AuctionCut

Mark wrote:If you are an eBay seller, then you already know that there is nothing more important to the success of your business than customer interest. When it comes to increasing sales, it's a good idea to know just what will make your listings stand out above all of the rest. Take a look at the following 10 suggestions for increasing your eBay sales:

- Create a title that will stand out to shoppers. The first thing that any buyer will see is the title of your auction, so make it good. You should provide a brief description using limited words, along with one phrase that really grabs the buyer's attention. Some examples include 'No Reserve,' 'One-Time Only' or 'Clearance.'

- Add a quality photo. If you are using a camera to capture your images, consider taking the photo outdoors with the flash turned on. This will greatly enhance the color and quality of your image.

- Be creative with your description. It isn't enough to simply spell out the basics of your auction. Instead, you need to paint a picture in the mind of the potential buyer to depict why they need this product, how they can use it and why it is such a good deal. It's also a great idea to suggest why your product would make a great gift and, at the same time, which holiday(s) are ideal for giving this particular product. For example, a heart necklace would be ideal for Valentine's Day and a snowglobe would be terrific for Christmas.

- Use words that pull the buyer in. Rather than just simply describing an item, use words that will describe the item in better detail. Instead of simply saying something it's old, call it vintage. If your item has a pleasing appearance, describe it as captivating.

- Begin your auction with a low minimum bid, which will capture the interest of more shoppers who are in the market for a real bargain. It is, afterall, the good deals that are often too hard to resist.

- Select the option that allows your auction to run for the longest period. On eBay, auctions can be placed for 1-7 days at no additional charge or, for a small fee, some sellers prefer to list their items for 10 days. The longer your auction runs, the more opportunity individuals will have to see your auction.

- Ship worldwide in order to accommodate international buyers. When choosing the locations that you will ship to, you may find that your auction gains better exposure and more bids if you are willing to ship worldwide. Selecting this option will open the door for more bidders, which means more interest and possibly a higher selling price.

- Be clear on shipping and handling fees. If you choose to ship worldwide, be sure to differentiate between local and international shipping rates. This will prevent any misunderstandings when it comes time for your winning bidder to pay for the auction. International rates are likely to be higher than local shipping costs, so be sure to let buyers know how much shipping will be or offer to calculate the cost for them if they ask before bidding.

- Be responsive. During the course of your auction, potential buyers may post questions that require your response. Such inquiries may include the condition of an item, it's age, authenticity, etc. Generally, you should attempt to answer all questions within 24 hours to show bidders that you are responsive to their concerns. This means setting aside time to check your e-mail and/or auctions at least once every day.

- Announce it! If you are a regular seller, create a free e-mail announcement list and invite potential buyers and current customers to sign up. This will help consumers to be reminded of your new listings and also keep them informed of any upcoming sales or specials that you may be offering in the near future. From time to time, offer discounts and/or contests exclusively to subscribers. This approach is likely to persuade former customers to continue buying your products and/or service.

Article by Mark Kenny, AuctionCUT.com