brand new to ebay

[wendyl]

Based on all I have read here: I started selling this week. I do need some help--so you will probably see my name quite a bit. Here's my first concern:

I noticed that my top bidder right now is new and has zero feedback (i know that's not always bad)--but then I saw that she is also the high bidder on the very same item from another seller that closes after my auction (the current bid on that is much lower--but has a reserve not met). The current bid on mine is $76--so I stand to lose quite a bit if she drops out.

My fear is that she is new and doesn't quite understand she is obligated to buy items she was won. Or that she is not new, and has just changed her "name" to be able to continue bad bidding practices. Do I dare email her?? The auction doesn't end for 4 more days, so I should probably just hope for the best.

This all makes me so nervous--I may not have the heart/stomach for this!!

YIKES!!!

 

[Robinrs]

I've worried about "new" or zero feedback types, too, but have only had a problem with one so far. The others are over conscientious! They call and hpoe they don't mess up, it's a pleasure dealing with them!

Besides, if she is new she probably won't have the experience to snipe a "hot" item and be beat by a veteran. Either way you only lose time in the deal. If she doesn't pay you can offer it to the next highest bidder or relist it and get back your final fees.

Good luck!

 

[wendyl]

Thanks for your reassurance. I tend to just be a worrier.


By the way-- What is "sniping"?

 

[mad4themouse]

Originally posted by wendyl

By the way-- What is "sniping"?

"Sniping" is the term used to decribe the action of waiting until the final moments of an auctions and then placing your bid. If it's high enough, the sniper will beat out the other bidders, with no time left for them to respond with a counter-bid. I've been know to watch for really "hot" items that are listed to end during weekday mornings and then "snipe" them at the last minute for a lot less than I would pay for the same item ending on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[Robinrs]

The really good snipers use sniping software to do their bidding for them. I used to get outbid on the last second and wondered how????? I believe I found out how to do it on this board!

 

[dansyr]

on future auction you can add a disclaimer that you have right not to accept bids from bidders with less than a certain # feedback or you can have them contact you first to decide whether to accept their bid or not. You can also go through squaretrade to settle disputes if payment is not received. In all honesty....I have only had trouble with one or 2 bidders in the last 2 years that I have been selling on ebay.

 

[wendyl]

Software for ebay sniping?????

are you serious?

WOW--now that's some serious ebaying. But, as a seller--I say SNIPE AWAY---bring up those prices--if only a dollar!!

There were alot of bids on my items for the first 2 days, and now it has tapered off. I assume (hope) it will pick back up closer to auction close.

Rookie Mistake: most of my auctions close in the middle of the day on a weekday. Is Sunday evening the best time for an auction to close to take advantage of last minute bidders?

 

[dpayne1969]

Originally posted by wendyl
Software for ebay sniping?????

are you serious?

WOW--now that's some serious ebaying. But, as a seller--I say SNIPE AWAY---bring up those prices--if only a dollar!!

There were alot of bids on my items for the first 2 days, and now it has tapered off. I assume (hope) it will pick back up closer to auction close.

Rookie Mistake: most of my auctions close in the middle of the day on a weekday. Is Sunday evening the best time for an auction to close to take advantage of last minute bidders?

I have learned from some power sellers that the weekends are always the best time for an auction to end due to the volume of bidders on there during that time frame.I had some auctions end today that brought about 200.00 for our vacation.We were very pleased having it end on a saturday around 2.00 p.m.