Tips on Writing an eBay Ad that Sells

If you haven't tried selling on eBay, you should! It is an easy way to make money from your trash that may be someone else's treasure. But do you wonder why your items don't seem to sell as well as other seller's items? Here are some ways to make sure your items sell at the best price using good descriptions.

1. Do Your Research. If you are selling an item, there are probably many other like it on eBay. Do some research before you place your listing to see what the other sellers mention about their item, and what price it is listed for based on condition. If the prices seem acceptable to you, then you will have an idea of what to ask for a starting price. Don't list your item without comparing price, because buyers ALWAYS compare prices.

2.) Sell, sell, sell! We've all watched the home shopping shows where the salesperson makes every item seem like something you can't live without. My teen-aged son once commented, "That girl was selling this bracelet. I didn't want a bracelet but by the time she got through, I sure thought I needed it for some reason." They give you all the reasons you need it, and need it NOW! You have to do that with your eBay listings. For example, when I recently listed some of my favorite novels, I wrote in the description, "I'm clearing out my book shelves and have to let go of some old favorites. This was such a good book. It's the kind of book you want to take with you to the beach and read while you recline in your beach chair. It's a great book to curl up by the fire to read. I love page-turners and this sure was one! You will love this book!" I sold the book for much more than I thought I would. Tell your buyers why they need your item, why it is special, uses they may not have thought of, etc. Keep it honest! If it wasn't a great book, don't say it was. Establishing yourself as an honest seller will also build sales.

3.) Check your spelling! Many eBay sellers have no idea why their item doesn't get any bids, but with titles like "George Warshington Biografy" and "Dimon Neklace," it's easy to see why they don't. Check your title twice! If you have any doubt about the spelling, look it up! Don't pay for a listing no one can find.

4.) Write an eye-catching title. Use commonly used abbreviations to get as much information into your title as space allows. NWT means new with tags, NWOT- new without tags, HB means hardback, etc. I usually list the retail price in the item it I am selling a new item, so they know what it sells for at stores. So an title may look like, "GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS HB NEW $22" If room allows, adding something like LQQK also grabs attention. Use capital letters to make your listing stand out from the rest.

5.) Put your item in the right category. I have seen sewing patterns in the clothing section instead of crafts, which is where most buyers would look.. Put your glass knick-knacks under "Pottery and Glass" not Home Decor (or both if you expect to sell it for a good price that offsets the cost of listing in a second section.) The more specific the category, the easier it will be for potential buyers to find your item.

6.) Always have a picture. If you don't have a digital camera, you may be able to find a picture of your item somewhere else on the internet. Be sure to mention that this is a picture of an item like the one you are listing, not the actual item. Then tell of any difference in the condition of your item and the one in the picture. You really do need a digital camera if you are going to sell often on eBay. Take a good picture. Pictures that are out of focus or too far away to show detail will only make buyers move on to the next listing. I usually take several pictures in different lighting to find the best shot to use in my listing. If your item is something that buyers would need to know the size of, use a coin, ruler, etc in the picture to show the comparison. Your buyers will appreciate it.

7.) Be specific about shipping charges. I've passed on several items for sale because the seller was too vague on how much it will cost for shipping. eBay has a shipping calculator that can be used, and it allows the buyer to put in their own zip code to get their shipping costs. Consider giving a choice of shipping methods. Also be specific about where you will ship. If you don't want to do international shipping, do consider Canada in addition to the USA. I've had many wonderful Canadian buyers who don't mind paying a bit more for shipping. Also, be sure to list insurance as optional for your buyer. If it is an expensive or fragile item, and it becomes lost or damaged, the responsibility will then fall with the buyer if they chose not to have insurance.

With some imagination and attention to detail, you can sell your items quickly and at a good price. Selling on eBay is much easier than having a yard sale, and a great way to make some fast cash.