Last updated: November 6, 2018
I have been selling on eBay for many years now, and for the past couple of years I’ve been a business seller. The main things I sell are clothes. I sell mostly women’s clothing, but I do also sell clothes for men and children. Profit from reselling clothing is a large chunk of our monthly income, and I try to list lots of things in short amounts of time to keep my online shop well stocked. Over time I have developed a checklist of things that I always include in every single clothing listing I create. I believe this makes my listings more appealing and it also makes my life easier. It also increases the likelihood of an item selling, thereby making me more money.
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Why You Should Include This Information In Your Listings
Nowadays people live in the fast lane and they want things to happen at speed. This includes when they are buying things. Most people do not want to have to ask sellers a question about an item, especially when it comes to clothes. By the time the seller replies, the potential buyer has either changed their mind or already purchased something else. This is why you want there to be as much information packed into your listing as possible. It allows the buyer to make a snap decision if they want an item. If all the information they might need is available to them already, then they can go ahead and purchase straight away. I believe this helps to increase sales and decrease your return rate.
The other reason I like to include the information below when selling on eBay is because it saves me time. Since I started including the same information in every listing, I very rarely get questions about items that I need to answer. I also save time because I don’t then have to go into the clothing storage and get that item out in order to answer the question.
What to include in every listing
I developed this checklist in response to the types of questions I would get about clothing items. This covers the majority of any queries buyers might have about an item. I keep the item title fairly short and try to pack as much information into the description and item specifics as possible.
The item specifics are those by which buyers can filter search results. For example, if they search for ‘dress’ they can filter the results by size, colour, length etc. I make sure to fill out as many item specific boxes as possible so I am not excluded from any results:
I always complete the following item specifics:
Brand
Size
Material
Colour
Length/sleeve length/rise/neckline type etc – these kinds of vague measurements change depending on which type of clothing you’re listing
Garment care
Pattern
Occasion
I would also add any features to the item specifics, such as pockets, beading, backless, zips….eBay has some already there which you can select. There is also the opportunity to input your own.
In the item description box, I elaborate further and repeat some of the information. I will always include in the item description:
Brand
Size
Fabric (this time I write out the exact fabric composition of the garment as it shows on the label)
I will also write a sentence or two describing the item. I make sure to include things that perhaps aren’t that easy to see on the photos. For example, I’ll mention any elasticated sections, sequins, pockets, fastenings, linings, and any spare buttons on the inside labels. The smallest details can make all the difference.
One of the most important things I do when selling on eBay is to always include measurements. This can be a little tedious if you have a lot to list, but it does save you time in the long run. It helps buyers make a decision about whether an item will fit them or not, and cuts down time answering these questions. As I said above, it should also help reduce the number of returns because an item doesn’t fit. These are the measurements I always take:
Dresses: shoulder to hem and underarm to underarm. I will also occasionally take the waist measurements
Skirts: waist to hem and waistband measurement
Trousers and shorts: inseam, rise and waistband measurements. Occasionally (particularly for wider leg trousers), I will take a measurement around the hems
Tops, jumpers, cardigans and jackets: shoulder to hem and underarm to underarm
Including all of this information should help you to sell more items.
Set Up Templates
The quickest way to make sure all of this information is included in your listing is to set up a template within eBay. I have templates that I use for each type of item. For example, I have one for dresses and a separate one for trousers. Within the templates you can set out the information you want to provide. I have a separate line for each piece of information e.g ‘Brand:’ and ‘Fabric:’. When it comes to listing an item, the template provides you with the framework and you will just have to fill in the specific information for each item.
This will save a lot of time, and will make sure you don’t forget to include anything.
I hope this helps with your clothing listings if you’re going to start selling on eBay. Clothing is a great item to sell, and you can get started by selling your own items. Looking for more eBay tips? Here are 10 ways to maximise your eBay sales.
Love reading posts like this. I had a massive clear out about 6 years ago and made some pocket money !
It’s such a fab way to make some cash quickly!
hi melissa, i love buying clothes on ebay as you can get some really good bargains, i started selling my old clothes on ebay but i had a few problems with some buyers so i gave up,whats your ebay name?
Hi Sharon, I agree there are some amazing bargains to be had on eBay. It does get discouraging when you have problems with buyers. Unfortunately there are always the odd few who make things difficult 🙁
You make it sound so easy but to me this is an incredible effort
I understand. I think it just gets easier the more you do it.
A great help -thank you – now I just need the time to list some on there!
I’m glad you found it useful. I hope you found the time and made some good sales!
Interesting article thankyou for the information I often use ebay
You’re welcome 🙂
This is encouraging, think I may give it a go. Thank you
Best of luck – hope you get lots of sales!
Very interesting read. Thank you
You’re welcome, I am glad you like it 🙂
This is just the thing for me, I have more tops than I could wear in years, but virtually no trousers or jeans!!
I have exactly the same problems! I find trousers ands jeans so much harder to buy.