posted on November 15, 2004 02:25:22 PM new
Sometimes I get hung up on how to start the wording for a description. Lately I have used this
"I am proud to offer"
as opposed to...
"this auction is for"
I could use a few more intro's, if you want to share your common intro....
[ edited by micmic66 on Nov 15, 2004 02:25 PM ]
posted on November 15, 2004 02:30:51 PM new
For your wearing pleasure I am offering....
I have for auction.......
_________________
To Quote John Kerry in his concession speech. "But in an american election, there are no losers, because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as Americans
posted on November 15, 2004 02:50:12 PM new
This (blah,blah,blah)is (blah,blah,blah)in size. It weighs (blah,blah,blah) The bottom is marked (blah,blah,blah)
A great gift for a (blah,blah,blah)!
It is in (blah,blah,blah) condition. There are (blah,blah,blah) on the (blah,blah,blah) but these do not interfere with use.
Please take a look at the pictures and write me if you have questions.
In the United States, S/H will be (blah,blah,blah) If you're not in the US please write me for a shipping quote.
posted on November 15, 2004 03:49:05 PM new
My personal favorite is..."I don't know what this is but I'm selling it." I saw that on an auction several years ago and died laughing. So now , every time I am stumped for an intro, that is what I put. I always end up going in and changing it before actually launching but, I think it helps clear the cobwebs. More often than not I use "I am offering" or "This is a" or "You are looking at".
Kevin
posted on November 15, 2004 03:59:04 PM new
Just jump into it.
Both feet.
It's easier to watch a camel get stuffed through the eye of a needle than watch Dumbya use all the naive evangelicals make him and his buddies rich men.
posted on November 15, 2004 04:42:02 PM new
I was browsing on eBay one night, and came across an auction where the seller started out with something to the effect - "Well, isn't this just the prettiest *!*! pair of curtens you've ever seen???? Well, my mother-in-law seems to think so!" Apparently the "curtens" were a gift to the seller, and she wasn't too impressed.
Seller went out to describe the curtains with very colorful slams against the MIL, as well as her taste(never said ex MIL). The grammar and spelling were atrocious in the auction.
note: the "*!*!" above is really what was in the auction LOL
I sure wish I would have saved the auction!
__________________________________
"The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." - Richard Bach
posted on November 15, 2004 05:15:35 PM new
I think the actual description is the hardest part of listing. What's helped me enormously, with my writer's block, is to do what I call the framework of an auction first. I'll do a bunch of frameworks:
Choose category, get into it, write a *tentative* title, price it, skip down to photos and pull them up, then SAVE the auction for later.
When I have a bunch of those done, I'll go back in systematically and write the description for each item. Having pulled up the photos and chosen the category, often my subconscious helps me with the actual description.
An advertising man I know told me I should, whenever possible, start the description with the "sizzle, not the steak." I try to do a little of that before the actual size, weight, etc.
And I too have been known to start with something like "This is a true mystery item! If you know what it is, please e-mail me." Also, some old-fashioned health-type books from the 1920s I'll list in Everything Else/weird stuff and call them dorky or whatever. They still sell.
[ edited by Roadsmith on Nov 15, 2004 05:17 PM ]
posted on November 15, 2004 06:49:54 PM new
I agree, sometimes it seems writing descriptions seems to be the hardest part of listing. I usually sell vintage collectibles and what helps me often is to follow (in order) my mental list of 5 things.
1. What is it?... I start simply with "This auction is for a blah blah blah".
2. History... When possible, give brief info regarding item's age, where obtained, history of manufacture, company, artist, and/or maybe country of origin.
3. Description/Measurements... info about sizes and measurements, finishes, materials, glazes, or colors. What kind of wood, metal, pottery or glass. Smooth or textured, "heavy for it's size", etc....whatever it takes for the bidder to know the item.
4. Condition... Simply that. Not only flaws or damage, but positive things like the lusterous subtle wear on the oak or the copper's attractive patina.
5. Reason to buy... Short and sweet. "Great addition to a collection", "Would be stunning in a sunny window", "Charming for a small bouquet"...something on that order.
I always use this list as a guide when "Writers Block" hits at the keyboard and it's helped me on more than one occasion. Also, it covers a lot of corners and minimizes "Ask the Seller a Question" emails!
posted on November 15, 2004 08:22:25 PM new
*****DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU INTEND TO PAY****
PAYMENT EXPECTED WITHIN 5 DAYS OF END OF AUCTION. U.S. POSTAL MONEY ORDERS ONLY!!! NO PAYPAL OR PERSONAL CHECKS. NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE UNITED STATES. NO SHIPPING TO ALASKA, HAWAII, FLORIDA OR TEXAS. ALL ITEMS SOLD AS IS. ALL SALES FINAL NO REFUNDS. NON PAYING BIDDERS WILL BE REPORTED TO EBAY, AND WILL RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK. SHIPPING AND HANDLING WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER AUCTION ENDS.
You are bidding on the item shown in the photo. Email with any questions. Due to the tremendous volume of sales I have, it may be several days before I can respond.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on November 15, 2004 08:27:52 PM new
Today cuzzin Bubba iz offering you....no not really most of my auctions are done by listing the title,author and then what the book is about,condition, length,Abridged or Unabridged. Shipping Info and a note to go to my store and buy a truckload. And then a big You'all Come Back Soon!
**********************************
Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
posted on November 15, 2004 08:55:24 PM new
Sparkz you are killing me!!!! LOL!
How about...
...I don't see the crazing...And neither will you!
...This could be stamped silver crap from china, but hey it's mothers day, right?
...I found this under my bed behind the box of mice-chewed receipts...
...When my aunt died...
...10 Years ago when I thought this would be a fun hobby...
The possibilities are endless....
It's easier to watch a camel get stuffed through the eye of a needle than watch Dumbya use all the naive evangelicals make him and his buddies rich men.
posted on November 16, 2004 03:53:08 AM new
I try to be brief. I can't stand coming across an auction that will take me more than a minute or two to read. I don't care to know how you think it will look in my home, on my body or anywhere else. For all you know that lime green sweater with the fuscia trim, will look awful on me.
I usually have things divided up:
Description: Brief, but accurate: Sterling Silver Ring. Amethyst stone measures. . . .Signed. . . ., etc.
Size: If applicable
Age/Condition:
Shipping:
I found that by doing this, the bidder doesn't have to weed through your entire auction only to find out it is either not going to fit or has more damage than he or she wants to deal with. When listing jewelry, I also try not to use technical terms that some might not understand such as "shank". Also, since jewelry is often measured in mm and not inches, I have a conversion chart on my About Me page.
My main suggestion is to LOSE THE CAPS! I pass by auctions that are done in all caps. I don't have the time or desire to try and read them.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Nov 16, 2004 03:55 AM ]
