can anyone think of anything I've missed out?
- do your research and have a look at similar items and see how they're priced. Watch to see if they actually sell too, because no matter how good your listing if your item doesn't sell then it's either wrongly priced, or it doesn't appeal in some other way.
- weigh your item (approximately) and work out the postage on Royal Mail Price Finder
www.royalmail.com/price-finder Most things are posted as standard second class packages. You really only need anything more for really valuable items or if the buyer requests it (sometimes buyers can ask for you to quote for first class recorded delivery for example. You work it out on the same website and then they pay what you want for it) Remember the buyer will pay what you quote for postage so you if you quote too little you'll lose out. Better to be slightly above what you think it will be. Remember to add a small element for packaging.
- Take good photos, as flattering as possible but also realistic. Make sure the lighting is good and bright. If an item of clothing looks a bit sad and floppy on a hanger, arrange it artfully on a (clean) floor and take pictures from directly above (I sometimes stand on a chair to take the picture).Take close ups of any detailing you think is important. Take a picture of the back of the item too. If it is a particular designer label you might want to take a picture of the actual label to prove to potential buyers that it is what you say it is.
- Include all important details in the title of the listing (ie what it is, what brand or label it is/size/colour/if it's brand new etc) I use capitals for the title to give it a bit more impact. (I don't usually bother with a sub heading)
- Write all the details of the item in your listing. This is your chance to sell your item so really highlight how fabulous it is (without lying). If it's only been worn 2 or 3 times, say so. If it's a well known brand or designer, say so. If it's an item of clothing list the fabric and cleaning instructions (ie dry clean only or machine washable on gentle cycle) If you're unsure how to write up the description do some research and read listings of other similar items. Measure the item and include all measurements in the listing. This applies to clothes too, as sizing can vary. Buyers will want to know how long a skirt is from waistband to hem, or a coat from collar to hem. You cannot give too much information really. Buyers won't be able to see the item so they'll need the information. Mention they come from a pet and smoke free home if that applies.
- Think about your starting price. This is the minimum you will accept for the item. You have to be realistic. Second hand clothing for example doesn't sell for much unless it is a really expensive brand (and even then they go for surprisingly low prices because there are so many fakes on the market buyers are naturally suspicious). If your starting price is low you are likely to attract more buyers, but of course there's a risk you'll end up selling it for that price so you have to pitch it just right. You can put in a Buy It Now price, which tells buyers they don't have to wait for the end of the auction, but they can buy it now. Make this price higher - nearer what you'd actually like to get for the item. You will have to pay an extra fee for using the Buy It Now feature.
- you can have listings that run 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. An old ebay trick is to start a 10 day listing on a Thursday evening so it'll run across two weekends, when most buyers are looking. You can do a scheduled start (though you pay extra for this) or you can get the auction to start immediately, so if you want to do the Thursday trick then you need to make sure you do the listing on a Thursday evening. I'd say allow yourself about 45 minutes to do your first listing. Have all your research done in advance. Know what you're going to charge for postage and what your opening price will be, write your description in advance etc... so that if you sit down by about 8pm on a Thursday evening you can have your auction up and running by about 9pm. (You may well be faster of course!)
