Most eBay sellers use the default settings of eBay, sometimes with little modification. Some sellers have begun to realize that there is a definite advantage to putting some effort into at least looking different from the norm. Sellers use “auction templates” to modify the pages on which their items appear, creating a standard look for all of their items, and to standardize their individual auctions. An auction template thus allows a buyer to recognize instantly that he is dealing with someone that they know and trust, and that the seller is serious about what he is doing.

As more sellers take a professional attitude towards auctioning off items through eBay, auction templates become more the norm. Creating auction templates is quickly becoming a niche occupation among graphic designers, especially as their use becomes more and more standardized. Given the ease in creating auction templates, their use should continue to grow in use by sellers that use eBay with any regularity.

There are some things to consider before using auction templates. First, will you be using the template with any regularity? If you only plan on using eBay maybe once a month or so, then they may not be worth it. Second, is the auction template representative of you and your business? Too many templates are cookie-cutter, and they may not properly represent your business. If the answer to both questions is yes, then auction templates may be able to help you take your eBay business to a new level.