As a frequent buyer and seller of children's clothing, I have some tips for new sellers.

1.  DON'T ever list something as being in "perfect" condition, especially pre-worn clothing, as you are setting yourself up for potentially disappointed and displeased customers.  Even brand new items can sometimes have defects from being handled by store customers.  When I bid on something listed as "perfect", then I expect there to be absolutely no flaws on an item, and have usually been disappointed upon actually receiving the item.  Rather than saying "perfect", describe it as "excellent used condition", "minor wash wear", etc.  On that note. . .

2.  DON'T try to mislead buyers by glossing over an item's flaws.  I feel full disclosure is very important.  I am extremely detailed in my listings regarding an item's condition and will mention any flaw I see.  Usually your customers will appreciate your honesty.  You would be surprised at how seemingly "flawed" items, especially sought after brands such as Gymboree, Gap, Hanna, etc. do at auction.  However, if you fail to mention obvious flaws in your listing and are just general in description ("ie great used condition") you are opening yourself up to having to return the customer's money and losing money in auction fees.  That said. . .

3.  DON'T forget to include a detailed return policy in your auction.  You don't have to allow returns, although it does increase customer confidence and therefore bidding if you do.  If you decide to offer a return policy, decide how long the customer has to request a refund, on what conditions will a return be accepted, whether shipping costs will be refunded, etc. Writing a detailed return policy eliminates confusion with your customers and protects you in the long run.

4.  DON'T neglect to use the gallery option when listing your item.  It is inexpensive and gives your item greater exposure.  Potential customers will often not even look at auctions without gallery pictures, as people are usually very visually stimulated.  The fees for gallery is worth the price!

5.  DON'T start your auction at too high of a price.  I have recently perused some auctions where the bidding started at $19.99 for a small lot of used clothing.  Twice this lot was listed at that price and twice it did not sell.  It was a popular brand and the items likely would have sold at or near that price if the bidding had started at a lower amount.  Part of the thrill of my Ebay buying is trying to get a great deal while also trying to outwit other bidders. I rarely even look at auctions of children's clothing that start over $9.99.  Remember, this is used clothing!!  The only exceptions to this rule would be very high end boutique brands (Little Mass, My Vintage Baby, Oilily, Jottum) or custom boutique clothing.  Jumping to that subject. . .

6.  DON'T describe an item as "custom boutique clothing" unless it really is!  There are entire guides on how to buy custom boutique clothing on Ebay so I don't want to get into too much detail here.  However, if your friend who is a recreational sewer made an outfit from a basic pattern, it CAN be described as a "custom handmade item" but not a "custom boutique item", as it is not likely such an item would be sold in boutiques.  If your friend owns her own boutique where she designs the clothes sewn, then sure, it is custom boutique clothing.  If someone embellished a pair of overalls with fabric paint and attached appliques with fabric glue, that is NOT a custom boutique item.  Be careful in your descriptions. 

7.  DON'T list an unreasonably high shipping cost.  That is one of my biggest turn-offs.  If you are selling a size 2T long sleeved tshirt, there is no reason to charge your customers more than $4 in shipping.  Although you can do the whole postage calculator option, I have found it best to charge a flat shipping rate.  Your best bet is to package your item and weigh it before listing a shipping price.  I speak from experience as there are times I have underestimated an item's weight and ended up losing money on shipping costs.  A small postage scale is an excellent investment for even the occasional seller.

8.  DON'T forget to let your customers know if you will offer a combined shipping discount.  This is a great way to drum up additional business, as people like to get a good deal.  If you offer combined shipping, make sure you provide customers with a time frame in which the combined shipping discount will be allowed.

9.  DON'T ignore your customer once the item has sold.  You may send the automatic invoice and, if using Paypal shipping, the customer will receive an email notification.  However, some of those emails go into spam folders or are ignored.  I like to communicate directly with my customers thanking them for their payment and letting them know when their item will be shipped.  As a customer, I hate being left hanging, wondering when my item is going to arrive, so I really value good communication.

10.  Finally, DON'T wait too long to ship the item once your customer has paid. I ship items within three business days of receiving payment.  If you have small children, which most people selling children's clothing do, it may be difficult to get to the post office very often.  If that is the case, clearly state in your auction template that you only can get to the post office once or twice per week to ship items out.  I highly recommend getting a postage scale and shipping supplies for at home.  For items purchased from U.S. buyers, I can almost always mail items directly from my mailbox, which saves so much time!!  Remember, your customer has paid their hard earned money and they don't want to wait too long to receive their item.  Would you??

I hope this guide was helpful to someone out there embarking on an Ebay selling career!