item listings: become effective

                 Selling items consists of creating an item listing and developing a pricing model.  This really isn’t that hard either, and it doesn’t require any type of special knowledge.

Part of a simple, yet effective, auction listing.  Contains keywords, real picture, and short, personalized description.   

                The best eBay listings are simple, yet attention getting.  You can type your listing description in plain text, but I highly recommend against this.  The best way to create a listing is to use an HTML editor, such as Microsoft Sharepoint Designer 2007, or a free alternative if you can’t get that for free.  Not much HTML experience is required although you might want to learn the markup for links and images.  Within the body of each listing, you will want a heading, item picture, personal description, and general description. 

 

                 The heading should closely mirror the item title that eBay requires for each listing; it should include all keywords that someone might search for to find an item, including brand, item type, model number, item specifics (color, size, version, etc.), and the condition of the item.  The following is an acceptable item title: Sanyo 32” Plasma HDTV Widescreen Brand New.  You may want to include even more keywords: Sanyo 32” Plasma HDTV Flat Screen Television Widescreen Brand New In Box. 

A good auction heading, which is the basis for a good auction title. 

                 Each item should also have an embedded picture.  The reason for this is because although eBay allows you to upload pictures, more than one can sometimes cost money, and eBay limits the size and contrast of the image.  Embedded images will not have these limitations.  Where should I store these images?  Use Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com/) because they have a user-friendly interface, large storage capacity, and allow their service to be used to store images for online auctions.  See picture above. 

                 The personal description should include information particular to this item and its condition but not refer to a general description of the item.  This means whether it is used or new, what exactly it comes with, and defects with the item, and any other history you might want to include.

A good item description that contains both a personalized item description and a general, retail item description.

                 The general description includes item specifications and a general description of the item like you would see on a retail site.  You can usually search the internet for this information and copy and paste it.  This is especially important for electronic items where the buyer might want to be able to exactly understand the item’s capabilities.   

                 One you have your product listing mapped out, it is time to set the price point and other payment conditions.  As a general rule, there aren’t any compelling reasons to list most standard items at a starting price other than $0.99.  Not only does it cost more in fees, but a low starting price such as this will encourage much more bidding.  You also don’t normally need to select any optional listing enhancements unless you are selling something like card.  They cost money but won’t help increase demand or visibility much; items will either have a high demand or low demand based on the content of the listing.  If there are any promotional free enhancements, I would select these to use.

All of the item listing options involving time and pricing.  Generally, you'll want a $0.99 starting price, no reserve, and a 7 day listing duration. 

 

 

 

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