Should I optimise Main ebay image

[getcarter02]

Hi Guys, I started 'optimising' my main ebay images like OzPlaza etc. do, and I am sure it has helped me double ebay sales in the last 12 months. I know ebay say not to but....But I now l learn that Google Shopping avoids optimised images. Should I change back to plain white background main images? 

[chameleon54]

I,m an old faart, so probably not your target buyer, but whenever I have to scroll to see a listing and do the sideways thingy to try to see a picture I just hit the back button and find another seller. Ebay are trying to simplify listings to make them more mobile friendly, without buyers having to scroll through miles of needless fluff. Are your listings simple to see at a glance on the mobile or do your buyers have to jump through hoops to view all of the listing details ?

Like I say, I,m probably not your target market,......... sorry but your listings lost me the moment I clicked on them.

[*tippy*toes*]

You need to completely overhaul your listings. Get rid of what used to be images that you had on photobucket. Unless you pay, you'll never get those photos to show. The description area is too wide, meaning you have to scroll across. Like already mentioned, if i come across that, I hit the back button. I hate images in descriptions full stop. That's what the gallery is for.

You listings look amateur at best. You are also violating some eBay policies. You are saying that sunglasses resemble RayBan. You can't say that. If they are not RayBan sunnies, you can't mention the name. You also your have contact details, which these days is enough for eBay to shut you down for good.

Would I buy from you with the way your listings are at the moment? Definitely not. The dreadful state of the listings gives me zero confidence in you as a seller.

Why are you wasting your money with a store with so few items? You're going to need a high turnover of your few items to make a store worthwhile. 9 sales in the last 2 month, unless you are buying your items for less than $1, you wouldn't be making much after paying store fees. 

[davewil1964]

I am not the target market either. Which is good, as any eyes older than about 25 wouldn't find black on dark grey a useful contrast.

It has always bemused me how sellers want to put so many bells and whistles on their listings, making them what THEY, the seller, likes.

They seem not to understand the fact that the B&Ws are invisible until the potential buyer actually clicks on the listing, at which time they are half-hooked and are probably looking for easy to read, cogent information. Not pretty scrolled 'artworks'.

[chameleon54]

just a few suggestions, its your business, so do what works for you.

I get that you are trying to look proffesional, but gosh there is a lot of stuff to read in your listings. Would it present better if you where to drop some of the fluff and simplify things a bit. ?

Do your buyers use all of the payment options you have listed ? Cheques ??? Money orders ??? Pick up is a real pain and not neccesary for small cheap items. You can waste A LOT of time waiting around for a buyer who's a no show for an $8 pair of sunnies. If they dont want it posted, they dont really want it.

You not only list the payment options, but then have all of the terms and conditions for each listed.

I used to offer a number of payment options, but most where rarely or never used. Now I only accept paypal. Buyers sometimes request direct credit to bank account which I accept when asked.

You state that any imperfections will be noted. Fair enough, but that is a given on ebay isnt it ?

There are loads of other "stuff" such as returns policies etc. These show up anyway in the ebay generated section of the listing, so is it necessary to go through it all again in detail ???

 It may not matter if you have 5 or 6 payment options now, but if you business takes off, how are you going to keep track of it all ???   Ebay policy overrides most sellers terms anyway, so is it worth listing them all ??? 

I work on the Kiss principle. Keep it simple stupid. Simple listings, with adequate description, lots of photos, one payment method,  a couple of notes about postage options and thats it.

I keep my book keeping for the ATO very simple. A seperate credit card for my postage and take my sales figures from ebay monthly totals.

I use standardised postage for most items. 1 kg. 3 kg. & 5 kg satchels. Thats it. Standardised packing materials. 2 different sized padded bags and 2 sized cartons, and 50 mtr. rolls of bubble wrap, all purchased in bulk on ebay. That packs most things I sell.

Basically the simpler you can make things, the more time you can spend on churning stock ( selling stuff ) and making money, rather than running around in circles chasing fluff.

[*tippy*toes*]

Credit card payments through PayPal can take 5 days to clear? That's a new one on me! CC payments have always been instant.

Very good post Cham.