101 Auction Secrets Revealed!

By Tim Campbell

AuctionTip #11: Honesty Is The Best Policy

Make one virtue for yourself on eBay- and that's honesty.

If you're a little late getting the package in the mail... tell your customer. You’ll always be forgiven and spared the negative feedback if you fess up.

They'll thank you for being straight with them- everyone loves peace of mind... what's more irritating than not knowing?

AuctionTip #12: Save Time At The Post Office

If you don’t have much time to spend at the post office, and I'm sure you don't, prepare in advance.

You can have all of your mailing supplies sent to you by the USPS and UPS.

Visit http://www.usps.com and http://www.ups.com for more details. Look for supplies and services...

Also, do this:
Buy an inexpensive scale
Print postage from your PC
Look up shipping rates on the net

This will save loads of time.

AuctionTip #13: Avoid Bouncing Checks?

Bounced checks are rare. Since your future as a seller depends on the service you provide, being quick and trusting is always going to pay off tenfold in the long run.

So, hold checks only when the item is highly valuable, or when the user has a bad feedback history.

Most eBayer’s are trustworthy- just check their record if you’re uncertain.

AuctionTip #14: Price Auctions Low To Build A Crowd…

Do you have a good item that you KNOW will sell well?

Start it off at a penny. This will get you healthy early bidding. You want a large group around the item; some will be competitive bidders- people who will pay extra just for the thrill of winning.

You'll usually get more for your item than someone who priced theirs higher, because your auction has more bidders watching.

AuctionTip #15: Set Your Auctions On Fire

Have you ever been on eBay and happened upon an auction that was doing incredible well?

Like a Dutch auction with over a hundred bids? In the past eBay had a "torch" for hot items, and if you made 30 bids you get in a "Hot" category and bidding spirals upward.

Here's my approach for getting over 100 bids selling simple info-products. You can adjust it according to what you sell.

I've done this numerous times...

The first day of the auction is critical. You want the majority of your bids on the first day. Make sure you buy the best exposure you can...

Your goal is to get 30 bids as quickly as possible.

The best time to list when attempting this is early Saturday morning around about 7 a.m. EST. You want your best exposure on the first day. Also, drive bidders to your auctions early.

Normally I would contact my mailing list and tell them I'm having a clearout of my inventory and offer a special like free shipping for bidding.

Remember; just get rock moving down the hill an early as possible. If you get that auction up over 30 bids by Sunday night... that gives you over 8 days of sizzling hot exposure in the "Hot" category...

AuctionTip #16: A Thousand Words is Worth a Picture

I am no photography expert. I rarely take pictures of my products, don't even have a camera, but I do know this...

Photos and other pics make you and your item credible. The better you are with your camera the more bids you’re going to get.

If you have a digital camera, use it. Take several photos of important aspects of the item, flaws and all. If your teapot has crack in it be sure to take a picture of that as well.

Also remember; by inserting a photograph of the item you are selling you get a 'Pic' graphic next to your item description.

Bidders look for the 'Pic' symbol and will be more inclined to visit.

While I have never use a digital camera, I ALWAYS use some pics in my ads.

Don't be afraid to weave some images and graphics into your auctions- but if you do… make sure it contributes to you message.

A sprinkling of clipart does wonders for html ads, if it contributes to the message. If not, don't use them. They distract.

If you ever need any pics to add your description go to:

http://www.clipart.com

AuctionTip #17: Remember To Say Thanks

Send a thank-you note/receipt email to your customer when they pay. Include your eBay user name and telephone so they can contact you if they need to. Don't worry about them calling.

Kindly ask them to leave feedback in your email. Include a convenient link to the feedback forum, and I guarantee you, 9 times out of 10 they will drop a good word for you.

AuctionTip #18: Make Your Description Complete

When making your item description make it as complete as possible.

Many people find your auction through the search engine, so use as complete and descriptive headline with good keywords too- this will make your listing easy to find for the person looking for your item.

Leave no stone unturned- don't neglect to mention some crucial piece of info.

Bidders will steer clear if they sense something important missing. Plus someone might buy and won't have his or her expectations met...

That could be a problem. Include all necessary info.

AuctionTip #18: Use a Good Sales Policy to Bail You Out

Post terms and conditions on every listing you create.

Things like shipping terms or any other rules that you'll use. Make a separate text file containing your sales policy that you can edit, copy and paste into your listings quickly.

Sit down and come with a good one that applies to you and what you’re selling.

This can steer you past any bumps in the road. Example: do you insure packages? Do you only ship on Tuesdays & Saturdays? Be sure to state these types of things in your policy.

Everything isn’t perfect when you’re dealing with people in auctions- most transactions are flawless, but some are, well... plain difficult.

Think of your sales policy as your shield & buckler.

AuctionTip #19: Don’t Overcharge On Shipping

This is one of the more common causes of negative feedback.

Only charge what it normally costs you to pack and ship. Buyers are sensitive in this area.

Chances are, they know when you gouge them.

In your sales policy, try to briefly justify whatever your costs may be...

Auctions are notorious for their many gray areas. This is a gray area, so be cautious.

AuctionTip #20: Caution When Leaving Negatives

Be careful about leaving negative feedback for bidders that may deserve it.

Go out of your way to clear things up before you decide to do so. It's normal for bidders to strike back with their own negative and unfair comments.

Always try to find some other solution.

Don’t leave negative feedback unless they blatantly defraud you- if they don’t pay, either leave neutrals or no comments.

Back Next

(Tips #1-10)  (Tips #11-20)  (Tips #21-30)  (Tips #31-40) (Tips #41-50)
(Tips #51-60)  (Tips #61-70)  (Tips #71-80)  (Tips #81-90)
(Tips #91-101)  Final Words

Business Startups Newsletter