Selling Commonly Sold Items with Pre-Filled Item Information

Back in step 4 we discussed the Choose a Listing Option page. If you recall, you had two options to choose from: listing the standard way or listing with pre-filled item information. Let's discuss that pre-filled option now.

eBay has created a huge database of commonly sold productsbooks, audio books, audiocassettes, CDs, DVDs, and various consumer electronics products. If you're selling one of these items, you can have eBay create your item description for you, using the information stored in its databaseand add a stock photo of the item, as well. All you have to do is tell eBay what you're selling, and eBay will do the hard work for you. (Figure 15.15 shows an item listing with eBay's pre-filled information and product photo.)

Figure 15.15. Let eBay provide the item information for you.

It all starts when you choose a product category for your listing. It the item you're selling is part of eBay's pre-filled information database, you'll see a Find Your Product window, like the one shown in Figure 15.16. You're prompted to enter identifying information, whichdepending on what type of item you're sellingmight be the item's model number, title, artist, director, author, UPC, or ISBN code. Enter the appropriate information, then click the Search button.

Figure 15.16. Enter identifying information in the Find Your Product window.

Tip

The most accurate way to search is via the item's UPC codeor, if you're selling a book, via the ISBN, which is typically found on the back or inside cover.

You now see a list of matching items, like the one in Figure 15.17. All items matching your search are displayed here; check your particular item, then click the Save Selection button.

Figure 15.17. Select the exact item you want to sell.

eBay now moves to the standard Describe Your Item page, but with the item title and other details already entered. You'll want to review the pre-filled information to make sure it's accurate; you can choose to not include this information by unchecking the Include the Following Product Information in My Listing option.

"Mike Sez"

I like using eBay's pre-filled item information, especially when I'm selling books, CDs, and DVDs. eBay's database includes a lot more information than I'm willing to type by handand it saves me from capturing and uploading a product photo. It's a real time-saver!

You'll note that eBay adds its database information outside the standard item description area, which means you can still enter your item description into the Description box, if you want. I typically use the item description box to provide any personal details about the particular item I'm sellingif it's used, worn, damaged, or so on. From here, you should continue with the balance of the item listing process, as normal.