Starting your seller journey on Bob Shop is exciting, but like any new venture, it comes with a learning curve. The good news? Most of the challenges new sellers face are completely avoidable with the right preparation. To help you start strong and scale faster, we’ve rounded up the top five mistakes new sellers make, and how you can avoid them from day one.

1. Poor product listings

A successful sale starts with a strong listing. Many new sellers upload products with blurry photos, vague descriptions, or missing details. Unfortunately, this leads to fewer views, fewer orders, and frustrated buyers.

How to avoid it:

• Use bright, high-quality photos from multiple angles.
• Include measurements, materials, colours, compatibility, and condition (especially if it’s a secondhand item).
• Add searchable keywords in the title (e.g., “Samsung A14 phone case – black – shockproof”).
• Clearly state what isn’t included to avoid disputes.
  

2. Pricing without research

New sellers often price too low (cutting into profits) or too high (scaring buyers away). Without checking similar listings, you’re guessing, and that can cost you.

How to avoid it:

• Compare your pricing to other Bob Shop sellers in the same category.
• Factor in shipping costs, packaging, and your profit margin.
• Use Bob Shop’s promotions and enhancement options strategically instead of permanent price cuts.
  

3. Slow response times

Buyers expect speedy communication. Late replies, unanswered questions, or slow payment confirmations can quickly lead to negative ratings and missed sales.

How to avoid it:

• Turn on notifications so you never miss a message.
• Respond within a few hours — the faster, the better.
• Use saved replies for FAQs to save time.
  

4. Underestimating shipping & packaging

This is one of the biggest pitfalls for new sellers. Incorrect shipping fees, weak packaging, and slow dispatches often lead to cancellations or negative feedback.

How to avoid it:

• Always weigh and measure packages before setting shipping fees.
• Offer multiple delivery options if possible. Learn more about pickup locations here. 
• Invest in packaging that protects your products, bubble wrap is cheaper than a return.
• Dispatch within the stated time (or earlier).
  

5. Ignoring customer reviews

Reviews are powerful. Many new sellers overlook them, or worse, don’t monitor them at all. Reviews give valuable insight into what buyers love and what needs improvement.

How to avoid it:

• Check your ratings regularly.
  
• Respond politely to negative reviews, professionalism builds trust.
  
• Improve your listings or processes based on repeated feedback.
  
• Encourage happy buyers to leave reviews.
  

Final thoughts

Selling on Bob Shop can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you build strong habits from the start. By avoiding these common mistakes, and staying committed to great service, clear communication, and professional listings, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Here’s to more orders, more happy buyers, and more growth for your store! 

If you’d like help improving your listings, store setup, or marketing, the Bob Shop team is always here to assist.