How to Market with Niche Auction Sites

by Diana Barnum

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to: diana@ohiohelp.net How to Market with Niche Auction Sites Online auctions are big business. But they can be big headaches. During the past year, trading in online commerce was valued at $60 billion, according to "Business Standard.” Online trade among small businesses makes up 1 per cent of USA's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and is expected to reach 10 per cent or $400 billion of USA's GDP by 2010. “But setting up and maintaining operations on huge auction sites like Ebay is not always easy,” said Rich Moc, owner of Performance Cars at Pcars.com, a niche automotive auction site.” “People can spend a lot of time sifting through cluttered pages of auctions, bidding, setting up accounts and managing multiple, confusing and expensive fees that can take an accountant to figure out. And trying to figure out how to submit a simple email or place a quick call for help can be a pain in the neck.” The solution or pain relief for big auction headaches? Smaller, niche sites with personalized service. For example, Performance Cars offers easier management, one-on-one help and plenty of options to help with automotive solutions and aftermarket selling. Some of their auction tips are: · Customer Service - When you have an item listed and a potential buyer contacts you with a question, respond quickly. It is important and actually critical to your success to check your email account several times a day. Answering a question could be the difference between you getting the sale or the buyer going someplace else. · Description - When you list your item(s), write an accurate description. No need to write long paragraphs of rambling information. But do provide exact measurements, colors, condition, etc. Be precise. · Exceed Expectations - You want every customer to be happy. So do a little more research on shipping, or negotiate on price. But remember that the customer is the reason you will have success. Be prepared to go the extra mile and provide superior service every time. · Digital Images - While auctions without photographs can and do sell, auctions with photographs sell much better. People like visualizations and want to see what they will get with their money. Make sure your photograph is clear, focused and offers more than just a straight view. With Pcars.com, sellers can instantly create their own account and setup their own homepage. Next they add their product information and links. Then upload images, up to eight photos included with the no-cost membership. That's it. “It is THE BEST site to host photos and one of the best to sell and buy things for your car!” shared Lefteris from Greece who sells Jewels for Porsches regularly on Ebay and now on Pcars.com, too. “And the site is very easy to use.” The site is developing to meet needs of the buyers and sellers. In the works are Photo Gallery for hosting pictures, AV Center for racing videos, and a Forum for comments and sharing automotive tips. “As a seller I find the PCARS site very easy to list and I like that I can have large photos for my items,” Lefteris explained. “I use Ebay also, but I find the PCARS site much, much better. I'm here to stay.” Progressing Discount Price Plan Also under way is a new Progressing Discount Price (PDP) plan. Sellers will have the option to list their prices so that they decrease over time, while waiting for someone to buy. This option benefits the sellers by allowing them to discount their inventories as time progresses. Additionally, this ensures that inventories may get sold at the end of the listing period (usually 30-day). The benefit for the buyers is that they get to buy the items cheaper the next day if the items have not been sold. Here is an example with this option: http://www.pcars.com/autos/partview.php?view=65 . Automotive sellers and buyers are invited to setup Dealer Accounts and Private Party Accounts at Pcars.com and see how simple the site works. They can sell and buy new and used performance vehicles, parts, accessories and auto care products of all types, quickly & easily online. For more tips and to sign up for a new account, visit http://www.pcars.com or contact Rich at staff@pcars.com or Diana at db@presssuccess.com ; call: (626) 688-1919. About author: Diana Barnum, president of http://movingaheadcommunications.com and CEO of http://ohiohelp.net For more help with marketing, public relations and writing, email mailto:diana@ohiohelp.net or call: (614) 529-9459.

Online Auctions

by Bob Osgoodby

As popular as they are, online auctions should be approached with care. Many times, merchandise is offered that either may be illegal, fraudulent, or simply doesn't exist, and the vendor takes your money and runs. So what can you do to protect yourself if you enter bidding in an online auction. You should understand how the auction works. Many online auctions simply list items that people want to sell. They don't verify if the merchandise actually exists, or if it is described accurately. You should therefore check out the seller. If it is a company, contact the state or local consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau where you live, and also where the company is located. Many auctions have a feedback section for comments about the seller. Be aware that a clean complaint record doesn't guaranty that someone is legitimate, and that glowing reports could be "planted" by the seller. You should know the value of the product before you bid. If the product is brand new, check to see what price retailers are charging for it. If the product is used or reconditioned, you will want to pay way less than the retail value. Be especially careful if the seller is a private individual. Most consumer protection laws and government agencies that enforce them, don't deal with private sales, so if you have a problem, it could be impossible to resolve. Always get a physical address and other identifying information. You'll need the seller's name, street address and telephone number to check them out, or follow up if there is a problem. Don't do business with sellers who won't provide that information. You should ask about delivery, returns, warranties and service. Get a definite delivery time and insist that the shipment is insured. Ask about the return policy. If you're buying electronic goods or appliances, find out if there is a warranty and how to get service. Don't get caught up in a bidding war; you may end up paying more than the product's worth. Be especially wary of claims about collectibles. Since you can't examine the item or have it appraised until after the sale, you can't assume that claims made about it are valid. Insist on getting a written statement describing the item and its value before you pay. Online auctions will, sometimes, allow you to check the merchants history with their auction. Check to see if people have complained about the their products or business practices before you decide to bid. Pay the safest way. Requesting cash is a clear indication of possible0 fraud. If possible, pay by credit card because you can dispute the charges if the goods are misrepresented or never arrive. If you pay by check, make it out to the seller. But remember that the merchandise probably won't be shipped until your check is deposited and cleared, so stopping payment is not an alternative. PayPal, while very convenient and used by many, it has been reported that they may not provide the same protection as a regular credit card in the event of fraud. It is my opinion that they fall into the same category as paying by check. Someone who has a bank account is not normally a person who "hits and runs". Know if the merchant offers a warranty or money back guarantee or before bidding on a product. You don't want to get stuck with a product that does not work or you're not satisfied with. If you do have a problem, let the auction site know. Some sites investigate problems like "shills" being used to bid prices up or other abuses of the auction system. They may also want to know about sellers who don't deliver or misrepresent their wares. A bad record may result in a seller being barred from using the site in the future. Above all, use common sense to guide you. Ask yourself: Is what the seller promises realistic? Is this the best way to buy this item? What is the most I am willing to bid for it? If someone does out bid you, don't be afraid to out bid them. Remember however, not to go over your maximum bid price. If you follow these simple rules, you may find the online auctions to be a source of some great deals. If you don't, you may still get that great deal, but you could also find yourself wishing you had. About the Author Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: mailto:tipofday-subscribe@topica.com

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