For a myriad reasons, online auction sites are an excellent to sell a product for a good price. What makes it so different from the conventional stores and malls is you have all the time in the world to surf the listings and more so.. the bidding takes place for days not minutes. It is an excellent opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to make a successful business if you have the persistence and the will to do it.
The Fundamental Idea:
Basically your primary role to play an intermediary role of a catalyst helping people buy products of their choice. To get started, you don't need to stock items for you can start placing drop shipper's items on eBay. This concept is by those who don't wish to stock inventory of products sold for future delivery through mail order, catalogues and Internet Advertising. When you send single unit orders to the manufacturers or major stock distributors, they in turn ship the item directly to the customers found at online auction, benefiting them by savings on advertising and costs to middlemen. This way your stocking inventory risks are minimized with added savings on storage, insurance, overhead and keeping sold until sold.
Advantages:
Starting a business with minimum capital. You loose a few dollars in eBay fees if your items don't sell.
Disadvantages:
The hindrance is no public information on general sales methods and techniques used. Time is essence, required to work all the time to run the business, since this is not a passive income method.
Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Keep in mind the days when auctions are in full swing usually on Sunday evenings. A wrong auction expiration time could be fatal.
2. Give adequate attention to your listings. Provide complete information to the prospective bidders so that they can act fast. Avoid flashy designs and animated texts. They only make customers irritating resulting in loss of business.
3. People usually don't bid on Reserve. Avoid it. Obviously the customers don't like to receive a message 'Reserve not yet met' message.
4. The fundamental rule for any business is having a Business Plan. The fundamentals must be strong. Have a definite business plan and work accordingly.
Stability is the key. Your business model must be stable. Keeping changing the suppliers and manufacturers lest you could get bogged down with a few only |
