Seven Tips to Make Your Auctions Sizzle

Where did the time go?

It seems like just yesterday I was making plans to spend an afternoon at the beach, and now it’s dark by dinner time.

Before you know it, the holidays will be here. And sellers: that’s great news for you! The long evenings will open up hours of browsing time on eBay and other auction sites. Shoppers are looking for pre-holiday bargains – from the perfect vintage collectible to bulk wrapping paper.

Prepare yourself by taking these seven steps to make your auctions sizzle:

1. Give precise dimensions of the item you are selling. If you are selling a sterling bracelet, let the buyer know that it’s 8” in length, including the clasp. This gives buyers a sense of security, knowing exactly what to expect, and it makes the decision to enter a bid an easy one.

2. Pay attention to your title, and buyers will pay attention, too. Before you enter your title in the listing, take a pen to paper and write down as many words as possible to describe the item. For example, if you are selling a men’s ring, your list might include the following words and phrases: men’s, ring, 18K, white gold, size 9, NIB, stately, polished, satin finish, etc. Skip non-descriptive silliness including “L@@K!” because after all, who searches for “L@@K”?

3. For vintage items, offer as much history as you can find. If you’re selling a piece of Frankoma pottery, take a few moments to search the Internet for the history of Frankoma and share this information (in your own words) with potential buyers. This adds value to your piece and sets your auction apart from others.

4. Include in your descriptions suggestions for the item. Even a paperweight has more than one use! Try something like this: “This Murano glass paperweight is perfect to decorate your desk, but its uses don’t end there. Surround it with sprigs of holly for a beautiful holiday table centerpiece.”

5. Find a piece of bright material (red felt is perfect) to use as backdrop for pictures of your items. This is what the big boys in advertising do: evoke an image with color and texture. Red felt, green velvet, even a plain gold scarf can create a subtle hint that the holidays are just around the corner and that your item is a great gift choice.

6. Try to list as many items as possible during one week. When a seller finds one item of interest, the seller is very likely to click on your other auctions. State in your listing – near the top of the listing – that you will be delighted to combine shipping costs on multiple items.

7. Save time answering emails from interested buyers by including the shipping cost (or calculator) up front. It’s o.k. to include the cost of insurance if the item is fragile – it conveys to your buyers that you are committed to delivering the product in great shape.

Happy selling!