101 Auction Secrets Revealed!

By Tim Campbell

AuctionTip #31: When The Buyer Lives Out Of The Country

Be careful when receiving foreign funds. Always insist that they pay by credit card or send an international money order. Some banks will hassle you about foreign funds. Remember to pick up some customs forms from the post office in advance to save yourself some time.

AuctionTip #32: Stay In Contact With The BuyerM

When auction ends, quickly email the buyers with the final price, shipping, total cost, and your address. If you have time to reassure your customer, email them when you receive their payment.

This is important for their peace of mind and they'll thank you later in feedback and repeat business.

You'll also score well with the buyer if you send them an email when you ship their goods. Especially if it's valuable.

AuctionTip #33: Keep Your Auctions Going...

Bidders usually wait until the last minute to bid. I wouldn't let anyone persuade me to end early unless they made me an insane offer.

If you do decide to end early, then you'll miss having my auctions go through the "going, going, gone" and "ending today" listings-categories that eBayer's browse heavily.

AuctionTip #34: 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- take it easy on the handling charge. Buyers are sensitive in this area.

They know when you overcharge them.

If you make a habit of gouging your customers on shipping costs, it is almost certain to ruin your credibility and any chance for repeat business.

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

Do you charge insurance or delivery confirmation? Handling? Give a reason, and try to leave no room for misunderstanding.

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

AuctionTip #35: Short-Term Goals For New Sellers

Everyone needs goals. My best advice to you starting out:

Sell everything, within reason. Do this to learn what you're doing and to make some money.

If you have anything with any of potential value to others that you aren't using, get rid of it. In fact, take it a step further...

Get rid of stuff on behalf of people you know. Once you start actually doing, you're going to learn about 10 times faster...

For new sellers on eBay, you have five EASY short-term goals to concentrate on:

Get experience through selling some items from around your house. It's key to get a few wins under your belt.
Obtain 10 positive feedbacks to get a gold star. People will start to trust you and bid more. Strive to keep your feedback slate clean; it will play an important role in your future.
Take those shades off! During the first 30 days after registering on eBay you'll have glasses on. This means you're new, or "shady". People will be reluctant to bid.
And lastly... be registered for 2 months, simple enough. Once you have +10 feedback and have 2 months experience, you can start using Dutch auctions (very important).
And lastly, find your niche. You have some time to think this one over. It's important to make certain it's the direction you want to go in advance... so much of your success will depend on the customer base you build over time.

You can easily make $1000 or more your first month just by selling odd goods from around your house.

AuctionTip #36: Use The Bold Title Option

Make your item standout by listing it in bold.

Items highlighted in bold are 50% more likely to sell. For some items it is a cost-effective alternative to featuring your auctions.

AuctionTip #37: Conservative Pricing Strategy

When playing it safe, set the minimum price for your item just slightly lower than what you think it might be worth.

This will encourage opening bids on the item.

Don't start too low; you're obligated to sell it regardless of whether or not you like the result.

AuctionTip #38: Free Advertising For Your Auction

You can tell other people on the Internet about your auctions. Actively drive extra traffic to your auctions and you'll find that your Dutch auctions will do better.

Use signatures and post to appropriate newsgroups and message boards.

Use targeted email, search engines or whatever works.

You can promote individual auctions, your about me page, or a website that sells your products or directs visitors to your auctions.

AuctionTip #39: Readability Rules For Your Auction Ads

Here are some rules to improve anything you write...

Use a short opening paragraph.
Remember that short sentences make firm friends...
Make your paragraphs less than 3 or 4 lines.
Underline or boldface important words or phrases.
Include attention-boosters: questions, news items, promise...
Ask for the bid at the end of the description.
Use positive language.

Do this, and your writing will be crisp and easy to read...

AuctionTip #40: Common Sales Killers

If you're auction didn't get any bids, there is always a good reason for it. Consider these common mistakes sellers make:

You don’t make people feel safe when they bid.
You don’t make your ad copy attractive or persuasive.
You don’t let people know anything about your business.
You don’t give people as many ordering options as possible.
You don’t test and improve your ad copy.

You can easily boost your sales by looking closely at each of these common sales killers...

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

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