When you sell on an online auction site and market place, you are not only selling. You are also interacting with other sellers and buyers. That is why one of the best things you can do is to join the forum of the site you are selling on. As a new seller, you will probably have a million questions. On the forum, you will find a lot of people who are willing to share their knowledge and help you. Take advantage of all that support. Often, you will be able to get in touch with someone that will lend you a guiding hand even in the middle of the night.

Here is the summary of the most important advice that the experienced sellers give to their new colleagues:

One: Run an honest business. Never list for sale an item you are unable to supply: the merchandise must be in your possession. In case of mishaps - like an object breaking just when you were about to pack and dispatch it - inform your buyer. Explain what happened and offer several options, like sending a substitute item or a refund. We found that 99% of buyers will be accommodating as long as you are honest.

Two: Keep your customers happy. Customers want three things: instant response, clear communication, and the item they purchased - exactly as it was advertised. Do not disappoint them. Do not misrepresent or over-advertise an item just to make a sale: be sure to use an image of the actual item on sale, especially if you are selling unique of second-hand items, and to reveal any flaws or shortcomings your item has. Answer emails immediately. Ship as soon as you receive the payment (but never before). Pack your item carefully. If you can, toss in something for free.

Three: Stand behind your product. Follow the example of smart sellers and offer a money-back guarantee on everything you sell. A money-back guarantee invariably improves your credibility and can contribute to the increase of sales. You actually do not risk much, because even unhappy people rarely go to the trouble of sending something back. However, if anyone does, do be as good as your word: the cost of providing a few refunds will be far out-weighted by the increase in your sales.

Four: Plan for the unexpected. Give yourself twice as much time as you think you need. Something always goes wrong.

Five: Be patient. Do not expect overnight success. In the beginning, your entire online customer base may consist of family members and friends. Do your part by making your online presence the best it can be. Keep making the items that you love and that you would purchase. Someone who likes your work will find it and give it a new loving home.

Six: Experiment for success. Don't be afraid to try something new, especially if the sales continue to be sluggish. Re-evaluate your products. Try using different colours. If that still doesn't bring results, then start adding some new items to your offer. Remember - you have to work to make your online selling business work.

Seven: Take a breather. Growth can pose as many - or even more - problems than lack of instant success. In the beginning it is heart-warming to grow fast, but you may want to deliberately scale down the sales in order to be able to handle all the processes involved efficiently, from making the item to dispatching it. If you want to maintain complete control and do most of the work yourself, you may opt to do like the seller who says: "I want to stay small enough so that I can treat my customers like gold".