Auction Tips and Other Ramblings
What makes a good auction listing?
You might have the coolest item for sale but how you present it can make a real difference!
First of all, a good photo is worth a thousand words. Your pictures can make or break your auction. Be sure to always include good, clear pictures!
Take your pictures in natural light if possible - avoid direct sun. Teddy bears always look their very best when photographed outdoors. If you must rely on indoor light, make sure there is enough light that you can take your photos without a flash. The glare from the flash "flattens" out the look of the mohair and washes out the actual color of the fur. Also, make sure there are no obvious shadows in the picture. Be careful to focus your shot so that your pictures are crisp and clear.
Adding more pictures also makes a difference. Since extra pictures are free with your Teddy Patch listings, why not take advantage and upload lots of pictures from different angles?
Keep photo size no larger than 150K. Sizing photos can be done with any digital imaging software. If you don't have a good program, do a Google search for "resizing photos" and you'll come up with lots of hits including dozens of free software packages designed to resize your photos; some of them will even do the resizing for you on line. A good rule of thumb to keep your pictures under 150K at 72 pixels per inch resolution. In pixels, this is about 200 x 250 pixels, in inches it is about 3 x 3 inches.
Use your Artist Studio/Store (it is free!) or About Me Page to detail general information about your shipping methods or other information not directly related to your auction item.
Create an effective sales policy. Clarify your payment terms, shipping method and costs, and clearly describe your return policy.
Let your title 'sell' the potential bidder. Use compelling words to get bidders' attention.
And last but not least, describe your item carefully. Use descriptive and compelling words to tout the merits of your item.
You might have the coolest item for sale but how you present it can make a real difference!
First of all, a good photo is worth a thousand words. Your pictures can make or break your auction. Be sure to always include good, clear pictures!
Take your pictures in natural light if possible - avoid direct sun. Teddy bears always look their very best when photographed outdoors. If you must rely on indoor light, make sure there is enough light that you can take your photos without a flash. The glare from the flash "flattens" out the look of the mohair and washes out the actual color of the fur. Also, make sure there are no obvious shadows in the picture. Be careful to focus your shot so that your pictures are crisp and clear.
Adding more pictures also makes a difference. Since extra pictures are free with your Teddy Patch listings, why not take advantage and upload lots of pictures from different angles?
Keep photo size no larger than 150K. Sizing photos can be done with any digital imaging software. If you don't have a good program, do a Google search for "resizing photos" and you'll come up with lots of hits including dozens of free software packages designed to resize your photos; some of them will even do the resizing for you on line. A good rule of thumb to keep your pictures under 150K at 72 pixels per inch resolution. In pixels, this is about 200 x 250 pixels, in inches it is about 3 x 3 inches.
Use your Artist Studio/Store (it is free!) or About Me Page to detail general information about your shipping methods or other information not directly related to your auction item.
Create an effective sales policy. Clarify your payment terms, shipping method and costs, and clearly describe your return policy.
Let your title 'sell' the potential bidder. Use compelling words to get bidders' attention.
And last but not least, describe your item carefully. Use descriptive and compelling words to tout the merits of your item.
Excellent suggestions!! Especially the photo sizing and pixel information.
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I was wondering how do you generate interest in an item on Ebay? My Bear Muff from the 1960s is currently listed for auction but no has bid on it yet. From research I found out that it is a rare item (it is also in excellent condition) but I am worried that the right people don't know it's available, any suggestions?
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The Teddy Patch is an auction site separate from eBay. We specialize in teddy bears and other collectibles. Not only do you have the problem of generating interest, you will also have high fees to pay for your auction - whether it sells or not. We do not charge listing fees at The Teddy Patch, just a small final value fee only if your item sells. eBay will not advertise for you for free - we will. Advertising is the only thing I know of to generate interest, but in today's tough times, the buyers are often difficult to find.
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