posted on April 8, 2001 10:53:56 AM
I just got my taxpayer i.d. this year and am still in that lovely "learning" process. I'm open to suggestions and would really appreciate you pros looking at my auctions and making any recommendations you see that could help me increase the number of bidders I get. I mostly list in the evenings as I haven't had time to research the day auctions and how well they do.
Likewise, if any of you have input on how to write drop ship companies to get an account going, I'd love that too. I got a listing of drop shippers but don't know what info to put in my letter. Right now my thoughts are asking if they have charges when you place an order and don't meet a specific minimum, if it costs to get their catalog, if they have an online site where I can place orders and the like. I'm worried I might be leaving something important out.
I have several items I've relisted and at times feel like I'm beating a dead horse as the items still won't sell. I'm holding some back for Christmas in hopes I'll do better then but it sure is hard to see the "no sale" inventory.
What do you do to lift your spirits when business isn't booming?
posted on April 8, 2001 11:27:19 AM
nelb1, Before I say anything, please remember this is just my humble opinion, nothing more.
I did look at 4 of your auctions and the look is fine, nice large print, cheery looking, great pics.
The TOS immediately stopped me though. The very first line [i]serious bidders only[i] threatened me with negative feedback. If you really feel it necessary (I never have) to put this in the TOS, maybe it could be at the bottom, not the top?
Your starting prices are almost half the retail price. If I am buying a brand new piece of costume jewelry, I want a bargain. This sale doesn't give me the feeling I'm getting a bargain. Maybe start lower with the same BIN price?
The template on the left hand side made it difficult for me to read the beginning of your TOS sentences. I have bad eyes though, so maybe that was just me.
Again, PLEASE remember this is just my humble opinion.
[ edited by rarriffle on Apr 8, 2001 11:28 AM ]
I like the look of your auctions and the colors that you are using. The template doesn't bother my eyes but as mentioned it may be a problem for some.
I do agree with rarriffle that the "serious bidders" statement should be moved to the bottom instead of the top if you feel a need for it. I think that people who play around and bid without good intentions of paying will do so whether that statement is in an auction or not.
You are dealing in a tough market as there is so much competition with silver jewelry. I think your starting prices are fair if you want to make a decent profit. Perhaps try the daytime market and see if it helps any.
One more thing, I am not certain on this but the puzzle ring with the crosses looks more like a "rolling band" ring to me in the picture. A puzzle ring will entirely interlock into one band again and the rolling band ring will always remain in 2 bands or more that just cross over. Maybe something to check up on just in case it isn't a puzzle ring and the buyer expects it to interlock?
posted on April 8, 2001 06:42:29 PM
Seems to me that the TOS is a little long, IMHO... I'm rather new to selling myself... (I don't even have my Tax ID yet).
posted on April 8, 2001 09:25:56 PM
I'll second the last poster. The TOS is too long. It's all good stuff, however, move it to your ME page, or elsewhere. Probably 1 in 100 people will read all that stuff. Trust me, this is frome experience. Summarize your most important ones in 10-50 words and put a link to the expanded TOS.
posted on April 8, 2001 09:56:38 PM
Reviewed your auctions and these will my changes:
Get rid of the left side colors.
Font too small on the TOS. Hard to read.
TOS too long and order all wrong. Shipping cost and payment methods should be first on the list. Also too wordy:
For example:
10 Days Return Privledge, NO refund of shipping costs.
Shipping - $3.50 Priority or $1.50 First Class, multiple lots combined for savings. Optional postal insurance - $1.10, higher if value exceeds $50.
Get rid of all the fluff - positive/negative feedbacks, what days you ship, contact after auction, how to return stuff, etc... You can let them know in your invoice email.
What is wrong with checks and low feedback? Just tell them you hold them. Either that, do not accept them period. You are discriminating against new buyers and they are usually the best customers.
