Jumat, 29 Mei 2009
Selasa, 26 Mei 2009
Sabtu, 23 Mei 2009
Online Auction Sites - Should You Look at Alternatives to eBay?
If you are new to the world of online auctions, you might have the impression that there is nothing but eBay. While eBay is massive and constantly advertises the fact that you can find "it" on eBay, there are other services available. Whether you are just setting out as an online seller, want to switch sites, or diversify your sales channel, it might be worthwhile to look at alternatives.
You should be aware, though, that using eBay has its advantages. It is much larger than its competitors (see http://www.powersellersunite.com/auctionsitewatch.php), which translates into an anormous amount of traffic. And it is a recognized brand that spends a lot on marketing.
However, eBay also has its disadvantages. The fees for sellers are relatively high, many categories have fierce price competition, and there are recurring technical glitches and dubious "improvements" (such as giving sellers overly optimistic arrival dates during the holiday shipping season).
Where can you find alternatives? Here are some URLs to get you started:
# http://auctionbytes.com/cab/pages/sitepricing
# http://theauctionboard.com/onlineauctions.html
# http://www.powersellersunite.com/about7.html
As you can see, there are numerous other sites out there. Before signing up with one (or several) of them, you should ask a few questions:
# How long has the site been in business? Who stands behind it?
# What is its fee structure, both for listing and final value fees?
# Which forms of payment can you accept on this site?
# How much activity is there in your product category?
The last question is particularly important. A low-cost or even free auction site will be useless for you, if there is little traffic in your category. Even a free listing costs you the time you need to create it!
Once you have answered these questions, you may decide to go with one of the established competitors (yahoo.com, overstock.com), choose a smaller site (bluejay.com, ecrater.com) or go for a niche site that specializes in such items as pinball machines (pinballmachines.com) or bead jewelry (justbeads.com). Of course there is always the option of building your own web store to sell your items.
You should be aware, though, that using eBay has its advantages. It is much larger than its competitors (see http://www.powersellersunite.com/auctionsitewatch.php), which translates into an anormous amount of traffic. And it is a recognized brand that spends a lot on marketing.
However, eBay also has its disadvantages. The fees for sellers are relatively high, many categories have fierce price competition, and there are recurring technical glitches and dubious "improvements" (such as giving sellers overly optimistic arrival dates during the holiday shipping season).
Where can you find alternatives? Here are some URLs to get you started:
# http://auctionbytes.com/cab/pages/sitepricing
# http://theauctionboard.com/onlineauctions.html
# http://www.powersellersunite.com/about7.html
As you can see, there are numerous other sites out there. Before signing up with one (or several) of them, you should ask a few questions:
# How long has the site been in business? Who stands behind it?
# What is its fee structure, both for listing and final value fees?
# Which forms of payment can you accept on this site?
# How much activity is there in your product category?
The last question is particularly important. A low-cost or even free auction site will be useless for you, if there is little traffic in your category. Even a free listing costs you the time you need to create it!
Once you have answered these questions, you may decide to go with one of the established competitors (yahoo.com, overstock.com), choose a smaller site (bluejay.com, ecrater.com) or go for a niche site that specializes in such items as pinball machines (pinballmachines.com) or bead jewelry (justbeads.com). Of course there is always the option of building your own web store to sell your items.
Selasa, 19 Mei 2009
Sabtu, 16 Mei 2009
Jumat, 08 Mei 2009
Make Money Online With the Smart Auction
Make money online is the most common buzzword in the Internet Marketing World. There are literally dozens of online business opportunities around the world that pop up everyday. Many are legitimate and others are not. The exciting aspect of the medium of online business opportunities is this; anyone and everyone has an opportunity to do something they've never done before and succeed.
The question usually is, "Where do I start?". The easiest way to gather information is to run a search engine with the keywords that apply to your interests such as "online business opportunities, internet marketing opportunities, online health product opportunities, making money online, etc..."
One such online business opportunity that has popped up recently is the Smart Auction concept that has been sweeping Europe over the last year. One such company created a business model of a reverse auction where consumers can enter any auction for the cost of a credit. This credit is purchased for less than a dollar and enables one to see the current price of the item in the auction.
The items that are listed are brand new, brand name only items, the most recognizable brand names in the world. These items list all their features and specs (which most consumers already know due to manufacturer branding and advertising) but do not list the current price. Here's where the model gets interesting and anyone can make money online.
Unlike eBay the products aren't hand me downs from someones garage or basement but are brand new with full manufacturers warranties, etc... Secondly the price of the item in the auction starts at the full retail price and drops with every viewing of the current price. This one auction isn't a bidding auction but a viewing auction. By purchasing a credit and viewing the current price of an item the price drops 25 to 30 cents US. The more people that view the item price the more and faster it drops.
Eventually the item is at a price that is appealing enough for someone to buy it. So for the price of a few credits one has the opportunity to purchase a brand new brand name item for pennies on the dollar.
The question usually is, "Where do I start?". The easiest way to gather information is to run a search engine with the keywords that apply to your interests such as "online business opportunities, internet marketing opportunities, online health product opportunities, making money online, etc..."
One such online business opportunity that has popped up recently is the Smart Auction concept that has been sweeping Europe over the last year. One such company created a business model of a reverse auction where consumers can enter any auction for the cost of a credit. This credit is purchased for less than a dollar and enables one to see the current price of the item in the auction.
The items that are listed are brand new, brand name only items, the most recognizable brand names in the world. These items list all their features and specs (which most consumers already know due to manufacturer branding and advertising) but do not list the current price. Here's where the model gets interesting and anyone can make money online.
Unlike eBay the products aren't hand me downs from someones garage or basement but are brand new with full manufacturers warranties, etc... Secondly the price of the item in the auction starts at the full retail price and drops with every viewing of the current price. This one auction isn't a bidding auction but a viewing auction. By purchasing a credit and viewing the current price of an item the price drops 25 to 30 cents US. The more people that view the item price the more and faster it drops.
Eventually the item is at a price that is appealing enough for someone to buy it. So for the price of a few credits one has the opportunity to purchase a brand new brand name item for pennies on the dollar.
Wholesale Dropship Warehouse Company Suppliers For Online Auctions And Discount Resellers
A wholesale dropship company or warehouse is a unique concept that is catching the internet by storm. If you want to stock your online store or sell stuff on eBay or want to appear as a discount reseller but not have to stock your own warehouse then partnering with a dropship company that offers near wholesale prices is necessary to succeed with your online business or web site.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of wholesale dropship companies on the internet. Many claim to be wholesale suppliers and they are not if they can not offer the same wholesale price that the company that manufactures the product. A good company will have prices close to wholesale. The reason for this is the wholesale manufacturer will need to have an account with you and a tax ID. You will also usually need to buy in bulk to get those wholesale prices not to mention a warehouse to store them the product in.
So a dropship supplier will be sending the product for you and shipping it to an address you specify and the package or product will look like it came from your own warehouse. They can handle the returns for you. It will cost the company time to package, cost of materials so of course and they will pass this cost on to you.
If you want the rock bottom prices that a dropship company can offer you will need to research very thoroughly. Don't waste your time looking for a wholesale list many are outdated or not updated and it will cost you not only the price of the list but your valuable time.
The best way to find products is through a reputable dropship directory. This list of products is endless, apparel, jewelry, soy candles, surveillance equipment, lingerie or just about anything you can think of. When you use a directory you usually have a ways to search for the lowest prices and there may be several results returned back showing the companies that have the product along with the cost.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of wholesale dropship companies on the internet. Many claim to be wholesale suppliers and they are not if they can not offer the same wholesale price that the company that manufactures the product. A good company will have prices close to wholesale. The reason for this is the wholesale manufacturer will need to have an account with you and a tax ID. You will also usually need to buy in bulk to get those wholesale prices not to mention a warehouse to store them the product in.
So a dropship supplier will be sending the product for you and shipping it to an address you specify and the package or product will look like it came from your own warehouse. They can handle the returns for you. It will cost the company time to package, cost of materials so of course and they will pass this cost on to you.
If you want the rock bottom prices that a dropship company can offer you will need to research very thoroughly. Don't waste your time looking for a wholesale list many are outdated or not updated and it will cost you not only the price of the list but your valuable time.
The best way to find products is through a reputable dropship directory. This list of products is endless, apparel, jewelry, soy candles, surveillance equipment, lingerie or just about anything you can think of. When you use a directory you usually have a ways to search for the lowest prices and there may be several results returned back showing the companies that have the product along with the cost.
Selasa, 05 Mei 2009
The Drawback With Online Auctions - Art Market Insight
Auctions are current pastime on the Internet. However, in no way is the appeal comparable to the excitement that reigns in brick-and-mortar sales rooms. Whoever attended a real auction room will agree to that the web alternative is a weak alternative. There are somewhat parallel feelings about reading print on paper and reading pixels on screens. The real thing feels so much better but on-line it's unquestionably more efficient. This, however, is not the most decisive difference.
Virtual auctions on the Internet are void of excitement because the most attractive feature of the auction mechanism is radically changed. Whereas traditional auctions are immediate and fought out on the spur of the moment, web auctions are lame substitutes because of the pre-defined and uncompromising ending hour. 'Impulsive bidding' is impossible, i.e. decisions in the last instance, when the bidder sees his own maximum surpassed. To go ahead at the crucial moment is however natural seen that the market value is established at that very instant.
Long distance participation in auctions has a long history. The side booths of major sales rooms are still crowded with middlemen bidding for absent parties. When closely following auction sales room action, one can't help to remark the low efficiency of telephone relaying. On-line bidding has recently begun to compliment the conventional triangular traffic between the floor, the telephone bidders and the auctioneer, handling his absentee bids. To be as present as possible in the action is of course what every collector needs and this is the reason why complimentary Internet bidding is gaining ground.
To counter the drawback of virtual auctions some have tried live auctions on the Internet and the most known attempt is without doubt eBay Live. The recent announcement of the imminent cessation of eBay's live auction activity will certainly not discourage other players to enter this difficult market. The problem with eBay-live was their inability to transcribe the real live auction excitement to the screen. Their solution was an almost immobile interface lacking in dynamism and missing in everything that calls up the real auction thrill. It is the hammering that makes all the difference in a live situation; and the hammering moment is everything in auctions. Until the real live sales atmosphere can be recreated on the web, i.e. until virtual auctioneers will be able to feel 'the temperature of the virtual room', real-life auctions in material venues will have the favour with the public.
Virtual auctions on the Internet are void of excitement because the most attractive feature of the auction mechanism is radically changed. Whereas traditional auctions are immediate and fought out on the spur of the moment, web auctions are lame substitutes because of the pre-defined and uncompromising ending hour. 'Impulsive bidding' is impossible, i.e. decisions in the last instance, when the bidder sees his own maximum surpassed. To go ahead at the crucial moment is however natural seen that the market value is established at that very instant.
Long distance participation in auctions has a long history. The side booths of major sales rooms are still crowded with middlemen bidding for absent parties. When closely following auction sales room action, one can't help to remark the low efficiency of telephone relaying. On-line bidding has recently begun to compliment the conventional triangular traffic between the floor, the telephone bidders and the auctioneer, handling his absentee bids. To be as present as possible in the action is of course what every collector needs and this is the reason why complimentary Internet bidding is gaining ground.
To counter the drawback of virtual auctions some have tried live auctions on the Internet and the most known attempt is without doubt eBay Live. The recent announcement of the imminent cessation of eBay's live auction activity will certainly not discourage other players to enter this difficult market. The problem with eBay-live was their inability to transcribe the real live auction excitement to the screen. Their solution was an almost immobile interface lacking in dynamism and missing in everything that calls up the real auction thrill. It is the hammering that makes all the difference in a live situation; and the hammering moment is everything in auctions. Until the real live sales atmosphere can be recreated on the web, i.e. until virtual auctioneers will be able to feel 'the temperature of the virtual room', real-life auctions in material venues will have the favour with the public.
Sabtu, 02 Mei 2009
Online Auctions For the Best Smartphone and PDA Deals
Are you planning to purchase a personal data assistant such as Palm TX or a smartphone? While you can purchase them from local retail stores, you probably will not get a discount on your purchase. One way that you can get the best PDA deals is to use online auction sites. However, you need to follow a few guidelines in order to make a good purchase.
Research retail prices for the item that you want. Some auctions are listed at retail or even more. Then, research the selling prices for completed auctions for the items that you are interested in. Make sure to note the condition of the product sold as this can greatly affect the price. This will give you an idea of the going rate for the item on that particular site.
Shipping prices vary. Do not bid if the shipping amount is not listed, or you may get a nasty surprise when you win. You can either email the seller for the cost, or only choose to deal with those that either quote a flat rate or provide a shipping calculator. Check also which shipping service is being used as you may not want an expensive item sent by first class mail or worse, have to wait weeks because a budget shipping method was used
Before placing a bid, check the feedback. You want to choose someone who has a high feedback rating. Although a negative here or there is to be expected especially with those who do a large volume of sales, the overall score should be high. Make sure that the seller has sold a number of items, preferably over 100, so you have some assurance that they are not fly-by-night. Also, look if the feedback is mostly from purchases rather than sales. Some unscrupulous people will buy a bunch of products to get a good rating and then turn around and rip people off when they list their own items.
If you are uncomfortable making a large purchase online, escrow services are available. These serve as a middleman between you and the lister so that you have some assurance that you will receive what you bought.
Research retail prices for the item that you want. Some auctions are listed at retail or even more. Then, research the selling prices for completed auctions for the items that you are interested in. Make sure to note the condition of the product sold as this can greatly affect the price. This will give you an idea of the going rate for the item on that particular site.
Shipping prices vary. Do not bid if the shipping amount is not listed, or you may get a nasty surprise when you win. You can either email the seller for the cost, or only choose to deal with those that either quote a flat rate or provide a shipping calculator. Check also which shipping service is being used as you may not want an expensive item sent by first class mail or worse, have to wait weeks because a budget shipping method was used
Before placing a bid, check the feedback. You want to choose someone who has a high feedback rating. Although a negative here or there is to be expected especially with those who do a large volume of sales, the overall score should be high. Make sure that the seller has sold a number of items, preferably over 100, so you have some assurance that they are not fly-by-night. Also, look if the feedback is mostly from purchases rather than sales. Some unscrupulous people will buy a bunch of products to get a good rating and then turn around and rip people off when they list their own items.
If you are uncomfortable making a large purchase online, escrow services are available. These serve as a middleman between you and the lister so that you have some assurance that you will receive what you bought.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)