Want to sell your item quickly and at the best possible price? Here are five ways to reel in those bidders that you may not have thought of:

1) Don't waste space on adjectives

Car dealers don't. Nor should you:  Don't write: "You'll love this beautiful leather Coach handbag with its stylish, elegant sought-after design."  Instead think of a typical car ad: 2005 Lexus, new tires, CD player, leather seats, GPS: $22,000  and do the same. Just give the facts: "A small  leather Coach handbag with interior lined in  red velvet..."  People don't want to listen to sales hype. If it's "elegant" they can see that. Just stick to the facts, get to the point, and allow the item to sell itself. 

 2) Flat shipping charges sell  

When people do a search on eBay  your shipping charge now appears right next to  your title and price in the search results.

If you don't have a flat rate charge, potential bidders see "Not Specified" or "Calculate" (if you are using eBay's shipping calculator) instead.

Not surprisingly, items with an actual shipping price get the first click from busy eBayers.

How do you set  a flat shipping price? Go to your shippers' website -- like USPS -- and calculate an amount midway between the most expensive and least expensive zones. You'll win sometimes, and lose sometimes, depending on where bidders live. But it will all even out over a few sales and meanwhile you'll be beating your competitors.

3) Your used item has minor faults. Own up to them

Customers love it when you mention a minor fault, because you are not likely to be disguising a big one.  Honesty will deliver you from angry emails, returned items, negative feedback and having to cope with eBay's dispute procedures ... maybe all four.

Don't try too hard to minimize faults: it can make them seem worse! "This  handbag is in wonderful condition. There is a slight scuff mark on the base that can hardly be seen except in very bright light...." Just include a photograph that shows  the mark. You don't want buyers who are seeking a perfect item and who will register a dispute if they feel you haven't been open.

4) Ernest Hemingway had an editor. You need one, too

 When a seller describes an item's condition as "exallent" how much are you going to believe her?  eBay has a spell checker: always use it. It's always difficult to see your own spelling errors, awkward sentences or faulty grammar. Ask someone else -- spouse, friend or work colleague  -- to check  your listing and see if it reads well. They'll be flattered you asked them.

5) Beware of adding special terms and conditions, they scare people  

Few customers read long lists of terms, rules and conditions (who's got the time?). If they do read them, you'll just look like a difficult, demanding seller. eBay's own rules cover most situations. Don't add your own  without a very good reason

If this guide has helped you in any way, please click "Yes" below and keep it alive to help other eBayers. Thank you!