How to Write an eBay Description That Sells
eBay makes it seem so easy to sell your cards. Although it's not rocket science, lots of sellers make small mistakes writing their eBay descriptions. These mistakes can lead to lost sales or lower bids. Here are some simple and practical tips to writing and effective eBay description.
Be Direct
In your eBay description, be up front about what you're selling. Get to the point. Although the history of a particular card may be interesting, chances are most buyers already know or don't care. In the first line, say exactly what you're offering.
Here are some suggestions on how to start your eBay description:
- Up for bid is a ...
- You are bidding on a ...
- Thanks for checking out my auction for...
Follow that up with the most vital trading card information:
- Year
- Set name
- Sport
- Player name
- Card number (Very important, but often overlooked. Set builders don't always know the player but they know the number.)
- Other important notes such as serial numbering, autographs, memorabilia pieces or rookie card designations.
- Condition or professional grade
Here are a couple of complete eBay description kick-offs:
- Up for bid is a PSA 9 1980 Topps Baseball Rickey Henderson #482 rookie card.
- Thanks for checking out my 2010 National Treasures Tim Tebow #334 autographed patch rookie. It is numbered 3/5 and is in mint condition.
They might not be fancy, but they let the potential bidder know exactly what's for sale. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence means sales.
Be Honest
If your card isn't mint, don't say that it is. Also, phrases like "I'm not a professional grader so look at the picture and judge for yourself," makes it seem like you're hiding something.
While disclosing a flaw may lead to a lower bid on a single item, buyers appreciate honesty and will be more likely to buy from you in the future. Build a reputation for being honest and those dinged corners could lead to more sales and profits in the long-run.
Don't Over-Hype
eBay isn't a used car lot. Bidders usually know what they're looking for and don't need an over-the-top sales pitch. Too much hype in an eBay description makes many dealers look like a carny showman, someone people can't trust.
Unless your card is numbered, don't say it's one of a kind. Just because Cam Newton tossed 21 touchdowns, it doesn't make your card with a serial number 21 any more valuable. Also, don't list your raw card as "PSA 10?".
Once in a while, such tricks might work on new collectors. But think of the other ramifications. Bidders who feel like they've been scammed won't be returning to your auctions. They might even leave the hobby altogether. Hype can also drive other bidders away. Suggesting a card is something that it isn't creates confusion.
A good eBay description lets the item sell itself. It's clear and direct.
Picture Perfect
I'm shocked at the number of auctions I come across that don't have clear pictures. If you're going to sell on eBay, a scanner is essential. A basic one that does the job can be had for under $100. Buyers want to see the cards they're bidding on.
Criteria for a good picture for an eBay listing:
- Big.
- Shows the entire card - if you don't show the corners, bidders will think you're hiding something.
- Clear.
- Doesn't have glare.
- Sharp.
- Gives a bird's-eye view.
For high-end cards and sets where centering might be an issue, spend the extra few cents and include more photos of the back.
Many sellers use their camera for pictures. While you may save a little time doing this, it could be costing you money. Digital cameras don't offer the clarity that's essential when selling sports cards online. They often leave an unattractive glare. Also, many sellers shoot from weird angles that don't showcase the card.
Because trading cards are small and flat, they're ideal for scanners. A basic scanner is cheap, quick, easy to use, and can lead to extra dollars very quickly.
Clear Shipping Terms
Although eBay has fields for entering shipping rates, include them in your eBay description as well. State exactly what you charge and any additional services that you offer such as insurance or expedited shipping.
Remember, eBay has a ton of international users who may be interested in your items. Those couple extra minutes waiting in line at the post office may be worth it in the extra bids you receive, particularly for single-card sales. Either way, state whether you ship to countries outside the United States. If you do but don't say so, many bidders will pass you over unless you're upfront about it.
A lot of sellers get really specific in their terms and conditions to the point where they come across as, at best, unreasonable or, at worst, like jerks. As a general rule, if your terms and conditions are the longest part of your eBay description, go back over them.
How Not to Write an eBay Description
I stumbled across this description for a Michael Jordan card being offered for $10,000:
Hi
that is your chance to become one of the best mj auto for ever that card is limited of 23 and in great condition also the au is in great condition you can see the pic and the mj au´s from the 90´s are going higher and higher the last one was graded and is sold for 15000 dollar so you see that card is amazing and hard to find so feel free to make a offer and look at my other cards thanks
Yikes! This seller has failed to name the card, he's gone with initials and not a name and has shortened "autograph" all the way down to "au." There's not even a single period.
This description isn't clear on what's being offered. It's vague and poorly written. If I were in the market for a high-end Michael Jordan autograph, I'd scan right past this. The lack of professionalism shown by the seller gives me no confidence in whatever it is they're selling.
Professionalism is important in building bidder confidence, even when you're dealing in $5 cards. Take the extra minute to read over your eBay description to make sure it's clear and free of errors. It could mean the difference in moving that $10,000 card or having it sit for months.
Remember, writing an eBay description doesn't need to be difficult or time-consuming. If you're clear, precise and include the most important details, bidders will feel confident looking at your listings and bid accordingly.
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brentandbecca
From my experience and asking buyers, I would say 80-90% no longer read descriptions. In fact, most of the top sellers/breakers do not even have a description any more. I think it is vital on huge cards that command a premium or are rare but not for the card that there are dozens listed of. Also, personally I stay away from condition. First, i sell way too much, but I have seen that only get sellers in trouble. Condition is subjective and what I consider nrmt-mt, many buyers that mint is a PERFECT card. I have even had buyers ding card corners just to send it back and say it is not mint. I let the scan do the talking, and do not talk condition, unless the card is damaged. Otherwise all cards should be assumed pack-fresh and in good condition. It may lose bids, although, you would have a tough to showing me based off results, but it is not worth the hassle on each card. Again, if a high-value, less-common card, sure talk condition but proceed with caution.