How can I improve?

[thecozynook]

I sell books and book-related items i.e. bookmarks, bookcovers, coasters, coffee mug cozies, etc. I've made a few sales, but not much. How can I improve my online store? Any suggestions and constructive criticism is very much appreciated!

[chapeau-noir]

That's a cool niche!  Books (themselves) however, is a very crowded category and you're up against enormous book sellers who often use eBay as just another channel for their Amazon sales.  However, other smaller sellers do well by offering collectible books, rare books, unusual titles, series, etc. When  I sold books I concentrated on this but it was a struggle selling anything even remotely mainstream unless I had a whole series.  I would just keep listing your items consistently until you get your numbers up, and definitely work up the book-related items (covers, cozies, etc.) - people love hand crafted items!  Also, the cooler weather is rolling around.

ETA: Ah, that tagging thing, I forget.  @thecozynook 

[duncanvr]

Put in a returns policy for a start buyer pays return shipping.

[coolections]

The only way with what you are selling (slow movers), is instead of 43 listings change that to 443 listings.

[tdumonde2014]

You might want to compare your prices to other sellers on ebay, most of your books can be purchased for 30-50% less.

[iart]

First and immediate, get rid of the 'no returns' policy. All this says is 1) buyers shouldn't trust you and 2) that if the buyer wants they can keep your item AND get refunded.

Other than that, you need higher minimum sales. We try at least $14 with free shipping and that's pretty much working for less than minimum wage. I don't think it's a good idea to take on the stress, the time, the potential for negatives or returns for a couple dollars (after fees and shipping).

[maxine*j]

Just thoughts:

You may care to rethink your "No Returns" policy.  "No Returns" does not mean "No Refunds" because eBay offers a Money Back Guarantee to buyers.  If eBay intervenes on a refund, it will take "No Returns" to mean that you do not want the item back, so the buyer gets the refund and the item.  This may be okay for something small and inexpensive, but it can really bite on some sales.

You need to add a lot more inventory, but I'm sure you know that.  Think about bookends, book holders, tote bags for books, coasters, journals.  Bookish themes for totes and coasters and the like can include quotes as well as book-relaed graphics. 

Put as much info as you can in every title.  "Handmade Crochet Cat" is a good start but add to that, since you have the room -- maybe color or size or use or material.  Also, in your description:  If this is suitable for a child to play with, say so.  If it is not, be sure to say that it is not a child-safe toy.

I like what you are trying to do, and wish you success.

=

[evry1nositswindy]

Don't try to match prices with the 'mega sellers' who list books (with no pictures) for $3 free shipping.  As a book buyer and a book seller, I go out of my way to buy from smaller sellers with pictures of the actual book I am buying.  The books that I list have a minimum of 8 pictures, but most of the time I use all 12.  I state in my listing that the photos are of the actual item you will be receiving, not stock photos.  Some people will spend more for that reason...some will not. 

[soh.maryl]

For starters, you might want to mention what's inside the crocheted cat and also explain the $1 price variation between the two you have listed.