Increase Auction Profits

Friday, July 17, 2009

I Sold It On eBay Wholesale Secrets Using SEO Keywords For eBay Selling Success Part One

If you are trying to sell wholesale products using auction sites and you'd like to increase the "I Sold It On eBay!" factor, most top eBay sellers know they have to research their SEO keywords.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization (a good thing when you are trying to attract new customers to your wholesale products or business), and it's a lot easier than you think. Plus, using SEO keyword tactics works equally as well with your website as it does with your eBay seller auctions. Although it may take you a little bit to get the hang of the process, once you lea this crucial technique you'll be eBay selling with the pros.

First, visit eBay's Pulse section, which offers anyone who visits the page a quick view of what's hot on the auction site. I'll walk you through this process using some SEO keywords that I'm personally interested in: wholesale and retail doll supplies. (For a list of wholesale companies that offer doll supplies, visit WholesaleGopher.com).

My eBay Pulse search shows there is only one "wholesale doll" item listed, 46 items matching "retail doll", 82 items matching "doll supplies" and 84 items for "wholesale doll". (Of course, your results may differ from mine, since eBay sellers are constantly changing their auctions, offerings and products). You can also use the scroll down list on the site to pick an item category that interests you, and then write down the top terms from there, too.

Next, you need to check and see how popular those keywords are. Using a freebie keyword suggestor, I find out that my keywords "wholesale and retail doll supply" were searched 564 times last month over many of the search engines (explaining this process will take too long to go into in this article; hopefully we'll touch upon it a bit more in another piece). Because my SEO keywords are so specialized, I'm not seeing any other results than the ones I stuck in there, but you'll probably get a whole slew. Any that describe your wholesale wares well, plug them into eBay Pulse as well to see what their demand is on the auction site, too.

Then, I visit Google and type in "wholesale and retail doll supply" (WITH the quotations - this is really important), and find that there are only eighty-four websites listed that meet the search term requirements. (Let me add here that these are incredible odds; you won't see search results like this often).

Are you still with me? Okay, now comes the hard part: figuring out which search terms are the best to populate your eBay auction with. Read the next article in this series for an in-depth explanation how to use these SEO keywords so you can start yelling, "I Sold It On eBay!" sooner, rather than later.

Jim Staley is the is the CEO for WholesaleGopher, one of the most trusted dealer and distributor directories on the Inteet, offering visitors wholesale items, import and export goods, surplus and closeouts from true wholesale sources. Lea more about wholesaling with his free, bi-weekly blog at http://www.wholesalegopher.com/blog/.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

How to Win on eBay

I've bought over 100 items on eBay over three years and am ready to share my knowledge of how to win at eBay and buy from reputable sellers.

1. You can find anything on eBay. When searching on eBay I suggest first doing a general search such as "ionic breeze" and checking what the items are going for. I noticed the items by companies with eBay stores were selling much higher than those by individuals. This is true for all categories. So don't be scared of buying from an individual as it could be much cheaper.

2. Before bidding look at the seller's rating. I only buy from those with 99% or higher ratings.

3. Next check the shipping cost. Quite a lot of eBay sellers are willing to sell their high priced item at NR or no reserve but make the money back with outrageous shipping costs. How do you know a shipping cost is too high? When checking out the auctions for your item such as "ionic breeze" keep an eye on the shipping cost. The average cost for shipping quadra ionic breeze machines seems to be $20. If someone is charging $30 then you know you're getting had on the shipping. I make my maximum bid less on those auctions where the seller is charging too much for shipping.

4. To have less search results to wade through limit the search by using the minimum and maximum amounts setting. Think of what you'd really like to get the item for and put it as the maximum amount. By combing the listings for "ionic breeze" I've found it is possible to get a Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra for $50 if I buy it used from an individual or reconditioned from a business. That's ok with me as I just want to pay less than what Sharper Image is charging!

5. One of the most important tips is to read every word in their auction page. People sell broken items on eBay. Some of the auctions for ionic breezes looked great but in between their text stating how great ionic breezes are, how much square feet it covers, was the sentence that the item was broken. Imagine how I'd feel if I had bid and won only to find out I didn't read the auction carefully! Yes it's a nasty way to do business selling items that are broke and tricking people into buying them. But if you bid you legally have to pay for it.

6. Ask questions before you bid. If the auction does not state how the item is being packaged then ask. I once bought a wall mounted barometer, temperature, humidity item that was shipping in a shoe box with no packaging! It was busted, glass shattered. So make sure you ask how they are going to ship it and what packaging they are going to use.

7. Also ask if the item works, do they have the manuals, does it still have a warranty if ownership is transferred, are items sanitized, does it come from a smoke free pet free home? You need to ask these questions as it's "buyer beware" on eBay.

8. The cheapest prices on items is during the summer when people are on vacation and not stuck at home during the winter. The worst time to buy is before Christmas. Everyone is trying to outbid each other for a gift. The prices are unbelievable!

9. After spending time doing the legwork I mentioned above, you'll find that a few eBay sellers seem to be ideal to buy from. Add them to your favorite seller's list. Then it's easy to go straight to their store, or items for sale page, and bid on what they have. You've already checked them out so don't forget who they are!

More ebay tips at ebay tips

Online Auction Sites Oh The Possibilities

Online auction sites are set up in such a way that they can be very profitable both for you and for the auction house itself. But, what most people do not realize is that there is a world that is beyond that of Ebay! Yes, there are many other online auction sites for you to consider. Take a look at your options and see just what they offer you before you get started bidding on the web.

Let?s face it, Ebay is the largest online auction site. It has become so very successful because of its vast marketing plan and the ease of use it offers its users. Everyone knows that if you can find something in the local retail area or you can find it online that you will likely find it too right on the Ebay auction site.

So, how does it all work? Online auction sites are set up to allow for a meeting place of bidders and sellers. They do not sell products themselves but provide a meeting environment for you to find the people you are looking for. Of course to list a product to be sold, or in some cases to purchase a product on the web, you will be charged a fee. This is a necessary part of doing business on these websites but in cases like Ebay, it has become an excellent source of revenue as well

So, who else is out there? There are other online auction sites that you should take a good look at. These include the following:

? TradeMe
? Yahoo!
? EBid
? Inteet Bargain Center
? Marktplaats
? Bidville as well as many more

There are many benefits to using these online auction sites including the ease of connecting with prospective buyers, the use of 24/7 availability, and worldwide exposure to say the least. Many people find excellent reasons to get into the online auction site as a business as well. There is no limit to what can be found on these websites. Taking a look at those that are less well known can be an excellent opportunity as well.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information please see www.online-auction-sites.co.uk

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Looking to Buy High Quality Cheap Electronics Here s Why an Online Auction Site May Be the Place

Since they began back in 1995, Inteet auction sites have become one of, if not the, hottest phenomenon on the Web.

And today, the popularity of these sites is growing faster than ever before due to a new wave of sites that auction off brand name products at deep discounts; offering their members cheap electronics and other items at up to 80% to 90% off their regular retail price

In effect, these online auction sites allow members from around the world to save significantly on brand-name products (including collectibles, cheap electronics and much more) with a few simple clicks of their mouse. But is joining one or more these websites that auction off brand name products right for you? Are there any risks involved? According to the Federal Trade Commission, auction fraud – where a seller takes your money and never delivers a product – can be a problem at sites that regularly auction off brand name products. Here are some additional auction fraud statistics:

In a recent FBI study, online auctions ranked No. 1 as a source for fraud on the Inteet.

The Inteet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) has received 1,000 consumer complaints per week since opening its doors.

EBay says one in every 40,000 of its listings ends in a confirmed case of fraud.

Online auction fraud entails 64% of all Inteet fraud that is reported.

Complaints against individual subjects, as opposed to complaints against businesses, account for 84% of all complaints received.

That's why, should you decide to join an online auction site, you must be careful to select a reputable one that keeps its members; best interests in mind at all times. For example, at one well-respected online auction site, www.ahmoze.com, members can instantly send their feedback to site officials and most of the brand-name products the site features in its online auctions come with warranties. Another factor you will want to consider before taking the plunge and joining an online auction site is what type of online auctions does the site offer? Most experts consider blind online auctions, which are offered at www.ahmoze.com and several other sites, as the best approach for ensuring members have the best auction experience possible. Why? Because in blind auctions members never have to worry about competitors using automated bid monitoring tools, which are very common at other sites.

Ultimately, whether you're in the market for cheap electronics or another type of product, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for at one of the many sites online that auction off brand name products.

Most online auction transactions are easy and smooth. However, auction fraud can be a problem. You may find that the item you receive is not what the seller promised. Or, you may never receive the item that you won the bid on.

Fortunately, you can help to prevent online auction fraud by doing a little research and by choosing to join only a reputable online site. In the end, the benefits of being able to purchase brand name products at deep discounts certainly outweigh the limited risks that exist.

Ken Dare is a freelance writer based in Tampa, FL. Ken has over 15 years of writing experience in the marketing communications field - which includes over seven years of web writing experience. Ken founded WriteDare Copywriting at the beginning of 2004 and now specializes in crafting online copy that sells - specifically corporate websites, online direct response sales letters and emails.

Buying Tips For Maximum Profits On EBay

Buying on eBay can be lots of fun and profiting. If you love bargains, and am yet to see anyone who doesn't, i stand corrected, if there is anyone one out there who doesn't, then eBay is the right place for you. 24 hours a day and the whole year through in the comfort of your own home, you can find and profit from lots of bargains.

From eBay antiques to eBay motors, real estate to sought after event tickets, consumer electronics to collectibles, there is something for everyone on eBay. And these are just a few of the categories i have mentioned. At any one time, eBay has hundreds of thousands of items for sale on its network of sites.

Items are organised into categories on eBay, and these are listed down on the left hand side of the screen. It's amazing what's on sale on eBay. Rather than moving through all this categories, it's a better idea to use eBay's search facility.

Because eBay has such a massive number of items for sale, it's very likely you will be presented with hundreds if not thousands of items when you search for items to buy on eBay. The first thing to have in mind, when you need to buy on eBay will of course be the price.

EBay is supposed to be the bargain warehouse, but over the years, there have been so many items that have exchanged hands for way above their retail value because of the bidding frenzy that comes with certain items offered for sale on the auction site.

It's always a good practice to compare bids if you are involved in an auction, and if this has already exceeded the pre - determined amount you are willing to pay, don't be tempted into a bidding war, just move on and find similar items with a different seller, you are always bound to find these because remember there are thousands of items available for sale on eBay.

Items you buy on eBay will be mailed to you unless stated otherwise, so be very wary of postage and delivery costs when determining the amount you are willing to pay for an item. When you have decided on these, also consider the condition of the item. EBay is an auction site, and as is the case with all auctions, there are always old and new items for sale. So be very careful, usually the seller's description of the item should give you an idea about its condition.

When in doubt you can always email the seller through eBay's mail system. All good sellers will answer questions regarding their items.

Some auctions come with a "Buy It Now" icon, you can end the auction immediately by paying for the advertised price using the "Buy It Now" icon. I suggest you should only do this if the "Buy It Now" price is within the pre - determined amount you are willing to pay.

David E Nettey is the webmaster of http://fishing-lures.lyecryads.com and http://podiatry.lyecryads.com He has helped several new online business owners get started, For Inteet Business Ideas and Opportunities visit his website http://www.Profits-Web.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_E_Nettey

A Huge Selection of Office Chairs are Available Everyday on eBay

Ebay can offer great options when purchasing a new office chair for your business or home office. With a huge selection and new models constantly being added, you should be able to find the right office chair for you with relative ease. Auction style listings with a 1-10 day fixed time limit, which go to the highest bidder are how eBay started out drawing a crowd. Now they have many different ways to purchase.

Buying office chairs through Fixed Price Buy It Now listings and through eBay stores seems to be the quickest and offers the best pricing available on eBay. Although, auction style listings can sometimes end for pennies on the dollar, they are more time consuming and can end in prices way over the normal retail price.

In order to see the items that are listed under the Auction Style price Category, simply enter the keyword term into the search box on the eBay homepage and see what listings appear. The listings directly below the box are the auction style listings all with a fixed time frame of start and end that appears with each listing and current bidding price as well as a photo, if available, and a shipping cost.

With eBay Stores, you get the same display, but with auctions at a set price and easy to compare statistics, most with buy now options. You know how to compare pricing because you know what price the auction will end at. This makes price comparison and even "window shopping" of a sort, possible and quick.

With easy to view photos and up to 25 listings per page, it is better to narrow down your search to a more specific type of chair in order to find the right model quicker. This small search step can save you time and help you to find exactly what you were looking for. Many keywords such as ergonomic, leather, executive or mesh are commonly used to help in the search.

Office chairs offer a huge range of pricing and options available but so does eBay, making it easy to find a great chair for a terrific price. Once you know what you are looking for in both a chair and a listing on eBay, you are halfway done and the rest of the battle is simply picking the right chair for you and getting comfortable once it arrives.

Amy Lieberfarb has been in the office fuiture and interior sales industry for 11 years and currently runs two online websites dedicated to Office Chairs and Fuiture. Providing information on how to pick the right ergonomic chair and featuring hundreds of different chairs, the site is very informative.

http://stores.ebay.com/liebswholesale

Specializing in Office Fuiture and Ergonomic Chairs.

http://www.liebswholesale.com

Please see her other articles for more information on buying online and on eBay, and ergonomic information for the workplace and home office.

She is an expert in most things office chairs and is an eBay Gold Level Powerseller with years of experience and great positive feedback from all of her loyal customer base.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Online Auction Fraud

eBay sales may have grown 51% last year over the previous year, but general online complaints jumped by 66.6% over the previous year to some 207,000+ complaints in 2004. The Inteet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), stated in its yearly report that 71.2% of all complaints received pertained to auctions.

Online fraud is a growing problem on the inteet and the auction segment is far from immune. The IC3 reports that most complaints consist of late or no shipment of products, items that don't match advertised condition and bogus payment or escrow services.

If you decide to offer "all items to be shipped within 24 hours", make sure you keep your word, and go to great lengths to honestly represent and describe the item in your auctions. Your bidders will appreciate your honesty and it will eventually show up in your feedback.

As consumer fears increase, there are a number of common sense ways to help protect you from fraud, as well as enhance your reputation as a trustworthy seller and set you apart from the crowd.

Watch Out for Bad Checks, Money Orders and Cashiers Checks Years ago I had a buyer who complained rather loudly when I didn't ship an item as soon as I received the check in the mail. In hind site it was a good decision to hold the shipment since the check ended up being fraudulent. Bad checks, money orders, and cashiers checks are rampant in ecommerce today. The simplest way to offset the danger of bad paper is not to ship the auction item until the check, money order or cashier check clears your bank for payment.

Overpayments

Never accept any overpayments for any item. One of the more popular scams today is for a buyer to send a cashiers check for an amount that is higher than the agreed upon final price. They then claim it was in error and ask the seller to kindly retu the overage when the item is shipped. Off goes the item, the overage amount in good money, and the defrauded seller finds out too late the cashiers check was fake.

Use an Escrow Service for High Priced Items

The primary purpose of escrow services is to protect buyers and sellers from fraud. Basically what they do is to accept the money from the buyer and hold it until the buyer receives and approves the merchandise. Please note that fake escrow services are increasing on the inteet. If a buyer contacts you after a sale and recommends an escrow service you are not familiar with BEWARE. At present eBay only recommends one escrow company: www.escrow.com. For information go to http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidence/payment-escrow.html

Records, Records, Records

Keeps a copy of every transaction detail from the original auction listing to the last email. You will need that kind of proof to validate your claims if you should find you need to file a complaint.

Protect Yourself by Being Educated

At the very least you need to be knowledgeable about your legal obligations as a seller and familiar with the fraud protections and policies for the auction sites and payment processing services you use. eBay and Paypal have extensive sections on their websites dedicated to fraud policies and protections. You should take the time to read through these or similar information pages for the sites and services you use on a regular basis and be very familiar with the material.

A few of the key recommendations from Paypal's Protection for Sellers section include:

Ship only to the address listed on the Transaction Details page

Use a shipping service with tracking

Check out the buyer's reputation

Accept payment from only one Paypal account per buyer

Limit credit card payments

Enhancing Your Safe Seller Image

Here are a few tips that will help improve your image as a safe seller for your bidders.

Identify Yourself - Make use of the about me pages to let your customers know who you are, how long you've been in business and how much their business means to you. Be honest.

Feedback Ratings - Auction buyers want to see 100% positive feedback.

Methods of Payment - Make it easy for your customers to buy but consider convenience, cost and security in choosing any payment method you offer.

Full Disclosure - Your auction listings should clearly state the condition of the item you're auctioning, your shipping/insurance and retu policies.

Bonding programs - A number of bonding programs are available on the inteet. One of the more popular is BuySafe (www.buysafe.com). In a bonding program the seller agrees to certain obligations such as shipping on time, representing the item correctly, and standing behind the transaction. In retu the seller can display a seal on their auctions showing bidders they are honest sellers and providing transaction insurance in some cases up to $25,000.

Other programs you should be familiar with include:

IDVerify
SquareTrade
Trust-e

If You Become a Victim of Online Fraud

You need to know exactly what should be done in the event you are victimized. Make your plan now, before it happens. The most recommended steps to take if you are victimized are listed below but please keep in mind these are general recommendations and you should have you own plan based on your needs.

File a complaint with your auction site
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
File a complaint with the IC3
File a complaint with the National Fraud Information Center
Contact your local and state law enforcement agencies
Contact the local and state law enforcement agencies in the perpetrator's home area
File a complaint with the shipping company you used
It the perpetrator is a business and a member of the Better Business Bureau you should also file a complaint there.