Adam Ginsberg eBay Template Software: What are Auction Templates?

In October 2001 I created my first eBay listings.  I paid a lot of money to a graphics designer who created a listing template unlike anything that has ever been used on eBay. Those listings were the catalyst for what would become Template Optimizer – the #1 source for eBay template software.

I’ve read lots of reviews online for Template Optimizer – most have been favorable and some comments not so positive. This will be true when anything is reviewed on the internet.  But, the simple fact is this: Template Optimizer 8.1, which was just released in Beta, is the most powerful eBay Template Software every developed and released to the public. This isn’t a review of Template Opitmizer 8.1, and doesn’t provide a list of all the new features and benefits. I will say that this version of Template Optimizer has been build from the ground up. It’s not an “update” or “fix” or “add-on” to version 7.1 – but a completely new, revolutionary way of creating listings for eBay.

Since version 8.1 is still in BETA, you can check out Template Optimizer in it’s current form.  Then, once you’re in your account simply click on the “Try Template Optimizer 8.1″ link.  You can test and use the entire system for 30 days for $1. Check it out for yourself and see what others are saying is the “Biggest breakthrough ever” for creating powerful eBay listings.

Ok, now the purpose of this article.  What the heck are eBay auction templates in the first place anyway?

In simplest terms, an auction template is a specialized ad layout that an online auction seller uses to showcase any item they are selling. Some sellers will use the same layout (as their own customized template) for all their listings while others will use a variety of template backgrounds and layouts for a variety of items for sale.

An auction template consists of HTML code written to create the layout of the auction ad, customization, and image hostings.  The template will also consist of unique graphics.  A professional listing template will also provide you with ability to insert blocks of text that don’t change from auction to auction (such as general payment terms, etc.).

Are auction templates a necessity to sell in an auction format?
That depends on who you ask. Malcom Gladwell, in his NY Times Bestseller “Blink” says that you only have 7 seconds to make a first impression.  So, while auction templates aren’t really necessary, using a profession auction template will help you to distninguish yourself from your competition.

There are many reasons that sellers make the decision to work with an auction template. Here are just a few:

• To promote a professional presence to their prospective bidders.
• To reduce the necessity of retyping information that does not change from auction to auction.
• To reduce image hosting costs.

Let’s take a look at each of these in greater detail.

Use an auction template to promote a professional presence.
Let’s face it. A buyer’s first impression of an online auction seller is the description of the item being auctioned. We don’t click into an auction and immediately look at a seller’s feedback. We first look at the item’s pictures and read the details that are of interest to us. If a buyer sees a block of plain text, they immediately wonder if this is a new seller… or maybe someone that’s just quickly trying to rid themselves of a particular item. Plain text does not say “Hello. I am a seasoned seller that is going to deliver a top-quality product in a timely fashion.”

Use an auction template to reduce repetitive typing.
Successful auction sellers have a set of selling policies that they have created – and that they use on all their listings.  This would include “Shipping Policies”, “Payment Policies”, Terms, etc. When using eBay template software you’ll want to look for a system that stores this information for you and then gives you the ability to insert it into each listing you create.  Your time is important to you – and having software that quickly speeds up the process of creating listings.

Use an auction template to reduce image hosting costs.
On eBay, you pay for each picture you insert in your listing (after the first one, which is free). The cost of these pictures will vary depending on which eBay site you list on. As well, you are limited to only 12 pictures (max) per listing.  When you use eBay template software to create professional eBay templates you have the ability to feature your pictures, upload unlimited pictures per listing and NEVER pay eBay picture hosting fees. This feature alone can save the average eBay seller thousands of dollars in picture hosting fees ever year!

Now you should know what an Auction Template is. It’s time to decide which software you’re going to use to enable you to get the best value, the simplest to use, and most importantly the software that is going to help increase what you sell and for how much you sell it for.

Try out Template Optimizer today for only $1 for 30 days. Then, while you’re in your account, be sure to check out the all new, revolutionary Template Optimizer 8.1 BETA.