Have you noticed that your item for sale on Ebay doesn't bring as much as the same item listed by other sellers?  Do you post items similar to what you are selling in your watch list just to see how much they bring so you anticipate what your item might go for, only to be disappointed when your item brings far less?  I've written this guide to give a few pointers on how to get the best return on your sale items.

Research:

Research your item thoroughly before beginning your listing.  You can do a Google search on your item and find the manufacturer's web-site, or a retail web-site to get the specifications on the item you're selling.  List as many details regarding your item as possible.  Remember, the more information, the better.  If you can list the specifications, dimensions, original retail price, etc., it will greatly improve the value of your item for sale.

Pictures:

Pictures are extremely important to your listing.  Make sure you have good lighting and a nice backdrop for your picture.  Take pictures from several different angles so that the buyer can see the item from all sides.  This is especially important when selling higher dollar items such as vehicles, trailers, equipment, etc.  Spend the extra money to include a gallery picture.  When a buyer is scrolling through hundreds of items, the ones that do not include a gallery picture usually get passed over.

Pricing:

Setting the beginning bid on your item is important.  You will have much better luck if you set your beginning bid low on your item.  Don't start the bidding at close to what you want for the item.  Remember, you can always set a reserve price that will protect you from letting the item go for less than you want.  Your reserve price fee will be refunded by Ebay if your item sells.  A bidder likes to feel that they are getting a good buy, and a lower starting bid creates excitement and gets your item put on many more watch lists.  The more times the potential buyer bids, the more they get attached to the item and don't want to let it go.  I have found that the bidders will keep bidding it up until they find your reserve, and this usually happens early in the sale.

Creating Your Listing:

When you begin creating your listing, you should have already done your research, have your pictures taken and ready to go.  Be very descriptive in your title.  Include variations to be sure that the item will be pulled in searches.  If your item has a number such as 2nd, spell it out and include the number (i.e., second, 2nd).  Be very careful with spelling.  There are thousands of items listing on Ebay erroneously and bring far lower bids than they should due to errors in spelling of brand names, etc.  Include all of your researched information, including original retail price if possible so that the potential bidders know the value of what they are bidding on.  Use sub-titles if you have more descriptive terms than will fit on the original title line.  The sub-title will show on the search results page and may draw more people to open up your item.  Encourage bidders with questions to contact you for any additional information, and when they do, respond quickly.  Use listing designer and choose a relevant background for your item.  An attractive listing also encourages bidding.

Shipping:

Using more than one shipping source, or offering multiple rates with the same shipper gives the buyer options for less expensive shipping if they are not in a hurry to receive the item.

I hope that this guide has been helpful to you and brings you higher returns on your items for sale!  Good luck!