Auction Information

Auction Seller Guide To Success


When its time to clean-up around the house, some people have a hard time deciding what to keep and what to throw out. What they need is an incentive.

How about collecting cash from stuff that was collecting dust?

You can do this by auctioning-off your unwanted or no longer needed items on eBay. eBay is the largest online market place of its kind. If you are considering this, then you need to gain some basic knowledge of the listing process.

Here is a 10-item checklist to go over before you begin selling:

1. Look at Other Seller Listings

Do a search for your item. See how other sellers list the same or similar item. Take mental note of the category, the title, the description, the photo and the pricing.

2. Choose the Most Appropriate Category

Make sure your item is in the most appropriate category. Avoid placing it in a category where it doesn't belong. List your item in the wrong category, and people looking for your item will not find it. Let eBay suggest the category for you, if you are unsure which category your item belongs.

3. Write an Accurate Title for Your Listing

Make it easy for buyers to find your item in a search by writing a precise title of it. Be as exact and detailed as possible so your item can show up in broad keyword searches too. Avoid using hype words like "Best," "Great," or "Fantastic." Putting these words in the title will not help buyers find your item because they don't type in these types of words in their searches.

4. Set Your Price Low

Entice your buyers by starting at a low price. Set a reserve price in your listings so you don't have to sell it when the auction ends at too low of a price for you to make a profit.

5. Give Plenty of Time for Your Auction

Let as many people as possible see your auction. Set the duration for five or seven days so weekend buyers will have a chance to bid on your item too.

6. Show a Photo of Your Item

Take a digital photo of your item and post it with your listing. Let your buyers see what they are bidding on. Allow the photo to help you sell it. Having to see something first before you buy it is only natural. Apply this same principle to online auctions. Buying a digital camera is a good investment these days and instructions on loading pictures up to the eBay site are simple enough that there really is no excuse not to have a picture.

7. Give Buyers Plenty of Payment Options

Make it easy for the buyer to pay. Providing as many payment options as available is better. Place in your item listing your own merchant account or credit card processor information. Sign up with Paypal if you don't have your own merchant account. Let buyers pay by check or money order if you don't provide payment through Paypal or credit cards. Including all payment options leaves no buyers behind.

8. Be Clear on Shipping and Handling Information

Avoid troubles or negative seller feedback by stating upfront your shipping costs. Mention this clearly in your listing. Include your return policy.

9. Give Contact Information

Gain the buyer's trust by freely stating your contact information. List your email, phone number or mailing address.

10. Keep on Testing

Review the auctions that have ended. Learn from the wins and losses. Try changing the category, title, description or price if it didn't sell. Testing the individual elements in the auction process is critical to your goal of becoming a successful auction seller.

(c) Leroy Chan - All Rights reserved

Discover the "Insider Tricks" to making money on eBay. Visit Leroy Chan's site, Auction Seller Guide to receive a free 12-part auction selling course.


MORE RESOURCES:

Vuvox Brings Rich Slideshows To eBay Auctions
Washington Post, United States - 12 hours ago
But until recently users had to go to Vuvox's homepage directly if they wanted to include a widget as part of their auction. Now, eBay is conducting a pilot ...


Boston Globe

Mass. auctions off abandoned property on eBay
Boston Globe, United States - Dec 1, 2008
Treasurer Timothy Cahill says unclaimed property will be auctioned live from noon Thursday until Dec. 15. Some 100 new lots will be posted on Dec. 4, Dec. ...
Cahill puts 300 items of abandoned property on eBay Politicker MA
State putting unclaimed booty on the Internet auction block Trading Markets (press release)
all 13 news articles


Generals to hold two jersey auctions
OurSports Central (press release), WI - 3 hours ago
Ten jerseys will be auctioned off and the fans will get to decide if they want home or road. The auctions will take place in the lobby immediately following ...
Komets add Leo Thomas to roster OurSports Central (press release)
Komets improve to 9-6-1, Thunder rolls in Saturday OurSports Central (press release)
all 3 news articles


3 News NZ

Milkpowder prices dive in Fonterra online auctions
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - 2 hours ago
Fonterra says whole milkpowder prices today fell for a fifth time in its internet auctions, taking them to their lowest in more than two years. ...
Fonterra Milk Powder Prices Decline for Fifth Month (Update1) Bloomberg
all 30 news articles


Business Wire (press release)

Inland Real Estate Auctions, Inc. successfully sells Highland Park ...
MarketWatch - Dec 1, 2008
19, resulting in a successful sale just six weeks after Inland Real Estate Auctions was engaged to sell the property. "This is a great example of why the ...
Robert and Melissa Storment of Real Estate Auction Associates ... Business Wire (press release)
all 12 news articles


WHDH-TV

Town of Stoneham auctions off fire truck
WHDH-TV, MA - 23 hours ago
The Public Works Department is putting a 1972 fire engine up on the auction block. Silent bids for the truck will be accepted through Friday and even though ...
Fire on Forest Street consumes garage; fire truck wouldn’t start Winchester Star
all 2 news articles


Treasury Auctions $28 Bln. In 26-Week Bills
RTT News, NY - Dec 1, 2008
(RTTNews) - The US Treasury Department auctioned $28 billion of 26-week bills on Monday, with results showing little change in demand for the securities ...


WWA Group Exhibits at Big 5 Show in Dubai
MarketWatch - 10 hours ago
"Equipment prices at our most recent auction in late October were in line with pricing at prior auctions in 2008, and we see robust interest in purchasing ...


Examiner.com

AuctionWally's top ten reasons to attend a live auction
Examiner.com - 10 hours ago
by Auction Wally, Auctions and Antiques Examiner Whether it's a big auction or a local country auction house, auctions are one of the last great American ...


Abercrombie Auctions International hosting Grand Auction during ...
Auction Central News, NY - 7 hours ago
Now - you can put Auction Central News Headlines right on your site! With this handy widget, your site's visitors can stay current on all the news in the ...

Auctions - Google News

home | site map
© 2008