Q: Why didn't my item sell?

While talking to new ebayers, I hear this question a lot.  I have decided to write a series of guides to help the new (and maybe some not-so-new) sellers.

This guide will focus on the description.  Just as my other guides will tell you - think like a buyer!

If you were looking to buy the item you are about to list, what would you want to know?  Make sure you put in all that information, along with anything else you can think of.  What may seem unimportant to you may just be the one thing that clinches the deal for a buyer.  There is no limit on how long your description can be, so take advantage of that!  

Describe your item as if you had no pictures to show.  If the item has a word, phrase, or saying on it - type it out to make it searchable!  Make sure to include measurements.  Remember, you are asking someone to spend their money on your item.  Since they are not at a store where they can pick it up and look at it, you have to be their hands and eyes.  You have to tell them how large the item is.  You have to tell them about any imperfections or damage.  Don't think that pointing out a flaw will hurt a sale.  Most buyers are glad to be dealing with someone so honest.  You don't want anyone to be disappointed in an item they buy from you.

Include the brand name, describe any makers marks.  Just because something has a tag on it in the picture, you still need to make sure you mention it is new with tags in your description.  If what you are selling is used, say it's used.  Don't assume your potential buyer should know these things.

Keep in mind that no matter how much you think you have described an item, there is always the possibility that someone will want to know more.  Be open to questions.  Encourage buyers to communicate with you by adding something like "Please feel free to ask any questions" or "Send me a message if you have any questions or would like more information".   I have actually seen people put things in their listings that say something like "I will not answer questions that are already covered in my description" - to me that is BAD business practice.  Every question is important.  Even if the questions answer is clearly right in the listing, your buyer might just be asking to see how you deal with people.  (Kind of like going to buy some new furniture that you already researched, but you ask the salesperson if it comes in a different color - just to see if they know their stuff.)  What seems to be a dumb question may just be the smartest thing a buyer can ask.     

Now, repeat after me.
I will describe my item as if there are no pictures.
I will include every possible detail, and be open to the fact that even though I thought I had it covered, there will be more questions.
I will answer the questions with a smile! :-)

Thank you for reading my guide.  Please take a second to vote YES if you feel this is useful information.