Ebay Question: Is it a good idea to message someone to tell them that i shipped their order?

Question

I just sold my first item on Ebay today and was wondering if it is a good idea to message them to tell them that I shipped their item. Is it customary? I ask this because i know i have received confirmation emails before from various places. If yes should i send it through Ebay's messenger, or just from my yahoo email account?

Answer 1

Definitely - that will let your customer know to watch for it.

Answer 2

It is not "customary" but it is appreciated by buyers.  I usually request that the seller notify me with an expected arrival date once they have mailed the package since I live in an apartment and work which means I have a hard time getting packages.  Rarely do they actually follow through with my request, but I certainly do appreciate when they do!

As for how, definitely just use the eBay messenger.  It is simple and keeps things private.  Most people have an email notification when they receive a message from an eBay member so they will see it in their normal email as well as on the my eBay page.

If you do do it, do it the same day or next day after you shipped the product.  If you wait, buyers might get confused or think that you took a long time to ship the product.  Good luck with your future eBaying!

Answer 3

Yes it is a great idea.Send it both ways.This shows professionalism and if you are new to building an online business you want to make the best out of it.

Answer 4

I think an email telling the buyer the seller has shipped each item is a must! It shows you are a good business.    

Answer 5

Yes, definitely keep up good communication with your buyer.

My usual communication is:

1)  Email them and thank them for their payment and let them know that I'll email once the item is shipped just to confirm shipment.

2)  I email them after shipment to confirm that I shipped the item and give them any tracking information if you have it.  

(You can print postage online from USPS which includes free delivery confirmation with a #.  USPS will even pick the package up at your door if you'll put in for package pickup online.)

3)  If they write after they received the item, I also write a note back thanking them for letting me know it arrived safely.

Good communication with buyers is *very much* appreciated.  They've given you their money and it reassures them when they get a personal email from you about it.

I also make the emails more 'personal' rather than 'business-like'.  I think some ebay sellers think if they act more like a business, people will take them more seriously.  But actually, people like hearing from an individual in a casual way other than serious form letter.  

I use my regular email because it's easier for me to keep it as a paper trail, but that's a personal thing.

Have fun with your new ebay adventure!

The most important thing is to be very honest in your descriptions.

Answer 6

yeah you should send confirmation email. I always get annoyed by sellers who never send me shipping information after shipping. makes me want to file a dispute.

Answer 7

Yes and include any tracking information you may have

Answer 8

send it!!!! we buyers love it!!!