eBay Tips - Proper Listing Descriptions (Part 2 of 3)

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Condition of Item is NOT Stated

This particular listing does not state the condition at all, not even in the description. The potential buyer will have to e-mail the seller asking them for the condition of the item or will just ignore the listing altogether. If the listing is ignored, the seller has a smaller chance of selling the item. If, on the other hand, the potential buyer e-mails the buyer with a question, the buyer now has to respond to it. Either way, it's a waste of time for both parties.

Proper posting example

Condition is clearly stated

The seller of this listing properly stated the item condition. This will attract new buyers and will lower the potential chances of buyers e-mailing the seller with questions.

(Images courtesy of eBay)

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Item has flaws, but images of flaws are not posted

This is a perfect example of a posting that clearly states the item is flawed, but does not include photos of the actual flaws. The potential buyer might risk bidding on the item or they might e-mail the seller or they might ignore this listing altogether. If you list a flaw, show it to the buyer! They will be pleased that you are upfront about it.

Proper Posting Example

Item has flaws and images reflect the flaws


In this listing, the missing buttons and clasp at the front of the garment are clearly visible in the pictures. Potential buyers can now decide whether or not it's worth bidding on this item. This posting will end up getting bid on since buttons and clasps can be easily and inexpensively replaced.

(Images courtesy of eBay)

Poor Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

Now, everyone can make mistakes and no one is perfect, but we have to always try to do our best. Let's face it: consumer industries have a minimum expectation of professionalism and we need to try to maintain the minimum at the very least.
Take a look at the example below. The seller's intentions were good: there is plenty of content in the listing and it is very useful, but the poor grammar is an eye sore.



(Image courtesy of eBay)

Proper Posting Example

Proper grammar with no spelling mistakes
Here's a revised version of the example above:

Luxury Flamingo Pink Swarovski Crystal Evening Handbag
- Up for auction is a very attractive evening bag with shapes of beautiful flamingos that tastefully adorn it. The flamingos are impressive and charming.
- Decked up with beautifully shimmering clear, clear AB, light rose, light rose AB and fuchsia Swarovski crystals, this bag will add a spectacular sparkle to your outfit.
- This bag is versatile and can be worn as a handbag or a shoulder bag.
- Our designs are created for an educated and confident woman who has an excellent taste in accessories.
- Metal base is gold-tone plated.
- Measures approx.16cm(6.30") in length, 10.5cm(4.13") in height and 5.5cm(2.17") in width.
- High and detailed quality of craftsmanship.
- Brand-new item.
- Item will be shipped to you with a beautiful gift box.
- It is also good for your personal handbag collection. Don't miss out on this!
- If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. We welcome your inquiries and comments. We will try our best to provide you with an excellent buying experience. Thank you very much.

Payment
 
- We only accept PAYPAL.
- Payment is to be completed within 14 days of the end of the auction. Please contact us if you can't make the payment promptly. Otherwise, we will reserve the right to re-list the item and an unpaid item strike will be registered against your eBay account.
- Combined shipping is only valid for items purchased within 14 days of the first item. All items to be combined must be paid for at the same time. Please kindly contact us for an invoice with combined shipping when you have finished shopping with us within the 14 day period.

Conveying the condition of the item to the potential buyer is paramount! If there is a problem with the item and you have described, make sure the picture reflects this as well. You can even use a paint program to highlight the damaged area or imperfection. On the other hand. if the picture shows a problem, make sure the text explains the issue. And for goodness sake, please pay close attention to the grammar and spelling. Spelling is easy since all you really need to do is write it out in any word processor first and it should be auto-corrected. Then paste into your posting. As for grammar, there are websites you can use to check simple grammatical errors. If that fails, ask a friend.