Difference between revisions of "Marketplace/Selling"

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{{KBmaster}} {{Navbox/Marketplace}}
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== How do I start selling stuff on the Marketplace? ==
 
=== Create a store ===
 
First, you'll need to create a web storefront. This may be in addition to an inworld store you already have setup (and there are ways to connect the two).
 
# On any Marketplace page, click '''My Marketplace''' in the upper-right and click '''Create a Store'''.
# If you've never done this before, you'll be asked to agree to the Marketplace Terms of Service. Read it carefully so you're aware of what you're agreeing to, then scroll down to the bottom and click '''Accept'''.
 
{{red|More help to come as this feature is fleshed out.}}
 
== How do I update the listing of an item I'm selling? ==
 
# Go to the '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/products Manage inventory]''' page of your store.
# Here, you see all the items you're selling. Towards the right, click '''Edit''' next to the item you want to update.
#* You can also '''Preview''' how an item listing looks to potential customers, or click '''Unlist'''/'''List''' to hide/show an item (this can be changed whenever you want).
 
{{KBtip|For hot tips on how to make the most of the item fields, [[Marketplace/Sellers_guide|'''check out our Seller's Guide!''']]}}
 
On the Edit Item Listing page, here's what all the fields mean:
 
* '''SKU''' - This stands for "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock-keeping_unit Stock-Keeping Unit]" and is a unique identifier for each item. If you're already using a metrics-tracking system with SKUs, you can use the same SKU here for convenience. '''SKU''' is also used when using the '''Related Items''' field below.
* '''Item Status''' - Can be '''Active''' or '''Inactive'''. The same thing as '''Unlist'''/'''List''' on the '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/products Manage inventory]''' page.
* '''Permissions''' - What the customer can do with the object. Note that setting this does ''not'' change your original item's permissions — you need to set those beforehand and check the same boxes here. Make sure to be accurate, as permissions are a big part of a buying decision.
** If your item has permissions subtleties, make sure to note them in the '''Extended description''' below. For example, a robot toy may be modifiable in that you can change the robot's colors, but the script inside the robot are no-modify.
* '''International tabs''' - If you've localized your item for additional languages, click a language tab to enter that information.
* '''SL object name''' - Corresponds to what the object is named in your inworld Magic Box. This can't be changed from this web interface — you must edit the object in your Magic Box.
* '''Item name''' - You can leave this the same as the '''SL object name''', or expand it to be more descriptive for additional visibility. This field is searchable and can be up to 120 characters.
* '''Product features''' - Call out up to five specific highlights to inform why someone would want to buy your stuff.
* '''Extended description''' - Details about your product in plain text (the old Xstreet BBcode isn't supported). This commonly includes expanded info about the '''Product features''', '''Permissions''', and other fields. You can also link to a video tutorial or other rich documentation. Many merchants use it to provide customer service info, although '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/edit Edit Store Information]''' is probably a better place for that. Also, product manuals should be provided as a '''Downloadable PDF''' as mentioned below. This field is ''not'' searchable and can be up to 5,000 characters.
* '''Keywords''' - Specific terms you expect this item to be found with when customers search. This field is searchable from Marketplace search and can be up to 200 characters, including commas and spaces.
* '''Category''' - Click '''Change category''' to get category suggestions. In the popup, search categories, then click the category that fits best from the list.
* '''Item price''' - In L$. If this item is a freebie, enter <code>0</code>.
* '''Prim count''' - The number of prims this objects is. Subtleties can be explained in the '''Extended description'''. For example, if you're selling a set of furniture where the chair is 20 prims and the table is 30, be sure to state that so the buyer is well-informed.
* '''SLurl''' - This is usually a link to your inworld storefront, or at least, a place the object can be viewed in three dimensions inworld, which helps with buying decisions. Whenever possible, enter a specific link to the exact location instead of a generic one to the front of your store. {{xref|slurl|Learn more about SLurls.}}
* '''Available quantity''' - This is usually '''Unlimited''' unless you're selling something like limited-edition art. In which case, select the right radio button and enter an amount. Limited items are often sold as no-copy so the buyer can't duplicate it.
** It's bad form to sell something in limited quantities then change the amount later because it damages the perceived value and rarity of an item, so think carefully before setting a number.
* '''Images''' - While this field isn't required, it's one of the most important to communicate what you're selling, so include at least one image. Click '''Upload an image''' to get info and choose an image from your hard drive. You can have up to 8 images for an item.
* '''Downloadable PDF''' - Click '''Browse''' to choose a PDF from your hard drive. PDFs can be more beautiful and readable than inworld notecards.
** There isn't a limit to the size of the PDF file, but you should use your buyers' time and bandwidth wisely.
** If you don't own Adobe software on Windows, you can use Microsoft Word or OpenOffice to create PDF files. On a Mac, almost every application can [http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3771 "print" to a PDF file].
* '''Related Items''' - Click '''Add related item''' to search your existing products for items you want to appear under this one. Related items are commonly variations (such as different colors of the same basic thing) or complementary (under a coat listing, you could have an umbrella as a related item). You can have up to 8 related items.
* '''Demo Item''' - Want customers to be able to try before they buy? Demos tend to be clearly limited versions of the real thing you've modified in advance: for example, a skin with a "DEMO" tattoo on it. Click '''Add demo item''' to choose one. Demo items themselves can be unlisted.
* '''Listing Enhancements''' - Make your item stand out! {{red|More help to come on this when the feature is ready.}}
 
== How do I edit my store info? ==
 
Your store — and you can have one store per Second Life account — has its own "profile" that can be customized:
 
# Click '''My Marketplace''' in the upper-right and click '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/dashboard My Store]'''.
# On the left-hand side, click '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/edit Edit Store Information]'''.
 
Here's what the fields mean:
 
* '''Store Name''' - This defaults to your Resident name but you can change it to something else, like the inworld brand that you're already using.
* '''Profile''' - Whatever you want to tell potential customers about you, like: ''who'' you are, ''what'' you sell, and ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0HIF3SfI4 why]'' you do it. For example, "We've been selling in Second Life for 7 years and these are some testimonials from thousands of delighted customers!", "We believe every avatar should be able to have an incredibly beautiful home", or "Our company's goal is to amplify your awesome." Up to 2,100 characters. Weird number, I know.
* '''Policies''' - Do you accept refunds? How do you prefer to be contacted via email or IM or have you hired support staff that your customers should contact? Make sure to state this here so customers' expectations are clear. Up to 450 characters.
* '''Link to Blog''' - Or another website about your store. Many sellers use blogs to announce product updates. Some even group together and form community blogs, like [http://iheartsl.com/ iheartsl].
* '''Link to Store''' - Insert {{xref|SLurl}} here please!
* '''Store Image''' - Click '''Browse''' to choose an image from your hard drive. This isn't usually a picture of your inworld store, but your brand's logo. At 45x45 pixels, this is a pretty small image, so make sure what you upload is legible. Your image must meet these exact dimensions before you upload it. There are web tools like [http://www.picnik.com Picnik] and  that can help.
* '''Store Banner Image''' - Again, Click '''Browse''' to choose an image from your hard drive. Up to 700x100 pixels. Again, resize/crop your image before you upload it.
 
{{KBtip|What?! You've gotten this far and you haven't [[Marketplace/Sellers_guide|'''checked out our Seller's Guide''']] yet, you totally should!}}
 
== How do I view my store? ==
 
So you've listed at least one item and setup your store info... ''you are awesome''. Bask in the glow, then preview your store for all to behold (that almost rhymes):
 
# Go back to '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/merchants/5/store/dashboard My Store]''' (which you should be familiar with now... wash, rinse, repeat).
# On the left-hand side, click '''[https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/5 View my Store]'''. This is how your customers see it — but it also helps to browse the Marketplace as an {{xref|alt}} to really walk in your customers' shoes.
 
[[Category:Marketplace]]

Latest revision as of 12:45, 15 April 2011

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