If you're looking to start your own online supplement business or wish to take your brick-and-mortar supplement brand online for increased sales, you have no shortage of options available to you. From Amazon and Jet to eBay and Ali Baba, there are countless online platforms that make it easy and profitable to start selling supplements online. Before you dive in, however, there are some things you need to know that will improve your chances for success.
Selling Supplements Online: Exploring Your Options
First, know that the potential profits involved in selling supplements online are enormous. The key is knowing not only which supplements are in-demand and being able to provide them, but knowing how to market your online supplement business as well.
Once you've done your research and have a reputable supplement manufacturer you can rely on to produce your desired supplements and assist with packaging/labeling, you'll need to decide which platform you want to begin selling with. Keep in mind that when you're first starting out, it's generally best to stick with one platform for selling, as the costs related to listing on several platforms at once can eat away at your profits.
Some of the more popular platforms on which to sell supplements today include:
- Amazon.com
- Jet.com
- Alibaba.com
- eBay.com
Benefits of Selling Supplements on eBay vs. Amazon or Other Platforms
eBay has certainly lost some business to competitors like Amazon in the past several years, but when it comes to selling supplements, there is a strong case to be made for choosing eBay over sites like Amazon. Below are just a few of the most compelling reasons to consider starting your online supplement business through eBay.
Auction Opportunities
When you list a supplement for sale on Amazon, you select a fixed price that you're willing to accept and that's the price buyers will have to pay (plus shipping and taxes) in order to purchase the product.
With eBay, on the other hand, you have more flexibility in how you list and sell your supplements. Specifically, eBay allows for both fixed and auction pricing, so you can decide which option is best for you—and you can change it for each individual supplement listing as needed. In some cases, it may make more sense to auction off a supplement (especially if it's rare and in high demand) in order to increase your potential profits. On the other hand, setting other supplements at a "buy-it-now" price may be more attractive to some buyers and may also increase the speed at which you receive your profits.
Tax Advantages
Unfortunately, long gone are the days where you could purchase items online and avoid paying a sales tax (in most cases), and supplement sales are no exemption to this. While both Amazon and eBay will charge your buyers the same sales tax (depending on the state in which the purchase is being made) at check-out, eBay makes it a little easier on you, the seller. This is because eBay will automatically calculate and collect the appropriate sales tax from the seller and distribute it to you. However, it is important to realize that no platform will pay your portion of the sales tax on a supplement sale on your behalf, so it will be up to you to keep track of what you owe and make sales tax payments as legally required.
Flexible Payment Methods
Both Amazon and eBay offer relatively flexible payment options, which is beneficial when you're selling supplements online because it makes it easier for your potential buyers to purchase your products. One of the key benefits of selling on eBay is that you can link PayPal accounts to your eBay account, which allows you to get your money faster. eBay also tends to charge lower fees for transactions and listings than Amazon, making this ideal for supplement sellers who are just starting out.
Tips for Selling Supplements Successfully on eBay
Ready to get started selling supplements on eBay? We've got a few tips to share.
Know What You Can and Cannot Sell
Start by considering the supplements you're interested in selling and make sure they're all in compliance with eBay's terms and services. After all, there are many supplements that eBay has banned from being sold on their platform, and breaking any of the terms of service could result in your account being closed.
Make Decisions About Your Listing
As you prepare to list a specific supplement, you'll need to make a few important decisions. For starters, will you list it at auction or for a set price? For auction items, consider the price you'll begin your listing at; for a set price, how much are you willing to sell for? Be sure to account for taxes, shipping, and other fees here that could affect your bottom line.
Create a Detailed, Attractive Listing
The more detailed and well written your listing is, the better the chances of making a sale. Invest in a quality camera to take photos of your products and write a thorough description of the supplement, its benefits, ingredients, and the like.
Encourage Feedback
The better your feedback as a seller on eBay, the more reputable you'll become and the more likely you are to bring in new customers. After a successful sale, don't hesitate to reach out to buyers and encourage them to leave feedback on their order.
Selling supplements online is a booming business, and one that can yield high profits if you know what you're doing. Those looking to get started in online supplement sales should consider eBay as a viable platform due to its ease of use, flexibility, and affordability. From there, you can be on your way to running a successful online supplement business.
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