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Step 1
Identify your item by name within the first line. Auction copy isn’t written in formal sentences, so write your copy as if you were making a list, but the list is in paragraph form. List the name of your item first. Include any distinctive identifying characteristics in this line.For example, if you were selling an 1892 map of Chicago, your first line might read, “1892 colored map of Chicago, Illinois. Published by Rand McNally.”This first line contains keywords a buyer is likely to use when searching for an antique map of Chicago.
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Step 2
Describe the attractive features. Emphasize color, shape, rarity, usefulness, provenance or origins, any characteristic that makes your item stand out from the rest. You might write, “Color is very good on this map. Litho printing. Shows proposed site for 1892 Columbian Exposition.”
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Step 3
State the dimensions of the item. Include any relative dimensions such as length and width, weight, height, circumference or depth. Be precise in your measurements.You would describe your map as “10 ¼ inches wide by 12 ¼ inches high including margins.”
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Step 4
Describe the condition of your item. If it is brand new with tags, say it is brand new with tags. In the case of antiques, collectible books, coins and stamps, use the standard grading defined in guidebooks to describe the condition. Include in this part any defects in the item or product. If your 1892 map of Chicago has a tear in the left margin, state that the map has a tear in the left margin. Do not use words such as perfect, pristine or flawless. Use realistic terms such as good condition or without markings.
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Step 5
State the conditions of the sale. Include shipping costs, whether or not you ship internationally, the type of payments you accept and your return policy.
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Step 6
The copy for the map would read as follows: “1892 colored map of Chicago, Illinois. Published by Rand McNally. Color is very good on this map. Litho printing. Shows proposed site for 1892 Columbian Exposition. Map measures 10 ¼ inches wide by 12 ¼ inches high including margins. Actual map area is 9 ¼ inch by 11 ¼ inch. No markings or stains on map area. Has half-inch tear in left margin. Otherwise, in good condition. Shipping is $3.95 to anywhere in US. International shipping determined by destination. Accept PayPal and US money orders. Returns accepted within seven days of receipt by buyer. Must notify seller before returning product for refund.”Keep your copy short and on point. Check for spelling. Your copy should have keywords that would be used to search for your item in the first line of the copy. Avoid personal stories unless they contribute to the provenance of an antique or collectible. Anything that does not provide specific information about the item should not be included in your copy.
