Buy it now, best offer, or auction? What are your thoughts regarding these selling options?

[bert.05]

Hello,

As the title indicates, I am interested as to whether a particuolar selling option is more likely to increase sales, such as the auction option, and as to whether certain categories are better suited with certain selling options, e.g., antiques are usually associated with auctions.

In other words, from your experience, what criteria do you use to determine whether to use the Buy it now, Best Offer option, or auction?

Thanks.

[7606dennis]

Naturally, as an auctioneer and auction business owner I'm partial to auctions.  However, not all items are well suited for sale by auction.  If an item isn't particularly rare and desirable, I'd probably recommend using the fixed price format.

If you are one that enjoys the game of haggling, you might like to use the Best Offer option in your listings.  However, you need to consider that when setting your asking price.

By the way, eBay has begun including the BO option in listings without the seller's knowledge or consent even in auction style listings.  I would advise ignoring offers in auctions style listings to avoid any potential legal issues in some states.  With fixed price listings, it is up to you.