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How To Sell Almost Anything 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: (Available only in select vehicle categories.) Avoid 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.
    Fees are applicable for Buy-It-Now functionality, and to use a reserve price in select vehicle categories. Fees are also applicable to use gallery items and various highlighting features.
    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.
  • You only have space for 45 characters, so use the information that is most practical and is going to attract the most interest.
  • Include the brand name if applicable.
  • If the item is new, state this fact in the title space.
  • Avoid meaningless words like "Look!" "Sexy!" "Cool!" and excessive punctuation like "!!!!" or "****"
  • If you want to make your listing stand out more, choose from a variety of optional Features. For more information, 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! Browse through some current listings on eBay at the moment - which of them appeal to you most and what tips can you learn from them?

You can include as much information as you like! There is no limit so to avoid questions later, anticipate the buyers' needs here.

Basics
  • Imagine that the person seeing your item knows nothing about it at all. Include as many pieces of the following information as are applicable:-
  1. Year & Place of manufacture or publication
  2. Make / Model / Brand name and other relevant manufacturing information such as materials
  3. Technical specifications (such as electrical components & compatibility, accessories, instructions, extras etc)
  4. Other information (such as content / synopsis, celebrity, accolades etc)
  5. History - if the history of your item will help secure your sale, include it and whether there is any documentation to support it (e.g. a car's log book, certificate of authenticity etc)
  6. Dimensions - including height, width and weight or clothing size etc
  7. Collectability - if the item is truly rare or collectable, include that information here
  8. You may wish to include original or recommended retail price
  9. Returnability - is there a guarantee / warranty or do you have a returns policy
Condition
  • Include information about the condition of the item. Are there any scratches / tears / creases etc?
  • Describe any defects in as much detail as possible, especially if you are selling an expensive item.
  • If the item is new, specify this clearly.
Shipping / Delivery and Payment Terms:
  • Although these are outlined in your listing, we recommend re-stating these in the description.
About You:
  • For more expensive items always include some information about yourself to instil bidder confidence. You can also create an About Me page, click here.
  • You may wish to tell people who you are and what types of items you sell so that they can choose to return to your auctions in the future.
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 -
  1. By taking a digital photograph of it
  2. By taking a photograph of your item and scanning it
  3. 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)
  4. By taking photographs of your item and having Extrafilm send you them via e-mail.
If there is a lot of detail to your item, you can choose 'Picture Pack' for an additional $1.50. It gives you up to 6 photos on your listing plus a gallery photo for browsers.

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 / DELIVERY : Define postage/delivery 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 sending items through Australia Post, click here. For larger items you may also include information about pick-up.



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.