So, you had a pile of goodies from a recent garage-sale find or house-cleaning...you listed it, and it didn't sell? You're wondering what went wong. Here's a place to start re-thinking eBay offerings:

- Did you research completed sales of similar items? If Pokemon cards MIB sold for $5.99-- why did you think your incomplete, opened set would sell for $10.99? That's right --it didnt.

- Do you have a set rate for shipping? A lot of new sellers use the shipping rate calculator. Believe it or or not, it's much easier to have a set rate. That is, if a potential buyer is 5 miles or 500 mile away, it's the same rate. Weigh your product (in box), and check out usps.com. To determine the farthest distance you package may travel. Add in 1 or 2 ounces for packing material . Buy labels on-line though usps.com (when you sign up for free, you can get Delivery Confirmation for only 18 cents per package)

- Did you have enough pictures to accurately portray your product? If not, try a free posting service (auctiva.com; photobucket.com)

- Was your item priced too low or too high, at the time? Remember, to take advantage of re-listing item(s). If an item is listed too low, no one cares. They may feel it's something even Goodwill would ignore. For example, I had a pair of shoes at $9.99 with no watchers. I re-listed it the following week for $15.99, and already had a bid with several days to go on auction.

- For too high listings, again, check with similar listings for completed bids to get an accurate starting or BIN price

- Take advantage of Ebay offers: listings; gallery pics, etc., at reduced or free rates

- Re-list items when you have the option to do so w/o additional fees. Most of my items have sold during this period (original fees still exist)

- Be creative in your listing. What is unique about your product? Tell it & sell it! Be brief, but factual.

- Research what you have to sell versus what actually sells. So you have lots of Barbie dollls....but Polly Pockets are selling better. Consider a different offering.

- Never over-rate your merchandise. If it had a noticeable flaw, its not VERY GOOD, it's only GOOD. Save yourself and potential buyers problems by noting all problems in your description.

- Also, using "like new" in your listing can get it pulled, due to a variety of scammers that use this same heading. Try "used, very good" "Gently used", "worn once", etc. in your title. Be factual. - Have a clearly defined terms of service (TOS). That is, what you expect from the buyer.

- Keep in mind, though, your terms cannot counteract those of eBay/Paypal . While you may want payment within 48 hours of, auction close -- you cannot file an unpaid claim until 7 days have passed.

- Do not fail to take action if your buyer has not sent payment within this timeframe. eBay has guidelines for resolving this issue.


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