I can remember when my husband brought home our first computer. Summer, 1997. I did not like the idea of this computer thing, and was tired of hearing the www. thing all the time on TV.

Then, the magic words, " But, you can buy antiques on this thing...there's an auction place called ebay. " I practically threw him to the floor to get to that computer LOL I love auctions! I studied ebay for a month, and realized I could sell better things than what was being offered on ebay at that time.

First, I needed to understand the shipping. So, I bid on something and won it. I can remember what it was, and can even remember the seller was from New York. And you know why? She wrapped it like a gift ! Nothing fancy, just tissue with a ribbon, along with a little thank you note. I LOVED it, I felt special.

And the rest is history. I wrapped everything like a gift from day one of selling items on line. Now, anytime I do something, I go to the max, and that's what I did on ebay. I became a Power Seller in a blink of the eye and had at least 40 items on auction at all times, never ending, for about 10 years...after that, I opened my shop on Ruby Lane and then Ruby Plaza.

Ebay featured me in their first magazine. During my interview, I told about making an impression on your customer, do something special to thank them for their business. ( ebay sent a reporter and photographer to my home for the interview, so, I also showed them how I wrapped things as a gift).

When you sell that much, packing items can be a boring time consuming chore. So, I made it into a hobby. I enjoy wrapping items in different ways to make it fun for me..and it actually made many people smile and they would contact me to thank me. That continues today, and I do have repeat customers, because they remember my thank you. I like to have fun. Wrapping items like a gift, is fun, for me. But, all people are different.

Here's another reason why you should at least do something special when you ship that package. The person who succeeds a long time in this business , is the one that does the unique...something that sets their shop apart from the others. So, you don't like to wrap stuff like a gift, no problem..think of a nice thank you card that makes your customer think, " hey, here's a fabulous shop owner that cares...not one that just sells things for the money, but one that is proud of their shop". It does not matter about the gift wrap, what matters is how your customer feels when they open that package...because that is your last contact with that customer, your last , "thank you".

Make sure your shop stands out...how great would it be, if your customer was talking to a friend and said, " hey, I got this item the other day that was really great..and better yet, the shop is a real person shop owner shop on line, you ought to check it out".

Is that your shop? I know it's my shop, and proud to say it. In the 1800's era, you will see many stores trade cards that proclaim their store is the best...The cards will proclaim, " here's what customers say about my store" or " want the best, come to my shop ". Even some textile coverlets were signed by the weaver proclaiming to be the best .

Today is no different. Do whatever you can to say thank you to your customer when they open their package, and they will remember you. I think that a ribbon on the package, or a thank you card is well worth it. From me to you, when only the best will do.

Linda Caricofe
Visit: RC Antiques