Selling Tips for Online Auctions

Selling items in online auctions is a popular pastime for many, allowing us to get rid of what we might see as junk, and others might see as treasure. For some however, it can be a profitable full time business.

Whether you selling for profit, or for fun (or possibly both!), follow our guidelines to online selling to maximise your chances of success:

Do your Research

When you have decided what to sell, do a search on the auction site for other similar items that have completed. This way you'll be able to see how much they sold for, and their minimum bid amount. Use this as a guide to set your starting bid.

If there are no similar items, you could consider setting a low starting price and a high reserve price. Even if your item does not sell, you'll be able to get an idea of the price people were willing to pay for it.

Photographs

Always use a digital camera or scanner to add a picture to your item listing; it will vastly improve your chances of a successful sale.

Wording

Describe the item you are selling clearly and fully. Your product description should include the item's condition, age, and any included accessories.

For example, instead of writing:

"Lalique swan figurine in green glass",

try:

"A stunning and rare vintage Lalique glass swan in a green frosted glass. It is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks or restoration. It measures 8cms high by 9cms across, with Lalique France written in script on the side. Produced in the early 1900's".

When developing your description, try to anticipate all of the questions prospective bidders may ask and address them as briefly as possible.

Formatting

Avoid using flashy text, graphics or music in your listing. Rather than enticing your buyers, it will often actually put them off instead.

Fees

Before setting a starting price for your item, check for any listing fees that might be payable. This may affect the starting bid you ask for. For example, the listing fee might increase for items with a starting bid of £30 and over; in this case, you might set your price at £29.99.

Timing

When deciding to add a listing, consider when you would like it to end. You will obviously get a much higher bidding rate if your auction ends at the weekend or in the evening. Sunday evenings are traditionally the best times to end an auction, attracting a large number of bidders.

Customer Service

Check your e-mail regularly, and respond promptly to bidders' questions.

Send an e-mail to the winning bidder as soon as possible after the end of the auction. This should include confirmation of:

• Final Price
• Shipping Costs
• Payment Options
• Time frame in which you expect payment
• A link to your feedback page (to encourage feedback)

Shipping

Always take care to wrap any items carefully, in bubble wrap or a padded envelope. If you are wrapping sharp items, make sure that they're securely wrapped and won't break through the packaging during shipping.

If possible, put your item in its original box, then put this in a slightly larger box and fill the gaps with paper, polystyrene or cardboard. Shake the box and add more packaging if there's any movement.

Always get proof of posting, and if the buyer has requested it, insurance as well.

E-mail your buyer to let them know their package has been dispatched.