posted on August 1, 2001 08:05:47 PM
Do you think it makes any difference?
When I first started I used templates from AuctionWatch and then ChannelFusion. But lately I haven't been using any templates - just my photos, description and TOS in a simple font, usually bold in a good color.
But lately I've been noticing that some of the auctions do look more professional with templates - not the real busy ones. Do I need my auctions to look more colorful or professional or does simple, straight forward listings do the job just as well?
posted on August 1, 2001 08:56:39 PM
You'll probably get mostly "keep it simple" replies to this. I personally started selling more after I started using a template. It's a simple one, though, 2 columns, 3 pics on the left, description and terms on the right, light background color. Nothing to slow down loading. Could just be coincidence that sales went up at that time.
I'm thinking about ditching it now, just to make listing faster and easier.
posted on August 2, 2001 02:29:40 AM
Here is a tip on STORING your templates:
Just send it to yourself in an e-mail and file it in a folder called "templates". I have EOA message templates, description templates, holiday templates, etc. I don't mean send it as an ATTACHMENT but as the BODY of the e-mail written in html.
When you are ready to list, go to the ebay listing form (or whatever you use), open the message, copy and paste once, then back-forward-back-forward to do all your listing.
This really saves time in entering your policy, graphics, etc. When you need to make a change you just forward the message to yourself again with the edit.
For the message subject, call it what it is...
Holiday Description Template
Spring Description Template
End of Auction Notice
Holiday End of Auction Notice
etc.
Too many graphics are annoying so I try to keep it very very simple but customized.
posted on August 2, 2001 02:46:10 AM
I think templates are very important, not as important as pictures but, still important enough to use.
I don't see how using a template takes more time. After all don't you have to copy and paste your repetitive text "email with question, checks take 10days to clear, priority shipping blah blah blah"? Might as well copy and paste a template along with the repetitive text.
I agree, simple and professional is the best way to go.
Can be as simple as Title, Sub Title, text. With a border or color background
That's a great tip/time saver using the back/forward to do listings! Simple but, effective.
I don't understand the email. Why wouldn't you just copy and paste right from your ebay description to word (or other word processer)and save it there?
posted on August 2, 2001 06:32:30 AM
Yes, I use templates, and I save every description too. I only have the past year's worth (lost the previous to a horrid horrible awful computer Explorer meltdown) but they are handy. I use them as a reference, and find them very helpful in selling points I used previously.
Templates make listing easier too. I have templates for each weight of book ($1.33, $1.78, etc) and for each type of product (romance, holiday love story, sable stitching, etc.) For me, templates are a time-saver, and hopefully make my listings look professional, clean and inviting. Especially inviting!
Good luck to you with all your listings, and happy sales too.....
posted on August 2, 2001 11:12:30 AMjt Could you explain just what "back/forward" means, or how you do it.
When you say you save templates, do you mean ones that you make & could you give me an example.
I also don't know how to save or put things in a folder so I just try to save in email I send to myself, could you explain how to do that too.
I know nothing about any of this, no big suprise, duh.
Woild love to learn.
I'm on AOL, if that matters.
posted on August 2, 2001 01:47:27 PM
All IMO, but I think that having a nice looking ad shows that the seller regards themselves as professional and is willing to take the time to professionally present their item.
Now if you are selling a rare item like the Muppet Movie CD soundtrack, it's not going to matter what you say, you'll still get a ton of bids.
But if you have 30 identical auctions for the Ginsu 2000(TM) I have to think that people are going to be more inclined to shop from the nicer looking ads, all other things considered.
posted on August 2, 2001 03:11:33 PM
You can create awesome (yet simple) templates with MS Frontpage Express or Netscape Composer (both of them are free). And when it's time to change a listing or make a new one, it only takes aa minute or two. Anyone who DOESN'T use templates to save time is barking up the wrong tree...
posted on August 2, 2001 03:26:46 PM
You've got the right idea of keeping your ads simple... pics are definitely mandatory if you want to get a top price.
I use a large type so that my ads are easy to read... some jealous competitors flame me that my ads scream out... but my auctions usually sell at premium prices... I sometimes have to end my auctions early because the bidding has gotten too high! Or after the auction has ended, I include a free bonus if the buyer has overpaid.
I have about a 15-20% repeat biz so I don't want the buyers to feel ripped off when later on they find out they paid more than retail for an item...
Usually people can search the web and beat my prices if they work at it... my biz model is to offer hard to find items, every thing they need for the niche hobby I deal in and am also a fellow collector and so I'm knowledgeable in the products I sell.
I've met hundreds of great web friends and have had dozens of offers to visit them and go fishing, hiking, climbing or just visit and stay at their home...
If it wasn't for the great people that I meet on ebay, I'd be long gone with all their recent policy changes...
posted on August 2, 2001 03:36:02 PM
Hi darelll, can you explain what you mean by this? How can prices get too HIGH?
I sometimes have to end my auctions early because the bidding has gotten too high!
Inquiring minds want to know!
EDIT: Sorry darrelll...I was so stunned by that one sentence I didn't continue reading. I never even thought of that (although I have cringed sending WBNs to buyers who have bid ungodly sums for an everyday item).
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
[ edited by NothingYouNeed on Aug 2, 2001 03:42 PM ]
posted on August 2, 2001 03:40:04 PM
My opinion only....templates are essential, right up there with good pics, good descriptions and friendly TOS. My problem is I don't know whether to settle on one template as a "signature" or continue doing what I am doing, which is to select the template I think complements the pictures best. Too many times, template colors fight with the pictures for attention. Good design should draw the viewer's eyes to the pic(s), unless of course you have crappy pics...
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
