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Before the Auction: Setting Up Your Auction Office

More and more people are turning their online auction hobby into a focused, self-employment effort. If you're ready to get serious about making a go at supplementing (or possibly replacing) your 9-to-5 gig, take some time to consider your new "workplace." That's right--your auction office. Do you have one? Do you know what one should include? If not, no problem--let us show you some of the key items and considerations when establishing your auction office.

Why Do You Need an Auction Office?
Well, unless you enjoy repeatedly setting up and tearing down your auction camp, clinging to the edge of the kitchen table as you list items, you'll want a place that you can count on to be there any time you need it--just the way you like it, just the way you left it. A useful auction office should give you enough room to work comfortably, queue up and photograph your items for auction, maintain incoming and outgoing correspondence, prep items for shipping, and allow your PC to actively hum throughout the day. A dedicated auction office allows you to keep your business "open" without the fear that someone else in the house might decide to tidy up your "mess" or turn off the computer that seemingly nobody is using.

Where, Oh Where?
If your home or apartment has an extra room that you can convert into an auction office, that's optimal. However, if there's no free room to occupy, you can do just as well with a dedicated corner of the living room or even a converted closet space. Anywhere you can put a work surface and your PC, ensuring easy access to an electrical outlet and a phone line, is a place where you can easily open up shop. So commandeer Junior's old room, relocate that dusty silk ficus, or clear out the guest room closet. Just let the other inhabitants of the house know this is your space and it's not to be disturbed. Sure, it might get messy, but you'll know exactly where everything is, right? And, if your auction office has a door (in the case of an extra room or converted closet), who really cares how messy it gets?

Gearing Up
Now that you have your space, you need some tools. The PC and accompanying printer is a given, as is the modem to connect you to the online auction highway. But here are some other tools and amenities you'll want at your disposal:

Digital Camera and/or Scanner: These days, it's practically a necessity that you provide a good image to entice bidders. A good midrange scanner costs about $200 and is great for flat items. The digital camera is the more versatile choice for three-dimensional items, with a midrange model costing about $350. If you can afford to purchase both, by all means do so.

Fax Machine: If you're going to be accepting credit card payments yourself, a fax machine is advisable for accepting buyers' CC information. Many will still resist providing this sensitive data via email, so provide the option to fax it directly to you. Decent fax machines are available for less than $200.

Hands-Free Phone System: Speaker phones and headsets aren't just for the corporate world anymore. If you'll be on the phone while clacking away online, avoid juggling a handset or risking taco-neck syndrome. Speaker phones are available for less than $100 and headsets come in below $50.

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