SolveYourProblem eBusiness Series:
Online Auction Site Tips, Hints & Strategies
You Need To Know
(includes eBay® and Yahoo®)
( 10 pages )

51.
Writing your Description

To ensure there are no typographical, grammatical, or punctuation errors, you can use Notepad or a word processor to write the text. This will allow you to check for any errors. Once you are satisfied with the text, simply copy, cut, and past into the eBay description space.

52.
Auction Duration

You will need to choose between listing your item(s) from 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. The most popular choice is 7 days but the option is up to you. If your item(s) is something that sells fast on eBay, you can lower the number of days whereas if it is a higher priced item you might want to push the date to 10 days, which will provide more time for the bigger spenders to find your auction.

53.
Buy-it-Now

This is a feature offered by eBay and once you qualify, you can have one price where people can buy the item(s) “now” or they can continue bidding until the auction ends. If a buyer chooses the “buy now” option, the auction ends. Many buyers enjoy the convenience this option offers.

54.
Location!

It is important to list the city and state where you are located. Not only does this help the buyer determine shipping to make sure you are not overcharging them but if you are selling larger items such as furniture, automobiles, or appliances where the buyer would have to pick the item(s) up, it would let them know if they want to bid based on location. As an example, if you have a refrigerator for sale and you live in New York, someone from California is not going to drive clear across the country just to pick up the appliance whereas on the East Coast might.

55.
iPix

Use iPix if you need help getting your photo uploaded. This is a simple solution helpful for beginners to experts. If you know how to use FTP (file transfer protocol), you can even enter your web address where your images are stored allowing buyers to click on the URL and view the items. This is especially beneficial if you have an entire eBay store full of goodies.

56.
Photo Size

Keep your photos 25K or less. This will allow buyers to download quickly and not get annoyed waiting to see your item(s).

57.
Photo Gallery

The gallery option is yet another great eBay feature. For only $.25 you will be provided with a thumbnail picture of the item at the top of your listing. When potential buyers click into your auction, instead of having to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see your item(s) they can get a glimpse of it immediately at the top. This is yet another way of providing customer service. Buyers remember these types of things and appreciate the convenience offered. If they do not buy from you now, the chance of them buying in the future is elevated.

58.
Counter

eBay provides the option of using a counter on your auction site. This helps you track the number of people visiting your auction. If you find that you have many hits but no one is buying, you might need to adjust your description, photo, etc. To make this even more appealing, it is free.

59.
Payment Page

On the fifth page, the payment option page, you only need to check one box – “see item description” box. Since you will have outlined your payment options in your description, this reduces redundant information. This is easy to use and highly recommended.

60.
Buyer pays Shipping

For the question as to who pays for shipping, you will have the option of who pays for shipping, you or the buyer. Always be sure you have the “buyer” box checked. Otherwise, you will end up with all the charges on your plate.

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