The items to be auctioned are put on display. For example, a chamber of commerce may have solicited goods and services from people in the community for sale at an annual chamber banquet or other event. If you're interested, you simply browse through the offerings. Find something you like? Bidding is easy. You just pick up a pen and write down your name along with what you'd pay for that item
The point is that you're not bidding ?in the dark? like sealed bid auctions. In that case, you submit your bid in writing in a sealed envelope. For more details visit to www.auction-profits.com . The envelope is opened and the highest (or lowest, as the case may be) bidder is notified. But in silent auctions, you have the opportunity to see what someone else bid on a particular item. Often, you can even see who submitted that bid, though some silent auctions assign numbers for your bidding to ensure anonymity.
If you enjoy auctions, there are some real pros and some cons to silent auctions. One of the biggest pros is that there's no need to stand around and wait for the item you're interested in to come around ? a process that sometimes takes hours. Instead of waiting until the auctioneer comes to that item, you can just walk around and bid on whatever catches your eye.
If you think that the excitement of bidding against another bidder is absent from silent auctions, think again. For more details go to www.auction-words.com .The bidding can sometimes become fierce with several people ?guarding? the item they are bidding on to watch for opposing bidders. When that happens, the people who are most interested in the item may get into a ?silent? bidding war, just as in a traditional auction. One will barely wait for another to move before placing a new bid.
One negative of the silent auctions is that you have to watch an item you're interested in. The point is that you're not bidding ?in the dark? like sealed bid auctions. In that case, you submit your bid in writing in a sealed envelope. Typically, there will be a notice that the auction is about to draw to a close so that you have one last chance to check the status of your bids, and to make one last bid.
Another negative is that it's more difficult to make small increment bids that really count. The best way to scare off other bidders and potential bidders is to simply make a large jump in your bid amount. Silent auctions are a way of disposing of auction items without employing the services of an auctioneer ? one of the main reasons silent auctions are popular as charity and organizational fundraisers. Here's how it works. Silent auctions can be a good way to raise money, and can be incredibly fun for the bidder.
Rule: Use Professional Imagery Potential sales in the online environment can be secured by the images of the goods on offer. There should be a variety of professional looking photographs used to give viewers a true representation of the item. Lack of imagery and poor picture quality is the number one turn off for potential bidders.
Rule: Finetune Your Message Advertising your item is heavily dependent on creating strong, truthful and descriptive messaging. It's the time to promote the advantages of your listing over competing goods. Execution is invaluable. Errors and misleading information must be avoided to maintain credibility as an online seller.
Rule: Be Upfront about Fees and Charges Concealing additional fees and charges will be viewed as dishonesty. Bidders want to know the total outlay required if they are successful in winning your item. Be sure to list all costs associated with purchasing your item to create a transparent selling experience. Where possible, include costs in local currency and include postage and handling details. Too often this information is glossed over, leaving buyers feeing disgruntled.
Rule: Offer a variety of Payment Options Where possible offer a variety of payment options to potential buyers. Greater flexibility for payment will attract a higher level of interest as limited options can deter or even exclude some buyers from purchasing.
Rule: Provide Strong Customer Service Round out the buying process with professional, attentive and genuine customer service. Respond to enquiries regularly and provide honest dialogue to your audience. This will benefit you in individual sales, as well as in the long term. Online auction sites facilitate feedback, and the aim over time is to build a positive feedback profile to give credibility to your items and service. You will be seen as a trusted seller, further facilitating your selling initiatives in the future.
Creating stand out auction listings is imperative to the success of your online selling endeavours. Following the above rules could well provide you with the advantage over your many competitors in the online selling environment.
Both Veeru & Angela Conn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.