Why Didnt My Franklin Sell?

Another problem is that a LARGE number of collectors no longer have any confidence in themselves and can no longer bring themselves to buy anything that hasn't be blessed by either PCGS or NGC. Doesn't matter what it is, doesn't matter if the TPG is correct or not, it just has to be in their slabs before they will open their wallets.

I admit the first thing I noticed, and it would keep me from bidding if I needed one of these, was the two hits right in front of his face. Comparing other prices on ebay I could get a comparable price on a coin without this as an issue. That's also the problem sometimes with pictures: they tend to emphasize problems to a greater degree than what a coin looks like in hand.

With my luck starting at .99 I usually don't even get close to what I want for it

Use free shipping, add the price of shipping to the item. Statistics show it's better that way, PLUS free shipping comes up more in searches. More advertising means better sales, marketing 101!
I aslo start listings at $0.01, because then I get more watchers, more bidders, and they all get notifications when they get outbid! It was a risk at first, but I find items go for what they should, IF you post on the right days (thursday evening, or sunday evening)

I am going to add to what everyone else is saying and say this is my opinion of your description (harsh, but true):

"*yawn* Just another guy pawning off crap who doesn't actually care what he's got. Moving on."

You need to be, as your high-school English teacher might have said, LIVELY!! Look at the difference in the following two lines of copy:


Blowout sale. Store closing. Everything must go.

Blowout SALE!! Store Closing--EVERYTHING must GO!

Does one of these catch your attention more than the other? You bet. Does one of them make you want to take a nap? It sure does for me. You've got to spend to make--in this case, spend time to make money. Here is how I would describe this coin, if it were mine and I were selling it on the Bay (based on your pictures):

BEN FRANKLIN 1948 P SILVER HALF DOLLAR UNC

A stunning example of a first year of issue, this 1948 Benjamin Franklin half-dollar is a well-struck specimen from the Philadelphia Mint. Honoring one of our Founding Fathers and struck in 90% silver, the design proudly displays a bust of Franklin on its obverse and a rendering of the iconic Liberty Bell on its reverse. In-hand you will discover this coin features the coveted Full Bell Lines and strong, well-struck features on both obverse and reverse.

The Benjamin Franklin half series is both entertaining and profitable to collect; spanning only 15 years, the set is easy to complete and, thanks to its silver content, is guaranteed to always hold value. You may bid on my items with confidence--[all coins are sent via registered USPS first-class mail, and if you are dissatisfied with this coin at any time within 7 days of receiving it, you may return it for a full refund less postage*].



However, I wouldn't stop here--I'd take some closeup photos of those FBL. Now take a look at what I wrote: is it inaccurate? Based on your photos, nope. Is it LIVELY? Sure thing. There are strong, clear clauses. It sounds confident and it makes judicious use of adverbs and adjectives, two words that both start with "ad" because they help you to ADvertise (okay, that's not really why, but it's a useful mnemonic). If you can build the skill to write this way, it will be incredibly useful--I landed both of my last two jobs with the ability to write copy. You're not putting words in the buyer's mouth with leading phrases like "I'm sure you'll agree that" or "as you can see" which will turn a buyer off (you know where you hear those lines? HSN and infomercials for solutions-looking-for-a-problem like ShamWOW and The Perfect Pancake. Trust me, you do not want to sound like that). And finally, you are practically guaranteeing a real, reliable version of the coin--with that all-important line: YOU CAN RETURN THIS COIN IF YOU'RE UNHAPPY. That is just as much a marketing gimmick as anything else.



*The part in brackets is a return policy I recommend. You may obviously have different return guidelines than I do, but they should be stated in the same way: in clear, simple clauses and with the buyer's confidence being bolstered by your confidence in offering this policy.

Yes, Silver in the title, FBL in the title too, since you have them! For a "sure sale" at a decent price, running this as an auction starting at 99 cents would have done it. Otherwise patience and time.

I think there is a fine line between "overhyping" and being boring. I always have good luck just stating a few brief facts about the coins (highlighting things about low mintages, or silver materials, or rarity if applicable). I then make every effort to describe the coin, highlighting any areas where the coin is above average while also highlighting areas where the coin might be deficient. I really appreciate when a seller goes the extra mile to honestly describe everything they can without being over the top. I don't want to hear random info about the coin series or somebody telling me what a great deal this coin is, or saying "L@@K at this great bargain!". Sometimes the flashy wording will attract people, BUT if they buy it and it doesn't live up to the "hype" when they receive it, you now have to mess around with a return and an unhappy buyer (who will likely tell others). I prefer listings that are to the point, have good grammar, and have a low starting price. I will pay attention to those much more than a flashy/wordy listing. I also tend to watch listings more that have a low start price because it is nice to see where the market bears the price at and they usually have lots more action to them.