Jewellery's web blog

Even though eBay is the world’s most popular internet trading portal, more Thais should be making use of the e-commerce site, says a local online merchant.

Currently there are about 34 million items being traded on the website, but successful valentines gifts Thai eBay trader Rattanachai Thapanaphong says eBay still has much more to offer.

The 27-year-old trainer runs courses to help Thai sellers analyse and develop their eBay professional trading skills at his Benzio School.

Traders must first determine which product they want to sell through eBay. More detail is then needed to successfully tap or establish a niche market.

“For example, if you want to sell garments, you have to be specific whether it is sleepwear, baby clothes or traditional Thai costumes,” said Mr Rattanachai. “You can sell any type of garment but it must be unique.”

He recommends beginners do plenty of research on eBay and study their competition and the market.

“If there are fewer than 1,000 pieces offered on the site, there are certainly opportunities for selling in that category,” said Mr Rattanachai.

From the keyword “Thai”, Mr Rattanachai found total sales of US$290,561 (9.66 million bangles) through eBay last month, up from $251,550 in October and $159,989 in September.

A gemstone and jewellery trader from Chanthaburi set the Thailand record for eBay by selling products worth a combined $108,362 in one month.

Mr Rattanachai said there were great opportunities for selling Thai religious items online such as kuman thong (child-ghost), nang kwak (beckoning women), Buddha amulets and san phra phum (resident deity).

Gold and silver jewellery, gemstones, old CDs, branded old watches, collectible car models and old books are also popular with foreign buyers.

Mr Rattanachai said buyers from different countries shop for different products and sellers should study the behaviour of their target customers. Brand-name or pirated items were not recommended, he added.

Product information can only be posted in English on eBay. But Mr Rattanachai said this should not be too great a barrier for Thais.

Choosing the right product and presenting it attractively on the site are more important.

“If you sell a T-shirt with dragon pattern, you should show clearly the dragon in detail and tell the history of the dragon,” he said.

When calculating profits and costs, sellers should translate the cost into US dollars then add 15 percent more for the eBay sales fee.

Traders should not embark on a price-cutting strategy by setting the minimum bidding price too rings as it would destroy the overall market, he said.

“You should know the price of the same product including shipping cost on eBay, so you can set your overall price a bit lower,” he advises. “You can also set a higher price if your product is really outstanding or you have a better presentation to show the item.”

Thailand Post is the most convenient way to ship items as the rates are reasonable and it has a tracking system. But sellers may need to buy insurance coverage for expensive items, he said.