Writing up your auction listing is equally as important as taking your photo's and pricing your auction. As I said previously, honesty is your best policy. If something has a small stain, list it in your auction listing. If there is minimal wash wear on your clothing items, then list it. Don't try to fool your buyer, they have a "keener" eye than you might think. Consider this, they are purchasing something from someone that they cannot see, they cannot interact with, and they may not be able to return if they find that something is wrong with the item. In addition to this, they are paying for something before they have it, so they are placing a lot of "trust" in you the seller to give them the entire "scoop" on the item that you are selling.
Here is a list of items that should be included in your auction listing:
Name of item: be exact in your name and title. Give brand name and article name. Example: Gymboree Whale Watching Sailor Pants
Make of item: cotton, linen, silk, etc. be very specific, people have certain fabric and make preferences. Especially with children's clothing.
Size: read the label, also if you are selling jeans or pants make sure to include your inseam, waist size, etc. If you are selling European sizes, please make sure to have a size chart with equivalent U.S sizes for those of us who don't know the conversion of the sizes.
Condition of the item: make sure to include the following: wash wear, fading, pilling, stains, tearing, or pulling. I also add a rating system: fair, good, excellent, and like new. Keep in mind that what you may consider "like new" someone else may not, so try to remain objective in your listing.
Housing Conditions: where do you store your inventory? I always let people know that my items are in a "smoke free" and "pet free" home, and they are clean and washed prior to sending out.
Clear payment instructions: make sure you include clear and concise payment instructions. Don't leave any room for misunderstanding. Be firm, but polite.
Clear shipping and return policies: again make sure that you include a clear and concise shipping and return policy. Also, be consistent in all of your listings.
Open yourself up to questions: Be personable and customer service oriented. I always let people know in all of my listings that they should feel free to email me if they have any further questions or concerns about the item.
Some great sites for listing information are:
1. Auction Insights
2. Here Comes The Stork
3. Auction Templates
4. Ebay's own selling resources
Robyn Ann Johnson http://www.themomscafe.net
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