Tips For Listing and Selling

By Neil Rosenfeld

Choosing A Category:
Most photographic items you have to list should fit nicely into one of eBay's photographic categories. Cameras and camera system components should be placed in the category that matches their film formats (for example, 35 mm, medium format, or large format). Lenses could go into either the Lens category or into the category that matches the lens format. There are also specific categories for Darkroom, Movie, Vintage/Collectible, Lighting/Meters and Manuals. Some items are slightly more difficult to categorize. Generally, if the item attaches to the camera or lens (such as filters, cable releases, straps, and so on) it belongs in the Accessories category. All other items (such as tripods, camera cases, slide projectors, and so on) should go in the General category. If you are having difficulty deciding into which category to place your item, search for the item and see where others have placed theirs.

Titling your listing:
The title is the first contact buyers have to your item, and it is also what most searches use to locate items, so be as accurate and complete as possible. Always list the make and model and, when applicable, the type of the item (for example, NIKKOR 105/1.8 AIS LENS). Also, be sure to include any other information that you feel might stand out to a person browsing the listings (such as "new in box" or "mint condition").

Composing your listing:
Describe the item using as much detail as possible. With photo equipment, the condition is the most important factor influencing value. And, since condition is subjective and there is no standard rating system, it is very important to be completely honest in your description. DO NOT MISREPRESENT THE CONDITION OF THE ITEM! If the item has dings, dents, or scratches, say so. If it is an item you found at a garage sale and are not sure if it works, say so. Treat potential bidders as you would hope to be treated yourself.

Completing your listing:
You now need to decide the type and length of your auction. You can have an auction where you set the starting bid at a price you would be happy with and see if it goes up from there. Or, you could have a reserve price auction in which you set a starting point and also a minimum you would be willing to accept. In either case, it is important to set the starting point at a level which won't discourage bidding. You can run your auction for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. In addition, check the appropriate boxes in the "Accepted Payment Methods" and "shipping terms" sections and, if you are posting a picture, enter its address or uniform resource locator (URL) in the box provided. For instructions on including photographs, see eBay's photo tutorial.

Completing the transaction:
At the conclusion of the auction, eBay will notify you and the high bidder of the results. It is typical for you as the seller to make first contact, informing the buyer of the total amount due (final value plus shipping and handling), acceptable method(s) of payment, and your mailing address. Upon receipt of payment, you can wait for the check to clear and then ship the item to the buyer, or send the item out immediately if a money order is received. If you are happy with the way the buyer handled the transaction, take the time to give positive feedback.

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The preceding material was written by Neil Rosenfeld. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.