| Online auction sites are so popular now web sites | | | | the strangest of things sell on these sites. |
| such as ebay are a household name and most people | | | | When selling an item list the item in the correct |
| you speak to have used the site in one way or | | | | category, look at similar items to get an idea and don't |
| another. You can use these sites in a variety of ways, | | | | try to confuse buyers into thinking it's something it's not. |
| from just selling unwanted items you have lying around | | | | Check out their descriptions including what they sold |
| your home to building a successful business. The great | | | | for so you have an idea on what items sell for. |
| thing about online auction sites is that you can buy and | | | | Make sure you describe your item honestly and state |
| sell near enough anything. But ebay isn't the only site | | | | any imperfections the items have. It's never a good |
| there are quite a few new online auction sites. The | | | | idea to sell broken or faulty items unless it's fully stated |
| newer sites such as ebid and qxl are similar to ebay in | | | | in your description as sometimes you will get come |
| many ways but that isn't really a bad thing as ebay | | | | back and complaints. Make your listing attractive with |
| has had time to iron out most of the glitches. I have | | | | colours and good quality pictures, hazy unfocused |
| used these other sites and they seem to work | | | | shots will put buyers off as they will think your trying to |
| perfectly, you can find specialist auction sites for | | | | hide something. Your start price entices people into |
| photography, vehicles, etc... | | | | watching your item, so try and keep it as low as |
| I have put together a little guide with tips on buying and | | | | possible. Decide how the buyer is going to pay for |
| selling on auction sites: | | | | your item, a lot of sites allow the use of Paypal which |
| Buying | | | | is a safe way of transferring money between people |
| Purchasing from online auction sites couldn't be easier, | | | | on the internet, but you do have to register and pay a |
| it's become very simple to register and start bidding. | | | | small percentage when using this service. |
| When looking to buy an item from a site research the | | | | Other ways are personal cheque or postal order but I |
| item before jumping into a sale, make sure it's exactly | | | | prefer Paypal as it is quicker. Postage costs are |
| what you want a lot of the time it's hard to return | | | | something you have to look closely at when listing an |
| items after purchase. Don't get carried away with the | | | | item, remember heavier items are costly and the more |
| auction decide your top price and stick to it. | | | | expensive items such as electrical goods might be |
| Remember to always look carefully at the listing, read | | | | best posted recorded delivery for peace of mind for |
| the description fully also note the postage and returns | | | | you and your buyer. Answer all questions fully and |
| policy; many people try to make an awful lot of money | | | | truthfully as giving out false information could break |
| by adding a large shipping cost. If you have any | | | | auction rules. |
| questions regarding the item for sale don't be afraid to | | | | When the auction has finished and you've sold your |
| contact the seller. | | | | item always try and post the item as soon as possible, |
| When you're sure it's the item for you bid, however if | | | | post the item as stated in the listing i.e. first class, |
| you bid too early someone else could top your price, it | | | | courier or recorded. |
| takes a bit of time to get your timing right but it's half | | | | Most sites have some kind of feedback system |
| the fun of taking part in a auction. After you've won | | | | where you can leave comments regarding your |
| the item make sure there's contact between the seller | | | | transaction; always try to contact the other party |
| and yourself regarding payment and postage, if paying | | | | before leaving negative comments as they could |
| via Paypal the faster you pay the quicker the seller | | | | resolve any problems straight away. Keeping an eye |
| can despatch your item. If you have decided to collect | | | | on the feedback system can tell you weather a buyer |
| the item in person make sure you're happy with all the | | | | or seller is reliable and honest. |
| details of the transaction before setting off. | | | | Bargains are to be found on these sites just be aware |
| Selling | | | | that everyone wants something for nothing. I personally |
| If you fancy making some money from your | | | | enjoy using online auction sites and think it's a great |
| unwanted items at home try an auction as you do | | | | way to buy and sell things, hopefully you will find the |
| advertise your item to a wide community of people, | | | | experience just as enjoyable. |