What Sells on eBay and Why?

With millions of listings on eBay, some items do go unsold. Some go on to sell when they are relisted, while others just seem to stick. As a seller keen to make money through either full- or part-time professional selling or through occasional private selling, you will want to know what sells on eBay and why to ensure that your items are given the best chance of selling.

eBay listings include many different types of items: rare, collectible, new, used, old, designer, seasonal... The list goes on since eBay is the world’s largest marketplace and, effectively, a database for things people are willing to buy and sell.

No matter what you’re selling, there’s a good chance somebody will want to buy it, so help make items sell by making the most of the tools available to you that will complement the unrivalled exposure eBay can give your listings.

Offer competitive prices. Be prepared to sell your item at whatever your starting price is as your reputation may be damaged if you refuse to complete a transaction.

Keep your selling momentum going, and buying. Up-to-date feedback assures other eBayers that your account is still very much in use and that your recent feedback attests to your consistently good practices.

Allow buyers to get your items quickly by offering the Buy It Now or Best Offer options. This could be especially helpful to buyers who need an item quickly, such as those needed in time for a birthday gift.

Don’t make people think you have something to hide by not uploading your own photographs. Some buyers are suspicious of the lack of photographs or reliance on stock photos.

Write a description that would make you feel confident about buying the item. Provide as many details as you can. Measurements are especially important with some items such as clothing.

Make your terms clear. eBay makes the stating of many terms mandatory. Once you have promised to post an item within a certain amount of time: do so. You cannot expect buyers to stick to the rules if you are not prepared to yourself.

It is up to you to make the most of each of your listings. eBay makes many things easy for you, but you can increase your chances of a sale by being the most efficient seller you can be.