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How To Sell Collectables 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.
    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!
  • Things to consider including:
    What it is: e.g. "Figurine"
    Brand e.g. "Wedgwood"
    Year e.g. "c.1970"
    Material e.g. "Silver Plate"
    Style e.g. "Art Deco"
    Size e.g. "10cm"
    Condition e.g. "Mint"
    Colour e.g. "Blue & White"
  • Include as many keywords as you can. When people search by keyword, what they type in is matched with the words in your title.
  • It's better to use this space to include keywords rather than things like "L@@K".
  • You are limited to 45 characters so use it all! Short titles like "teapot" won't get you as many bidders as long ones.


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: Start with a description of what the item is. Remember to make the item appealing to both expert collectors and novices alike.
  • Condition: Let people know if there are any chips, marks, etc and if possible get close up photographs of these defects. People are more likely to bid if they know what they are getting.
  • Dimensions: Height, width, depth, weight. In metric and imperial is best.
  • Provenance: Tell the story of where the item comes from, how you found it etc. Include pictures of brand marks.
  • Authenticity: If you have a Certificate of Authencity, include a picture here.
  • Be Thorough: Save time by giving people as much information about the item up front so they don't need to email you with questions.
  • Information about yourself: Give bidders every reason to trust you by including information on yourself or your business. A great way to do this is by creating your own About Me page, click here.
  • Payment & Postage: Include your terms of payment and postage. The more options you offer the more attractive your item will be.
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.
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.