Selling on eBay can be very time consuming. A couple months ago I wrote about the different ways you can make the time to sell on eBay. Mostly, it is just about getting organized and to make listing a priority. However, I want to talk about one of the things you shouldn't do to save time when selling your kids clothes on eBay.
We can all agree that taking pictures for our listings is one of the most dreaded and tedious tasks. However, it is absolutely necessary not to skimp when it comes to picture taking. The picture of the item you are selling is one of the only things a buyer has to use when deciding on whether or not to purchase from you. So you would think most sellers are serious about the pictures they take for eBay. But I have seen many mistakes when it comes to a seller's picture. One that stands out the most is when a seller groups all the items together for one picture but is actually selling all the items separately. This is a big no no!
I can not tell you how many times I click on what I thought to be a great lot of clothing (shirt, pants, socks, and accessories), by looking at the picture, to only read in the description "This listing is for the pants only. All other items are listed in a separate auction".
Now I can only assume a seller is not taking separate pictures to save time. But I can almost guarantee that this time saving tip will come back at some point to bite them in the you know what.
And this is why:
- Yes I know buyers are suppose to read the entire listing. But they don't! Some people bid and/or buy just by looking at the picture. So if they see 5 items in the picture they are going to expect to receive 5 items in their shipment. And when they don't you can surely expect for them to complain.
- Some buyers may read and/or skim the description. But it is likely they may miss the section that states all items are not include. Even if you have it in big bold letters. Again don't always assume a buyer is going to read the entire listing even though they should.
- If your description is different than the picture get ready for LOTS of questions. Expect people to be confused and then annoyed because your picture shows one thing and your description says another. I have to admit when I click on an item and the description is different than what the pictures shows I have gotten confused and annoyed. And I never bid or buy when I am feeling that way.
Like I said, I know picture taking is one of the most time consuming eBay tasks. However, it is still one of the most critical to successful selling and shouldn't be slacked on. You will actually save yourself a lot of time and headaches by investing in taking quality pictures of each item you are selling.
Has there been anything you have done to "save time" selling on eBay only to have it end up costing you much more time and/or money in the long run?
Hope my tips help you sell smarter and better! If you are looking for more in-depth eBay selling knowledge then check out my Power Selling Auction Moms: Complete Guide for EBay Profit and Success!
Happy Selling!
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Awesome post re. rule number one: Don’t make the buyer work!!
Elisa´s last blog ..Check Out Whats In Store for Me!
I sold a lot of stuff on eBay when clearing out my dad’s house after he died. The best thing is to be honest and let people know all about what you are selling and for sure take a good picture. Showing a group of items when selling only one of them is so misleading. It’s like a red flag to stay away from that buyer. Off to check out the link.
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..Im A Reader- Are You Blog hop
You are right! People don’t read as closely as they should. I remember I listed something on an auction that was propped up on a wooden cute box-thing. The buyer got her item, and was mad it didnt “include the box”! huh? Sometimes where I list (in separate auctions) several like items (a bunch of M&M collectibles for example) I make a mention at the end of my description “See my other auctions for more M&M dispensers:..I also include “but this auction is just for __only”. Gotta dot all your “i”s and cross all your “t”s!!!
franticmommy´s last blog ..Buga Buga Boutique Etsy Review and Giveaway!
Great advice about ONLY posting a photo of the item you are selling. I think it is very misleading to potential buyers to see a “lot” of items in the photo displayed but then once they click in the auction they see a disclaimer. Buyers want and expect everything they see in the photos.
If I am interested in an item and then notice the description indicates the auction is not for the item(s) in the picture displayed, I close it immediately. Don’t make me work to know what I am actually bidding on, that is ridiculous. There are hundreds of others items out there I can bid on, so that confusing auction will be soon forgotten.
I fully believe in the do not make your buyers work rule and try to eliminate any potential questions up front. That is a great rule that potential buyers will appreciate!
Great post!
Jessica´s last blog ..Crib to Bed Transition
It always amazes me the questions people ask about listings – It makes it quite apparent that they’re not really reading the listing! I’ll get questions that are CLEARLY answered in the listing, but what can you do – the buyer is always right! Thanks for the post!
Denise
http://frugalluxe.blogspot.com
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