[Hidden-tech] eBay Newbie Questions

[Michael Muller]

And sometimes it doesn't because the seller posts an unrealistic, near-new reserve price, and if that price isn't hit by at least TWO people (remember, I can say I'll bid $100, but if no one bets against me at that price it stays at the current highest real bid) then the whole thing was a wasted excersize.  Generally I don't bid on reserve auctions because I don't know what tghe seller really wants, and I'm not going to waste my time. Usually the item is available from another seller that isn't using a reserve price.  Why do you think some sellers advertise "No Reserve!!" Just my 2c.

But I would be interested to see any statistics on the subject.

Michael


At 01:04 PM 1/8/2007, Daniel Fried wrote:
>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.
>   ** You too can help the group
>   ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
>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
>** I HAVE FILLED OUT THE SURVEYS AND THE SKILLS INVENTORY
>** 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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>--------
>Michael Muller
>Muller Technologies
>24 3rd Street
>Turners Falls, MA 01376
>work:  (413) 863-0030
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--------
Michael Muller
Muller Technologies
24 3rd Street
Turners Falls, MA 01376
work:  (413) 863-0030
cell:   (413) 320-5336
skype: michaelBmuller
http://support.MullerTech.com

Eschew Obfuscation