With the holidays just a few months away, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for the shopping season ahead.  While buyers scramble to find that perfect gift, eBay sellers often enjoy increased sales and higher profits.  When it comes to the holiday shopping season, being ready to offer extra services and a few extra bonuses will go a long way in boosting your sales.  Here are five ways to keep your spirits, and profits, high this holiday season:

- As the holidays draw closer, buyers are often pressed for time and need to get their gifts delivered in a hurry.  You can attract the attention of those last-minute shoppers by offering guaranteed holiday delivery.  For an extra fee, assuring your buyer that his/her gift will be delivered and under the tree in time for the holidays may just be the extra boost they need to buy from you.

- Many reputable sellers offer a return policy.  Whether or not they publicize them, most auctioneers are willing to accept returns if the reason is a good one.  When people shop for the holidays, they often struggle in deciding what size, color or style will best suit the intended recipient.  For this reason, it may be beneficial to you, the seller, to offer an extended return policy.  Most sellers offer a 30-day return policy, but some customers may find it reassuring to see an extended return policy being offered to those who are shopping for the holidays.

- Some people don’t like to do it and others simply don’t have the knack for it.  What is it?  Gift wrapping, of course.  When it comes to wrapping presents, some people find it to be one of the most stressful parts of the holiday.  The perfectionist who wants to get just the right look or the mom who is busy preparing for holiday guests may not be able to wrap every gift themselves, which is why sellers often find that offering a gift-wrapping service is beneficial to their sales.  Jewelry can simply be placed in a gift box with a beautiful bow affixed, while clothing can be placed inside of a special box and wrapped for immediate placement under a holiday tree.

- Everyone likes to save money, right?  And with the holiday crunch, any money-saving option that you can offer buyers will be beneficial to your business.  By offering a combined or discounted shipping rate for multiple orders paid for within a specific timeframe, shoppers may be more inclined to buy from you.

- Offer holiday-themed merchandise.  Try selling specialty jewelry, attire, decorations and other items that reflect the theme for the upcoming holiday.  A seller that takes the time to coordinate their inventory is one that showcases organization and professionalism.  This doesn’t mean that all of your items should be geared toward the holidays, but it may help to boost your sales if you can explain why a specific item would make an ideal gift.  For instance, perhaps a red or green sweater would be reminiscent of Christmas.  Additionally, perhaps a piece of jewelry featuring a snowflake or snowman would not only be cute for winter wear, but also as a holiday gift.  In pointing out an item’s gift potential, shoppers may start to think about how that specific item could be a part of their holiday gift-giving.

In addition to these five ways to boost your holiday sales, don’t forget the most important one of all.  If you want to attract shoppers, be festive and cheerful with your online auction listings.