10 secrets of selling success from eBay

The key to success is pitching your product in a way that attracts buyers. For online advertising, write a catchy title and precise description. EBay advises using all 80 characters in its template. Avoid all caps, use proper spelling, and list the brand name, artist or designer, as well as specifics such as size, color and model number - i.e., Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch SPH-D710 - 16GB - Vortex Black (Sprint) Smartphone. Be specific. Buyers are frequently looking for a particular product and don't want to waste time or be detoured.

Also, describe the item's condition. For example, a brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging.

It is equally important to show the product. Post high-quality, evenly lighted photos -- just as big companies use appealing photos to advertise their products in catalogs, magazines or online.

• Bing: Tips on writing effective headlines 

EBay's website is packed with market intelligence so you can see what's selling. For would-be sellers, this data is invaluable. It can help direct you to the types of products that are most likely to fly off your shelves. Top eBay categories include vehicles, electronics gear and fashion apparel.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, eBay's buyers and sellers closed on worldwide vehicle deals totaling $1.7 billion, including cars, motorcycles, RVs and boats. An additional $1.7 billion in deals were closed on vehicle parts and accessories. In the same quarter, sellers shook hands on $4.2 billion worth of electronics: computers, cellphones, cameras and TVs. Fashion deals totaled $3.9 billion, including big categories for jeans, shoes, neckties and sunglasses.

• Bing: Top online sales categories 

The motor vehicles category is huge, and eBay's data makes it easy to drill down for details.

So far this year, top-selling cars and trucks include Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford F-250.

About three-quarters of the deals closed through eBay Motors were interstate -- meaning the vehicles were delivered to buyers outside the seller's own state. So if you are planning on going into the business of selling cars, be prepared to figure out an efficient method of delivering your cars to out-of-state buyers.

• Bing: Shop for cars online 

You can learn what people are hunting for on eBay, so you'll know what's in demand. In electronics, top searches include iPad, iPhone 5, Nook, Canon, GPS, Xbox, MacBook Pro, HTC EVO 3D, Monster Beats and Samsung HDTVs. You can drill down in eBay's data to see the top-selling items.

A cellphone went every 4 seconds, for example. An MP3 player went every 20 seconds, including Apple iPod, Creative Zen, etc. An LCD television, meanwhile, sold every 3 minutes, while headphones flew off the shelf every 8 seconds. GPS devices sold at a rate of one a minute, as did iPads.

• Bing: Used electronics for sale 

Just as at the mall, shoppers are attracted to well-known, trendy brands. Within fashion, eBay says "popular name brands may get you the most bang for your buck." The data bear that out, so make sure the brand is prominently mentioned in your description. Last quarter, top searches included Coach, Nike, Guess, Juicy Couture, Clarisonic, Lacoste, Abercrombie & Fitch, Perricone, Ed Hardy, Michael Kors and Gap.

Women's apparel is especially hot. Women's accessories went every 3 seconds, a woman's dress every 6 seconds, and women's jeans every 15 seconds. A pair of shoes sold every 5 seconds.

In the men's category, a pair of sunglasses sold every 29 seconds, while a necktie sold every 21 seconds. A pair of Chuck Taylor shoes, meanwhile, sold every 4 minutes.

•   Bing: Used fashion apparel

To be a successful seller, you need to set the right price: too high and you discourage buyers, too low and you leave money on the table. By comparing products selling on eBay that are similar to the ones you are hawking you can find the price "sweet spot."

EBay is particularly helpful in this regard. Its updated mobile app suggests a starting price based on similar items.

EBay suggests a "Buy It Now" price (no bidding) if you are confident about the product's value and want to sell it quickly. If you want to let the market determine the price, list it auction-style. EBay advises that you set your "Buy It Now" price at least 10% higher than the starting auction price. Another option on the eBay site: Set a reserve price, so you aren't obligated to sell unless the bidding reaches at least that price.  

•   Bing: How to set the right price

Sellers should offer at least one electronic payment or credit card option. EBay, of course, recommends its PayPal service.

Personal checks, cashier's checks, bank-to-bank transfers, or money orders aren't allowed for most eBay purchases -- other than for things like real estate, capital equipment, "adult only" items and certain vehicle categories, eBay says. If you are selling in a forum other than eBay, you can determine the payment method that best fits your needs.

You might consider an escrow service for pricey items, such as Escrow.com. "I highly recommend NEVER accepting personal or business checks," Justin Eveloff, owner of The Internet Car Lot, a licensed dealership in Omaha, Neb., says in an article on eBay. "A buyer can easily take your vehicle and stop payment on their check," he notes. Finally, always verify payment before shipping.

• Bing: How to accept credit cards 

Now that you've sold your product, don't skimp on shipping and delivery. Quality service will make your customers happy and build your reputation as a reliable merchant.

Ensure your product arrives safely. Pack it well, using a sturdy box. Buy plenty of bubble wrap or foam peanuts. Use enough packing material, and tape the package securely. "The faster you can get your items shipped, the happier your buyers will be," eBay notes. Consider providing a one-day handling time, and alert the buyer when an item has shipped. You can save time with free package pickup services from the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or and FedEx. Consider shipping insurance on pricey items, and get delivery confirmation.

• Bing: Compare shipping options

First and foremost, make sure your products are in stock. Your customers won't be your customers for long if you disappoint them.

Next, a few positive surprises can build loyalty. Consider offering free or low-cost shipping, for example. "Everyone loves a deal, and many buyers will first search for items that are listed as having free shipping," eBay says.

Personal attention goes a long way. Keep the buyer informed of any delays or problems. Respond to buyers' questions quickly and professionally -- preferably within 24 hours -- to avoid low seller ratings and negative feedback.

Finally, include a business card or note with your eBay user ID and contact information. Sellers who meet all of eBay's requirements to become a "Top Rated Seller" receive better search standing for fixed-price listings, and savings from the U.S. Postal Service.

• Bing: Improve your seller reputation 

Successful companies look ahead to emerging trends. You can, too.

EBay retains a team of "trend experts" who share some of their findings. Fashion is one specialty. For example, you may not want to bulk up on red items. That's because the trend gurus expect emerald to become "a hot color" for clothing, jewelry and accessories, given that color authority Pantone has declared emerald the color of the year.

For shoes, experts recommend "some vibrant color and pattern." Although, of course, "there's nothing classier than minimal black and white."

In electronics, experts see the following tablets as trending: Apple iPad, Apple iPad mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab, 4G Tablets, Motorola Xoom and Acer Iconia Tab. In cameras they give a nod to: Nikon D3100, Canon EOS Rebel T3i, Canon Rebel EOS 5D MARK II, and Nikon D7000.

•  Bing: Online sales trends