Auction Design Layouts (eBay examples)

There are almost as many layout styles as there are auctions on eBay. In the following examples, I’ll try to show the good and the bad and point out a few common pitfalls along the way.

Bad Example 1 – The Run-on Paragraph

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The above is an example of a paragraph that will only be read by the most desperate of auction site visitors. When possible, break the paragraph up into smaller easier to read sections. If you are listing technical specifications, use Bullets to allow the visitor to quickly scan the list.

Bad Example 2 – Full Size Images on the Auction Page

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Other Examples


Example 1	Example 2	Example 3	Example 4	Example 5	Example 6	Example 7	Example 8
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Example 1 is a pretty good layout having all necessary information on the Auction Page. It is not overbearing and each item of information is easy to locate. This example also has a link to the About Me Page.
Example 2 is an example of one of the better layouts, however, “Where’s the Auction?”. Aside from this being an eBay store layout as an auction listing, you can still easily relate to the content. All information is located in a convenient place that is easy for the visitor to find. A nice color layout is used that keeps the page from being boring.
Example 3 is a nice layout, however the page is beginning to get a bit busy because the owner has placed links to all items he sells at his eBay store. There are good reasons for putting the information here, but one must make sure to not overwhelm the visitor.
Example 4 is a great layout, EXCEPT that the owner of this auction feels compelled to brag about his great feedback. I’m there for the auction. If I want info on the feedback, I know how to look it up.
Example 5 is also a nice layout with the exception of the huge picture that that stretches the auction out and creates a lot of empty white space in the middle of the listing. Example 6 is better use of this layout format which uses thumbnails to display different views of the item up for auction. I also do not care for the scrolling picture section of other auctions being placed at the top. When I go to a auction, I am there to learn about that auction. If I’m curious about the owner’s other auctions they can be additional info placed at the bottom of the auction listing.
Example 6 is a nice layout!
Example 7 – When you look at this high level picture of example 7, you get the feeling that maybe there is too much information displayed. While some of this information could be easily placed on the About Me Page, the layout is exceptional and not overwhelming.
Example 8 is very simply too much. Much of the information is also available on the About Me Page of this owner. Some information here should only be on the About Me Page.

There are plenty of examples of bad and sometimes a few good examples, but you really have to hunt for nice layouts. Most of the time a good layout is one that just employs a simple design, rather than one with complex links all over the universe. Use the examples above to guide your layout and you’ll be well on the way to creating a nice, easy to use auction template.

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