Photo credits to hitohana.tokyo
In this generation today, since the technology is already high and people tend to stay in front of their computers, laptops, or cellphones most of the time. Most things are done online like, online schooling, online training, online jobs, and of course, online selling and buying. A lot of people nowadays are buying online and selling online. And I am one of them. Buyers tend to think that it is just easy to be an online seller, and they think that if you are an online seller, you are rich. But, what lies behind an online seller’s life seem to be unknown to the buyers (not unless if the buyer is a reseller). But, how is it like to be an online seller anyways? But before that, let me share this video to you. I just found it so funny. HAHA :D
Video credits to AdrianJiek via Youtube
I am an online seller for I guess a year now. So, take this from an online seller’s perspective. I agree, it is nice to be an online seller because you can also earn from it. But, there are also a lot of things that I don’t like about being an online seller. I was able to make this blog because I am having these problems most of the time. And I got problematic earlier because of my online shop and that’s what pushed me to make a blog about it. So, let me enumerate to you the struggles of an online seller:
1.) BUYERS CANCELLING WHEN YOU ALREADY HAVE THE ITEMS ON HAND
But as for me, I get their orders first before I collect their money. But, it is just hard when you use your own money to get their orders and when you already have it on hand, they tend to cancel, or, would not reply to your messages anymore and worst, they would block you. Sounds fun, isn’t it? Based on that experience, I have a new rule right now. I collect half of their payment on the day of the order and the other half will be collected on the delivery of the items. So it will also be fair to both the buyer and the seller. I have found this in google. Let me quote,
Buyers and sellers can cancel orders on eBay as long as both parties mutually agree to do so. A buyer can request a cancellation up to an hour after the transaction, as long as the seller has not shipped the item.
2.) HAVING NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THE SUPPLIER
Photo credits to frugalqueen.co.uk
This is really the worst problem I have, I am not rich and I do not have a job anymore. Since I need to pay some amount for the buyers orders, I really need to have money to get it from the supplier. My boyfriend will always get mad at me because every time I am faced this problem, I tend to be mean to him because I get frustrated and annoyed and I can’t think much. It’s like there is a big rain cloud over my head like this...
Photo credits to Pinterest.com
But, I am thankful I have my boyfriend because he always helps me. He’s really my superhero.
3.) BUYERS ASKING FOR DISCOUNT
Photo credits to fabafter.40.tumblr.com
It is not bad for them to ask that because if I were them, I would also be the same way because that is what customers are really like. But I hope they’d realize that we don’t gain much in online selling and, we still have to pay for the shipping fee. And when you can’t give them a discount, some will not buy anymore. That sucks! :D But yeah, that’s life. :D
4.) BUYERS WHO GETS LATE DURING THE MEET UP
I don’t really get much of a problem like this because most of the time, I am the one who gets late. Haha. But, sometimes, I do have a problem like this. When you have a scheduled time for meet up and you still have to go somewhere after the meet up and the buyers will be late. That is such a hassle.
5.) BUYERS WHO PICK UP THEIR OWN MEET UP PLACE AND TIME.
It’s not really a problem for me, just sometimes. Because when I set up an appointment and the buyer is not available, I really need to adjust rather than them not picking up the orders. And, sometimes, it will cost me more because I still have to go to the meet up location.
6.) YOU CAN'T GET MAD TO THE CUSTOMERS
Because if you get mad, that will affect your customer service and customers will not buy again if you get mad at them and they will tend to tell their friends that you’re a strict seller. It’s just like a domino effect. So, no matter what, you need to understand.
Sometimes I am thinking.. I guess I am just the one who’s creating my own problems like what my boyfriend always tell me. That is why as of now, I am already thinking of ways I can prevent these problems from happening again. I guess I just have to be more careful next time and use my brain more rather than my emotions. I have to let my brain overpower my heart. Because sometimes, I tend to take problems very seriously.
To all who wants to be online sellers out there, here's a video for tips on how to start selling online :)
Video credits to Shopee Philippines via Youtube
