Designing eBay Web Pages

I began designing eBay web pages on the eBay Community Photos/HTML Board. When a member would post and ask for help, I would do my best to create an attractive looking template for them to use in their auction listings. Many of the posters kept insisting I should charge for this, so my eBay business was born... Lesley's Auction Template Designs.

Most sellers contact me before purchasing from one of my Store listings. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ)...

Q. I am a complete novice when it comes to computers and HTML. Can you still help me?

A. Yes, if you have the desire to learn, I am more than happy to spend the time teaching you. I have worked with total newbies and had no trouble teaching them to modify templates for use in their auction listings. Once I complete your page designs, I send you a color coded version of your template along with a mini HTML lesson that explains what each HTML code is and what its function is in your page design. Once HTML is demystified, it's actually quite easy to follow and understand.

Q. Do I need to upgrade to a Featured Store to take advantage of your services?

A. No, the Basic eBay Store gives you 5 custom pages which you can use to customize the look of your Store. You also have the ability to customize your primary Store header, your secondary Store header, as well as create custom Promo boxes that can be used in a variety of creative ways. You can even customize a Promo box for use as a customized navigation bar.

Q. How long does it take for you to design my eBay Store?

A. It normally takes me about 3 weeks to get to a new project as I have several clients in "rotation". What I mean by that is I work on the assignments in the order I receive them, but as soon as I'm on hold waiting for communication from a client, I go ahead with the next project. So yours might get started in a couple of weeks, but would then get placed back into rotation as soon as a previous client contacts me for revisions. Once I begin working on your project, the time frame is largely dependent on how accessible you are via email when I need questions answered or drafts approved. If I can get hold of you quickly, I can get your storefront done in as quickly as one day.

Q. Do you need my eBay password to create my eBay Store?

A. Most definitely not. Although most of my clients seem to prefer that I upload all their custom pages to eBay, it is not necessary to reveal your eBay password in order to have your eBay site customized. I can send you step-by-step directions for uploading all the pages yourself if you would prefer to do that. If you ask me to upload your custom pages for you, I always ask that you either assign a temporary password or change your password immediately after I complete uploading your page designs.

Q. Can I alter or change aspects of the design (background, background color, font, etc.) as necessary once you complete the work?

A. I create a custom design just for you. Once you approve the final draft, it is yours to do with as you wish. You can alter it in any way you deem necessary.

Q. Can the pages you design for me be used on more than one eBay ID?

A. Yes, if you are capable of making the necessary changes to the page designs, you are free to do so once my work is completed and approved.

Q. Do you offer a maintenance service to update or tweak my Store and template in the future?

A. I deal with this on a case-by-case basis. If you only require minimal changes such as adding or deleting a new category to your Store, I would charge a minimal fee. If you require major tweaks such as a complete rework due to a Store name change or plan to begin a different selling venue and need to completely rework your categories and Store info, then the cost would naturally be more. Once you explain to me what type of changes are necessary, I will be happy to quote you a price.

Q. May I purchase your service for a different ID than the one I bid with?

A. Yes, many of my clients prefer to use a buying ID to purchase because they want their selling ID to remain invisible to the design purchase. I have no objection to this.

When one of my clients purchases my services through my eBay Store, I take a quick tour of their eBay site and come up with a list of questions for them.

I ask general questions such as...

• Do you have anything specific in mind for your page designs?
  
• Do you have a favorite color or color scheme you would like me to use?
  
• Do you have any graphics you would like me to incorporate into your eBay page designs?
  
• Do you already have a logo or would you like me to create one for you?
  
• Have you seen an eBay site you particularly liked and what elements of the site did you specifically like?
  
• Are you comfortable enough with HTML to be able to modify a template if it is heavily commented?
  
• Do you have any other information that would be helpful to get me started in the right direction?
  
• Do you have any questions for me?
  

I also ask more specific questions...
Storefront questions:

• Do you have any graphics pre-selected that you would like me to incorporate into your Storefront?
  
• Do you want to use eBay's nav bar, a custom nav bar or no nav bar at all on your landing page?
  
• Do you want graphic links to all of your Categories or a simple entrance page?
  
• Have you seen a Storefront style/design you particularly liked that you would like to emulate?
  

About questions:

• Do you want your listings and feedback to display on your page?
  
• Do you have any text written up that you want included?
  
• Do you have any pictures or favorite links you want included?
  

So... there you have it... everything you always wanted to know about designing eBay web pages but were afraid to ask (or were afraid the answer would put you to sleep... LOL!). Until tomorrow when I think I'll write about some of my favorite tips and tricks for eBay buyers and sellers...
Lesley