How to Write a Bad eBay Listing

What NOT to do when selling an item on eBay. Many people make these mistakes, will you be one of them?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Take bad pictures, or no pictures at all. Bad pictures are blurry, spotty, discolored, etc. Bidders rarely read your description in full, and they will never read the description before they look at all the pictures. So if your pictures are bad, they will just click the browser's "Back" button and move on, while letting out a slight snicker in amusement.

2. Use bad grammar and punctuation, bright font colors, distracting graphics, and a busy layout.

3. Carry a feedback score of 98% or less. Smart buyers will use your feedback score to determine your credibility.

4. Don't include important details such as shipping or an item description. Leave out whether or not it's new or used. Describe any flaws in the item but forget to include pictures of it.

5. Make passive threats or other negative comments such as, "NO DEAD BEAT BIDDERS," or, "ITEMS NOT PAID FOR IN THREE DAYS WILL BE RELISTED AND UNPAID ITEM DISPUTE WILL BE FILED." These kind of statements don't invoke good feelings and will not help sell your item.

6. Don't respond to emails or questions from potential buyers.

7. Create an elaborate story as to why you're selling the item. Remember, even if your story is true, an elaborate story shows desperation and makes buyers skeptical.

Resources

• How to Write an eBay Listing That Sells

[neverscamme]

on 9/13/2009 I hate being lied to, and if an item was listed as New and was not disclosed in the auction description as smelling of smoke, I will leave negative feedback and an extremely low DSR. Any item that reeks of smoke is NOT new. I never bid on smokey items. Want to avoid negative feedback and terrible DSR's, Sellers? Then never, ever lie to a Buyer!

[RENorton]

on 10/3/2008 Excellent article. Very interesting, and so very true. Thanks!

[Alisiane]

on 10/2/2008 This is such true info. I can see an item I really want on Ebay, and just to punish the person for miserable spelling (a personal pet peeve) or an overly negative ad (NO this.. NO that.. I WILL NOT.... etc)I will bid on another, higher priced auction that seems friendlier and better worded.
This is 5 star advice! :-)