Creating the perfect eBay listing; women's clothing sellers

Through several years of trial and error, and a good dose of O.C.D, I believe I have found THE formula to list clothing on eBay and truly benefit financially.

In this guide I will outline as simply as possible, this formula. This guide will help eliminate customer questions, eliminate expensive returns and increase positive feedback. Oh, and sales of course! This is a guide for the budding career eBay seller. If you are simply looking for the quickest turn around with the least amount of work possible, this guide is not for you! Also, this guide is specific to women's clothing, though it can be altered to sell anything!

First, having an idea of what will sell is key. You will need to do your research, see what others are selling and what items are actually being bid on. eBay is predominately label and brand name driven. Just because you think something is cute does not mean that it will bring the money you hope it will. Do regular searches on eBay and sort by "most bids" to get an idea of what's in demand. Read the occasional fashion magazine to stay in touch with trends as well.

Ok, so you have an item you know will sell. Here are the steps:

1) Do a search on the item, refine the search by size and see what the item is selling for. Try to make your item the most competitive price whenever possible.

2) Pictures, pictures, pictures-take pictures from all angles and of all special details. Buyers want to see what the print and fabric look like, how the sleeves fall, what the lining looks like. I take at least 6 pictures and usually around 10 of each and every item. If you have a mannequin, don't pin items back to make them more attractive. Show the natural shape of the item.

3) Pictures of flaws should also be included, even if it's a tiny one.

4) Write your description. The buyer has questions, especially since they can't touch the item and try it on. It's your job to answer as many of those questions as concisely as possible in the description. This will nearly eliminate questions from buyers, which gives you more time to focus on listing more items!

5) Here's an outline of the information that should be included in your description:
     The item's condition and flaws-list flaws in as much detail as possible. Flaw details should be upfront and center. Be 100% honest.

I know this seems like quite a bit of work, but after awhile it becomes routine and you will breeze through your description with ease. You'll have happier buyers, believe me.

6) Write an excellent title. You'll want to use searchable adjectives. No one is searching for "Cute" or "sexy". Here's an example of how your title should look:

       BRAND, what is the item, special features/color & size: you can add condition if it fits, but I don't find that necessary in the title unless I'm featuring an impressive retail price that I'm discounting signifigantly.
     
Example: J.CREW Fall/Winter WOOL Knit Sheath DRESS-Orange-Size 10

7) Use ALL of eBay's listing tools. Fill in every item specific that you can. This helps to ensure your item will show up in searches.

8) Offer clear and concise instructions on your shipping methods, payment deadlines and return policies. Keep it simple. Your buyer will not read a novel. Also, make sure you keep it professional-no threats. Don't say "an unpaid item case will be opened against you if you don't pay".

9) Set your shipping price as close to the actual cost as possible. Whenever possible, offer free shipping.

10) Ship ASAP. Always include delivery confirmation or tracking. Believe me, you will come across an occasion where you'll wish you had. Better safe than sorry. Never ship an item without some kind of filler-include a business card or thank you note. Make it look professional so that you are taken seriously. This is a great branding tool. See the next step.

11) Brand yourself. Use your store/user name in every communication. Start a Facebook account & Twitter and encourage buyers to follow you. Add relevant content to your social media outlets every day, but DO NOT spam your followers. It's ok to advertise your store regularly, but also share some funny MEME's and such. Offer free shipping specials to your followers. Keep them engaged!

12) Finally, add inventory every day. Work to build your inventory numbers. The more items you have to sell, the better.

I hope that you will find this guide helpful. These techniques have done wonders for me. I know that a lot of people complain about eBay, but I've found my experiences to be fulfilling and even exciting. It's a great way to make money, but it's not easy. You get what you give!