The Basics of eBay Inventory Management
Top Methods for eBay Inventory Storage
Top Methods for eBay Inventory Storage
Having a method of storing your inventory and keeping it organized is essential with an eBay business. When you store, manage, and organize all your products efficiently, it gives you the means to ensure your business is productive and products are sent out in the best condition possible to customers. There are several methods of managing and organizing your eBay inventory and the choice you make can affect your business's long-term success.
Tips and Tricks for eBay Inventory Storage and Organization
Nobody who sells products on eBay wants to end up in a situation where they have to cancel a product sale because the item can't be found. This can be avoided when you implement an inventory storage solution that works for your needs. This guide will walk through how to store and organize items for eBay, including special considerations based on the types of products you sell.
1
Decide Where Items Will Be Stored
The most crucial part of organizing your inventory for eBay is likely deciding where to store it. Many sellers choose to use a section of their home for their eBay products. This works especially well for individuals who have a basement or a spare room. Those who have less space may need to dedicate a portion of a room to the business and separate it with partitions from the rest of the area. Many sellers are more productive in a quiet space without disturbances.
Another option is working outside of the home in a shed or garage. Regardless of where you store eBay inventory items, make sure there is space for handling shipping and taking photographs.
2
Choose a Storage System
It's also important to decide how your eBay inventory will be stored in the chosen space. There are several options, but many individuals utilize large amounts of shelving with see-through containers stacked on them. It's also possible to purchase shelving custom-designed to make the most of the room where you keep your eBay inventory storage.
Basket containers or totes can be used but will not show what items are inside. This can be an issue since sorting and moving inventory can cause damage and loss of potential profit. Containers with hard sides are usually harder to damage.
3
Pick an Organization Method
It's essential to choose an organizational method that makes sense to you and makes it easy to access the items you need. A simple distinction can be made between objects that are already listed and those that will be listed later. Add another area for items that have sold but not shipped yet. This works for some, but you can branch out if you prefer another method. Depending on the items in your eBay inventory, you might organize them by use, age, size, style, or other attributes.
4
Select a Labeling System
The labeling on your products should be simple to read and clear since that makes it much easier to record your inventory most efficiently. Many newer eBay sellers choose to use an Excel spreadsheet or a Google Sheet to keep track of their current stock of merchandise. Growing sellers prefer to use a multichannel e-commerce platform like ours to manage their inventory, often using a bulk inventory management system or automating the inventory process. Make sure to take down all the details, including a description, costs, and a SKU or other number that makes it easy to determine where the item is stored.
5
Think About Pre-Packaging
Pre-packing items is a common practice among eBay sellers who offer quick shipping. The basic process involves receiving the item, taking photos and measurements, and then packing it to go out as soon as a customer buys it. This helps ensure all shipping costs are accurate while getting orders out to customers in a short timeframe.
However, pre-packaging isn't always useful, such as when a buyer orders several items at once. It also requires a detailed organizational system with accurate storage and labeling since packaged items will be more difficult to distinguish from each other.
Storing Specific Types of eBay Inventory Items
Some types of products you may sell on eBay have certain requirements in terms of storage or packaging. Following industry recommendations is essential for offering quality products. The most common include:
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Clothing
When storing clothing, it should be folded neatly and not kept on a hanger. Hangers can damage or stretch fabric. Clothing should not be stored in plastic since the fibers need to breathe. Leaving it in plastic packaging can cause mildew to grow, which may ruin the items. For the best protection of clothing, consider wrapping the products in acid-free tissue paper. Clothing is best stored in a cool, dark and dry environment. Higher end clothing should be stored on hangars whenever possible to minimize fold marks.
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Electronics
If possible, all electronics should be kept in their original packaging. The boxes and other packaging are created specifically to ensure these items stay safe and secure while being stored. In some cases, a seller may not have access to the original packaging for electronic products. The best solution, in this case, is wrapping up the items in antistatic foam. This will ensure that the screens stay protected and that finishes won't be abraded. Make sure you store them in a dry place as many electronics are packaged in cardboard or similar material.
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Furniture
New furniture that is sold as eBay inventory should be stored in the box on the floor. Sellers who are selling second-hand furniture can take apart the items and wrap them up so that they remain undamaged and safe during storage. Another benefit of dismantling used furniture is that the separate pieces will typically take up less space than assembled furniture.
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Hard Goods
For hard goods in storage, they should be kept near the floor. This will prevent any excess damage if the items are dropped or fall from their storage location. Keep in mind that expensive appliances can be damaged in these situations even if they are kept in their original protective packaging.
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Soft Goods
Soft goods are eBay inventory items that are soft. This includes things like pillows, bedding, linens, and towels. All of these products can be stored easily since it will be much more difficult to damage them. The flexibility they offer also means they can be stored in additional spaces compared to other items.
Safely storing and organizing your eBay inventory is important to ensure you get orders out on time and without damage. The next topic that might be interesting to eBay sellers is inventory turnover and how it affects your business.
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