• Hadley
• Beswick
• Arabia
• Catalina
• Abingdon
• Bauer
• Dakota Pottery
• Watt
• Masons
• Russel Wright

It pays to be specific: eBay research indicates that Item Specifics functionality has increased sell-through rates for Art sellers by more than 10%*.

Item Specifics are attributes that you apply to your items during the listing process. They categorize your items more precisely, making them easier to find by qualified buyers, using eBay's exciting new Product Finder search tool.

To see how the Product Finder works, visit the Art category.

Review how Item Specifics is being integrated into Pottery & Glass:

• Your Item Specifics will be separated into two categories: Art Glass and Glassware.
• For Art Glass, set these attributes:
  • Country of Origin: Czech, France, Great Britian…
  • Maker: Bohemia, Daum, Fenton...
  • Color: Amber, Cranberry, Ruby...
  • Shape: Bottle, Compote, Tumbler...
  • Age: Pre-1900, 1900-39, 1940-79...
• Within Glassware, specify:
  • Maker: Boyd, Fostoria, Noritake...
  • Pattern: Cape-Cod, Fire-King, Royal Lace...
  • Color: Aqua, Marigold, Slag...
  • Shape: Cake Stand, Martini Glass, Platter...
  • Style: Carnival, Depression, Elegant...
• When Product Finder searches match your Item Specifics, highly qualified buyers will find your listings.
• Item specifics also appear on your View Item pages.

For more detailed information on Item Specifics, click here.

* This represents an average based on data from June 2002 transactions. No representation is made that conversion rate of a specific item will increase by the average percentages noted above.

No, she didn't appear on Antiques Roadshow or win the lottery; she sold a precious piece of Carnival Glass on eBay, one of four known Northwood "Ice Blue" plates, and only the second in mint condition.

Inherited from her husband's grandmother, the seller had no idea how rare the plate was before listing it, starting it at just $5 without a reserve on May 12 to see what the market would bear.

News of the piece traveled fast. By the end of the day, it had reached $3,978 on 38 bids. By the auction's close, 67 collectors and dealers had vied for the plate, making it one of the category's higher selling items.

The winner: active eBay glass collector bmartiniglass@aol.com, who bid once the first day of the auction and won the piece in the final minutes, "I know there are other rare pieces waiting to be discovered," he said, enthused by the piece's emergence.

Though the seller wasn't aware of the plate's value initially, the eBay glass community certainly was. Updates to her listing indicated that users immediately notified her about the piece's possible rarity and importance, so that she could provide a more complete description and would also be sure properly handle and ship it.

"The plate is now safely at our bank in a safe deposit box," read an update late the first day.

According to eBay category director Geoff Donaker, the auction shows just how strong the Pottery & Glass community has become.

"We were delighted to see the eBay community come together to help one of its own," said Donaker. "Without being asked, numerous glass experts stepped in and ensured that this rare piece got the attention it deserved. The happy ending here provides yet another reminder that it's the people using eBay that make it so special."

• Independent Verification: Verify the authenticity of rare, highly valuable antique glass with the help of a professional, certified appraiser. Include a scan of your appraisal report in your listing.
• Visual Proof: Include a gallery of images in your listing with different views and close-ups. Photograph key manufacturer marks, as well as unique elements and imperfections.
• Prices Realized: Include a digest of historical prices for your item, realized at respected auction houses, such as Sotheby's, Christies, and Phillips.
• Provenance: Provide a history of ownership for the item, which can increase its value. Also, consider listing reference texts in your description, particularly those that have photos of your item or its pattern/color. Enable bidders to conduct their own research.
• Guarantee: Stand behind your sales. Offer a money-back guarantee, minus shipping and third-party fees.Suggest an escrow service for the safe transfer of funds and property.
• Marketing: Invest in promotion, particularly eBay listing upgrades. They work -- learn more. Build your credibility. List degrees, accreditations, professional affiliations, and honors on your About Me page. Then, link to it from your listings. Example: artantiques.
• Feedback: Maintain a high positive feedback rating. Offer PayPal and ship the day payment clears for increased feedback.