Preview Release of ShipWorks 3.0 Includes Support for FedEx SmartPost

Interapptive (eBay Certified Provider and eBay Developer) supports FedEx SmartPost with an early preview release version of their ShipWorks 3.0 software.

FedEx SmartPost is a cheaper shipping method for packages going to residential customers. FedEx will pick up, sort, track and deliver an eBay seller’s packages by leveraging the delivery network and capabilities of the USPS.

FedEx SmartPost Domestic Features

• Full domestic coverage, including P.O. boxes
• Transit Times 2-8 business days (longer time-in-transit outside the continental 48 states
• Packages up to 70 lbs.

“SmartPost has been a highly requested feature among sellers. Interapptive is the first FedEx Compatible Solutions Provider to be certified for SmartPost, and we’re excited to make this available.” – Wes Clayton, Interapptive President

The ShipWorks software (by Interapptive) provides eBay sellers with a solution to streamline their shipping process. ShipWorks makes it easy to ship more in less time by eliminating manual data entry through integration and direct download of eBay shipping orders from PayPal. ShipWorks will keep track of a seller’s notes, shipments, tracking numbers and emails related to each order. Orders are easily searchable and easily organized using ShipWorks filters.

eBay sellers can use FedEx to ship to P.O. boxes, reduce transit time, minimize handling, and maximize postal discounts.

Contact ShipWorks today to learn more about their eBay and ecommerce shipping software and you can take advantage of FedEx SmartPost.

• 1-800-95-APPTIVE (1-800-952-7784)
• sales@interapptive.com

Interapptive’s ShipWorks software provides online sellers with solutions to streamline their shipping process. ShipWorks makes it easy to ship more in less time by eliminating manual data entry. A free 30-day trial is available to all eBay sellers.

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 Fair - Helps Build eBay Customer Support Awareness of 3rd Party Services and Solutions

eBay held its sixth Certified Provider Fair at the eBay Customer Support center in Salt Lake City, UT. The purpose of the event is to expose Customer Support employees at eBay to the software and services available to the eBay Community from external eBay partners qualified to be an eBay Certified Provider.

Over 300 eBay employees attended and viewed product demos, discussed each solution and relayed ideas and feedback on what their eBay sellers needs are. Lots of interest at the Certified Provider Fair on how Certified Providers support SR2 and help sellers adapt and succeed with the new changes.

• Selling Manager Applications
• Bulk revising of all listings to include Return Policy & Handling Time
• Shipping and tracking automation in My eBay

eBay Customer Support teams were impressed at the range of software and services available to help eBay sellers be more efficient and successful -

• business and strategy consulting
• shipping automation for multiple carriers
• customer relationship management
• market research
• listing solutions
• and more!

Certified Providers in attendance:

1. Vendio
2. ShipWorks
3. Auctiva
4. Seller Sourcebook
5. Worldwide Brands
6. Terapeak
7. inkFrog
8. ShipRush
9. Monsoon
10. Selling Manager Applications from eBay Developers Program Team

To learn more about the tools and services from eBay Certified Providers, check out the Certified Provider website.

Click here to view photos from the Certified Provider Fair.

eBay Workshop August 13th - "Save Time & Money Shipping and Increase Repeat Purchases"

Workshop: Save Time & Money Shipping and Increase Repeat Purchases

Host: ShipWorks
Date: Thursday, August 13th
Time: 11AM PST
Location: eBay Workshop Board

Description: In this workshop, we'll look at how ShipWorks helps you save time shipping with their quick, automated printing of address labels, posting of tracking info in My eBay and shipping tracking notification emails sent to your buyers for multiple carriers. Plus, ShipWorks will show you how they can help you manage, organize and report on customer interactions and their purchase volume with you. You'll be able to understand who YOUR top buyers are and market more effectively to those buyers in order to increase repeat purchases.

Visit http://certifiedprovider.ebay.com/ to learn more about eBay Certified Providers and the services and solutions they offer to help eBay sellers.

eBay Workshops Past, Present and Future Contain Information You Need to Save Money, Save Time and Grow

eBay Workshops are a great learning experience for sellers to learn about the different opportunities available to them to help their eBay business grow and at the same time streamline their manual processes to be more efficient.

In the eBay workshops, we invite a Certified Provider to host a workshop on a topic they are well versed and experienced with. Certified Providers are third party companies, partnered with eBay, and have the expertise and experience to assist an eBay seller in growing their eBay business.

Upcoming Workshop:

• Save Time & Money Shipping and Increase Repeat Purchases August 13th- hosted by ShipWorks

Past Workshops: *review the workshops at any time, even after the scheduled timeslot*

• Save Time Listing and Gain Insightful Understanding into Your Buyers - hosted by Auctiva
• 5 Easy Steps to Increase Your eBay Profits w/Market Research - hosted by Terapeak
• Easy Listing Revisions - Edit LIVE eBay Listings in Bulk - hosted by inkFrog
• Selling on eBay using Drop Shippers: How to Make a Profit - hosted by Worldwide Brands
• Turn Your Household Items Into Cash on eBay - hosted by The Queen of Auctions
• Product Trends for 2009 and Beyond- hosted by WhatDoISell
• Keeping Up With the Latest eBay Strategies - hosted by As Was
• Saving $ When Shipping - Are you getting the most out of First Class Mail? - hosted by ShipRush

If you have questions about the past workshops in 2009, post your questions in our Certified Provider Discussion Board.

Automate Shipping Invoice, Label, Postage Printing and Manage Customer Emails With ShipWorks

The ShipWorks software provides eBay sellers with a solution to streamline their shipping process. ShipWorks makes it easy to ship more in less time by eliminating manual data entry through integration and direct download of eBay shipping orders from PayPal. ShipWorks will keep track of a seller’s notes, shipments, tracking numbers and emails related to each order. Orders are easily searchable and easily organized using ShipWorks filters.

eBay Sellers can set up preferences within ShipWorks to perform common tasks automatically. Such as setting a preference to automatically print invoices, send shipment notification emails, and updating the online status of orders every hour. ShipWorks makes it easy to keep customers up-to-date with shipping and status notifications, automatically.

In addition to managing your shipping flow, ShipWorks is able to maintain a comprehensive list of your customers based on all orders in the system. This allows you to manage customer relationships. You’ll know which customers have generated the most orders, purchase amounts, where customers are located, etc… Customers are easily searchable organized using ShipWorks filters. Utilize ShipWorks reporting to find and track what your customers are buying and how much of it. Compare your actual shipping costs to the shipping costs you are charging. ShipWorks makes it easy to report on any aspect of your business.

Other Benefits of ShipWorks:

• Support multiple carriers
• Endicia and Stamps.com integration for USPS postage printing
• Bulk package tracking
• Bulk label printing
• Bulk invoice printing
• Leave eBay feedback in bulk with customized presets
• Automatically update your "My eBay" status
• Email management
• Supports multiple user accounts
• Package shipment auditing - claim entitled shipping refunds

If you are not finding all the support and automation you need to handle shipping with eBay and PayPal, then try out ShipWorks. ShipWorks is a complete shipping tool.

ShipWorks offers a FREE 30-Day Trial for all eBay sellers!

Easy Shipping Label Printing

eBay sellers will find they need a solution fully supporting automation of bulk shipping label and invoice printing for many carriers. eBay and PayPal may not offer all the support and automation in the shipping workflow a seller needs.

If you need a more complete shipping solution than what eBay and PayPal offer, some of our Certified Providers can help.

Benefits:

• Support multiple carriers
• Endicia and Stamps.com integration
• Bulk label printing
• Bulk invoice printing
• First-Class mail printing
• Support international shipping

Checkout the Certified Providers below for sellers needing a complete shipping tool. Sellers should contact the Certified Provider direct and fully discuss their needs to decide if they offer the right tool for them.

Certified Providers:

ShipRush
ShipWorks