Posted by Blueink_CA on 8/10/06 12:22pm
Msg #138004

OT- Questions for you Ebay pros

Hi guys, sorry about the OT, but this is driving me insane.

I put an item on Ebay (first time). It's a high ticket item and I placed the starting bid low (but still over $500) just so I would get some action. Well, here it is three days later and NO bids. It shows "10 watchers". What are they watching for? Are they waiting for me to lower my opening bid? Is it because of the big zero next to my user name? Any advice? TIA

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/10/06 12:27pm
Msg #138006

They are watching how the bidding goes, will most likely swoop in with a bid at the last minute. They don't want to pump the bidding up, want to get it as cheap as possible. The fact that they're watching the item tells you they're interested but not going to jack up the price. GL, you'll love playing around with e-bay!

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/10/06 12:33pm
Msg #138012

the watchers are most likely 'snipers'. like Sue mentioned, they will watch the action until the last minute and have probably already determined their bid if they choose to make one.

What are you selling? Can you e-m me, now you got me curious. I was there for half the night watching....redoing the toddler to young lady bedroom.

Reply by LisaWI on 8/10/06 12:47pm
Msg #138016

EBAY is a blast to sell things.
I'll tell you what happened with an item we had put on not anticipating a BIG sale. Very few bids at first, and a couple of people emailed us to see if they could buy it outside of the auction, but we held out until the end.
Come to find out there were alot of people watching and waiting. In the last 2 minutes of the sale, the bids starting coming in like gangbusters. The price just started rising in a matter of seconds. It was simply amazing. We got more for that piece than we ever imagined.
So, yes hold off just like everyone else said.
Another suggestion if you plan on doing more on EBAY. Do a search on completed items (Left side of screen in Ebay when you do searches) of the item you are trying to sell, this will give you an idea of what that particular item is selling for.
Have fun and good luck on your auction

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/10/06 12:53pm
Msg #138017

When I've bought things on E-Bay, I've done exactly what others have said, I wait until the last possible minute then place my bid accordingly. Good luck!

Reply by Jahari Davis on 8/10/06 1:27pm
Msg #138028

I'm an ebay buyer and seller and will tell you from personal experience...Watchers dont mean anything. I've had items listed with 9 watchers that didnt move and relisted. There's lots of tricks to ebay and how the fee structure works when listing items. Buy It Now and Best Offers are golden as well!

Hit me up if you have any questions!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/10/06 1:58pm
Msg #138040

With all due respect Mr. Davis I too am a buyer and a seller. When I have watchers 99% of the time I sell my item within the last 3 minutes of the auction if it's a high dollar OR popular item. When I'm buying I see what I want, see who else has it up for grabs, know the retail price and bid accordingly. Many times an inexperienced buyer will pay premium plus just because they don't know or realize the bidding process. My crystal ball says that with a high dollar item it will move as long as the minimum set price is tempting with regards to regular retail.

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/10/06 2:07pm
Msg #138043

my sentiments exactly, as a buyer/seller n/m

Reply by Blueink_CA on 8/10/06 2:09pm
Msg #138044

I'm hoping you're right Sue. I priced it at 25% of retail. Since I'm watching other similar items, I wonder if we're all watching each other?! This can get addicting....

Reply by Scott_IN on 8/10/06 2:12pm
Msg #138047

I agree with the others, may people wait till the last 5 minutes to bid, and then, if it is a popular item, it USUALLY goes up quickly. I have over 2900 positive ratings on ebay, so I've been in my fair share of transactions. I have sold over 2500 items. I love discussing eBay!

Reply by Winston_Tn on 8/10/06 2:38pm
Msg #138051

So 'all in all' Blueink, as you may have gathered from concensus ... Watchers DO matter, as it is indicative of interest! With the advent of the latest 'snipe' applications, many who have an interest in your item will not only put said item on their watch list, but also enter the item and their 'cap' into their snipe program. Therefore, its not only the last 3 minutes that are exciting, but also the last 1000 milliseconds...... It seems as though Scott would be a good one to speak with vs the 'Hit me up' authority....(on everything). My2¢

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/10/06 2:56pm
Msg #138056

yes ma'am, addicting indeed! It's also an excellent way to do your spring cleaning as I have found there is value in everything! I once supported myself for 3 months strictly on e-bay and got rid of a ton of things that were no longer useful to me. The only hitch is to be sure you're fast with your shipments, keep track of postal rates and be fair! Don't get greedy and you'll soon clean your house out! Remember, it's very important that you ship rapidly, give good service, stay in touch with your buyers and be up front with everything. The higher your rating the more buyers you will find. I very seldom did business with anyone with a low rating and e-bay is fairly strict about what you can and cannot sell. They definitely stay on top of the heap....enjoy yourself and great e-baying!!!

Reply by Melissa Liberty on 8/10/06 6:12pm
Msg #138082

Also "Blue Ink" There is a web site called "Auction sniper" That bids on the item in the last remaining SECONDS to insure that the buyer wins the auction that way there is no way to be out bid. but with that you wont know who's waiting to "Snipe" have fun!!!