{"id":1041,"date":"2016-10-04T14:28:58","date_gmt":"2016-10-04T20:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/?p=1041"},"modified":"2017-04-28T16:13:42","modified_gmt":"2017-04-28T22:13:42","slug":"online-auction-selling-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/online-auction-selling-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Online Auction Selling Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

More estate sale companies<\/a> and auctioneers are meeting customers where they already are: online. Online auctions are smart ways to move more product and can be easier and more convenient than setting up an in-person estate sale or live auction.<\/p>\n

Check out these\u00a0ten tips\u00a0for selling in online auctions.<\/p>\n

Follow the law.<\/span><\/h2>\n

While most states don\u2019t regulate online auctions, some states do. It\u2019s a good idea to at least be familiar with your state\u2019s auction laws, especially as more become regulated. Here\u2019s a\u00a0guide to auction laws by state<\/a>\u00a0to help you get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be truthful.<\/span><\/h2>\n

When advertising your sale or item, whether in the title, photo, description, or starting price, tell the truth! If customers get what they expect, they\u2019re more likely to shop from you again. You don\u2019t want to get the reputation for being untrustworthy. Word gets around \u2014 especially online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use photos!<\/span><\/h2>\n

Preferably good estate sale photos<\/a>. We know. It takes time to upload photos \u2014 time you often don\u2019t have. But it\u2019s the truth: photos go a long way in advertising your item. Part of the fun of shopping is browsing, and online this means scrolling through photos. Take a little time beforehand to take good shots. These days, you can take good photos on your smartphone, as well as find free photo editing software online. Whether you\u2019re selling one item or in lots, good photography goes a long way in online auctions<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Specify your minimum bid.<\/span><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s true the market determines the price in an online auction, your starting bid sets the tone. You may need to go over the minimum price with your estate sale consignor beforehand, depending on your contract. Since so much of an auction is out of your control, the one thing you can control is the opening bid. So make sure it\u2019s a price you\u2019ve researched and feel comfortable with \u2014 here\u2019s a great online\u00a0guide to estate sale appraisal and pricing<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact the winner ASAP.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t delay. Just like deals involving money, buying a house, signing a job offer, auction winnings have a tendency to fall through before cash is exchanged. Contact the winner right away via email to cut down on second-guessing \u2014 or disappearing \u2014 during the lag. <\/span><\/p>\n

Provide clear\u00a0delivery details.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Shipping and delivery details are usually up to your, the auctioneer. How do you plan to transport the item to your customer, especially bigger items, like estate sale furniture<\/a>? <\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever you decide, be clear. Some people aren\u2019t willing to pay shipping costs or may not be willing to pick up the item themselves. Be up front about your stipulations – and then of course, follow through with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Give tracking information.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are able to provide their package\u2019s tracking information, do it. It will help manage your customer\u2019s expectations, plus give them something to check without having to contact you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ship or deliver on time!<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is really the key to good customer service when it comes to online auctions. Be diligent about shipping on time \u2014 and taking necessary measures to make sure the item arrives intact. Happy customers mean repeat business and more customers via word of mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have a clear return policy.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes customers are unhappy with their item. You should have this figured out with the consignor what your deadline will be for returned items. State your policy clearly so customers know what to expect – and stick with them. If they are outside of your area, ask that they provide photos and descriptions detailing the damage. Explain items returned after the deadline cannot be refunded. And of course, since this is an estate sale, items won\u2019t be able to be replaced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep organized records.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Document, document, document. This helps you in a dispute with a customer or client. Plus clear records will come in handy during tax time, or in the event you get audited.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Online<\/p>\n

What online auction selling tips do you have to share, either as a customer or a seller? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More estate sale companies and auctioneers are meeting customers where they already are: online. Online auctions are smart ways to move more product and can be easier and more convenient than setting up an in-person estate sale or live auction. Check out these\u00a0ten tips\u00a0for selling in online auctions. Follow the law. While most states don\u2019t\u2026Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":1057,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,9],"tags":[47,75,43,61],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBest Online Auction Selling Tips | Estate Sale Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See these ten tips for online auction selling tips, including setting up your items for sale, the bidding process, and delivery best practices.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/estatesales.org\/university\/online-auction-selling-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Online Auction Selling Tips\" \/>\n<meta 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