You listed that collectible Barbie doll five days ago and your auction is still just dead.  You were sure this item was going to draw a crowd, so what happened?

Below are some common areas where sellers often make mistakes with their listings and tips to help you avoid the pitfalls.

Listing Procedure

If you consider yourself a serious seller, and wish to be viewed as such, then it's wise to list a set number of items continually or every other day instead of bulk listing a huge amount of items in one marathon session.  Why you ask?  Using this type of listing procedure ensures that you will always have items in eBay's "Newly Listed" and "Ending Soonest" area, which get the most exposure and bidding.  When your items are confined to the no-man's land between new and ending listings for days at a time, your listings don't get enough exposure to increase bidding.

Crowded Market

No matter how hot you think an item is, it's always wide to see what the market is like before listing.  With the growth and popularity of eBay all over the world, competition is high indeed.  It is nearly impossible (unless you are selling truly one-of-a-kind items) to find less than 10 to 20 other items that are similar to yours already listed.  So how do you make your listing stand out?

There are several possibilities that you can consider, such as waiting for some of the other listings to close, lower your starting bid below your competitors, or opt against a reserve price.

Too Rich

Opinions vary greatly on where to set your opening bid, but if you want to attract bidders, keep your minimum bid price low.  Bidders enjoy the bidding process and are generally looking for a great deal.  They are looking for auctions that start well below an item's market value.

Excessive Shipping

This has become an increasingly problematic practice over the years as eBay continues to raise their selling fees.  Some sellers will begin an auction at a very low price and then charge exceptionally high shipping and "handling" charges.  They do this to bypass paying high selling fees and thus make more money.  In short, don't do this!  It is considered Fee Circumvention by eBay and is against their selling policies.  Buyers generally view sellers who take part in this practice as both dishonest and greedy, thus avoiding your auctions entirely.  Charge exact shipping where possible, and if you must charge a handling fee, be sure to explain why you are charging it (i.e. box, packing materials, etc.).

The Curse of the Reserve

Just like high starting prices, reserve prices discourage some people from bidding.  Reserve prices, while undoubtedly safer for the seller, tend to discourage bids because buyers cannot judge if the reserve price is within reason.  In general, buyers do not like guessing games and hate bidding on an item only to find out that the reserve price was far beyond what they would have paid.

If you simply cannot consider listing your item without knowing that you'll get a certain amount for it, then consider starting the bid price at the least you'll take rather than setting a reserve.  Buyers would much rather see a higher starting price than a reserve.

If you must place a reserve on your listing, then be sure to tell buyers what your reserve price is within the auction description.  This will eliminate the guessing game and may encourage some bids.

Worth a Thousand Words

Photos of the items you are selling are essential to encouraging bids.  No matter how thorough and convincing you are in the item's description, buyers generally will not bid unless they can see the item.  With that in mind, do not use stock photos and indicate that the item looks like the one in the picture.  Take a photo of the actual item and put it in the listing.

Key Points

Writing a haphazard or limited description can be the kiss of death for your auction.  Take the time to write a good description.  Describe the item's condition honestly, noting any defects.  If it is a brand name item, include the brand name.  List the item's size and weight where possible as well as the color (in case your photo isn't clear or the buyer's monitor colors are set strangely).

Be Accessible and Timely

When a buyer asks a question, respond within 24 hours.  This lets a buyer know that you are a serious seller that cares about your customer's needs and concerns.  Very important in ecommerce where face to face interaction is missing.

Getting to Know You

People will feel more at ease bidding on your auctions if they can get to know you.  Having an About Me page is a great way to do this.  Use this space to let buyers know a little about yourself and why you sell what you do on eBay.  Be careful how detailed you get though.  Buyers don't want to read your entire life's history.

Clear Policies

Explain your policies within your item description, even if you include them through eBay's listing system.  This boasts your credibility and encourages bids.  For example, specify how you ship, who you ship with and include a realistic rate.  Also, specify if you require insurance or charge a handling fee. 

Buyers don't like surprises after the sale and will appreciate that you took the time to specify your policies up front.  The more information you include concerning your shipping, payment and return policies, the more trustworthy and professional you will appear to buyers.

A Little Something Free

To encourage repeat bidding, slip in something small for free, preferably something that relates to the item being purchased.  You might even want to give frequent customers free shipping now and then or offer them a frequent buyer's discount.  Remember that bidders are looking for honest, customer-oriented sellers.  The more pleasant you make their buying experience with you, the more likely they will be back to buy from you again.