Cindy Sorley has sold on eBay for more than a decade, but that's not her only claim to fame. She's also an in-demand eBay educator, and, most intriguingly, she is a motivational speaker, too. And what eBay seller couldn't use some extra motivation now and then?
Google search loves Pinterest and YouTube… Sellers could do videos about items in their stores or if you have a niche, teach about techniques
In Part 1 of our two-part interview with Sorley, she discussed how she got started selling on eBay, how the site's changed since then, gave us sourcing tips and more.
Here she discusses how she uses social media for her business, and, true to the motivational speaker she is, she also provides a lot of other advice to eBay sellers, including the best advice she's ever received. If that's not motivation enough for you to keep reading, we don't know what is!
Focus on Pinterest and YouTube
Schepp: You're on LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter and you have a blog. Where do you recommend sellers devote most of their time?
Sorley: Pinterest. I have picked up so many followers and sales from my Pinterest pins. I also have a CO$T Pinterest Group where every night we post a new post to have members pin other members' items onto their pages. I have a marvelous admin who pins my items to my Pinterest for me and the rewards have been amazing.
YouTube would be next for pay off. Google search loves Pinterest and YouTube. I have done a few videos teaching mobile listing. Sellers could do videos about items in their stores or if you have a niche, teach about techniques. If I did a video on how to do counted cross-stitch, I could then link to my eBay Store and pick up customers.
I have not noticed many sales from my Facebook page, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.
Schepp: Your website is dynamic and attractive, with plenty to engage viewers. What was your thinking behind it?
Sorley: I sell under the name BubbaCanDance on eBay, but you can find out all about me at CindySorley.com, which has links to everything connected to me. I think talking about life and who I am is important to my niche of buyers.
Stitchers like that I am a stay-at-home mom and also an avid needle worker. On my blog I talk about everything from how to sell and what is selling in the market to my family and my life.
John Donahoe, president of eBay, said the future is mobile and global. I made sure that day that I opened all my listings to every country in the world with no restrictions
Think mobile, global and professional
Schepp: What's the best advice you've received about selling on eBay?
Sorley: I wish I could find the eBay employee who saw me at an eBay event many years ago, and noticed my iPhone and asked if I had seen the brand new eBay Mobile app. He gave me a demonstration, and I have never looked back.
I can list 40 or more like items in an hour on the iPhone. Photos are taken at the time of the listing and not stored on the device, so you are not using up all your storage.
I was also at a luncheon in San Jose a few years ago and John Donahoe, president of eBay, said the future is mobile and global. I made sure that day that I opened all my listings to every country in the world with no restrictions.
Schepp: What's the best advice you've received about selling on eBay?
Sorley: Be positive! Treat your customer the way you expect to be treated. Don't jump to the conclusion that a buyer is out to scam you. If they have a question about an item, answer it in a positive way, and if you need to get back to them, tell them you will in a timely manner and follow through.
Many cases can be worked out and you will retain a return customer based on the way you handle issues. Think like a customer in situations that need attention. Don't take anything personally such as low offers or problems. Run your eBay business as a business. Take the emotion out of it.
When you have a bad experience with a buyer, handle it professionally. When you get a neutral or negative feedback, respond positively and not negatively to the feedback. Future buyers look at feedback and read your response.
If you need to call eBay customer service, remember eBay employees are not your enemy. They, too, are available to coach and offer support. They don't only protect the buyer. They protect the entire community.
Looking to the future
Schepp: Looking ahead, what are you hoping to achieve with your e-commerce businesses?
Sorley: We made a big decision three years ago to build a warehouse in the back yard. It was the best thing we did for the business. We are not paying for an office, and the business is mostly out of the house. I say "mostly" because I list at the dining room table in the evening.
I hope to get rid of a large amount of my inventory this year either through donations, or large lot sales and concentrate more on what makes more money. I will continue buying wholesale and will still seek out "hoards." I have purchased inventories from closed needlework stores and personal collections.
When you get a neutral or negative feedback, respond positively and not negatively to the feedback. Future buyers look at feedback and read your response
My 27-year-old son also sells on eBay and my husband runs the shipping department for me. eBay is still my best venue, but I do sell on other platforms. I see my own website growing bigger in 2015.
Schepp: We hear you are also a motivational speaker. Tell us about that.
Sorley: I speak nationwide to buyers, sellers, and eBay and PayPal employees about buying and selling on the site. I have spoken all over the country. I think having someone who sells encourages others to see that they can do what I do.
I teach them the things not to do, and how to do things quicker and easier. I also teach new sellers how to sell and advanced sellers how to be better sellers.
Schepp: What other advice do you have for sellers?
Sorley: Love your eBay job. Love what you do. eBay is not easy. Make it work for you. Set goals. It can get frustrating, so ask for help in groups, such as CO$T (Cindy's Online Selling Tips).
My saying is, "Buy low. Sell high. Sell what you love!" I also sell things I don't love because they make me money. But I sell what I love because I know what it is and the value of those items.