Ebay stores have several benefits over a typical auction and eBay has made starting one fairly easy. Users can have multiple items in one listing and they can organize them however they see fit.
An efficiently run store can:
Generate good feedback, making it easier to sell goods in the future
Save both seller and buyer a lot of time
Make the seller a lot of money
Basic principles of running an efficient eBay store
Describe the items accurately, and include multiple pictures if possible. Much of the negative feedback received by sellers comes from not accurately representing the condition of the item when it is listed. It is true that taking several pictures and writing out a long list of flaws takes time, but in the long run it is more efficient to do so as it eliminates the time that would be spent dealing with irate customers, and also having to reship items that they have returned.
Unhappy customers are a part of being in business. Respond to customer complaints. If someone has a problem, address it immediately. One of the most efficient damage control tools in business is good customer service. In the context of an eBay store, it is a more affordable option than the fallout from unsatisfied buyers.
Having a refund policy is good customer service, but it can also be a very smart way to get goods sold. Having a “returns: not accepted” statement in a listing makes anyone, experienced eBay buyers included, a little hesitant about committing to a purchase. It may make them wonder if there are hidden problems or if the listing in any way misrepresents the condition of the item.
Keeping an inventory organized and tidy is a good way to ensure that the correct item can be found and shipped quickly. Organizing the inventory makes the whole process move smoothly and is less stressful on the store owner.
Package and send the item as soon as possible. A fast delivery makes a good impression and helps to create repeat business. An eBay store owner should have a procedure for printing out shipping labels and getting the items shipped as affordably as possible. This, of the entire process of operating a store, is possibly the most tedious task.