I don't claim to be an expert (far from it) or to have "perfect auctions" myself and I'm not referring to anyone in-particular and any resemblance to future or currently listed auctions is purely coincidental.

Here are my tips for a successful auction:

1. No music please. Most e-buyers shop from work or when their kids are asleep.
2. Animated backgrounds and graphics don't appeal to everyone.
3. Using too many graphics and background images slows loading time.
4. Please place a white sheet when taking pictures on the floor or carpet.
5. Keep it short. Most people don't have the time for reading long item descriptions or the history of your business.
6. No threats please! Sure there are deadbeats out there but leave venting for your blog or message boards. Nice people are put off by threats in an auction.
7. Please add at least one picture of your item.
8. Make text easy to read. How will the buyers know what you are selling if they can't read your description? (using beige text on a white background is not a good idea)
9. Try to answer questions from potential buyers as quickly as you can.
10. Clear shipping charges and keep them reasonable people! Who in their right mind would pay $15.00 shipping for a $2.00 tea-shirt?
11. Photo's speak a thousand words! Very dark photos will make it impossible to see what's on them.
12. Please don't add unnecessary photos that will slowdown the loading time and possibly confuse your costumers... All of us are very proud you are of your kids , grandkids or pets
13. Make sure that your auction title matches the item that you are describing.
14. Spell check
15. Take measurements when selling clothing ( people can't try them on and need to know if it fits)
16. Avoid stating why you don't like it or why you are selling it and how your loss is their gain.


LOL! I think that I will stop now because the list goes on and on....

Have great weekend everyone and happy sells to all!


---mary-ava

I found really nice eBay blog templates at:
http://www.isdntek.com/tagbot/blog.htm

I designed my banner but the rest is from them. I also noticed that they have "Quick*Sell eBay Gallery" I'm not sure if it would load faster then the auctiva gallery... who knows I might give it a try.