level executives purchasing business to business services you will use a much different vocabulary than you would if you were selling family vacation packages.

Create Excitement
Product descriptions should not only give necessary details of the product (size, color, availability) but also create excitement and a desire to own the product. Be sure to answer the following questions in a description:

1. What makes this product better than others?
2. Why does your customer need this product?

Example: “Stay ahead of the fashion curve in these boots, This boot features black leather with a scrunch detail at the front. This knee boot is slightly rounded at the toe and features a 3 inch block heel. This will not be going out of fashion anytime this season!”

The Power of Persuasion: Tell a Story
Using the power of persuasion through emotion (Pathos) and appealing to your customers emotions in a product description is a very effective way to sell products. It can be difficult to build a relationship with your customers when you sell online. By using the pathos method of persuasion you will be able to bring back the “human element” online. This is something that can set you apart in the cold world of online selling. The easiest way to create this type of persuasion is to tell a story about the product. Use descriptive words that will appeal to your customers. This is also an effective method of using positive customer reviews.

Example: “I order from you guys all the time and my pit bull (who I write a column about in the magazine NorthSide San Francisco) loves your bully sticks, especially the meaty ones! The 12 inch think last a long time–the only ones I’ve found that do, and I’ve ordered from everyone. I find your quality and prices to be the best.–Susan in SF, CA”

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Infopia Helps eBay Sellers and Online Retailers Efficiently Manage Return Merchandise

Infopia announced new functionality in their comprehensive solution for ecommerce retailers and eBay sellers, Return Merchandise Authorization.

Infopia, an eBay Certified Solution Provider, centralizes and automates an eBay seller’s business through a single all-in-one solution. Now, sellers can automate more of their business by reducing the amount of time and money they spend handling returns or RMAs.

The new functionality allows customers to create Return Merchandise Authorizations or RMAs inside the Infopia Transact system. This allows an eBay seller or their customer service representatives to:

• Search for and view the orders to be returned
• Select items from the orders to be returned
• Adjust recommended refunds on the RMA by changing prices, discounts and shipping charges
• Apply restocking fees
• Reject returns, with notes on the original order
• Submit the RMA order to the Infopia Transact system, where it is tied to the original order for tracking
• Add notes to both the original and the RMA order, to ensure no mix ups
• Edit the RMA order
• Create replacement orders

The new RMA functionalities will allow for a more thorough and customer friendly return process for Infopia clients.

eBay sellers interested in using a full service, multi-channel solution for their online and retail business should contact Infopia directly and discuss their needs to decide if Infopia offers the right tool for them.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Make Use of eBay Buyer Incentives in Your Checkout

eBay is working hard to bring you buyers by offering purchase incentives to buyers in the form of eBay coupons, eBay Bucks and cash back rewards with other online partners. All at no cost to you!

eBay sellers may be using a Certified Provider offering additional checkout features through their own checkout (Third Party Checkout) instead of eBay checkout.

Benefits:

• Verification of buyer incentive support right in View Item Page
• Reduce contacts from buyers
• Improve DSR scores
• Increase sales through more visibility and greater buyer savings
• Reduce unpaid items by requiring Immediate Pay (coming in October)

It’s important to note which Certified Provider you are using or considering and which version of PayPal checkout the Certified Provider supports to ensure your eBay buyers are able to maximize and use their eBay coupons and other incentives.

Some third party checkout users may not be able to accept certain eBay incentives depending which version of PayPal checkout they use. View our detailed chart here.

To take advantage of all buyer incentives eBay has to offer, we recommend using the latest version of PayPal Express Checkout with your Third Party Checkout from an eBay Certified Provider.

Certified Providers:
Auctiva
ChannelAdvisor
Infopia
Kyozou
Vendio

If you are a seller using eBay checkout, there’s nothing you need to do. All incentives are compatible.

Stand Out from the Crowd with Advanced Photo Features for eBay

You can increase buyer confidence and capture more bids with great pictures. Make the most out of your eBay item pictures and provide a visual shopping experience for eBay buyers. Pictures attract attention. Put your best “picture” forward and give your buyers a clear and detailed view of your eBay items.

eBay Certified Providers can help you show your product in its best light through Advanced Picture Services:

• Image hosting
• Bulk image uploading
• Super sizing
• Zoom ("zoom" in to view sections of the image in detail)
• Watermarking
• Image protection
• Image management (organize)
• Image editing (crop, resize, rotate and enhance color)

Benefits:

• Increase bids, conversion and DSRs through accurate and informative product representation
• Reduce Unpaid items and “Significantly Not As Described” (SNAD) claims
• Save time and money by optimizing your listing and image workflow

For photo hosting, easy uploads, image protection, image management and more, check out our eBay Certified Providers.

Certified Providers:

Vendio

inkFrog

Monsoon

Auctiva

Infopia

Kyozou

ChannelAdvisor

Seller Sourcebook

Established in 2004, the eBay Certified Provider Program recognizes third party companies excelling at providing the tools or services an eBay seller needs to grow their business and increase efficiency.

Increase Sales and Improve Visibility on eBay with Strategy and Marketing Help

Increase your sales and improve visibility of your items on eBay with listing strategy and marketing help. It’s not enough to just be on top, you need to maintain “top billing” status and beat out your competition for eBay buyer attention. Be unique. Capitalize on eBay search, listing formats, visibility features, marketing and merchandising tools for eBay sellers.

Every winner has a strategy, and so should you.

Benefits:

• Incorporate successful eBay pricing and listing strategies
• Understand demand patterns of your product(s)
• Compete effectively with your competition
• Create effective design and build a recognizable name/brand on eBay to suit your target buyer
• Up-sell additional eBay inventory
• Configurable listings: Save time and spend less by letting buyers build the listing they want, on the fly
• Trade-In program: Sell and source simultaneously, while expanding your market to owners of similar merchandise. Take a trade in right in the listing. Make buyers happy by providing trade in value based on trade in worth.

Consider enlisting the marketing and strategy services of an eBay Certified Provider to get started on eBay, or to grow your current eBay business with effective marketing and merchandising tools. eBay Certified Providers work with all levels of eBay sellers from beginners to larger online merchants and brick and mortar retailers.

eBay Education, Consulting and Marketing

As Was

WhatDoISell

The Queen of Auctions

Merchandising Tools

Infopia

Vendio

inkFrog

Auctiva

Six Consumer Decision Factors When Purchasing

Infopia, an eBay Certified Solutions Providers, recently posted a great article titled, "What Online Shoppers Value in Choosing an Online Retailer", based on consumer information gathered from a Shop.org survey of over 4,000 online consumers age 18 and up. You can read the full post here.

To summarize the article, the top decision factors consumers make when choosing to buy from a retailer or eBay seller are:

1. Price - sales and price discounts are still number one, especially amongst women
2. Free Shipping - consumers, particularly women also valued free shipping highly
3. Everyday Low Prices - consistency in providing a good deal
4. Merchandise Assortment - breadth of selection for additional purchases
5. Coupons and Promotional Discounts - extra incentives encouraging repeat purchases
6. Merchandise Quality - satisfaction guarantees & easy returns

eBay Certified Providers can help eBay sellers position themselves to stand out from the competition and provide the above decision factors in order to increase buyer turnout, sales and repeat purchases through:

• Research
• Consulting
• Marketing & Merchandising
• Customer Relationship Management
• Product Sourcing

Established in 2004, the eBay Certified Provider Program recognizes third party companies excelling at providing the tools or services an eBay seller needs to grow their business and increase efficiency. Contact a Certified Provider today and find out how they can help your ecommerce business.

Infopia Continues to Provide a Robust Solution for eBay Sellers

We’d like to clear up some confusion about eBay’s recent announcement regarding Third Party Checkout and eBay Certified Solutions Provider, Infopia. Infopia was approved by eBay to continue to provide Third Party Checkout to their eBay sellers. Infopia made the decision to discontinue offering Third Party Checkout and move to eBay Checkout by June 15th.

eBay Sellers currently using Infopia, you will be able to continue to use Infopia for eBay listing and management of inventory, customers, etc…after June 15th. The only difference will be after June 15th all items purchased on eBay will go through eBay Checkout instead of the previous approved Infopia Checkout.

Benefits to eBay Checkout are:

• Ability to require Immediate Payment on Fixed Price listings
• Reduce Unpaid Item Claims
• Simple, easy checkout for eBay buyers
• Supports all eBay coupons and buyer incentives

If you are currently an Infopia customer or considering Infopia, we encourage you to contact Infopia directly and discuss your selling needs and how their planned move to eBay checkout will help your eBay sales.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Read here for more information on eBay’s recent announcements on Third Party Checkout.

Infopia eCommerce Leadership Summit - March 2009

Infopia, an eBay Certified Solution Provider, is holding an eCommerce Leadership Summit March 3-5, 2009 in Salt Lake City, UT.

The eCommerce Leadership Summit is a comprehensive gathering of eCommerce leaders in 2009 for SMB online merchants. You will have the opportunity to learn from business leaders and other successful online merchants on how to make eCommerce success a reality.

Key benefits for attending:

• Effective decision making based on accurate data reporting and metrics
• Create efficient operational workflows for your eBay business
• Successfully overcome customer satisfaction issues
• Drive high quality traffic and convert watchers into buyers

Check out the full eCommerce Leadership Summit agenda.

Founded in 1999, Infopia provides (Software as a Service) eCommerce solutions—helping eBay sellers grow their business efficiently and effectively.

Infopia and Salesforce - A Powerful Customer Relationship Management Tool

Listen on eBay Radio as Infopia discusses their Salesforce addition for eBay sellers. With Infopia and Salesforce, eBay sellers can fully manage their customer relationships through

• Ability to manage all communications with eBay buyers
• Have a 360° view of eBay customer activity for faster customer resolutions and strategic decisions
• Analyze and segment eBay customers, as well as order information for targeted email campaigns and buyer loyalty programs
• And more...

Download a Solution Overview