Every carton you send to a buyer can be a stealth sales pitch that helps bring him or her back to your auction listings. Each time you seal up a box for shipment, slip a thank-you note inside and invite the buyer to view your other auction items. Something this simple can help you build a loyal base of repeat customers eager to bid repeatedly.

The items you sell at online auctions will help determine the success or failure of your business. But how you send merchandise to buyers can make a much bigger difference between barely surviving and steaming ahead toward long-term growth and prosperity. The rules, costs, and methods of shipping will change almost every month. Stay on top of the changing trends. Selling and being paid will be your number-one priority. But shipping the goods to buyers in a safe, timely fashion definitely should be number two.