Accurate lot descriptions are critical in online auctions. While bidders are encouraged to inspect prior to bidding, the vast majority of bidders do not/are not able to attend inspections. These bidders rely on the information contained in the lot description (and photos) to provide material details about the lot's condition so they can determine it's value. Not only are well-written lot descriptions valuable to bidders, they provide protection for affiliates against potential buyer issues that may arise after the auction closes.
Important: "As-Is, Where-Is" only applies if the lot description and photos fully disclose the information a buyer needs to accurately determine lot value.
Risks of overselling, omitting or providing inaccurate information in lot descriptions:
- Upset customers (buyers & sellers)
- High call volume - requests for additional info.
- Limited bidder interest
- Refused or refunded items
- Potential legal action
- Jeopardizing the affiliate relationship
It is important to note that quality descriptions and pictures do not only benefit potential buyer's, they are also noticed by potential seller's and can be a great sales tool.
Writing quality descriptions is not an exact science. The goal is to: Present the asset for exactly what it is, nothing more and nothing less.
- Descriptions must be true and factual. The first sentence of the lot description should identify the make, model, year, serial number, etc. of the item. Following the identifying information, the condition of the asset is described in detail - focusing on anything about the item that affects it normal functioning or the way it looks. Lot photos need to be taken specifically of any damages to the lot.
- Leave out subjective language. Any language based on your opinion of an item is irrelevant. Statements such as “runs and drives good” and “great condition,” leaves you open to a difference of opinion by the winning bidder and the possibility of losing the sale.
- Stand behind your description. If you can not stand behind a statement within your description or back it up with factual evidence, it should not be included. The statement, “seller states that it used to work,” is an empty statement if you can not prove it to be true. As the managing affiliate, you incur all the risk for including unproven statements within a description.
- Proofread before posting. The auction should be checked for errors and misspellings before it goes live. Auctions that are badly formatted and include grammatical errors reflect poorly on the affiliate network and K-BID.com.
| Examples | Description |
| Good Description | 2003 Ford E350 XL Super Duty Custom 12 Passenger Van, 7.3 Diesel V8 Turbo Engine, 138" Wheel Base, Starts and Runs, VIN: 1FBNE31F6HB52435, Indicated Mileage: 285,281. No Plates. Features and Notes: grey vinyl interior, power steering, power brakes, A/C with front and rear controls, cruise, tilt, power locks and windows, AM/FM radio with cassette player, tears in seat and headliner, missing front dome light cover, white exterior, stone chips, surface rust, rusting below doors, paint peeling around wheel wells, front left fender and driver door damaged but still functional, back swing door latch broken and unable to open from outside. 245/75R16 tires |
| Poor Description |
2003 Ford Van, VIN:1FBNE31F6HB52435, Mileage 285,281 Features and Notes: Grey interior, is a deluxe package so it includes all of the upgrades. Does have some dents and rust spots on it. Runs and drives really nice. Tires at 95% and look like new. |
Item Titles
Item titles are available to quickly inform bidders the contents of the auction lot. Informative titles will catch the eye of interested bidders while searching through the auction listing and are easily found in an item search.
Tips:
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Titles can be up to 100 characters long.
- Lot titles are weighted heavier in the item search function. Meaning that searched terms that are found in the title of a lot will show up higher on the bidder search.
- Lot titles should be a short explanation of the item. Detailed information such as dimensions, serial numbers and any item defects should be noted in the item description.
Item Categories
Item categories are provided to allow bidders to browse all lots in a category or to help refine search results. When creating your lot, you will choose the one category that best fits the item(s) in the lot.
The list of current categories and example items for each category can be found here.
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