Blinging Out the Basics

There are a lot of extra little goodies for online auction sellers to incorporate into their listings, but at what point does "added feature" become simply "too much." Today we address that question in relation two of the long-standing basics: contact information and templates.

• A step-up from tin cans and string-->There are numerous ways that potential buyers can contact you outside of the basic eBay messaging system. These days, alternative methods include Skype—a voice-over-IP calling feature, instant message—via AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Live Messenger and a host of others. The key to remember here is that regardless of how many different ways you have for bidders to contact you, if you never respond to them it is all for naught.

• All the bells and whistles-->Templates are taking business to a new level today and becoming almost an art form all of their own. With a seller's templates having all of the capabilities of a website these days, it can be easy to over do the glitz. Before going through all the trouble of buffing up on your html code and learning flash, keep three important things in mind: (1) if it takes too long to load, no one will look at it and (2) if the template detracts attention from your item, it's defeating the purpose and (3) when in doubt, err on the side of professional, this is a business after all.