Adding video to eBay listings

This guide is about using video in your eBay listings to help you sell more, for more. It will start by describing why video is so beneficial to selling on line. The guide will then go on to tell you about a service, vzaar, that makes adding video to your eBay listings really easy - no html, no mucking about. And finally the video will give you some tips on how to produce the best videos for your items.

So to begin - Why use video in your eBay listings?

eBay is the worlds largest marketplace, a platform through which you can buy virtually anything from anyone, anywhere. One of the biggest issues with using eBay has always been trust between sellers and their buyers because, for the most part, they are trading as strangers. By including a video in your eBay listings you are able show your items and your business to your buyers enabling you to break down these barriers by building up their the trust and confidence in you and your products.

Using video obviously also allows you to do what both text and photos can do - but in addition to that you can also see in 360 degrees, see items working, hear them playing, see it shine, watch them move, hear you talk about them and more - allowing a person the opportunity to experience the item like never before.

As eBay continues to becomes a more competitive market place, video is a way to get the buyers to have more confidence in your product than that of your competitors in the same category.

How can vzaar help me add videos to my eBay listings?

vzaar is an approved eBay developer, that has designed a service that allows you to add videos to your ebay listings, simply, quickly and effectively.

There are other video suppliers you can also use on eBay however vzaar has been built by eBay sellers for eBay sellers. The video player has been customized to include a “Bid Now” button, the seller’s eBay ID, feedback and auction information. Also, unlike YouTube, who’s aim is to get you to watch more videos, vzaar has been designed to keep a buyers attention with the seller they’re watching.

Simply make your video using a mobile phone, digital camera or camcorder and upload it to vzaar using one click. You can even upload it directly from your mobile phone. Then sign in via eBay and select the listing you wish to add your video to. It’s as simple as that. No html, no waiting, no hassle.

vzaar is a FREE service for casual sellers. However vzaar also has premium packages which give more functionality. They include:

   Search Find the listings you want to using the item number or the item name to search.
   More videos Increase the number of videos you can embed each month.
   Multiple embed tools Embed one video into multiple listings with one click.
   Upload Increase the Gb monthly limit.
   Length Upload longer videos. Up to 3 minutes.

How do I make a video?

It's easy to make a video. Anyone can do it.

Firstly you need to decide what video you’re making. 3 ideas for videos are:

1. video of the item/product/service
2. video about you and your business
3. videos of multiple items so that you enable cross selling between your items.

You don’t need any fancy kit. Most digital cameras and many mobile phones can make a video and it only takes a few moments to shoot a video.

Here are some filming pointers to help you with your first few videos.

Lighting

        To show off your item as clearly as possible it will need lots of lighting. Lots and lots. This is especially true if you're filming indoors and there isn’t enough daylight. Get your lights on and your lamps out.

Script

        You don’t need to write an award winning sales pitch but having the important selling points written down is really helpful so you don’t forget to mention anything and it will help to keep you on track.

Steady Hands

        When filming your item, try to keep the camera steady and avoid jerky movements, using the zoom and wildly pointing your camera around. If you do need to move the camera around to show off hard to see bits, try to make sure that your actions are smooth. A tripod or something to balance the camera on would be helpful.

Sound

        You may have filmed an advert of masterpiece proportions, but if the sound is bad you can ruin it. Speak clearly. You want your buyers to be able to hear you. Watch out for background noise especially if you are filming outdoors. A light breeze can end up sounding like a gale.

That should be all you need to get started. We hope you’ve found this guide helpful.

The best thing to do is just give it a go!