To create a successful auction listing, there are certain ideas that can be applied to any type of item you are trying to sell. With so many other people selling the same or similar products, you need to stand out from the rest. See the following ten tips for winning over people with good looks and info:
- Create a professional looking design.
We all know the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s true, but are they the correct thousand words? To really draw someone into your listing, you need more than just an eye-catching photo.
There are different types of listing software available that can help you design your auction posts. Some have a drag and drop editor capable of creating professional looking listings in just minutes. Most brands will have plenty of built-in templates so you don’t have to worry too much about your design skills.
When designing your listing, keep in mind to keep text legible and stick to the selling points. You want people to get the basic information immediately. If they start to struggle with finding that, they will just get aggravated and move on. The average person only spends eight seconds looking at an auction listing. If you don’t grab them right away, there is a good chance you will lose them.
The photos are still a very important part of your post. Take multiple images from various angles, and make sure they are not blurry. If your item has any flaws, it is wise to post a clear photo of any damage. This way the bidder knows exactly what they are getting.
- Write user-friendly and honest descriptions.
It’s great to have the bullet points as soon as someone visits your listing, but once they know the basics, they’ll probably want to know more about the item you are trying to auction off.
It is a good idea to include a description that works both for bidders and search engines.
In a couple of paragraphs, give more details about the item, such as the condition it is in, as well as any facts that could affect the value. Also, incorporate important keywords at the beginning of your listing to help with search engine results.
- Pick the auction site that is best for what you are trying to sell.
eBay is a place where you can find almost anything for sale. That doesn’t mean you won’t have better luck with auction sites that focus on specific niches.
Some auction sites may specialize in rare items while others might showcase more of a selection relating to a certain topic. Determine if you think your listing is better suited for a wide variety of people, like you will find on eBay, or to a specific group, such as Equify Auctions, specializing in items relating to construction, trucks, trailers, cranes, and agriculture.
Finding a website tailored to the item you are trying to sell can yield a much higher selling point. The bidders visiting these sites will probably already know exactly what they are looking for and know exactly what it is worth. This can result in a faster sale and a much smoother transaction.
- Have a return policy.
Assuming your products are capable of being returned, be sure to notify potential bidders about what your guidelines are for returning an item. If you don’t have a return policy, or if it needs improvement, you can be losing potential customers. Items that don’t need a return policy may include automobiles, which will more than likely be sold as-is.
- Create an appealing title.
By selecting the right title for your auction, it is possible for you to notice better positioning in search results, which can lead to more sales. When deciding on a title, use descriptive keywords, include item specifics (such as brand, color, size, etc.) and check for proper spelling. Don’t use all caps.
Generally speaking, there are three parts to a good title – product, features, and benefits. First list the product name, followed by information such as size or color, and then include a benefit, such as free shipping or lifetime warranty (whatever is applicable to the item you are selling).
- Include interesting back stories.
If you have any tales relating to the item you are selling, it can be a good idea to share it in your listing. By making something feel nostalgic, you are helping to connect the potential buyer with the item. This can make it harder for them to turn away.
- Mention your business in your listing.
It can’t hurt to let people know a little bit about your company. There is always the potential to gain followers who might purchase from you more often in the future. Customers will usually remain loyal to stores and sellers they like.
- Offer alternative products.
There are times when people might be searching for a certain product when they come across your listing. Maybe the listing isn’t exactly what they are interested in, but if you offer similar items, you might still be able to grab their interest and make a sale.
- Scheduling a start or end time.
It has been shown that auctions that end on a Sunday tend to earn more money. One of the reasons why is because people like to watch their auctions end and make any last-minute bids, if needed. This could lead to a bidding war, which can then result in a higher selling price.
- Stand behind your products.
Anything that you are selling you should be proud to back up. Offering options like a money back guarantee if people are not satisfied is a great way to help get bidders to trust you and purchase your merchandise.
Now that you have read these 10 tips, try implementing them into your next auction listing. There is a good chance you will see an increase in traffic, receive more bids, and possibly sell your item for much more than you expected.