Some basics when listing ACEOs on eBay...

[artistjillian]

Just a reminder to new people. Tip #1: Most people who search for ACEOs and collect them look in the art category under 'Self-representing Artists (SRA)' - so, if you're going to list in art, that is the best place to list. Folk art is good if you do folk art. There is no harm in putting in other art categories or cross promoting in other categories (see our cross-promotion category each week), but I think all will agree that is the best place for ACEO collectors and buyers to find you. Tip #2: Make the MOST of your title. Use key words. If your ACEO is a painting of a mermaid, be sure to use 'mermaid' in your title - there are definitely people who search on 'ACEO mermaid'. If it's a corgi, be sure to use 'corgi, dog' in your title. Just suggestions, but it is not only for ebay use that these titles are used, they are found also through search engines like google. This is vital to your art selling success. ~Jillian

[windy*paints]

Very good tips Jillian. I always put "cat art" or "cat" in my cat listings as a general rule because of just what you said.

[artistjillian]

Also, if you're new to eBay, and an artist ... take time to create your 'about me' page (and link it to your website if you have one). So many people check out your 'credentials' as an artist, even if you're self-taught. If you have anything for sale on your website, do not link from your listing or your could risk ebay pulling your auction without warning. I've had that happen and it is NOT nice! You are not allowed to do that. Even though you can link to it if nothing is for sale and it has more details about what you're selling, I still won't do it (a personal choice). But linking from your about me page is. You can also direct people to your about me page - but you are not allowed to say ... visit my website when directing viewers to your about me page. (Those rules stand, as last I heard, but if you're in doubt at all, please double check, getting listings pulled is no joke. 😞 ) ~Jillian

[artistjillian]

Try to keep your postage down to a minimum. The sale of your ACEO could depend on how much you charge for postage. As a general rule, most ACEO buyers look for an amount under $2. Of course, this is not always so, but it can mean a sale or not to some buyers. If you're overseas then a higher price is expected. I used to leave postage blank, but after paying way too much for postage on some items (not necessarily ACEOs) I really look at postage now, and it has put me off buying some. There are some good thread (discussions) in this group re 'shipping' and 'postage' if you'd like to search and see what has been discussed in the past. ~Jillian

[harmoniousjosh]

I will sometimes use "Trippy" in my title. Don't know if it draws any traffic, but Mick seems to get a kick out of it.

[artistjillian]

🙂

[lakeeriebeachglass]

I've heard of a 2-click rule and don't know if it truly exists or not, but I was told that you could link as long as any actual selling is 2clicks away?? It sounds a little silly but might be valid.?? Jodie

[artistjillian]

I don't take ANY chances Jodie. The 'rule' is one that is said at ebay 'schools', so I hear, so I do believe it is correct. I know you can put your website on 'about me' so I don't even attempt it in my listings. Rather be safe than sorry.

[mousewords]

Speaking of titles, I've been watching the Ebay "Pulse" (http://pulse.ebay.com/) for the most-searched-for keywords in different categories. "ACEO" is right up there in the top 10 in art, closer to the top in SRA. Also a top word in SRA is "Mermaid." (Good thing it's the promo this week!) :):) Whoa! I just checked for sure! "ACEO" is the number one most searched for word in Self Representing Artists! Yay! :):) Sometimes I'll draw a subject JUST because it's on the list. It helps me try new things, and I really believe the keywords contribute to clicks. "Cat" is always up there in SRA, and now I see that "horse" has made the list. "Horse" is a top search term in the drawings category, too. When I cross-promote, I always go to "Pulse" to see what's in the top ten for other categories. It doesn't always pertain to my art; but some are helpful, like "OOAK," which is big in most collectibles categories, but not on the list at all in art. It does change, if not often...it's fun to watch. :):) Christine

[sunshinesketches]

That's an interesting observation about "OOAK" being a good key word in the collectibles categories; I guess it's just assumed by artists that each artwork is one-of-a-kind (unless it's a print). I stopped using OOAK in my titles because I needed the space for other key words. I'll probably use it again if listing elsewhere (assuming it's applicable, of course). /Karen

[madame.b.wishful]

Sometimes I get stuck using the same words in my Title and I just draw in the same people. I've noticed if I get a bit "braver" and use words that I'm worried aren't as searched I get different bidders. I also put my website in my description.... but I only sell on EBAY. Nothing in my website is linked or directed to selling other than a link back to EBAY. I use it because people that are interested in my sort of art will find info on my website to be useful to my products I sell. I've done it for some time now and no problems. I do agree that you need to be careful that there is nothing on your site that could cause you to have a listing pulled. :) Laura

[sunshinesketches]

Any theories about the following? I'm perusing eBay categories other than SRA and keep finding vendors who use precious title space to type in the word "nice." Just seems rather redundant. Do they think people think "Oh gee I think I'll type in the search keyword NICE and only look at those listings."

[salswinge]

that is bizarre! maybe we should try a few searchs for 'nice art' and see what we get!

[artistjillian]

*giggle*

[salswinge]

I have to say it isn't a big selling term according to the completed listings 😉 so I think we can stick to harmless terms like ACEO original etc lol