AW Daily - Tips & Tactics - Before the Auction: Going on Vacation

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by Bob Maschi

So, you're heading off to the waved-splashed beach or the slopes of a mogul-dotted mountain. Summer is vacation time for many. Even the most stalwart online auctioneer must give into family pressure and leave the business alone for a time.

But will it still be there when you return? Or will your stock lay in waste, account receivables soar, and negatives pile up in your feedback rating?

It can be hard to schedule a vacation from the online world of auctions. You might have all of your auctions close a comfortable period of time before you leave, and take it all up again when you return. Unfortunately, late payers abound and trends can come or go faster than the typical family's visit to Disneyland. Also, what about all the deals you'll miss? The Internet doesn't just shut down while you aren't on it.

Planning is key for the vacationer.

Protecting Your Valuable Stock
All the basics apply. If you can't get a reliable person to pick up your mail, a simple post office form will hold your deliveries until you return. Ensure that all your valuable stock is safe. Small items, such as jewelry, can go to friends or into a safety deposit box. Larger items, such as computers, can go into rental storage. These often can be found for a fair price, one month at a time. Be especially thoughtful of the computer(s) that you use for business. Imagine all the irreplaceable files and information that would be gone if the hardware were damaged or stolen. If you don't feel comfortable with moving the equipment, at least make back-up files and store them someplace other than your home.

It gets trickier if you don't plan on shutting down your operation while you're gone. Vendio's Auction Manager service allows the scheduling of unlimited listings up to about a week in advance. It might feel odd to have your auctions opening and closing while you are exploring a national park, but this is a reliable option--perhaps, even more reliable than the power supply.

If you choose this route, be sure to note in your auction description that you will be unable to answer questions regarding the auction. If needed, you might also mention when you will be able to contact winning bidders. Be careful of how you word this. Security is an issue here. Most sellers have payment sent to their home address. So be careful not to announce to the world that you are going on vacation. Chances are slim that a thief local enough to you could pick up on it, but it is possible. You might simply say that you will be unavailable for a short time.

Typically, sellers should contact buyers within three days. Vendio's Post-Sale Express enables automated contact where winning bidders are sent a form letter with the auction terms, final price, and payment instructions. When using this service, you should temporarily revise your note to mention that, while you invite personal contact, you will be unable to answer emails until a certain date. You should request that buyers who require special treatment or clarification be patient until then.

Vendio's Post-Sale Express even will send notice to tardy buyers and post feedback to paying bidders.

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