If you make a buying mistake - accept your buying mistake, the resulting loss (AND YOUR LESSON), and then move on. However, what if it isn't a buying mistake? What if it is problem with the listing? To make money on eBay, you need to quickly investigate and then take appropriate action. If it is a problem with the auction listing, that problem needs to be corrected so that a sale will happen.

If you have made a buying mistake, and now own item(s) that will not sell on eBay, then quick action is required. There are two keys things about every buying mistake.

• The first step is to learn from the mistake. Understand if you made an error in investigating the potential popularity of the item, if the marketplace changed, or if it was something else.

• The second step is to turn that mistake back into cash as fast as possible. Use whatever means you need (No minimum auction, bundle and sell at wholesale, or another method.) to sell the product. Use the proceeds for the sale to purchase products that will make money on eBay.

However before you assume it is a buying mistake, be sure that you have exhausted all of your selling options. That includes verifying every aspect of your eBay listing. For example:

• TITLE

Start with the title.

o You are allowed 55 characters. Did you use them all?
o Did you use the best title information?
o Did you use the most widely-known name/description?
o Is the message clear?
o Did you provide the key facts/data about what you are selling?

• DESCRIPTION

Next examine the item description.

o Is the information clear and easy to understand?
o Did you include a thorough description of the item.
o Were all of the features listed?
o Were flaws accurately describer? There needs to be a balance in the description that is used for a flaw or defect. Be totally honest and accurate, but don't scare every prospective buyer away. If the product is so bad that it scares everyone away, do not sell it on eBay.
o Was shipping information included?
o Do you have a guarantee? Is it clearly stated in the description?

• PHOTO

Photos are important.

o Is the photo clean and in-focus?
o Is the lighting good?
o Have you minimized distractions in the background?
o Does the photo clearly depict the item that you are selling?
o Have labels, tags, packages been included? (This is especially important on high-end items.)

• PRICING

Establishing fixed prices or reserve prices that are too high is a problem.

o Did you look at other recent auctions for similar items.
o What amount did similar items sell for?
o Is your reserve price too high when compared to recent sales?
o Is your 'Buy It Now' price too high when compared to recent sales?

It is important to take a moment and carefully check the listing information. Often being in a hurry, or just forgetting how important the listing is to the sale results in the omission of information that will be critical to selling an item. Don't immediately assume that the item is just 'wrong' and will not sell. Investigate and make sure that you have taken the right steps to create a listing that will sell your product for the highest possible amount.

To Your eBay Success!