cassiescloset
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posted on February 15, 2001 07:45:27 PM new
I noticed the thread about myths of success, which made me recall a lively thread last summer called "The Secret".
The author claimed active sales when bidding was started at just $1.00.
I just had a batch of $1.00 auctions close last night with the most disappointing results I ever experienced.
My best auctions are those that start with a reasonable starting bid and no gimmicks. I think many bidders are weary of gimmicks like one penny or one dollar openings.
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Eagerbeader
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posted on February 15, 2001 08:23:42 PM new
My auctions are ending tonite with disappointing results.
Very little activity...no even a lot of hits compared to end of last year..
any one else going through this??
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Julesy
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posted on February 15, 2001 08:30:58 PM new
How are $1 or $.10 auctions "gimmicks?"
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cassiescloset
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posted on February 15, 2001 09:08:11 PM new
I always looked the the $1.00 or $.01 auctions a gamble from a seller's point of view when no reserve.
As a buyer, I notice that many $1.00 or $.01 either have a reserve or very high S & H. I would rather just have everything up front than have to deal with the "fine print".
The auctions I just started off last night are doing much better than my dollar days special.
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SkorpioGal
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posted on February 15, 2001 09:10:45 PM new
I have always started all my auctions at $1 with no reserve.
I don't feel it's a "gimmick" at all...I think that bidders LIKE it. I mean, it's possible that you just might win something really nice for $1...that is the chance I take.
Sure, in the early going, there are some REALLY tiny bids and bid increments, but as the auction progresses, so do the bid jumps.
I have NEVER lost money EVER doing my auctions this way...nomatter HOW MUCH I HAVE PAID FOR AN ITEM.
Sorry that your items didn't do as well as you would have hoped.
I wish you success.
---SkorpioGal
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whinecooler
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posted on February 16, 2001 02:40:50 AM new
Starting an auction at $1.00 is not a gimmick.
It's a great tool if you can do it.
Starting an auction at $1.00 with a $275.00 RESERVE.........That's a GIMMICK.
A tired old gimmick that I avoid and sometimes even email about.
RESERVES BITE!!
There should be a little "R" icon so we can ignore reserve auctions without having to waste time bidding BEFORE WE EVEN KNOW there is a reserve.
A reserve auction is a tag sale NOT an auction.
Hey. A NEW Ebay venue for ALL reserve auctions called
"EBAY TAG SALE!" Yeah...That's the ticket.
I wouldn't use it. Would you?
***********************************
The more PEOPLE I meet.........
The more I like my DOG!!
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twinsoft
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posted on February 16, 2001 04:26:30 AM new
It's a gimmick (or a strategy) because sellers think they can encourage bidding by starting with a lower opening bid. They hope more people will get involved and the result will be bidding wars somewhere down the line. Why else list a $100 item for $1?
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reamond
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posted on February 16, 2001 12:49:09 PM new
With the economy going the way it is, slow sales will become the norm.
January inflation rate went way up, so the Fed isn't likely to lower rates further. I heard "stagflation" mentioned today on CNBC. The first time I've heard that since the late 1970's early 1980's.
Better have a fall back plan for meager sales on eBay, lay offs, and a general crappy economy.
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fountainhouse
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posted on February 16, 2001 01:57:41 PM new
I always enjoy your cheerful posts, reamond.
Nancy
[email protected]
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MAH645
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posted on February 16, 2001 02:14:05 PM new
There ain't no way I'm going to start an auction at a Dollar,been there, done that, it don't work and I'm not going to waste my time and money doin it. If I can't get my opening bid,then let it go off with-out one.And I ain't going to list 500 to 1,000 auctions a week Hog-Wash.I still make more money at home and don't work a public job and I am very content.I Love selling on the internet and I've had the best customers I could have ever had and it gets better all the time. But I never follow the Expert Advice.
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susanc
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posted on February 16, 2001 09:09:53 PM new
MAH645
I love your answer!!!! LOL I agree!!! Still laughing!!!
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dadofstickboy
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posted on February 16, 2001 09:48:13 PM new
ScorpioGal:
What kind of thing's do you sell that you are willing to risk selling it for $1.00??
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marhookilah
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posted on February 16, 2001 10:04:59 PM new
Items that I have bought for the purpose of putting on eBay I start at my initial price, and only charge the seller actual shipping. I have done pretty good doing this, but I have to be very careful not to overspend on an item. Most of these types come from Estate Sales that are run by family members NOT Estate Sales run by an Agency.
Other items that are just junk that I have in my house that I want to get rid of I start at 1 cent, and 90% of the time I am very pleased with the amount I get. If the item ends up going for 25 cents or less I just figure that is kinda how it goes.
I think that people get excited seeing an item that they *might* get really cheap. Sometimes they do, more often they don't.
I do know that the items where I get the most bids are those that I started at lower prices.
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dennis1001
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posted on February 16, 2001 11:37:55 PM new
If you look in the computer sections, it is very common to see an item that started bidding at one or two dollars end up at $35 (which is about right for the item) while two lines down is the identical item with an opening bid of $30 that has been totally ignored. Admittedly there is a risk with a very low starting bid, but the idea is to get people to put your auction on their watch list. You can only watch 20 at a time, so I want to get on your list first.
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