|
| How To Sell Books, Movies & Music on eBay |
|
|
|
| 1. LISTING FORMAT : Choose the right type of listing for your item
You need to decide whether to sell using the Auction-style or fixed price (Buy It Now) format, but before you get started, there are a few things you need to know:
|
- Start price: Start your listing at a low start price - this will attract more bids and usually a higher sell price.
- Buy-It-Now: If you want buyers to buy your item instantly (rather than having to bid and wait for the auction to end), then list with Buy-It-Now. To learn more, click here. You need a minimum feedback rating of 5 to use Buy-It-Now.
- Reserve Price: Avoid using Reserve Prices unless you have good reason to use them. Many bidders will not bid on reserve auctions and you are therefore less likely to sell your item if you use a reserve.
- Fees: Selling involves two types of fees, a Listing Fee and a Final Value Fee.
Final Value Fees are applied only if your listing closes with a winning bid.
Click here for details on fees for listing your item.
|
 |
For a small listing fee you can list your item on eBay and market it to millions of potential buyers.
|
|
|
2. TITLE : Tell it like it is
When writing your title, think about what would grab your attention and make you click through to the listing. Since you only have limited space in your title, here are some tips to remember and things to include:
|
- Double-check your spelling! Misspelled words cannot be searched properly.
- Use the information that is most practical and is going to attract the most interest.
- If the item is new, state it in the title space. E.g. "New Madonna : Music CD" or "New & Sealed Grease DVD R4".
- List the title and author's name of a book or the title and artist's name of recorded music. If you have enough space, list the main star of a film.
- E.g.: "The Firm by John Grisham" is better than "Brand New. Firm!!!" for the book and "New. The Firm DVD R4 - Tom Cruise" will attract more attention for the DVD than "Firm DVD"
- If listing a DVD, make sure you include the region in the title, for example if you are listing a Region 4 DVD, write "Muriel's Wedding R4 DVD". For more information on DVD and video formats, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
3. DESCRIPTION : Describe the item thoroughly
When you are creating your listing remember that this is your opportunity to successfully sell your item. So market it well!
You can include as much information as you like! There is no limit so to avoid questions later, anticipate the buyers' needs here.
|
Here's a list of facts you should include:
Basics:
- For recorded music always include a full track listing; artist listing; year of recording and country of release.
- For books, always include the synopsis of the book (you will usually find it on the back cover or inside pages); any sub-title; date of publication; country of release; the ISBN (International Standard Book Number - nearly every published book is assigned a 10 digit number which you will usually find on the back cover above the barcode, or with the publishing information in the first few pages of the book); the format (is it a hardcover or a softcover) and the number of pages in the book.
- For film items, always include a synopsis; a list of stars; the director; year of release; country of release and any other names of note (producer, writer etc). Always include the video format or the DVD region.
- For books, movies & music also include any interesting information listed on the item such as reviews; awards it has won; bestseller status; money at the box office; weeks in the charts etc
- For instruments include as much manufacturing information as possible; whether there are any accessories, cases, stands etc. State your geographical location and whether the instrument can be picked up or if a prospective buyer can try it first.
- For more expensive items always include some information about yourself to instil bidder confidence. You can also create an About Me page, click here.
|
|
|
|
Condition
Include information about the condition of the item. Are there any scratches / tears / creases etc? A few words should be enough, but you can find professional grading terms on books, records, comics and posters on the Internet. If it is new, specify this clearly.
Shipping and Payment Terms:
Although these are outlined in your listing, we recommend re-stating these in the description.
If you would like to create a more dynamic listing, there are some basic html commands that will be able to help you. For tips, click here.
|
|
4. PHOTOGRAPHS : Pictures tell a thousand words
You will boost sales by displaying your item in a clear picture or photograph. You can attach a photograph to your listing in a number of ways -
|
- By taking a digital photograph of it
- By taking a photograph of your item and scanning it
- By taking a photograph of your item and having the negatives developed to CD (a lot of local photo labs can now do this for you)
- By taking photographs of your item and having Extrafilm send you them via e-mail.
Check out Picture Services for other how-to-tips.
|
|
|
|
| Remember that if you already have your product photographs hosted on the internet, you can simply insert the url so that it is included in your listing.
|
|
| 5. PAYMENT : State payment options clearly
Specify the payment methods you will accept including Direct Deposit (within Australia); cheques; money orders; cash; credit cards; Bpay or an online payment system such as Paymate.
|
|
| 6. POSTAGE : Define postage conditions
Clearly state additional terms or expenses, including who will pay for postage. We recommend that you set a fixed price for Postage and Handling. This will help you close the sale, deliver your item and be paid much faster. For more information on Australia Post, click here.
|
|
| 7. START SELLING : Using the Sell Your Item Form
Now you have read these selling tips, you're ready to begin. Click here to use eBay's Sell Your Item form.
|
