This is an IN-DEPTH GUIDE to help you create better listings, and increase your overall eBay sales! There are quite a few SIMPLE things you can do, to make your listings much more attractive to eBay Bidders/Buyers.
First off, do the best that you can to correctly represent your items in all of your listings. When describing your items, be sure to include measurements, colors, use/applications, age, any flaws/defects/damage, any identification numbers that may be present, etc. ITS SIMPLE!! Theres no need to write a book, just be as descriptive as possible. Your shoppers/buyers can only go on what you tell them, and from what they see in your picture(s).
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: Its always best to include approximate measurements for any items that can vary in size, such as collectibles, glass, pictures, figurines, parts, decals, etc. Sometimes even including a "close size comparison" may help some shoppers/buyers to help better determine the actual size. For example, if you have an item that may be the approximate height of a 12oz soda can, be sure to mention that the item is approx 4 1/2" to 5" high and that is is about the height of a 12oz soda can".
COLORS: It is always best to describe your item to the closest color possible. For example, stating that an item is red can be very vague, as there are a couple dozen shades of red. Mentioning the proper "shade" of the color is best, but not always possible. If you're not sure of the proper term for the color, using LIGHT, MEDIUM, or DARK can be very helpful! When taking pictures, its best to use a Photo-Editing Program "to best represent the actual item". Its never a wise decision to alter the photo to make the item look better than it really is, or even leave the photo as it was taken, if the item doesnt look "exactly" like the picture. Photo-Editing programs are VERY EASY TO USE, and are LOW COST, as Basic Programs can easily do the job in many cases.
USE/APPLICATIONS: Are there any specific uses or applcaitions for this item? Are you selling an item where there is an identification available, that can easily distinguish what it fits or what it is for? Being more specific in regards to what the item is used for, or what it fits can be the difference between a low winning bid and a very high winning bid.
AGE: Is the age apparent? Are there any special markings to indicate the actual age? Does the item look old but is actually a reproduction? Reproduction items can usually be easily detected as different materials may be used on this item that were not available at the "said" time of its making/age/date. Be as accurate as you can when it comes to age, as with some items simply a couple of years can make a big difference in proper representation and the value/demand of the item.
FLAWS/DEFECTS/DAMAGE: Does your item have ANY flaws, manufacturers defects, or damage? Regardless of how minor the damage is, this may be vital to your Buyer! NEVER "underestimate" damage or flaws. If it is a "manufacturers flaw", mention it as a manufacturers flaw/defect. Carefully examine all items to insure that you have properly identified ANY/ALL flaws/defects/damage. It can become very easy at times to simply overlook a simple flaw, but it is very important that you examine the item the best you can. Never underestimate flaws/defects/damage, and also be careful not to "overestimate" the damage. Using the words small, minor, medium, moderate, major, large, excessive when describing flaws/defects, damage can easily harm a sale when a better description is not included. Everyone views these words differently. Something that one may consider minor, may be major to another, and vice versa. Giving proper measurements can be one of the best methods to avoid confusion and best represent your item. if there is a crack or scratch, measure the length, width, and location in your listing. If there is discoloration, mention/describe it the best you possibly can. Are there minor pits or small marks? If describing a flaw/defect/damage by diameter, this always helps as well. Say there are two small yello stains on a collectors plate. Mentioning the diameter of the stains is much more effective than simply using the word "small". AS ALWAYS, as "properly identified location" of any flaws/defects/damage is VERY IMPORTANT. There are "some" instances when flaws/defects/damage may not affect the sale as much as you may assume, so be sure to mention ALL details, big or small. Its always best to let others know IN ADVANCE what they should expect when they receive their item.
ID/IDENITIFICATION NUMBERS/MARKINGS: Does your item have any ID, Identification Numbers, or Significant Markings? Always be sure to mention these in your listing. Doing a little research before listing can be very beneficial, as you may be able to come up with more information to better describe your item, which will in turn increase the final purchase price. The more "accurate" info you include, the better. Just remember to keep it simple, and not run on and on when describing your item(s). Many Buyers would like to have listings straight to the point, and not have to read 6 paragraphs when buying a simple item.
Also keep in mind that you do not need to describe your item(s) in sentence/paragraph form, as you can always use the Bullets feature, which greatly hrelps shoppers/buyers skim your listing(s) for the exact information they are looking for.
A couple of other things that can be very beneficial to include in your listing(s):
Handling Time - Approx how long it will be from the time the item sells to the time you're able to actually ship it. If it generally takes you 3 days to ship, its okay as long as you mention it, especially if you're offering Priority Shipping. Buyers may be expecting their item to arrive in 2-3 days, and you havent even shipped it yet. This could lead to unsatisfactory feedback results.
Shipping Services Offered - Always mention what shipping services you offer, and ALWAYS ship acording to the shipping service the Buyer purchased. Upgrading at no-charge is fine, but never describe the item to ship via a premium service, only to ship it the cheapest way possible. Check your listings before submitting them, as listing incorrect shipping methods can be very easy to do. Sellers are required to live up to the shipping methos mentioned when the auction/listing ends, unless mutually agreed upon between the Buyer and Seller.
How The Item Will Ship - Do you ship in an envelope, or a box? If your item is going to ship in an envelope, many times it is very imporatnt to mention this. If your item is going to ship in a box, shoppers may feel more secure to make the purchase and offer a higher bid. Can the item ship either way, in a box or envelope? Giving the Buyer the option is always a plus! For example, in the listing mention that the item will ship in a padded envelope if USPS 1st Class is selected, and if the Buyer would like the item shipped in a box, to select the OTHER option at Checkout. Be sure to include the OTHER option with the proper shipping costs when submitting your listing. Many Buyers feel more comfortable when they feel they have options. ALSO, ALWAYS check the payment when received to see which shipping service the Buyer selected, to insure it is shipped properly.
INSURANCE - Making insurance OPTIONAL for items under $200 is recommended. Many times "requiring" Insurance on low-cost items can become a turn-off to many buyers. Most of the time if you carefully package your item with enough packing material and ship it in a size-appropriate package, insurance is very rarely needed. With heavier items that could easily be damaged in shipping, we suggest strongly encouraging insurance to your Buyers. High cost items should most likely have insurance required. Also, be sure to check carefully when you receive the Buyers payment to see if they purchased insurance. If they did, be sure to insure the item as requested.
These are just "some" helpful pointers to consider when creating your listings. Keep your listings simple, yet include the most information as possible.
We hope that you have found this Guide HELPFUL! We have more Buyer/Seller Guides for your to browse at your convenience... so be sure to CHECK THEM OUT! Let us know if you found them helpful.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY & Have a Great Day!!!


Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our