She set herself apart from competitors by doing this.
I was surprised no one else did the same thing.
So, here’s what happened.
From time to I order a few products on eBay.
Like a hand lotion not available locally, or a battery-powered lantern to use when a storm knocks the power out or my favorite lipstick and even vitamins.
First I check out Amazon and if they have it, I read the reviews and the price.
If most reviews are positive. I look on eBay for the item.
For this product – a specific, branded hand lotion – the price was $18 on eBay with free shipping, but it was $28 on Amazon, where shipping is free only if my order totals at least $49 
Easy decision.
Not that cheaper is always better, but when shopping for specific brands – and you don’t know the sellers personally – a lower price for a branded product will get the sale. (That’s why it’s critical to personally create a good relationship and build customer loyalty with buyers.)
I ordered the hand lotion on eBay for the lower price AND free shipping.
Last year I ordered at least a dozen different items on eBay.
The last product delivered – the hand lotion – included something from the seller that was different.
She attached her business card with a note: “Thanks, Ann!”
None of the other sellers did this, and it turned out to be helpful because I wondered if I could buy another type of similar product but – doing a search – I couldn’t find it.
That One Small Thing
Because she attached her business card with the thank-you note, I contacted her to ask about the product I was searching for. Turns out, she had it.
Nice. A personal touch that set her apart from competitors.
None of the other sellers sent a business card – or a “thank you” note.
That one small thing – her business card with a handwritten “thanks, Ann” – earned her another sale.
For future eBay purchases, I will contact this smart and thoughtful seller first.
Want ideas about creating customer loyalty? Or winning back lost customers? Or asking for testimonials?
