FREE: WOOHOO!!Learn to Cro-Tat kit-EVERYTHING included!

Evelyn, I notice you are kind of new to Listia. You have some VERY nice items, but it takes a while to get up to speed, so don't give up! For this listing, you should probably have put it in the needlework sub-category of Arts & Crafts. Also, photos are critical on Listia. Try taking your photos on a white background, don't use a flash - instead use a small desk lamp with a natural daylight or full-spectrum color bulb, like Reveal in the supermarket. This way you can move the lamp around to get your best shot with light and shadow.

Be sure to hold your camera far enough away so it is in focus, and use the macro or closeup setting on your camera. Then get some photo editing software so you can crop and adjust the brightness, constrast, color, etc. I use HP Photosmart, which is a free download. It takes a while to learn to use photo editing software but once you do, the editing goes very quickly.

Hope that helps!

Also, you need better titles and descriptions on your items. For example, what the heck is cro-tat? Describe it better, how fun or easy it is to do, and show a closeup from the package of what it will look like when completed. It's okay to use stock photos from online sellers, as long as you have at least one photo of your own so it is obvious that you actually have the item you are selling.

Keep in mind that keywords are VERY important ... so for example, this listing should have had words such as lace, tablecloth (or whatever it is), EASY, FUN, etc. in your title and description. The more info and good photos you include, the better you will do.

Another good tip is to start your items as a low opening bid, like 11, 13, 15, 17 credits. For some reason, odd numbers are more effective than even numbers!

It's also almost critical to offer free shipping. Not only is it difficult to collect the money from buyers for shipping (you need to take Paypal) but also, people just won't bid if they have to pay (and hassle) with sending you shipping. So, consider the free shipping an investment ... you get it back when you win items (like mine) that are shipped to you free.

Finally, probably the most difficult thing about online selling is developing a strategy. LOOK to see if old Barbie dolls are getting any bids. If not, don't list them, just throw them out or take them to a thrift shop. Spend some time browsing listing, putting in low watch bids or add them to your watch list, and see how they do. It will give you good ideas of what is worth your time to list (and pay for free shipping) Listia, and how the more successful sellers get the job done--good photos and descriptions, for example.

Also, if you are selling something similar, don't hesitate to e-mail the bidders of an item that has ended. Be SURE to include the link to your item in the e-mail. Make the e-mail friendly -- I noticed you were bidding on a barbie, I have one ending tonight you might like. Good luck with your auctions! (etc).

That's how I got a LOT of people interested in the beads when I first started -- I e-mailed all the folks who were selling beaded jewelry. So, I sort of developed my own marketplace on Listia.

Hope that's not TMI ... LOL. Good luck sweetie!

It takes a lot of time and commitment to do well on Listia, just as it would on ebay or other $$$ selling venues. You need to get your strategy and system going, then e-mail folks who are bidding on similar items.

put this address in the address bar...
http://www.prym-consumer.com/static/0H09005cK.pdf

I know what she meant plus just google it if you don't know what it is. I think it's rued to other people like myself to put lengthy comments, I'm sure a better way would have been is possibly emailing? I know you were being helpful being that she is new, we've all been there but I really don't like to have to read comments that are not about the auction. She is doing great on this auction and practice makes perfect

thx!!

Well sorry girls, but I have to say....I am glad Nancy put it on here so I could read it too...even though it wasn't meant for me.....I learned something from it & I am not the newest on here but not an old timer either! You can always learn from others ,mistakes! I try to learn something new everyday of my life!

This auction is very nice! Sorry I had to comment above on your auction! I have no idea what this is, but I am very inerested in learning crochet. This looks a little similar. Also another thing, after each comment we put on here, in the bottom right hand corner of my comment it will say reply, that is where your comments needs to go for each one of us! It will turn out in a different color than ours. Good Luck Hun!

new fan :)