The Complete Description
If you've followed the steps outlined here, you should now have a relatively complete, easy-to-read item description that buyers will appreciate.
"You are bidding on an Acme Super-X Model 517 Widget manufactured in 2010. This widget is brand new, hot, and difficult to find. It's one of the smallest and most energy-efficient widgets on the market. It will save you money but will use almost no space in your house.
Click Buy It Now to own this widget before someone else bids instead!
FEATURES AND SPECS
* Dimensions, LxWxH: 10 in. x 5 in. x 5 in.
* Color: Strawberry red (see photo)
* Automatic rewind
* Built-in energy saver
* Super-capacity tank
* Spins at 10,000 RPM
* Supports hands-free operation
CONDITION
* Unused open-box
* Tested to ensure it works
WHAT'S INCLUDED
* AC adapter / Wall charger
* Convenient vinyl carrying case
* Secondary tank (detachable)
* All original manuals and packaging material
ABOUT US
I'm the owner of a little shop in Anytown, USA specializing in Amazing Widgets. I'm just starting as an eBay seller but my goal is to become a power seller someday. To do that, I have to satisfy you, my customers. Always feel free to contact me about any issue related to our transaction. My goal is to provide you with 100 percent satisfaction!
SHIPPING AND RETURNS
All items are always in stock. I ship USPS Priority insured within 36 hours of your purchase. Returns and exchanges are accepted for the first 7 days after your item is delivered. Please contact me if you need a return or an exchange.
CONTACT US
For all questions or issues please email me 24 hours a day at BobsWidgets@widgetworld.com or click the 'Ask a Question' link below. Call me M-F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at (818) 888-8818. "
Taking It to the Next Level
Basically at this point your listing is done.Well, almost. What you've just done is create a very informative, easy-to-follow item listing containing all of the information that the typical buyer wants to see-the information that will give you an advantage over sellers that don't have it.
There's no reason to stop, though. Here are a number of additional tips that will really help your item descriptions to shine:
- Use listing designer when you post items. In the item selling form, opt to use the listing designer feature, which will give your listing a nice wallpaper and color scheme for a small fee.
- Proofread and format carefully. Be very mindful of your spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and spacing. Mistakes and cluttered spacing turn buyers off-so get rid of them.
- Kill long sentences. Read through your listing. Are there any long sentences-longer than 8-9 words? Break them up or delete them. Long sentences are hard to read and drive sales away.
- Include the 'magic words' of marketing. In your description (particularly the first portion), use words like new, hot, trendy, rare, hard to find, limited edition, desirable, bargain, unusual, runaway hit, top quality, and sweet. Sex your item up. Make it appealing.
- Use the word 'you' to talk directly to your buyers. Marketing language that talks to buyers directly generates sales. Don't be afraid to say 'You will love this item,' 'You will wonder how you ever did without it,' or 'You will appreciate its compact size.' Just remember to say these in the initial 'You are bidding on...' part of the description and not in the bullet lists.
- Speak as though they're going to buy. While you're addressing your buyer as 'you,' remember also use future tense language, as though they'll soon own the item. So not 'people seem to love it,' but rather, 'you are going to love it.'
- Tweak this format, but not too much. This list is just designed to help you with a basic, solid item description-you can improve on it by adding color, better spacing, images, and other elements. At the same time, don't overdo it. The goal is not to be flashy, but to be as readable as possible. The faster your buyers can find the information they need to make a decision about you and your item, the greater the chance they'll buy from you.
- Remember the rest. Your item description isn't the only thing that matters. Be mindful, too, of listing photos, titles, timing, supply and demand, and the factors affecting search placement if you want your listings to do well.
