posted on July 27, 2001 10:24:53 AM
I am considering using the Feature Plus on one of my auctions. I am hoping that I will receive more hits and also increase the number of page views for other items not featured.
Has anyone used this feature, and what kind of results did you receive?
posted on July 27, 2001 11:29:42 AM
Greetings Cassiescloset!
We occasionally use the feature plus. We have had great success using it. Views are tremendous; not just for the feature but for all auctions. Bids go up too.
Generally we use it only on very popular, relatively expensive items $150+. We also tend to list sporadically depending on our travel schedules so we frequently use this feature after we have been away for a while...it is a great attention getter to let our customers kno we are back.
In short I suppose I'd recommend picking a really premium item, or something you have a lot of. And I'd also recommend using it occasionally...too expensive for a regular diet.
posted on July 27, 2001 01:25:21 PM
Yes, we have and believe it does give more hits and exposure. We don't use it for every item, it can get expensive with reserve auction fees and all other fees listing can be about $24.50 per item. But then again, how much would it cost you for rent or consignment in a store? An item on consignment is 30% minimum, as well.
Some auction experts say that it is not necessary to use the featured option, because people do searches for items that of interest. I have also listed a few items on Featured Plus and they have not sold, which is painful! It is all depends on the "right" person viewing your item at the right time.
I listed this one item featured twice and then just put the item in two categories and thank goodness, it sold! Give it a shot on your higher priced items.
posted on July 27, 2001 08:17:45 PM
It works very well for exposure to your other auctions. Make sure you have a lot running at the same time. Also, don't forget to list in one category only, or they will double the $20.00 fee. I accidentally did that once and then realized I didn't even put a picture in the gallery!
posted on July 27, 2001 10:12:29 PM
Hi Cassie...I've used the featured "extra" a couple of times with very good success. I only use it, though for the really "high end" items (can't justify the high cost otherwise) AND for items that have a lot of other listings. I used "featured" for a really exceptional quilt and, another time, for an extraordinary antique book. I was pleased, both times, with the result. Good luck!
posted on July 28, 2001 06:08:54 AM
As you know there are several ways to feature your item i.e. with the yellow highlight, with featured category and with the $100 full featured treatment, and each has its + and - .
Several years ago I was selling bubble wrap and created a special way to pack and ship it which other ebay sellers loved. Everytime I offered one they would bid like mad. So I decided to make a featured auction (back when they were only $50!) and offered 100 units. It sold out and the starting price (which was enough to make a fair profit) was even bid up.
I believe it worked since it was an item a lot of buyers were paying too much for, and my "save" headline really grabbed them.
I managed to do this several times until a competitor copied the concept and, using an inferior product, undercut my price. Worst of all, he made sure his auctions ran to close just a few minutes before mine.
The penalty of featured auctions is that everyone can see what sells and you end up with competition and lower profits.
Another item I sold, an antique law dictionary from 1671, was simply listed but soon had a dozen bids and was going into the stratesphere, so I went back and opted for a category featured listing for another $20. (You can do that while the auction is running!) I believe that brought in additional bidders who more than paid for the extra cost.
I also have used featured category for some of my videos, when there are a number of similar items. It increased page views and bids on the other items. It also annoyed one of my competitors who notified ebay about a rule infraction and they pulled it. Fortunately, they refund the fee, so I made the correction and relisted.
I think you have to have the right item, a good strategy and strong auction description to make it work.
