Basic Steps to Write a Terrific eBay Description
Want to Write a Great Auction
Description?
I give you five simple steps to take to write the best and easiest to read description you possibly can. These are THE BASICS, beginner level
steps. By following them, you'll be ready to list your item with confidence.
5 Simple Steps to Writing a Good Description
Other writers will give you a spiel about how writing an eBay description is like writing sales copy. And they're right, but take their advice second. Take this advice first!
- Give Your Description a Title
This doesn't have to be the same as your auction title. In fact, if you do your auction title to maximize keywords, your title can be a bit hard to decipher. Repeat the title here in simplified form. Here's an example:
Auction Title: TOURISTER AMERICAN Vintage SUITCASE Suitcase Turquoise
Description Title:American Tourister Escort 23" Blue or Turquoise Travel Suitcase
Accurately identify the item--call it what it is, not what it isn't. Don't call it a Ty beanie baby when it's a Russ plush toy or say that it is similar. EBay calls this keyword spamming and treats it as a misleading practice. - Describe the Item
Start by telling the buyer what this item is. Here's an example:
Up for auction is this nice little suitcase in good condition outside and inside. American Tourister is known for it's sturdy construction.
Give the buyer a story that they can relate to. Tell how you acquired the item. If there's a history or details about the manufacturer that aren't common knowledge, add these. - Give Details
Your buyer can't touch or see the item, so describe the item as you would look at it in a store. You have to fill in the details.Here's an example:
This has a light blue or turquoise textured outside. It has a combination lock with the combination written on a slip of paper inside. Inside is a blue quilted fabric with 3 pouches. One pouch is lined with vinyl. There are ribbons for tie down straps. The case measures approximately 23 by 15" by 7".
Give the weight, height or other dimensions. Specify color, texture. Describe any maker's marks even if you have a photo.
Separate this information with a title like this.
Size: 23 x 15 x 7 inches - Describe the Condition
Note any flaws. Honesty here won't cost you, but dishonesty will. Here's an example:
Condition: Medium or typical wear. One stain on the inside which I haven't tried to remove. No rips or tears. The exterior has one dent in the trim which is shown on the third photo. This does not interfere with the function of this case in any way.
For glassware, tell if it has any chips or cracks. For earthenware, tell if it is chipped cracked or crazed. For paper goods, tell if there are tears, worn edges, or stains. For clothing, tell about stains, general wear, tears, repairs made previously or missing buttons. You get the idea. - Include a "call for bids"
Highlight how desirable this item is. Ask the buyer for their bid.Here's an example:
This neat travel suitcase would be great to store and carry craft and sewing supplies. This is being offered with no reserve. The high bidder will own it at the end of the auction. Bid now to make this yours.
If you can give the buyer an idea how this item would fit into their own life, use this to highlight how desirable this is. Otherwise talk about how desirable the item is to others like the buyer.
Organize Your Description for Maximum Sales
Organizing your description makes it easy to read and makes it quicker for buyers to decide to bid on your item.
Separate the five sections of a good description by using html for an "unordered list" or by clicking on the "unordered list" option in your editor. Here's how a good description is organized:
Here's the example from above all put together in a complete description:
Oh, and by the way, the examples I've used here are from an actual suitcase that I sold on eBay. It made a long trip to England to a happy buyer.
Separate the five sections of a good description by using html for an "unordered list" or by clicking on the "unordered list" option in your editor. Here's how a good description is organized:
- Item: your simplified description title goes here
- Description: your general description goes here
- Size: substitute color, texture, weight as appropriate to your item
- Condition: your sentence on condition goes here
- put your "call for bids" here
Here's the example from above all put together in a complete description:
- Item: American Tourister Escort 23"Blue or Turquoise Travel Suitcase
- Description: Up for auction is this nice little suitcase in good condition outside and inside. American Tourister is known for it's sturdy construction. This has a light blue or turquoise textured outside. It has a combination lock with the combination written on a slip of paper inside.Inside is a blue quilted fabric with 3 pouches. One pouch is lined with vinyl. There are ribbons for tie down straps.
- Size: The case measures approximately 23 by 15" by 7".
- Condition: Medium or typical wear. One stain on the inside which I haven't tried to remove. No rips or tears. The exterior has one dent in the trim which is shown on the third photo. This does not interfere with the function of this case in any way.
- This neat travel suitcase would be great to store and carry craft and sewing supplies. This is being offered with no reserve. The high bidder will own it at the end of the auction. Bid now to make this yours.
Oh, and by the way, the examples I've used here are from an actual suitcase that I sold on eBay. It made a long trip to England to a happy buyer.
