There are still several methods posted around various HTML sites that purport to be valid HTML code for putting backgrounds in eBay auctions. Many of these are incorrect and really should not be used. Some actually work anyway, despite eBay's efforts to stop them, but that does not make them good code and they may cause problems in some browsers, including future updates of the more popular ones.
Using these incorrect codes may also cause eBay to put more limitations on what we are allowed to include in the description area of our auction listings. This would be unfortunate so please use only valid, acceptable code for backgrounds.
The cutsie code that uses both STYLE and BODY tags and puts your background under all of the web page, including the eBay areas at the top and bottom using <STYLE...> and <BODY> tages is an example of bad form. The code is correct, but the suggested use is invalid and now contrary to eBay policy statements. Your first clue should be that you can't use the BGCOLOR attribute, an otherwise valid item, to set a solid color, but rather you must use 'color chip' graphics.
It's wrong because STYLE tags should be used only in the HEAD section of a web page (in line STYLE attributes are permissable in the BODY section!) and there should only be one BODY tag (and it's corresponding end tag) in a document. This method would introduce a second BODY tag, since there is already one in the eBay section of the page.
And in my opinion, it often looks tacky when the background that looks good under your auction looks poor and sloppy (and/or obscures text and other information) in the eBay sections of the page.
Background behind auction description only:
The best way to put a background color or graphic background in the auction section of an eBay auction listing is to enclose your auction code within a TABLE, putting these tags at the top of your auction code:
<table width="100%" bgcolor="color" background="http://www.yourhost.com/youraccount/yourpix.jpg">
In the above code,
</td></tr>
Be sure to use these closing tags or your auction may not display correctly and Netscape users may not be able to see your graphics. If you use nested tables, you need one set of closing tags for each set of opening tags. Keep track!
It isn't necessary to use both the bgcolor attribute and the background attribute in your code. Either one alone will suffice. You can use both, however, if you wish, chosing a solid color that matches your background graphic. If your background graphic fails to load for any reason, the page will still look good as the solid color will show in place of the graphic.
Here are two examples of coded auction pages (items have long sold, so these are not commercial links, just examples!)
It's always the right time to use good code!
Backgrounds for eBay Auctions
eBay has recently changed their auction listing format. One of the most significant changes they have made is to limit the effects of HTML codes placed in the description are to just that area. They no longer allow code that puts backgrounds or changes text colors, etc. in the top or bottom 'eBay' sections of the listing page.
<tr><td>
then at the end of your auction code, put these tags:
</table>
