posted on July 5, 2000 04:28:01 PM new
I gave this a trial run of about 10 days. Keep in mind I sell computer stuff, so my results are not only limited by the small numbers, it is limited by the product offered. I think those of you selling collectables and unique items will have VERY different results. Those selling similar mass produced consumer goods will probably experience something like I have.
I put 1st bid wins in my title, no explanation in the description body. I found some folks still waited to near the end of auction to bid, some on the other hand bid right away- this was especially true when there were multiple items (dutch). The number of sales compared to my auctions running a buy price only several dollars above the start bid (on auctions without a 1st bid wins scenario)and my 1st bid win auction were about equal. So at this point, I'm not seeing a lot more bidding activity per auction, but it does slightly increase what I get for items offered as 1st bid wins (because I set those at a higher price to begin with).
I don't know if this helps, but I'm going to keep running them both ways through July and see what happens.
I'm even going to try it- different weeks of course, with the same item to see if I can discern any difference.
posted on July 5, 2000 04:41:15 PM new
My experience is that the buyer's were *happier* with the 1st bid wins situation.
I understand that most sellers put the "buy price" just slightly higher anyway, but people still *feel* better if they don't have to pony up an extra buck or whatever. Some of them may not care so much, others I am sure are resentful to whatever degree, not that they'd mention it.
For this, I think it is better to go the 1st bid wins and ask the higher price in the first place. The seller gets what they want and the buyer feels like they got what they wanted without paying a premium. It is interesting that you did not find a difference, $ wise, thanks for posting viaastra.
posted on July 6, 2000 01:09:55 PM new
I do it a little differently. I set a "buy-it-now" price a little higher than my start price and it includes shipping. Then I put in bold "if you dont want to wait, just bid $x (includes shipping), email us and the item is yours." The reason I dont want to use Yahoo's buy price is because it's too easy for deadbeats to "win" and then back out. With one exception, everyone who emailed me followed through.
posted on July 6, 2000 07:05:27 PM new
I have been trying Yahoo auctions for a week or so, and have a question. My EOA letter asks the buyer to respond with his address. So far, about half have done so. Is this normal, or an indication that the other half probably won't pay? I'm used to Ebay bidders answering.
Sherry
Those sending checks and money orders often don't bother to email you their address, even though you ask for it. Those using PayPal will usually email their address when they make the payment, so you'll get two emails at about the same time. That has been my experience on ebay as well.
Viaastra, I've had results similar to yours with new current and new out-of-print books....about half "first bid wins" and half "few-dollars-higher buy price" winners. I don't use the buy price when I EXPECT multiple bidders, and I had one book close for too much money tonight (it's a current book), so I'll give free shipping on it. I wish they'd pay too much for the out-of-print ones, so I wouldn't feel guilty and reduce the price!!!
I haven't heard back from a lot of my winners this week (not a good sign), so I don't know yet if I'll have a high deadbeat rate from using the buy price feature. Just have to wait and see.
