Guest Author - Kim O´Shea
Most of the top online auction sellers started out the same way. One step at a time. The most common route seems to be starting with selling a few items from around the home and then getting the auction bug. When the house is cleared of unwanted items, the next step is to move on to looking for something outside the home to sell.
Some of the top sellers use online auctions to sell products they already supply. They use storefronts to advertise their range of products. Others have looked around their family and community for products to sell. If your neighbour makes handcrafts or jewellery or anything else, ask if he is interested in you selling some of his product. Make sure you agree a price that allows you to make a profit after expenses like listing fees are deducted.
Keep a close eye on the type of items that make you the best profit. Try out lots of different items but unless the item is really special, use basic listings with well written descriptions.
Some Power sellers specialise in one or two areas. Try to stick with what you know or do your research and become an expert. This way you increase your chance of success. Buyers often ask questions and if you have the answers ready to go then they will trust that you know what you are doing and be more likely to bid on your auctions.
If your items don’t sell, look at your descriptions, pricing, delivery options and listings. Compare these to successful auctions for the same or similar items. Don’t give up. Re-list your items using any information you have learned through your research.
To be successful you have to start somewhere. Build a loyal customer base. Offer consistently good service. Be honest about your items. If there is a fault or defect state this clearly. Your customers will gradually realise that they can trust you.
As you become more experienced and build up a star rating, start checking out storefronts. Look around any storefronts that sell products similar to yours. Find out how to get your own storefront and what it will take to fill it. Customers like to have a choice so make sure you can provide them with plenty to choose from.
Don’t expect to be overwhelmed with bids as soon as you start. Bidding wars do happen but for now just concentrate on selling a little at a time. Build customer trust and positive feedback. Keep listing and the buyers will come.
Selling in Online Auctions is a business like any other, neglect it and it will shrivel and die, nurture it and it will grow and become whatever you want it to be.
For ideas on what to sell and where to get it read this great book available now from Amazon.
