2. To find out how to improve existing products or services. This will attract new customers.

3. To find out which products or services your customers would like to see you sell in future. This will increase your back end product sales.

4. To find out how to improve your customer service. This will cut down on customer complaints.

5. To find out how to improve your sales letters or ads. This will increase your sales, traffic or ezine subscribers.

Accuracy

When you list your items on eBay, write an accurate description. You do not have to write long paragraphs of rambling information but provide exact measurements, colors, condition, etc. Be extremely precise when it comes to your description.

Auction Title

Just as using a strong title for a book, your eBay auction title needs to captivate buyers. You are allowed 45 characters for your title and you need to use common words that will draw attention. Use this space carefully and to your advantage. Think of words that will be easily found when people conduct a search. For example, if you are selling six yards of fabric you could say something like, “Stunning material – Don’t miss this great bargain.” If you are selling fishing poles, try something like, “Love to fish? GREAT buy on fishing poles!”

Since search option on eBay looks for specific characters, you should try to list item both singular and plural. As an example, for fishing poles, you could list auction as, “Fishing Poles – Get your fishing pole now!” Avoid wasted words such as WOW or Look Here. Buyers are looking so there is no need to tell them to look. Again, as buyers looking through listings, titles are what will capture their attention. Make your impression a strong one!

Abbreviations

Saving space in titles can be important if you have a longer description. Look at other auctions selling same type of merchandise to get an idea of types of abbreviations that will work. As an example, you could write, “Do U love to fish?” or “Gorgeous material 4 sale.”

Buyer’s Questions

When you write your description try to think of questions buyers may have so your description will answer as many possible questions as possible. This will save time in relaying messages back and forth. This would include manufacturers’ name, condition of items, special features, warranties, color, defects, etc.

Listing Category

When you choose which category to list your items, choose wisely. You will find some categories that are similar yet just enough different that it could make a big difference in how your items is sold. Look at other items listed and choose appropriately.

Sending Items

In your description, provide accurate details regarding shipment. Make sure items are sent within time you stated. In many cases, people purchase something for a specific purpose and if you do not ship it when stated, not only do you mess up their schedule for item but you have probably lost a customer and opened door for a negative feedback.

Flaws

Advise potential buyers of any flaws in your products. If you are selling a plate that has a small chip, mention this in description. If you are selling fabric and it has a small tear, disclose this information. The majority of eBay buyers are looking for bargains, which means minor defects can often be overlooked. The worse possible scenario would be to keep a flaw hidden and then have to deal with handling returns as well as losing a buyer.

Auction Price

Set your auctions low, which will help encourage more bidding. The more bidding you have, higher price will ultimately go. In addition, if you add a “Buy Now” option for your auction, keep this set at a reasonable rate as well.

Payment Options

The more options you can provide potential buyers, better your chances of making sale. Your options include PayPal, which is an online payment service, Billpoint, eBay’s payment system, personal checks, money orders, or cash. Remember that you will have buyers from around world so an online payment service is extremely helpful.

Shipping / Handling