When selling on eBay with a target price in mind...

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Is it best to have a high starting price, or a reserve, or neither and just hope for the best? Which is best considering cost AND appeal to buyers.
 

trinketsummoner

Senior member
Aug 24, 2004
695
1
81
Ive found it works best to have a great description, good photos and start with a low bid, no reserve. If you ~have~ to get a minimum price for something, start it at that price. The auction itself is what makes or breaks it though, if you have a 1 line description and no pics, esp on a higher priced item it will turn the bidders off completely.

 

DeadByDawn

Platinum Member
Dec 22, 2003
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Depends on what the completed items look like. Most of the time I'm not disappointed by a low starting bid. Some items are looking for just one buyer though.
 

Ramma2

Platinum Member
Jul 29, 2002
2,710
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If I have to get a price for something, I will set a low starting bit and a reserve.

Putting the starting bid high not only scares away bidders, but it also costs you more to list.
 

Linux23

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
11,339
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can you opt not to sell if you don't get a good price for the item you want to sell?
 

trinketsummoner

Senior member
Aug 24, 2004
695
1
81
Originally posted by: Linux23
can you opt not to sell if you don't get a good price for the item you want to sell?

If you dont have a reserve, then no. Well, you can if you want, but dont expect to last on ebay long :)

 

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
15,965
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If you want quick money, research the completed items selling price of the same item in previous auctions and do a buy it now at the desired price.
If you don't need fast cash, then start the bidding somewhere near the desired selling price and let the auction go for 7 days and hope for the best. Sometime I get way more than expected, and sometimes I don't.



 

Rumpltzer

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2003
4,815
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Originally posted by: trinketsummoner
Ive found it works best to have a great description, good photos and start with a low bid, no reserve. If you ~have~ to get a minimum price for something, start it at that price. The auction itself is what makes or breaks it though, if you have a 1 line description and no pics, esp on a higher priced item it will turn the bidders off completely.
I agree. I'll add that a fair shipping price also helps to win bids.

I often start my auctions very low and let people bid them up.
 

archcommus

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
8,115
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76
Well I have something I need to put up Sunday. I know about what it should sell for. Setting the initial price OR a reserve price costs the same amount. What about BINs, though? Is the cost of a BIN the same as if you started an auction at that price?