As 2023 kicks into full swing, some of the key retails dates for the year are quickly approaching. And like in the rest of the world, in New Zealand, online shopping is increasingly popular.

Whether you’re an eBay or Amazon seller – or if you’ve ventured further afield using local marketplaces – preparing ahead for this year’s big retail dates will help you secure a piece of this ever growing pie of online sales.

Now that the Valentine’s Day chocolates and flowers have had their moments in the shopping spotlight, one of the next significant retail dates for online sellers is Easter. So, here are some Easter e-commerce tips to help you make the most of the holiday sales opportunity.

1. Optimise your listings

The major marketplaces, including eBay and Amazon, are incredibly competitive. The former, for example, has over a billion live listings at any given time. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and ensure your products get into the Easter baskets of potential buyers, optimising your listings is an absolute must. With many shoppers often poor on time, getting your descriptions right is key.

Here are three things to think about when creating your online listings:

• Use keywords in your product descriptions, reinforcing those used in the title and adding new ones
• Keep descriptions concise – avoid technical jargon or flowery language
• Mention the benefits instead of simply listing features
• Make sure your images are clear and helpful to shoppers

2. Offer great value

The long Easter weekend – as well as the days leading up to it – brings a barrage of sales, both online and in store, so expect the competition to really heat up. Consider how a well-timed sale, or multi-buy discount may give you an edge. Amazon’s “Lightening Deals” have proven a successful vehicle for both the company and its online sellers. However, flash sales don’t work for every kind of online seller. It’s wise to trial short-term sales during slower months to gauge uplift versus regular pricing and make a more informed decision as to whether the format works for your business. Do your research, perhaps trial a few different options and see what drives your customer base around key retail dates.