3. Don't make mistake of thinking you should list your item in a category where there isn't much competition. The reason there aren't many similar items listed in that category is probably that there aren't many buyers there either.

4. Along same lines, don't automatically list an item in a category just because it has lots of listings. You don't want to place your item in a dead category. Lots of listings are fine as long as most of them are resulting in sales.

5. Look at active auctions in categories you're considering. Depending upon what item you are selling is, if there are already a large number listed, at times it may be to your advantage to wait a week to list yours. One of nice thing about eBay is that auctions don't last all that long.

6. Undecided between two categories? When you write your auction you have option of listing your item in two different categories or sub-categories. There are times when this may be to your advantage.

7. If you have several of same items, then try them one at a time in different categories so that you can test how they do in each one. This way you can inexpensively test which category works best for your.

This technique can be especially successful when you have an item that a buyer isn't consciously looking for, but would be interested in buying. Let's say you've acquired a nice illustrated catalog of William Hoosier kitchen cabinets form 1917. The obvious place to list it is in Books>Catalogs where it will attract quite a bit of attention. But, by also listing it in Antiques>Furniture>Cabinets>Armoires, Cupboards>Post 1900 you are able to put it in front of many bidders who would have an interest in it, but wouldn't be actively looking for it.

This can be a very effective technique because it greatly increases chances that your catalog will be found by more potential buyers. However, your catalog still won't be protected, and there are some items that don't have cross-category appeal.

Using a low opening bid with option of a price revision

This technique keeps your listing fees low and also offers some price protection for your item. Here's how it works.

Start your auction at a low opening bid and be sure to monitor it daily. If it starts getting bids from several buyers you don't need to do anything. However, if several days go by and it just sits there without a bid, you simply revise opening bid to an amount more in line with what you need for item.

This effectively returns you to first tactic we discussed, but you will have avoided giving item away; while at same time given it a chance to attract attention.