Expert: Marvinator - 2/8/2011

Question
Hello. I have a BlackBerry Bold 9700 Smartphone in Black Sim Free GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone and would like to sell the mobile phone on eBay.

Now, I need your help on how to word the eBay listing.

Basically, I bought the Blackberry mobile phone in September 2010 through eBay Brand New and Sealed. The seller wanted to sell the mobile phone because the buyer had an upgrade and wanted to sell the blackberry to invest in the iPhone 4G. I bought the blackberry which was posted to me and was also brand new and 100% sealed.

The mobile phone is in fully working order and in really MINT condition. The phone has always been used with its protective leather case.

Now, the reason why I want to sell the blacberry is becuase I want to buy the new blackberry torch.

I would be grateful if you could if you can help on how to word the ebay listing?

Any suggestions, please? Thank you.
Joskos.

Answer
When laying out an auction there is no need to give a full  history of the item in question.  

I'd start with a general description and a good photo.  Since , in effect, this item is USED, it would be best to take a picture of YOUR phone rather than downloading a pic off the net as so many phone sellers do. (Take both front and back and closeups of any concerns, such as scratches or dents.) By taking a pic of the actual item you also appear more honest.  (You should also include all the accoutrements - charger, manual, case, and even the box if you have it - either in the same picture or in a second photo.)

Next, describe it completely and honestly.  

"This is a BlackBerry Bold 9700 Smartphone in Black Sim Free GSM Unlocked.  I purchased this in September 2010 and am upgrading so my loss is your gain!  This item is in great condition, and though used is in near mint condition." (Note, that no matter how good it is, since it is USED,  you cannot say MINT in your description. MINT means as it came from the factory and since it has been used for 4 months, MINT does not apply. Near Mint is as good as you can use honestly.  A buyer may not consider it even in NEAR Mint, so you may want to say something like "I would consider this NEAR MINT as I have kept in it it's case when not in use, but you be the judge."  This gives the buyer the idea that the unit is in good condition, and you are allowing that you may be predudiced about the condition.)  

Next list all items included, even the box.  "This package includes the wall charger, car charger, travel case, original box and manual."   (Note, before you send the unit out,  be sure to run the format which will return the unit to it's outof the box configuration so that any of your information is also gone.  If you're unsure, call blackberry tech and ask them to walk  you through it. )

Next, either copy  the specifications from the manual or copy them from an identical auction (or even from a website)  Before you include any specs,  be sure they match your phone.  List the specs in bullet format rather than a long sentence or paragraph.

Example: (I found a website and copied this verbatim, removing any reference which said "no" AGAIN, please be sure these match  your phone before using them.)
SPECIFICATIONS
General 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900  
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100  
 HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100   
Size Dimensions 109 x 60 x 14 mm  
Weight 122 g
Display Type TFT, 65K colors
Size 480 x 360 pixels, 2.44 inches
Full QWERTY keyboard
Touch-sensitive optical trackpad

Sound Alert types Vibration, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker  Yes
3.5mm jack  Yes
Memory Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records Yes
Internal 256MB storage, 256 MB RAM
Card slot microSD, up to 16GB, 2GB included, buy memory
Data GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps
3G HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UMA
Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB Yes, microUSB v2.0
Camera Primary 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, LED flash, check quality
Features Image stabilization
Video Yes
Features OS BlackBerry OS; 5.0
CPU 624 MHz processor
Messaging SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, IM
Browser HTML
Games Yes + downloadable
Colors Black
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
- BlackBerry maps
- Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Media player MP3/WMA/AAC+
- Video player DivX/WMV/XviD/3gp
- Organizer
- Voice memo/dial
Battery   Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Stand-by Up to 408 h
Talk time Up to 6 h
Misc SAR US 1.55 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)      
SAR EU 1.36 W/kg (head)     1.18 W/kg (body)   

Hope you'er reading down here...
LAST, list anything specific as to shipping, handling.  "Shipping is XXX  to any of the contiguous states.  Hawaii, Alaska, Virgin Islands or any other over seas requests will be considered one at a time, please write before bidding."   

Good luck!