One of the biggest issues facing people wanting to Auction things on-line through E-Bay or a local site, is what do they sell? Often people cruise garage sales, thrift shops, and second hand dealers looking for “stock” which can be bought cheaply, and (hopefully) sold at a tidy profit. I don’t see a lot of harm in that, however, there is an inherent risk misrepresenting an item in your description, simply because you don’t really know what it is.
The real secret to successful on-line trading is to know what you are selling. For instance, I have quite a few computer parts and accessories at home, but I never list them for Auction because I’m a computer klutz, and have no real idea of what those things are, let alone their real worth on the open market.
Conversely, I like to think I know my books, and thus, go looking for them, buy cheaply, at say fifty cents each, and then list them at one-dollar reserve. With the Auction site I use, this gets me listed under five categories.
- Books (Under type – e.g. Text Books – Humanities).
- New Listings
- One-Dollar Reserve.
- Hot List (More than 10 bids)
- Closing soon.
My own sell-through rate is roughly 85%, which is high, and I’ve sold fifteen hundred books during the last year. My positive feedback is 100%, and I know that I am on the watch-list of a good number of traders. The lowest price I have sold for is just the dollar reserve, (in which case, allowing for success fees, I break even.) and the highest I have received for a $1.00 reserve listing is $56.00.
As in any form of advertising, the use of “power words” such as “Magnificent” or “Stunning” are helpful, however it is essential that a trader stay with the truth. By exaggerating the description, you are only going to earn yourself a bad name. No matter what else you do, stick to the truth! You’ll do very well if you do, and die quickly if you don’t.
Some people do have a few problems describing the book they want to sell. In that case, use the reviews, and comments printed on either the flyleaf, or back cover. Be honest about the condition of the book concerned. Never present is as in “Excellent Condition” if there is any damage whatsoever to the book. – This includes comments written in the margin, or underlining passages by a previous reader.
Most Auction Sites tend to take a dim view of traders promoting other auctions within a listing, however you can suggest the following: “Please – note. See my other listings as I may be able to save you some postage.” In most cases, this is true, and the Site cannot argue with your offer. – It’s a fair one.
Write as much as the space will allow. Lines like “Easy to read and understand” are useful, as are “loaded with excellent illustrations explaining the point.” “Hard Cover or Paper Back” Try to include the number of pages. (Quantity and pictures really do sell!)
Also, don’t be afraid to add the words “SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.” in your listing. When you think about it, if the buyer was not satisfied, they would demand a refund anyway. Why not offer it, up front, thus creating for yourself the image of a fair and honest trader?
The biggest killer of on-line traders is the practice of inflating postage and packaging charges. Charge ONLY what the Postal or Courier Service costs you. If you ask for more, you will be flooded with negative feedback, and your career as an On-Line Auctioneer will be over, before it has begun.
Potential buyers often ask some dumb questions. E.g. “Is this a really big book?” as well as sensible ones, like “What year was this book published, and by whom?” Whatever the question, treat it with respect. Always begin your answer with “Thanks for your interest……” and then go on to answer it briefly, and accurately. You may want to finish with the comment – “I do hope this helps.”
Let me conclude with the idea that we all prefer to do business with people we like. To that end, go out of your way to be as friendly, helpful and courteous as you possible can. Never reply to a rude comment or question with sarcasm. Unbelievably, sarcasm scares people, and much as they want what you are selling, they are unlikely to make an offer.
As I said at the beginning of this, “sell what you know!” If books are not your thing, don’t sell them. Ask yourself what do you know a lot about, and trade on-line with items, which will be enhanced with that knowledge.
Above all, enjoy what you do, and maintain your sense of humour. Imagine owning a shop in a Mall through which a hundred thousand people pass every day, and thirty thousand are there at any one time. Instead of displaying your wares, you cover your front window with hundreds of testimonials as to what a great person you are, to do business with. And pretty soon, your store will be filled with potential buyers. The reality is that the same concept is the secret to success when trading on-line. Go for it, and have fun, as you earn a good living.
