How to Thank Your Buyer after an eBay Auction

Once a bidder wins an auction for one of your eBay items, this is a great time to let the customer know just how darned tickled you are that they are spending hard-earned money with you. Your thank-you e-mail is a quasi-invoice and informational note. What should go in it? Well, try to keep in mind what your mother said — always say “please” and “thank you.” After thanking the buyer for purchasing your goods, be sure to cover the following points (this is where the “please” part comes in):

Item name: You don’t want the buyer to forget what was purchased.
Payment terms: Let the buyer know what forms of payment you accept and how long you intend to wait for your money.
Payment address: Be sure to tell the buyer where you want the payment sent (should the item be from a category that permits alternative forms of payment).
PayPal button: Inserting a PayPal button in your e-mail is a snap and may pay off in some rapid payments.
Return policy: Will you accept returns? Under what circumstances? It’s okay if you don’t accept returns, but be sure that you had that information in your item description before the purchase was made.
Reminder to print the e-mail and enclose it with payment: Veteran eBay sellers can tell you stories about the money order that arrived with no item number, no return address, and no e-mail address — basically no clue as to what the payment was for.
Store pitch: If you have an eBay store, mention it here. If not, just be sure to tell buyers that you’re happy to have them as customers and you look forward to serving them again.
Feedback pitch: Many PowerSellers include a small pitch at the closing of the e-mail for leaving feedback on eBay. Remind the customers to e-mail you immediately if there’s a problem when the order arrives. Stress how you want them to be happy with their purchases. That may stave off a knee-jerk negative that beginners tend to leave when an item arrives cracked. (They shoulda bought insurance — it helps to require it on fragile items.)

That ought to do it. Including this information will make your newbie buyer or old-time veteran feel at home doing business with you.

Sometimes you have to beg for payment. On the other hand, when some blessed buyer pays immediately through PayPal, it’s time to show your gratitude by sending a “thanks for the money” e-mail. The e-mail can be short and sweet and to the point. Be sure to

Thank the customer for the purchase and swift payment.
Let the customer know when the item will ship.
Let the customer know when feedback will be left. You should leave feedback only when the buyer has received the item and is happy with the transaction.