How to Sell Something

Selling things is easier than ever before. It's also cheaper. Whether you want to sell a single product or many, you can easily reach an audience. There are proven techniques that will help you become more successful at selling things, either online or off-line.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Navigating the Selling Process

1
Understand how people make decisions to buy your product. A lot of research shows that people make emotional decisions when they buy things. So consider what emotional triggers might make a person want to buy your product, and incorporate them in your advertising.
- Realize that people often respond to stories about other people, not just dry facts. For example, if you can include a testimonial from a person who has used your product, that will have an emotional response in people.
- People do still need facts to rationalize a purchase, though. So, do still include specific facts about the product, such as its condition and manufacturer.^{[1]XResearch source}
- People often respond to testimonials because many people follow the crowd.
2
Determine your unique selling proposition. Determine how your product is different from the competition. Perhaps it’s cheaper or in particularly good condition. Maybe it performs better in a certain way than other products do.
- You can hinge your advertising wording or campaigns on this unique factor that separates you from the competition. ^{[2]XResearch source}
- People need to be told how your product will meet a need (or want). What direct benefit will they get? And how is it different from every other product?
3
Set the price. You will want to take great care when determining pricing. You need to understand the price the market will bear.
- Determine the profit margin you are seeking. This means you will subtract the cost of the product from your purchase price. You can use online calculators to determine the purchase price based on the gross profit margin you are desiring. ^{[3]XResearch source}
- This takes research. You need to know what your competition sells its products for, so you can price your product competitively, while still making a profit. If you are selling a used product, make sure you know what it sells for new by going to the manufacturer’s website. If you are selling a product on an online site, search for the pricing used by other people who are selling similar products. Look up the prices of competitor businesses.
- Don’t under or over price your product. Either approach can be disastrous for your business in the long run. For example, if you try to sell, say, a used car too cheaply, because might wonder if something is wrong with it.^{[4]XResearch source} Write down all of your expenses before determining the price. Keep detailed track of them.
- Cnet is a website that allows you to compare pricing for electronics. ^{[5]XResearch source}
4
Figure out your target consumer/market. It's critical that you understand your potential audience. Don't try to generically sell something to the entire world. Narrowing your audience to a target consumer will help you fine tune your advertising language.
- Selling something to a younger person can be very different from selling something to an elderly person. Younger generations might be more likely to purchase a product online, and the language you use to sell the product should be less formal. For example, an older person might not be on Facebook enough (or be on it at all) to receive your Facebook ad.
- Some questions to ask yourself when determining a target market are who has already bought from you, whose problems would be solved by the product you offer, whether you are overreaching in determining audience, and whether you’re making assumptions or have done research on your target audience’s interests and needs. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- Once you understand your market, you will want to link your product’s benefits to outcomes they are interested in receiving.
- Do your homework. Know your target market as well as you can. Research demographics, purchasing patterns, and so forth. Know your product as well as you can. ^{[7]XResearch source}
5
Close the deal. Make sure you actually get the customer to buy the product. This is called "closing," and it's a key part of selling. ^{[8]XResearch source}
- You might close the deal by getting a customer’s signature. An assumptive sale is when the seller assumes the customer is ready to buy and tells the customer how they will complete the sale.
- Be patient. Sometimes you don’t need to make the close immediately because you are nurturing a customer. People are suspicious of high-pressure sales tactics. ^{[9]XResearch source}
- Ask and listen when talking to a target consumer. Figure out what they are looking for, and try to figure out what really matters to them.
- After you close the deal, you need to make sure you deliver the product as promised.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selling your Product Online

1
Sell something on eBay. It's easy to sell something on eBay, and it's a great way to move your product online. You will gain immediate access to a large buying audience.
- Sign into the eBay site, and create an account. Just click “sell” at the top of the website’s home page, and sign in or register for a new account. Then, list what you want to sell, and add pictures. eBay allows you to add up to 10 photos. ^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you know your item's market value, choose the fixed price listing format, and provide your price. If your item is really unique or you aren't sure of its value, you could use an auction-style listing format. eBay has a quick listing tool that allows you to compare the pricing of similar products.
- Choose a shipping option. eBay allows many shipping options. You can order USPS flat rate boxes and envelopes for free, schedule pick ups at home, or offer different shipping options.
- Click "list it," and buyers will start seeing your product.
- Once a buyer pays for your item, you need to ship it. You should leave positive feedback for your buyer if you plan on selling again. It builds loyal customers.
- Collect your pay. Most buyers use PayPal to get paid by buyers on eBay. PayPal is an easy site to join. It allows you to electronically move money to your checking account or to request a check.
- To increase your success on eBay, make sure you have a specific headline that contains the product name that people would actually search. You want to eliminate adjectives like amazing or wonderful. ^{[11]XResearch source}
- Include photos. They will help you sell your product. And put them on top so potential buys see them first.
2
Sell something on Craigslist. Many people find buyers for their products on Craigslist. All you have to do is go to the Craigslist website. You can select a site in your geographic area or other area you want to sell in, although you can only post your ad on one. Craigslist is free to post.
- Include a photo. People are very suspicious of people trying to sell them things, especially online, so you’ll have better luck if they can see what you are offering. Make your photos look good. For example, you might want to clean up the product before photographing it.
- Include a deadline. If you add some urgency to your add, such as saying it must be picked up by Friday, you will increase sales. ^{[12]XResearch source}
- Be careful when meeting buyers off Craigslist. Meet people in a public place, only, for your own safety. If you can’t meet in public (such as when you are selling a large household item), make sure to have one or more people with you when you meet the buyer. It’s a good idea to accept only cash. ^{[13]XResearch source}
- A strong headline is important to draw people in because your product may be competing with many others. Use keywords associated with your product that people are likely to search, and include the product’s brand name, and its condition. In the ad text, you need to give details about the product, including color, dimensions, and any issues, such as tears or other problems. ^{[14]XResearch source}
- Make sure to include contact information with the ad. You can use Craig’s List’s anonymous email service to protect your privacy and increase safety.
3
Sell something on Amazon. Amazon.com is obviously a major mover of products online. However, you can sell your own stuff on Amazon, not just buy products from established companies. However, unlike eBay and Craigslist, you can only sell a product already listed on the Amazon site. For example, you can't sell an old antique if Amazon is not already selling the same product.
- Choose the category. There are many categories for selling on Amazon. You can choose professional sales categories for example. You need a professional selling account to sell in some categories, but not others. Amazon provides a chart to help you figure out which category your product falls under and whether you need approval to sell or a professional account. ^{[15]XResearch source}
- Find a selling plan you can afford. If you sell more than 40 items a month, Amazon recommends a professional account, which is more costly than an individual account. ^{[16]XResearch source} For an individual account and a seller of a few products, Amazon charges 99 cents per sale and a few other associated costs. Amazon does charge commissions for sales, and they usually range from 6 to 15 percent. ^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
- To sell as a professional or individual, you need to create an account on Amazon’s website. You will need to enter your name if you are selling as an individual and you will be asked to provide a credit card to pay any fees. You will also be asked to create a display name.
- Once you are registered, create a listing for your product. Select the condition, price, and shipping method. Click “manage orders” to see all orders. You can only sell a product that is already listed on Amazon’s site. So search for your product on the site, like typing in the ISBN of a book you want to sell. Most products have a “sell on Amazon” button at their page, which you should click on if you want to sell a version of your own. ^{[18]XResearch source}
4
Make your product searchable with keywords. One important tip to increase sales on Amazon is to make sure people can find it when they search for a product like it. Most people find products on Amazon through typing in keywords in the search bar.
- Plant keywords in your product title. That means you put words in the title that people would be likely to search if they were seeking your product. ^{[19]XResearch source}
- You can also add five search terms to your product, and you should add all five. For example a phone titled Nokia phone will probably place lower in searches than Nokia phone with bluetooth because the latter contains more keywords.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Selling a Product Off-Line

1
Embrace social interaction. When you are selling off-line, you will want to take advantage of social interaction. You might want to organize an in-home product demonstration and take advantage of friends’ networks.
- Find spots where many target consumers gather, such as farmers' markets or the local fair.
- Build trust in your brand by sponsoring local events.
- Try giving some of the product away. People respond to giveaways because, if they like your product, they will want to buy it.
2
Building relationships matters. People who sell things often have a network of sources built up. They go to lunch with a lot of people, and they are quick to hand out and collect a business card. Word of mouth springs from relationships, in part.
- Listening to a customer and perceiving their needs is a key part of the selling process. ^{[20]XResearch source}
- Cold calling without any understanding that your product might be a fit for the consumer rarely works out very well. In contrast, developing long-term relationships with people will make you a good seller because they will come back for more product and will tell their friends to buy from you too.
- Selling can take time. They say that selling things can be a marathon, not a sprint. It's a process.
- Try to be candid when you talk to potential customers instead of sounding rehearsed. If you sound too rehearsed, they won't trust you as much.
3
Develop a marketing plan. You will want to figure out a budget for advertising and marketing and consider ways you can reach your audience more cheaply, such as through social media.
- Determine whether you want to advertise on radio, television, and in the newspaper, as well as new media environments. What will best reach your target consumer?
- For a company, figure out your minimum and maximum advertising budget by taking 10 and 12 percent of your projected annual gross sales. Multiple it by the markup from your average transaction. Then deduct your rent from each. The remainder is your minimum and maximum advertising budget. ^{[21]XResearch source}
4
Consider a rummage sale. If you are just trying to get rid of a lot of household items, consider holding a rummage sale.
- Advertise your rummage sale, in the newspaper and online through local social media sites or sites like Craigslist. Give a good listing of the types of items you are selling and any unique items you have.
- Portable items sell best at rummage sales. So think about what clothing items or household pieces you have to sell that people can easily take with them. ^{[22]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
- Figure out the best day to hold your rummage sale. People are less likely to go to your rummage sale on weekdays during the day, for example.
- Call your city, village or town hall to determine whether you need a permit for your rummage sale. This will vary by community.
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Question
Who pay for shipping?
Donagan
Top Answerer
Typically the seller decides who pays for shipping (as revealed in the sales offer).
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Tips

Be genuine and friendly. Having the right personality can help people overcome their fear about buying a product.
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Always tell the truth when selling a product. If you misrepresent your product, people will remember that and word will spread.
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Remember that you will usually have to pay fees to sell products online.
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