[Hidden-tech] eBay Newbie Questions

[Daniel Fried]

Michael,

Actually, the reserve price mechanism eBay uses mirrors the time-tested
system used in live auctions.  It may seem silly, but lower starting prices
get more people interested and bidding against each other.  Statistically,
once people enter bidding, they are likely to continue past a price that
they may not have chosen to enter at.

-Dan

-----Original Message-----
From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Muller
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 12:20 PM
To: Ron Miller; Hidden-Tech
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] eBay Newbie Questions

   ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
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Ron,

In my experience Reserve auctions are frustrating. If you want to make sure
an item sells for a minimum amount, set that as the starting price. Why on
earth would you offer an item for less than you want, and why would you hide
the final price? Doesn't make sense to me.

The lowest-cost time period is 7 days, but you can pay a little extra to
make it shorter or longer; 5 days or 10 I believe.

If someone bids on your item you have to sell, so make sure you start it at
something your comfortable with.  Also make sure you're clear about the
shipping fees. I ship everything USPS Priority, which typically is around $4
depending on the item and the weight.

Michael


** I AM A GOOD DOBEE
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** YOU ARE WELCOME


At 10:13 AM 1/8/2007, Ron Miller wrote:
>  ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
>  ** You too can help the group
>  ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>  ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
>Hi:
>I've opened an eBay account and I want to begin selling some things, but
I'm not clear how to go about it and the eBay Getting Started pages are less
than helpful.
>
>Specifically I want to know:
>
>* If I put an item out to auction, can I set a minimum price?
>
>* Do I set a time limit on an auction or does eBay impose this on me as a
seller?
>
>* If I reach the end of an auction, and I'm not happy with the highest bid,
am obligated to sell anyway? If I don't, would this affect my rating as a
seller?
>
>Thanks,
>Ron
>
>Ron Miller
>Freelance Technology Writing Since 1988
>Contributing Editor, EContent Magazine
>
>email: ronsmiller at comcast.net
>web: http://www.ronsmiller.com
>blog: http://byronmiller.typepad.com
>
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