Some auctions get hundreds of bids, but some go much more slowly,
getting only a few bids or even none at all for days. Auctions are
generally much slower during the summer months than they are in the
winter - and sales on eBay are slowing each year, as more sellers than
buyers sign up, hoping to get rich quick. There are a number of ways
that you can take advantage of slower auctions to get the best price.
Wait to Bid.
If you bid, then everyone can see you're interested - and that
might make them interested too. Leaving the item alone for as long as
you can bear will make it look less popular, and keep the price down so
you can come in at the last minute and get a bargain.
Make an Offer.
If the seller is selling an item using 'Buy it Now' and it
still hasn't sold when the auction is about to end, use eBay's 'Best
Offer' service to make them an offer on it. The chances are they've
listed the item two or three times before, and they'll be so annoyed at
the prospect of re-listing it yet again that they'll accept your offer
just to get rid of the thing.
Conspire with Other Buyers.
You might not have thought of this, but if there are two
auctions for the same item and only you and one other buyer are
bidding, why not get together and work out a 'you take this one and
I'll take that one' deal? This avoids you raising the price on both
auctions just to get one each. If you make a few friends, you can even
work together on auctions long-term, taking it in turns to bid.
Be Snobbish.
Send the seller emails asking questions about the condition of
the item, and making it very clear that you are a discerning buyer and
will only accept things of the highest quality. This will make them
feel better about selling you their item for less.
Don't Feel Guilty.
There really are too many sellers on eBay now, to the point
where you can get common items at very low prices. Long-term, this will
probably force those sellers out of business, but that's the way a
market works - it's supply and demand.
Buy in Bulk.
When auctions are slow, many sellers will have had the same
stock for a long time. If you offer to take ten things off their hands
all at once then you can almost name your price - the chances are that
they'll fall over themselves to give you a good deal. If you come back
again and buy another ten items then they'll love you even more.
Resources Box:
Jason James is a 10 year Internet marketing veteran
and an eBay Power Seller of 4 years. His website "The Auction
Resource Network" reveals his inside secrets, tips, and sources
that help him pocket over $10,000 per month on eBay. His proven step-by-step
system shows even users with little or no business experience how they
too can make huge profits selling products at online auctions.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
