Listing your items on eBay can be very confusing if you don’t know where to start. Here are some tips on how to list your items so they sell.

Accuracy

When you list your items on eBay, please write an accurate description. You don’t need to write long paragraphs with inconsistent information, but provide exact measurements, colors, conditions, etc. Be extremely precise when it comes to your description.

AuctionTitle

Just like using a strong title for a book, your eBay auction title should captivate buyers. You are allowed 45 characters for your title and you need to use common, attention-grabbing words. Use this space carefully and to your advantage. Think of words that will be easily found when people search. For example, if you’re selling six yards of fabric, you might say something like “Awesome material – don’t miss out on this great deal.” If you sell fishing rods, try something like “Love to fish? GOOD Fishing Rod Buy!”

Since eBay’s search option looks for specific characters, you should try to list the item in both the singular and the plural. As an example, for fishing rods, you could list the auction as “Fishing Rods – Get Your Fishing Rod Now!” Avoid wasted words like WOW or Look Here. Buyers are looking, so there’s no need to tell them to look. Again, as buyers going through listings, the titles are what will grab their attention. Make your impression strong!

abbreviations

Saving title space can be important if you have a longer description. Look at other auctions selling the same type of merchandise to get an idea of ​​the types of abbreviations that will work. As an example, you could write “Do you love to fish?” or “Gorgeous Material 4 Dirty.”

Buyer Questions

When writing your description, try to think of questions buyers might have so that your description answers as many questions as possible. This will save time relaying messages back and forth. This would include the name of the manufacturer, the condition of the items, special features, warranties, color, defects, etc.

ListCategory

When choosing which category to list your items in, choose wisely. You’ll find some categories that are similar but different enough to make a big difference in the way your items sell. Please look at other items listed and choose appropriately.

shipping items

In your description, please provide accurate shipping details. Please make sure that the items are shipped within the stated time. In many cases, people buy something for a specific purpose and if you don’t ship it when directed, you not only mess up their schedule for the item, but you’ve probably lost a customer and opened the door to negative feedback.

Defects

Warn potential buyers of any defects in your products. If you sell a dish that has a small chip, please mention this in the description. If you are selling fabric and have a small tear, please disclose this information. Most eBay buyers are bargain hunting, which means minor flaws can often be overlooked. The worst possible scenario would be keeping a fault hidden and then having to deal with handling returns and losing a buyer.

auction price

Set your auctions low, which will help encourage more bidding. The more bids you have, the higher the price will ultimately be. Also, if you add a “Buy It Now” option to your auction, keep this set reasonably priced as well.

Payment options

The more options you can offer potential buyers, the better your chances of making the sale. Your options include PayPal, which is an online payment service, Billpoint, the eBay payment system, personal checks, money orders, or cash. Remember that you will have buyers from all over the world, so an online payment service is a great help.

Shipping / Handling

You should always charge actual shipping costs. Various options can be added to your account that provide the actual costs. Another option is to indicate that you will provide actual shipping at the end of the auction, based on the destination zip code. Overcharging customers for shipping and handling is frowned upon and will result in dissatisfied customers.

Sell ​​by Lots

If you have two or more of one item, you can list it as a “lot”. For example, if you bought five bottles of suntan lotion at a salvage store for $0.50 each and decided to list them on eBay for $1.00 each, instead of listing them separately, another option is to sell them in batches. Many times, people search on a batch basis. However, if you had a bottle of suntan lotion, a bottle of regular lotion, and a bottle of aloe vera, you would want to list them as their own item.

Photographs

While auctions without photos can and do sell, auctions with photos sell much better. People like visualizations and want to see what their money is getting them. Make sure your photo is clear, in focus, and depending on the item (such as rings, shoes, etc.), offers more than just a direct view.

Size and weight

If possible, stick with items that are smaller and lighter. Remember that what you sell, you have to send. Items such as furniture, lawn mowers, etc. they are usually sold through a manufacturer or wholesaler. As an independent seller, you want to sell items that are easy to manage.

Shipping options

Set up accounts with various overnight couriers like Federal Express and UPS. Again, the more options offered, the better your auction will be received.

Rent

It is important to indicate the city and state where you are located. Not only does this help the buyer figure out shipping to make sure you’re not overcharging them, but if you’re selling larger items like furniture, cars, or appliances where the buyer would need to pick up the items, it lets you know if they want to bid based on location. For example, if you have a refrigerator for sale and you live in New York, someone from California will not cross the country just to pick up the appliance, whereas someone on the East Coast might.

Accessories

Some people do not include information about accessories. This is very important as many times people are looking specifically for the accessories/accessories that go with the items. What if you were shopping for a weed killer but had a bad back? You need one that has a good shoulder strap. If the buyer visits your auction and finds the herbivore, you are selling exactly what they are looking for and the price is right, but there is no leash, you have lost a sale. Please include all accessory/accessory information, even if you think it is worthless.

collectibles

When you sell antiques or collectibles, you must provide a history of the items. If you have artwork for sale at your auction, please provide the buyer with its origin. People love to have history, especially when it comes to collectibles, which is part of what adds value. Without embellishing, make the story good.

keep good records

It is necessary to establish a sound recording system. This system would consist of the name of the item, any associated reserve price (although not recommended for your auction), description, defects, name of the buyer, sale price, date of receipt of payment, etc. This helps ensure that the entire transaction for that item is complete from start to finish and gives you information in case you need to list that same item or a similar item. Also, the record will help you know what your income was, based only on your specific auctions.

Verify

If you choose to use the eBay checkout system, please make sure all boxes are checked when listing your items. This option can be useful when used correctly, but it can also be confusing.