There are several types of auction software for listing in an auction or store format on Ebay. Ebay has Turbo Lister (free) which can upload several listings and then download to Ebay all at one time. The advantage to using Turbo Lister is that you can list several items and then save them and download to Ebay on the day you want the auction to start. Also, Turbo automatically resizes the photos to fit so that saves a step. Disadvantages are that you might not want all your auctions to end simultaneously – people may be bidding on multiple items in your auction. Not everyone has the auction sniping software. I used Turbo Lister for awhile and then went back to listing individually on Ebay because it seemed easier somehow.
Getting Started:
1. Make sure your photos are prepped and ready to go; that they are sized down so won’t get bogged down on Ebay when you try to download the photo.
2. Make sure that your accounts on Ebay and Paypal are current and ready to go.
3. Sign in to your Ebay account and hit SELL and off you go!
How to List:
1. Ebay asks to find a category. Try to find the best category that describes your item. If in doubt, check similar auctions and see where those sellers listed the item. You might want to list in a different category, however, if you think the potential buyer would find it easier in another category. For example, I will list books on quilting under “Quilting Publications” or “Quilting Supplies” instead of “Nonfiction Books.” Be aware that Ebay can kick off a listing that is grossly in the wrong place.
2. Find your category and then also list in your store category because if you have a store you will want to list in your store as soon as auction ends if the item does not sell. If an item does not sell at auction, I generally mark it up a dollar or two (or more) and put in my store. Oddly enough, sometimes it sells immediately in the store for several dollars more than the auction! Figure that one out.
3. Figuring out a title for your listing is tricky. I have tried it several ways – ALL CAPS , very little words with use of this symbol ~~~~~ (what is that thing called anyway?), and various attention getters. The best way in my opinion is just a title with each word capitalized and just listing all the info you can get into the title.
For example, I have 2 dinner forks, 1881 Rogers Silverplate Flatware which is the Flirtation pattern (I found the pattern by flipping through several pages of flatware on www.replacements.com). So my title is the following:
2 Dinner Forks Flirtation 1881 Rogers Silverplate Flatware GU
If I run out of space, I will abbreviate Silverplate to SP. GU means Gently Used.
4. I copy the title (using “Copy” under your Edit key) to use later in my writeup or what I call the Ebay “blurb.”
5. If there are categories below the title to fill in, try to do it. It helps to find your item in the search. For example, flatware will have drop-down menus for New or Used, Manufacturer, Pattern, and Type (spoon, fork, etc). Try to fill in as much as you can even though this is time consuming. Remove any category that does not apply to your item.
6. Download your photo from your computer to your listing.
7. Now we come to what I call the Blurb – the Ebay listing itself where you write info about your item. First, paste the title at the top of the Blurb (use “paste” function under Edit). Then just start making a list of things you need to tell the potential buyer like size, defects, color, manufacturer, age, date, maker, artist, and so on. You don’t have to use full sentences, use a list – add bullets if you want to be fancy. Be sure to say if it is new or used. Don’t add a bunch of extraneous info like how rare it is, or how hard it was to clean – Ebayers don’t care.
I then add “Look at my other items!” from Ebay’s drop down menu. Ebay will link that to my other items for sale.
Under that I put the location of the item in my storeroom – my shelf number.
Finally, I put my customized shipping/handling/info from the drop down menu (required by Ebay – make sure you have all the current requirements listed). I just bunch it all together – no one reads it anyway but it is there so that you are in accordance with the rules.
So my flatware blurb looks something like this:
2 Dinner Forks Flirtation 1881 Rogers Silverplate Flatware GU
Gently Used, some utensil wear
7″ length
An estate sale find, needs to be cleaned and polished
See My Other Items!
N
I ship within 5 business days. Shipping and handling charges of $.99 to $2.99 apply. Customs forms will be filled out according to actual cost of item – I will not claim as a gift so please do not ask. I ship to the location Paypal gives me. Every item is 100% guaranteed and money will be refunded for watever reason if item is returned and buyer pays return shipping. I take Paypal only. Thanks for shopping with me!
Note: The listing needs to go pretty fast – don’t write too much but give enough information – list ALL deficiencies even the most minuscule stain or fleabite.
8. Now you need to list how much to start the auction off at. Always try to start at least at $9.99 or it won’t be worth your time. After $9.99, the next break in fees is $24.99 so try to list the next higher priced items at that amount if possible. Be sure you list under auction and not store. If it does not sell, and you need to relist in the store, this is where you would change to relist as store inventory although there are bulk editing in your Unsold area where you can do that too.
9. Auction will last how long? I always do 7 days. It cost more for 10 days and cost the same for 3 days, so I just do 7. However, I have been known to do 3 or 5 if I want to sell something where it ends on Sunday or Monday night (because I will be gone or something). I have also listed for 10 days when I thought I could get more bids with a longer auction. Play around and see what works best for you.
10. Generally, you will not need all the fancy 2nd listings (but determine based on what you are selling) or banners (unless it is an expensive item with lots of competition). I sometimes actually do list on ebay.uk if it is a piece of dinnerware or pottery made in the UK. I have had pretty good luck with that and think it costs a dime extra.
11. Be sure you use the drop-down menu to say what your handling time is. I use 5 days because that gets me through a week in case I have to go out of town. BUT I always try to ship within 2 days if possible. Promising 1 day is not a good idea – what if you or your child is sick? Better to have lower expectations and over deliver than vice versa.
12. For shipping, I always weigh the item and add several ounces (sometimes even pounds) for packing materials and the box. You may want to practice wrapping things to see how much the packing weighs. Some people wrap everything for shipment. However, I think that is a waste of packing material because a lot of the items just do not sell.
You need to select how to mail next – I choose USPS parcel post and then upgrade to priority if the cost is reasonable after the item sells. Some sellers always use priority but I sell such varied things, and some really heavy things, so I say parcel post always. Be aware that there are flat rate priority envelopes and boxes. I try to give customers an upgrade when possible and use priority flat rate when I can.
13. Decide if you want to do international shipping. If you are just starting Ebay, I would not recommend it. Wait until you are more seasoned with shipping and then add the international option. I ship everywhere now but sometimes still get screwed on the shipping – not sure why this happens. It usually happens with items going to Australia so beware – it is expensive to ship to Australia!
14. There are drop-down menus for shipping and handling costs to both local and international so be sure to do both. Otherwise, it will be $0.00. I typically charge $.99 – $2.99 within USA and $.299- $5.99 for international. If I have enough in my shipping to upgrade to priority, I always do even if I lose a few cents. Ebayers are just way too sensitive about shipping costs. You can’t make money off shipping according to Ebay policy. You CAN charge a fair price for shipping to pay for boxes, bubble wrap, and peanuts. Use your best judgement.
15. There is also a drop down menu explaining your refund policy. A refund policy is required even if the policy is “No Refunds for any Reason.” State that in your writeup about the item. This is an Ebay policy and is required.
16. There is a place for state sales tax for items you sell to people in your own state. When running a business, it is important to obey all local, state, and federal laws. You may need to get a resale number with your state and set up a business, obtaining local business permits, and so on. Find out the laws in your location and your state since laws vary from state to state.
17.. Remember that you do not need all the fancy doodads and gizmos Ebay offers to fancy up your listing in order to sell your item. If it is unusual, unique, and something people want – it will sell. If not the first time around, give it time and list on your store.
18. Double check the listing fee before you hit the final “list it” button. There is a fee to list an auction, usually 35 cents for items $9.99 and under. If it seems larger than that amount, check the listing – a box may have been inadvertently checked that raised the price. I read about a man who listed multiple items all with the wrong boxes checked and it cost him hundred of dollars! Remember, too, that you will have a couple of weeks to get those Ebay fees paid and the fees will be taken out of your Paypal account.
19. Ebay will throw up a box if you are listing something like weapons, toys, or Native American artifacts. Read the box carefully and make sure you have not violated an Ebay policy with your listing. If you have, Ebay will remove your listing and you will still be charged the listing fee.
20. Now go ahead and LIST IT!
