Question
I'm looking for help and ideas on a way to not have to list thousands, and thousands of listings.
We sell photos that we print (no stock we can print on demand) on a professional printer. We can offer these photos in the following sizes:
8x10 11x14 16x20 20x24
I would like to list the photos as 8x10s only with some type of option to 'upgrade' to a larger size.
Now I know the rules and choice listings are not allowed so I am trying to figure out how to offer buyers the choice of photos without have to list ALL of them in the store..
Any creative suggestions?
Answer
Even though you can't list choice, isn't there some provision that allows customization? I seem to remember this from a relatively recent thread regarding framing and choice of mat color.
Answer
I guess the main problem is that all the sizes sell for different amounts.
8x10 - 4.99 16x20 - 18.99 etc..
You can only have customization if it doesn't affect the price of the listing...
Answer
So post several auctions, each one for a different size picture and a different price and let them customize the picture...
Answer
I thought of that but was concerned about difficulties in tracking it on the backend (BlackThorne Pro)
Here is one of the ideas that crossed my mind:
1-Post all the items as 8x10
2-Create a generic 'Pick Your Picture' listing for 11x14, 16x20, and 20x24 in the store
3-In the 8x10 listings state "We offer this picture in many enlargement sizes, click here for info" Link would go to the enlargements category in the store.
4-On the generic 'pick your picture' listing instruct the buyer to give us the ebay item number for the picture they want (all picts listed as 8x10)
My thought is that would confuse the average eBay buyer and they would just go elsewhere....
ETA: Now that I reread that it is still a choice listing....
I guess I will just stick with what I have which is:
This Photo May Be Purchased as an 8x10 or larger. For enlargements, send us an email and we will add your requested size to our store!!
Answer
LTA, wouldn't you be missing out on those who search for say, 11x14? Since your ad would not have that listed in the title?
Answer
Yup... I would..
I was looking for alternatives to save money on the listing fees... I wonder how many look for photos actually type in the size. Most of the listings for celebrity photos (what we sell) don't even have the size in the title, though, so I'm not sure if it would be an issue..
If you wanted to buy a picture of say Smokey Robinson (just pretend with me ) what would you type into the search box?
Answer
I'd type Smokey Robinson print if I was looking for a print.
And while 15K is extremely daunting...ok...it's worse than that! If it were me, I'd put them in an ebay store and jack the price up 10-15%. Then I'd run a few auctions at the prices you already have listed with a big link in each auction saying "Please see my other listings for more sizes and other prints" or something like that.
And I might start with a couple hundred of the strong sellers to see how it works for you.
Just a thought.
Jo
Answer
Another thing you can do is set up a website and put a link on your me page. Frankly, I haven't had a lot of luck with the me page but some people seem to. You can put a business card in with each print that you sell with your website on it, add a link to the site with each email you send...others may have more/better ideas.
Jo
Answer
LTA, I have the same problem. I'm trying to figure out how to list picture frames and matting without having to list individual standard sizes, not to mention custom. I plan on looking for provider solutions and asking eBay Pinks at eBay Live next month. They have a service there where you go over your items with an eBay employee and they give you advice. I'm planning on asking there too. If I find anything useful I'll let you know.
I do know that if you put some items in an eBay store and sign up for the free service, eBay will tell you what people type in as a search term. So far, though I'm not selling actual frames on there yet, the items I do have up have been searched by the obvious keyword and no one has actually searched using sizes.