The current state of auctions?

[sakic92710]

**IF** (& it's a big IF) I wanted to change several of my 'buy it now' listings to auctions, what do you think the chances of increased sales are?  I wonder because (another if) - IF the view counts are correct, who wants to start auctions on items generating 1-3 views over the course of several days?  Currently, I have 0 auctions running.  How is your situation regarding auctions?  Cheers!   🙂   BTW - no comments on whether my items are 'in demand.'   12 sales in June then 37 in July.  Nothing was 'in demand' but my sales went up over 300%  from month to month, suddenly.  Now this month, like Mar, Apr, May, June, is starting out pathetic again.  In NEED of a much higher rate of sales.

[coolections]

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@sakic92710 wrote:

I would list my auctions at a starting bid I would be happy with if there was only 1 bidder.  

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Just so you know in most cases that will result in zero bidders. Give it a try but just don't say Ebay is hiding your auctions if that happens.

[dbfolks166mt]

     I run a mix of auctions and BIN items but most of my sales take place in the auction arena. It kind of depends on what you are selling. I took a quick look at your listings and I am not sure you would gain a lot from the auction format for most of your items. However, there are still some buyers, myself included, that prefer the auction format. I don't buy much on eBay these days because I can generally find it cheaper elsewhere, most of the time in a B&M store, than I can on eBay. For some items that I purchase online there are more specilized sites that deal in particular merchandise that I have found to cheaper than what they are on eBay. I am also in a large metro area and there are a number of local forums that I purchase, and sell, from. 

[yuzuha]

If they're not selling as BINs, they're even less likely to sell at auction unless you start with a very low price. Most people don't want to wait several days to find out whether they've won an auction unless they really, really want that particular item... and if they did want it that badly, they most likely would have just purchased it BIN already.

[mam98031]

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@coolections wrote:

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@sakic92710 wrote:

I would list my auctions at a starting bid I would be happy with if there was only 1 bidder.  

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Just so you know in most cases that will result in zero bidders. Give it a try but just don't say Ebay is hiding your auctions if that happens.

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For what it is worth, I disagree.  I think @sakic92710 is correct and put the lowest price they are willing to accept on the listing.  I'm not here to give my stuff away.  If I run actions I priced them at the lowest price I could accept for it so I could at least break even.  I won't give my stuff away unless forced into by the return system.

[coolections]

Yes, I understand what you are saying but my suggestion was meant if the lowest you are wiling to take is the same or higher than someone can BIN.  My point is if people cannot start an auction low enough typically ends up with zero bidders. If the auction starts at a price someone can just BIN from another seller it is really just a pretend auction.

[mam98031]

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@coolections wrote:

Yes, I understand what you are saying but my suggestion was meant if the lowest you are wiling to take is the same or higher than someone can BIN.  My point is if people cannot start an auction low enough typically ends up with zero bidders. If the auction starts at a price someone can just BIN from another seller it is really just a pretend auction.

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I don't know that this was what the OP meant.  I didn't get that from what they posted.  But even if it is what they meant.  They will learn after they venture out and run a few auctions.

[sakic92710]

You ASSUMED I would put a starting bid of $119.95 if my current BIN is $120.  I would not be doing that.  I would, in fact, put it at $49.95 & see if there is one bidder so, I can generate sales & cash flow.   BTW - I only listen to people who do not talk down to me.   🙂

[sakic92710]

You are correct.  This is not what I meant but this person likes to assume things about me.  Also likes to try to make it a fact that my prices are too high without any ability to prove it.

[inhawaii]

@sakic92710 

Have a great weekend buddy!   😃

[coolections]

Was not assuming anything. I was helping you out since you asked questions about auctions. As I stated you  need to lower your prices if you want to do auctions. Now that you said you are wiling to lower your prices 1/2 the BIN price you may have a chance. Will be watching to see if it works out for you, good luck!!!

[nilis13]

I have auctions and BIN. Personally doesn't make any difference.  Sales have never recovered with the changes from may. Day 3 no sales. Views have disappeared.  Good luck to you.  Hoping your sales improve. 

[7606dennis]

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@sakic92710 wrote:

You ASSUMED I would put a starting bid of $119.95 if my current BIN is $120.  I would not be doing that.  I would, in fact, put it at $49.95 & see if there is one bidder so, I can generate sales & cash flow.   BTW - I only listen to people who do not talk down to me.   🙂

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My recommendation for when listing an item at auction and also using the BIN option is to set the starting price at the minimum you are willing to accept.  That way the it acts as a reserve since the item cannot sell for less than that amount.  For the BIN price, set it the price you would expect to give for it in a high street shop. 

[mozartbach1971]

Some people run auctions to draw attention to their buy it now items.  

[chapeau-noir]

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@mozartbach1971 wrote:

Some people run auctions to draw attention to their buy it now items.  

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Exactly - it can work to keep the pot boiling.  @sakic92710  put your high-watcher items on auction and see what happens.

[sakic92710]

So much for auctions!  Started 1 by cutting my BIN by more than 1/2.  5 days - no bids.  1 useless watcher.