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q.D.paToOtieSHi guys,
I have very limited experience with auctions. I think if you check my Bid4Bears feedback I have all of six total most of which were for trades or ACEOs. So I decide to get my feet wet with my bears on Bid4Bears before ever trying to go to Ebay with them. So how long is a typical auction? I am running a bear on Bid4Bears right now and I decided on 10 days. There's been a lot of people viewing the auction and 2 people watching it so far. But what I'm afraid of is that I chose an option that's too long. Will people forget about it by the time it ends and not bid at all? So what's the best length of time to run an auction? Also, I started at 1.00 and have a low reserve. What's a good price to start an auction? Is the reserve price the absolute lowest you'll take for an item (that's what I thought it meant)?
Sorry to be so stupid but like I said, I have a real LACK of experience!
Hugs,
Lisa
Bears by EdieHi Lisa,
I generally run my auctions for 5 days - yes I think 10 days could be a bit long unless it is something REALLY special that you want to have viewed for extra time, almost more as an advertisement than going after the sale (course this is just my opinion!) On bid4bears I start mine at $20 and then put a reserve. This works great as the listing fee goes up as the start price goes up but there is no charge for the reserve (on ebay if you did the same you pay the list fee not as if it was started at $20 but as if it was started at the reserve price plus you have an extra charge of $2 for having the reserve - only refundable if it sells) And yes, I think most people would set the reserve as the absolute lowest they are willing to take.
Good luck with your auctions!
MerBear OriginalsI've been doing OK on Bid4bears as well. I've been doing 5 day auctions and stating a 'bid starting price', which is the lowest I would accept.
Marion
I also start my auctions at the lowest price I am willing to accept. Have done quite well on bid4bears and the length of my auctions at the moment is dependent on my access to the computer since I am at the cottage with no computer for most of the Summer. I never list longer than 7 days and my most recent is currently running for 3 days
Hugs
Gail
Cat Gabriel CraftsI had a 10 day auction once and the winning bidder said she nearly went crazy waiting for it to finish! So, I've never gone that long again :crackup: . I find 3 or 5 day auctions the best.
q.D.paToOtieSWell thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try listing another one today and I will make sure to list it at a reasonable starting price no longer than 5 days!!! I know when I'm watching some things on E-bay, I also forget about them when the auction seems to last forever!!!
Hugs,
Lisa
Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)My work isn't well enough known to use 3 day; 5 works best, to end during the 4 US zones on 7, 8, 9 & 10 PM Tues, Wed or Thurs.
I have used 7 days if it's over a holiday or national day-off, to end at the same time, unless one of those 3 days IS the holiday. But in the US they're almost always a Monday. 7 days gives bidders time to get back to their computers on Tu, Wed & Th.
This is what's worked well for me but the most important feature I feel is Regularity. That can be built up only over a period of time: posting once a week or once a month, to begin and end in the same time frame, but fulfilling expectations then becomes a regular pattern for both my bidders and me.
Newcastle, OntarioLisa, I only use three day auctions - I am sooo impatient and I've had customers tell me that they really like the 3 day ones. I always start at the same price, and adjust my reserve according to the lowest amount I will take for each bear.
I think Bobbie is right about the consistency when listing auctions, which I am going to try. I've never really thought about when to list, just whenever I had a bear finished, but it really makes sense when you think about it. Good luck.
hugs,
Brenda
