Members Get Tips for Improving Listings on the new Seller Central Discussion Board
by Maeve
eBay Staff Member

This month, Access visits the new Seller Central Discussion Board, a board where sellers work with each other to improve their listings and increase their sales.

In response to one recent new member's questions about becoming a successful seller on eBay, regulars on the Seller Central gave the following advice for writing auction descriptions that attract bidders:

Member direct_from_the_lamp emphasized the importance of detailed descriptions and good pictures:

"Use key words in your title and use the entire title space. Write a clear, accurate and fair description and include measurements, distinguishing features, new or used, collectible, possible flaws, etc. Keep the letters big and the background simple! Spell-check and turn the caps key off! …Include method(s)of shipping and shipping charges. Incorporate the shipping calculator, give flat rate shipping charge or at least have an estimated shipping charge (disclose any handling fees). Add (good) pictures, the more expensive the item — the more pictures but don't overload because they will take too long to download. One well-taken picture should suffice for an item under $20 (yes, there will be exceptions). If there are flaws, point them out in the picture—or take a picture of the flaws!"

quiltworks explained the importance of giving as much detail about your terms of sale in the listing description as possible. She also stressed the importance of building up a positive Feedback history:

"People want to know how they can pay, how much you charge for shipping, how you ship, if there a handling fee. This is called a TOS (terms of sale). If TOS is not present, people typically don't bid. In my opinion it is best to give people as many options as possible - so you don't lose any potential bidders ….. People are reluctant to deal with sellers who have no track record. You have no feedback, so you have a huge mountain to climb. I recommend you start by buying — This will allow you to feedback track record. When your feedback is more than 10, start selling on low price items, and then move up. Starting by buying will also help you to be a better seller. You are likely not to make mistakes you have made, because you will see that you will react to auctions with no pictures and no TOS the same way. There are lots of other little things that you can learn. See what you like and don't like and adopt and avoid those things when you sell. Always try to picture yourself as a bidder. It helps when you are trying to make decisions of whether to do this or that with your auction."

Member hideaway_jack reminded sellers to use backgrounds and colors with caution and to avoid describing their terms in a way that could sound hostile to potential buyers:

"Be careful of your background and text colors. Black text on a light background is the easiest to read. Confine the use of colored text to headings and info you want to emphasize. Always use text that is a significantly different color and contrasts with the background. Don't, for instance, use dark blue text on a light blue background. You may think it looks great, but some folks will find it difficult to read. …. When writing your Terms of Sale, avoid sounding hostile. Don't threaten what you'll do if payment isn't received on time or at all. Don't state that certain bidders aren't welcome. Clearly state your return policy, whatever it is (even if you don't take returns)."

missy.76 pointed out that different details should be spelled out in a description, depending on the type of item:

"What I put in descriptions depends a lot on the particular item and whether it's new or used. For example, if I am listing hubby's car parts, I note what vehicle (make/model/year) it came from, how long it was used, why I'm selling it (I seem to get a lot of those questions on car parts). I always note that for clothes and other scent-sensitive items that they come from a smoke-free environment. Just be sure to describe your item as best you can and do not leave anything out, especially if the item is flawed in some way, even if it's a minor flaw."

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A special thanks to these members, and to all those who share their experiences daily with other members on the Seller Central Discussion Board To get to Seller Central, click Community from the navigation bar at the top of most eBay pages. Next, click Discussion from the Talk square, and choose the Seller Central link from the list of Help discussion boards on the left.