posted on February 19, 2001 10:53:23 AM
I am just trying to get oppinions here. I have used MisterLister, AuctionRover, and am thinking of moving to AuctionAmigo or AuctionWatch. I just wanted to find out from other sellers which ones you have had experience with and what works best for you?
posted on February 19, 2001 11:05:39 AM
Check out auctionworks .. I tried many during AW's mini crash. LOVE this one .. particularly the storefront with shopping cart!
I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
posted on February 19, 2001 11:49:13 AM
I recommend that you sit tight before jumping to choose an auction management solution.
eBay is introducing a fee based program, whereby developers will have access to eBay's scripting and code. This will allow software developers to create software that works directly with the eBay system.
It will be expensive for the developers to participate in the program. This will result in many of the free auction managment companies going to a fee based structure or being forced to go out of business of providing free tools.
eBay purchased one of the more popular fee based auction managment companies last year. Blackthorne Software. They are already offering the solution to previous Blackthorne customers under a new program name and will begin rolling it out to other eBay sellers shortly. You can bet that it will be the best solution available, as eBay themselves own the company and has their hands in the development.
Companies like Auction Amigo are going to have to pay the huge cost of development access or they will be forced to close their doors.
posted on February 19, 2001 12:34:32 PM
computerboy - That's not necessarily true. I have been doing automated posting to eBay for several years using a form based technology. It will always work as long as eBay has forms.
As for eBay's developer program. They can keep it. It's just another way for eBay to siphon off what ever profits they can get. From what I gather, and I don't have $ amounts, eBay wants developers to pay a monthly "Support Fee" and a "Per Transaction" fee. So, developers would have no choice but to charge monthly and/or transaction fees. Unlike some companies, I feel software is property owned by the user and not a service. It's on your machine, using your resources. How could I charge you for that? If you use my machine and my connection then it's a service.
To be honest, as a developer I would not trust any code eBay produced because they can't keep their own site running. What would make me risk my reputation on their code? Heck, how many "Mr. Lister is down?" threads are running right now?
As one last note... Isn't the timing a bit funny on the Blackthorne announcement? Isn't eBay adding a bunch of categories and changing their HTML this week? I bet the people using Blackthorne are gonna be screaming here when they have no option but upgrade to the monthly program because their $200 software is broken.
posted on February 19, 2001 01:41:20 PM
Thanks for your comments and insight.
I'm just a seller and have bounced back and forth between auction management programs over time. I used Andale, Auction Rover, Auction Amigo and a few others.
The problem I've experienced is that each has its own obstacles to overcome. I write my own ads and created my own HTML template for my auction listings. Most relisting tools want you to use their template, so I'm unable to bulk relist my auctions. It's a problem, as I believe that my listings are better than most. Time is also a problem for me, as I run my online business in the evenings and do not have a great deal of time to familiarize myself with managment and listing software.
Changes are occuring all over the place and these listing tools are beoing forced to change, as well.
I'm tyring to find the right software program that can be learned quickly and used without the worry of constant changes.
posted on February 19, 2001 01:44:18 PM
I use Mister Lister to upload all auctions, then launch them when I am ready. And vrane.com relisting tool to relist auctions. Both work fine and both are free.
posted on February 19, 2001 02:10:15 PM
Has anyone had problems with (GOD DAMN THAT BLICKING BANNER) AuctionAmigo? The service seems to be good though I have not used the software. Everytime I email them I get a response in minutes! It looks really cool so far. Whare the the problems though?
posted on February 19, 2001 02:26:07 PM
mentecky - I have all my auctions in FoxPro databases. Can you share me what technology you used to fill in the forms. Will this technology interface with FoxPro?
posted on February 19, 2001 02:42:54 PM
If you do not want to deal with an online service, you might want to look at AuctionTraker. --> www.timbercreeksoftware.com
They are not cheap, for the full program including auction posting and inventory tracking it runs about $100.00. This includes online support and upgrades for ebay changes (usually withing 24 hours).
The author makes no bones about the fact that major upgrades (every 12 to 18 months) will have an upgrade fee, but normal maintenance is free.
All of your records are kept on your machine and all posting is done from your machine.
You can also check out the support fourms from the above link.
Greg
P.S. I have no connection with this company, other than as a happy users of the buyer portions of this software.
posted on February 19, 2001 02:44:56 PM
I use my own software. I had been selling it for a while, and intend to do so again (Giving all old users a free upgrade). I can't and won't advertise it here. I will just say it started as a project to help me sell better and has worked well for me.
Mike, I use a combination of Microsoft Internet Explorer technologies. The web browser and a lot of DOM. They are really poorly documented, so I can't really point you at a specific place. I will tell you this, it took me a year to master because MS likes to make stuff but hates writing manuals. It "should" work in FoxPro, but I haven't touched that language in years. Now if you want to try, I use an access database which Fox can get to. It would be easy to transfer data between the two.
If anyone would like to BETA the new software I am working on just email me. I'll send you the full version and password for your input. It's finished now. You will have to DL it as I am not doing CDs anymore.
posted on February 19, 2001 02:46:23 PM
I really like auctionsubmit from www.auctionsubmit.com, for now it's free (I believe this may change in the near future) and it works great, it is PC based software for creating, bulk loading and tracking your auctions, works with ebay, yahoo, amazon and your own webstore on shoporium if you would like (A web store does cost extra. What I like about auctionsubmit is that it is very easy to use, quite flexible, you can change your listing from ebay to yahoo to amazon to your store with the two mouse clicks, relist with two mouse clicks, you can use one of their predesigned templates or create and use your own, you can bulk launch all of your auctions or just selected ones, duplicate auctions, etc, all very easily. Every once ina while you need to upgrade the software due to changes at ebay and the other sites, you basically just hit a couple of buttons and it does the upgrade for you. Overall, an amazing piece of software, saves me tons of time, and at the current price of FREE it's hard to beat pricewise. I have no involvement except as a satified user.
posted on February 19, 2001 02:53:11 PM
mentecky - thanks for the info. I was hoping the forms section of the software is a standard commercial product. As I continually modify my fox database structures to handle whatever I am selling, an interface to a preset Access database structure would be cumbersome to me.
It seems that your software launches the auctions one at a time. Do ebay site problems affect you and how long does it take to launch an auction on a busy Sunday?
Perhaps an option would be to map your posting related fields to my database and your changing fields to yours. That would eliminate duplication. You can update the both databases from one form.
posted on February 19, 2001 03:39:31 PM
Rick - I do not use any data entry screens. I work with the raw files in FoxPro. Being programming with the product since dbase I so too use to doing things on the fly.
I buy and sell collectibles with similar characteristics. As I get in a new group each time, I may add fields to accomodate new description requirements. As I generate everything into a MisterLister email upload, this is not a major problem. Do a quick modification with program to accomodate the new fields and back in business.
My concern is that ebay will one day shutoff MisterLister. Since ML is free and the Blackthorne software is quite pricey, it would not surprise me if ebay do this to force more users into paying for the software. Trying to plan ahead fro an alternative solution. I agree with you that ebay software is not to be rely upon.
It seems that your software launches the auctions one at a time. Do ebay site problems affect you and how long does it take to launch an auction on a busy Sunday?
The nice thing about being form based is changes have little effect on the software. eBay may add or remove fields from a form, but they would have to be complete idiots (Yeah, I know they get close a lot) to change field names.
My approach was to present the form, fill in everything we know about and give the user the option to fill in new fields. This kept the software running while others just died. It does require each post get previewed before submitting. But we could do BIN, Billpoint and all the other add-on's while others were still scrambling to get posting working again.
So the answer to your "how fast" question is... As fast as you can get to the form and hit "Submit" per item. I have done 200 in an hour on a 56K line.
Why did I do it this way? I could have easily made it instant with no user interaction, but I trust eBay as far as I can toss their server. One "Typo" on their part and my $9.95 featured categories are being posted as $99.95 Featured. I like seeing the cost of posting and confirmation before I hit accept. I have put it in an automated mode and posted 500+ auctions in less than 20 minutes, but I'm not so trusting. It was kinda neat watching the browser go that fast though.
The HUGE plus to this is, it's VERY hard for eBay to break it and I can cancel and fix problems before the item is posted.
The easiest way to create a bulkfile from FoxPro dbfs is to write one with low level files, save it into a clipboard and then paste it into an open email and just send it. I have worked extensively with such file creation, but haven't done so in long time. You probably could set it up for MAPI and all if you want.
posted on February 19, 2001 04:59:35 PM
Rick - agree with your 100%, one cannot trust ebay with the pocketbook or to do/implement anything right.
When they introduce MisterLister, I decided not to use their software but just the email aspect. It took a little time to develope my own, but it was the right decision. Just look at ebay's message board on MisterLister - what a shameful product for such a large company with such a huge budget. My time savings of not having to keep up ebay well worth the initial time I spent developing the software.
Thanks for your tips. I think I will look to do the form approach also. Will be a good learning experience.
posted on February 19, 2001 05:03:39 PM
mballai - I already have the foxpro to email file generation down pat. Being do it since day one of MisterLister. My concern is that ebay eliminates MisterLister in the future and forces everyone on to Blackthorne. I am not going to pay a monthly fee for using an ebay software to create auctions.
I am trying to find another approach now in case this does come to fruition.
Since we published that, GoTo has implemented a monthly fee system. AuctionWatch's AuctionManager, which did well, is currently free (look for all of these companies to begin charging soon, though, if they want to stay in business).
The Online Auction Users Association is currently conducting hands-on evaluations of eleven auction management software programs. This report will be out in May. These programs include:
1. Blackthorne Seller’s Assistant Pro (formerly Auction Assistant Pro) Not available until late March. Owned by eBay. Subscription.
2. Auctiva Pro (formerly eBud and ePoster). Subscription.
3. Invenna AuctionAmigo Pro 3.0
Version 3.0, a major upgrade, available late March. One time fee.
4. Timber Creek Auction Trakker SE (with Inventory and Posting Module). One time fee.
5. Auction Submit. This is the only free software we've included.
6. Easy Auction. One time fee.
7. MyAuctionMate. One time fee.
8. AuctionMaker. One time fee.
9. Shooting Star (by foodog software). One time fee.
10. AuctionTamer. One time fee.
11. AuctionWizard 2000 (by standingwavesoftware). AuctionWizard 2000 is an upgrade due for release February 28. One time fee.
Almost all have a 30 day free download trial. I've omitted links to the software sites due to AW's CG's- hope this helps!
posted on February 19, 2001 08:49:56 PM
Of all of these listing programs which ones allow submission to the mature audiences categories on Ebay
AW doesn't though I learned that the hard way.
Does any other program work?
Free or Fee doesnt matter at this point. I hve spent a few marathon all nighters creating a bulk batch only to crash since that specific program didnt list in Mature Audiences on Ebay.
http://www.lovepotions.net
posted on February 19, 2001 09:11:02 PMOf all of these listing programs which ones allow submission to the mature audiences categories on Ebay
Although I can't say that I've actually tried to list an item in the mature audiences categories, I just checked AuctionAmigo, and it will find those categories when you do a search to look for a category for an auction description you're writing using their listing program, so I imagine it probably would work.
posted on February 19, 2001 09:24:41 PM
I could be wrong on this but what I've seen on boards is that Blackthorne users paid a one time fee to own the program and are now looking into a Class Action against ebay for charging anything beyond what their contract stipulated.
Just because ebay bought the company doesn't mean they can negate an agreement or come up with new rules that further pad their already bloated coffers.
Personally I would love to see it. If ebay is going to charge ANOTHER fee to list, it could spell their demise and breathe new life into alternate sites. One only needs to go to any chat board to see how sellers feel about ebay's actions, from raising fees to the new email hiding "feature" that will go into effect soon (they say mid Feb).
With low-to-no-bids and a very soft selling market ebay should be kissing the gluttus maximus of every seller before they go down again, and again, and again once and for all.
There are enough companies and venture capitalists that have had their eye on ebay to figure out the thing ebay needs most. Competition.
Now it's up to us to start listing on the free sites to bolster their numbers so that it attracts buyers (you know all the stuff that didn't sell on ebay) and, most importantly, it's up to the free sites to ADVERTISE everywhere, also to attract buyers.
If a Pez collector could happen on this cash cow, then where are the financial geniuses that run this economy?
Also, one more thing. I noticed this when I was doing a search. The ebay-AOL banner. Mark my words. You saw it here first. AOL WILL BUY EBAY. Then it will be over.
Oh the thread?
Go with AMpro.
edit= after competition.
John
[ edited by Puddy on Feb 19, 2001 09:44 PM ]
posted on February 19, 2001 10:03:39 PM
Lovepotions - I never tried that category set, but if you'd like to try my BETA offer I can't see how it would hurt. I'd like to know if it works there myself actually. If you can post it from the eBay sell item form, you can post it automatically. I do know past users have had success there.
To those that have emailed already. I will email you within 24 hours with the location of the final BETA. Thanks for the help!!!
posted on February 20, 2001 04:11:22 AM
I like Auction Amigo, use Mr. Lister, think AW needs work, but have tried it. Don't like the tab function and "no back" button to copy, past type of thing sorta drives me batty. But, I'm there anyways so what the heck..
posted on February 20, 2001 09:17:02 AM
MY TWO CENTS!
* Free is dead, if you get it free prepare to get burned....Soon!
* WEB-BASED auction management is far superior to software. Try Andale, GoTo, AuctionWatch, AuctionHelper or Auctionworks. The others currently suck but, may improve!
* see this review on WEB-BASED auction mangement:
http://www.auctionusers.org/eval/wbams.shtml
GoTo & Auctionworks received the highest grades. GoTo got the final nod over Auctionworks BUT, the review was done when they were free.
* eBay has released API's for the WEB-BASED companies to access. This eliminates the constant patches these companies write to address eBay website changes. The API's COST THESE COMPANIES A MONTHLY FEE BUT IT CERTAINLY ISN'T EXPENSIVE LIKE THE COMPUTER DUDE SAID. (ballpark cost of API is $3,000 a month)
* eBay is adding a WEB-BASED component to Auction Assitant Pro. HELLO!!!! What more needs to be said about the future of auction management Software! The analogy is a candle vs. a light bulb. But hey, if you are a romantic by all means stay with the candle. But, don't expect to hang with the big dogs.
* The best auction management solution combines a Software component with their Web-Based application (ASP). Why? Software for speed, WEB-BASED for the tremendous advantages that only web-based real time delivers. See Andale, Auctionwatch, GoTo and Auctionworks. They all are utilizing software for quickly creating ads then uploading to their sites for the real time edge.
* We tried Andale, GoTo, AuctionWatch and now use Auctionworks. All mentioned are worthy. Our specific needs made Auctionworks the best choice for us. You should evaluate the four above and select the one that meets your specific needs.
trying to become a big dog,
eBay ID: Garagesale2u.com
Feedback 1,400
www.garagesale2u.com
posted on February 20, 2001 10:43:56 AM
Thanks for your help. By the way, here is the (DAMN THAT BLINKING BANNER!!!!!!!!) pro
's of using some of the services I have tried:
Auction Rover: use to update the system often... Until they became GoToAuctions. Now all they are concerned with is the look of the site. They have never developed an offline program and the only way to post offline is to upload files in an excel file and go through all these hoops before it will be compatible. I would figure they would fix this before they charged, but money makes the world go round right! As for management, in my opinion they get a B+. When it comes to posting, they get an F because there is too many loopholes. Posting is more important because I don't mind emailing people. I want the posting to go quicker. So to summarize:
Posting: F
Management: B+
Ease Of Use: B(but only because I was use to it and used it for over a year).
Support: C (A month ago they would have received an A)
Impression left on me as a customer: F
Overall: D+
AuctionWatch: Overall I am impressed using it so far but its not as easy to use which is why in this category I gave it a C. As for posting, I give it a B+, but when it comes to management, at least at this point in time (I'm still use to GoTo) I give it a D.
Summery
Posting: B
Management: D
Ease Of Use: C.
Support: A
Impression left on me as a customer: A
Overall: B-
AuctionAmigo: I have not used it much but this is my impression so far:
Posting: A-
Management: C+
Ease Of Use: B-
Support: A (the CEO emails ALWAYS emails me back within a few hours)
Impression left on me as a customer: A
Overall: B+
Anyway, that is all according to my experience. I would love to hear more of some of your experiences.
posted on February 20, 2001 10:49:22 AM
I'm not trying to question the intengrity of auctionusers.org's evaulation of online auction software, but my quesiton is:
AuctionWorks recieved 2 A's and 1 B.
GoToAuctions recieved 2 B's and 1 A.
The average would be:
AuctionWorks: A
GoToAuctions: B
Why was it the other way arround? As I said, I am not trying to step on toes here, but I did not understand why AuctionWorks recieved more A's, but got a lower overall average. Thanks.
posted on February 20, 2001 11:15:55 AM
Digitalmaster,
My opinion is that GoTo got the A, even though Auctionworks had more A grades, because the cost factor was weighed in.
This is similar to Consumer Reports giving a "best buy" to a Mazda Miata although the BMW Z3 Roadster received much higher grades.
Now that GoTo (Miata) and Auctionworks (Z3) costs roughly the same, Auctionworks would get the nod. I know I would rather have a Z3 than a Miata if the cost was the same.
We are not against Auctionworks. In fact that is exactly who we currently use.
posted on February 20, 2001 11:32:16 AM
Actually, I checked and the review was done after GoTo charged. I have not passed the CBEST yet, and know I can (its the requirements for becoming a Teacher) anyway, from what I understand, grading is based on averages. If you look at the review, everyone is averaged off right accept GoTo which recieved a higher grade than their average score. As I said, I am just trying to find out why this is and am not saying that any foul play is going on. I just don't understand why they got the higher average but the lower score.
