Spring cleaning for CNY 2017 is underway and aside from cleaning out the house, it is also a time for taking out the trash. From old(-er) clothes to unwanted furniture, many might leave them at void decks to be picked up by the town council. But where’s the fun in that?
If you’re going to clear them out, you might as well make some money out of them.
According to app store rankings, Carousell stands strong at top of the list for Singapore shopping apps, so what better place to get the best free publicity for your item?
Even for the inexperienced user, Carousell is an easy-to-use app that allows you to sell items with ease. But with so many people already hawking their belongings there, what will it take to distinguish yourself?
Strategy, of course!
Anyone can take attractive photos (and apply filters to them to make them more beautiful). What matters are the subtler things that buyers may not actively look out for, but are unconsciously influenced by. Here are some tips to being a better seller on Carousell.
1. Details, Details, Details
Yes, first impressions count. Making the effort to take your own pictures — rather than ripping a random snap of something off the Internet — does say something about your sincerity. It will also give potential buyers a clearer idea of the fit of your clothing.
Look for a plain surface to act as a backdrop for your items. For clothes, ironing is recommended — that way, they’ll photograph better and look neater. Try not to feature apparel on brightly-coloured hangers; they tend to distract buyers from the clothes. Instead, use hangers in more neutral colours like white.
2. Be Specific
A common complaint buyers have is that the products they receive don’t match the description of the item. Be very specific: provide details such as the condition of the item, colour (give a precise shade, if possible) and include disclaimers where necessary. If certain products warrant warnings (such as those unsuitable for people with sensitive skin), do mention them.
Giving clear product specifications and descriptions make things easy not just for buyers; they also reduce the need for buyers to ask additional questions about your items, so you can make the sale faster.
3. Honesty Is The Best Policy
Honesty goes a long way, especially when it comes to marketing your items. If the item has been used before, mention it. Also, do not over-value your items. It’s important to make your products sound attractive, but if the facts are untrue, your buyers will lose confidence in you — and they may never come back.
4. Collect Feedback
Get your buyers to give feedback on their experience. That way, you’ll be able to work on improving in areas that your buyers actually care about. Positive feedback will attract more buyers to your timeline, and distinguishes you from other sellers. Note that Carousell does read your customer feedback, so if you have good reviews, you could even become a Featured Seller!
5. Set Prices Right
When potential buyers attempt to negotiate for lower prices, don’t consent to their offers immediately. Wait it out and see if anyone is willing to buy your item at the original price. If no one takes up the offer, it’s not too late to get in touch with the person who made the negotiation. Also, ensure your pricing is reasonable and cheaper than what is being offered in retail stores.
6. Deal With Difficult Buyers
One of the most annoying parts about selling is waiting for the customer who showed interest to respond to you. Do not feel pressurised by buyers: if they don’t give you a response, simply send them a message if you need a reply urgently.
Try not to take reservations from buyers — they could leave you hanging, or never return to your account. Also check up on your buyers’ profiles before selling items to them: if they’ve received a lot of negative feedback, you might not want to waste your efforts on them.
7. Clarify Meeting Details
Making clarification regarding items or payment modes is very important. Should buyers have special requests, it’s best that you get a heads up before meeting them.
Remind the buyer of the date and meeting time the day before. Bring change, or request for them to bring exact amounts of cash. A recommended meeting place would be one that’s convenient for you, or an MRT station that is near both you and the buyer.
8. Be Memorable
Making good connections and friends among the Carousell community will help you build a wider circle of followers, ensuring that you have a good market to sell to. It will also allow for prospective partnerships and meaningful collaboration.
Being polite and friendly gives a good impression to the buyer when they finally meet you face-to-face. This will give you a chance to boost your customer reviews. Another way is to offer freebies upon meeting up, or a personal note to thank the buyer. Genuine courtesy and friendliness goes a long way.
