Auction Tip #1 - #5

Auction Tip #1: Buyers Demand Easy Payment Options

As sellers, we want to offer every payment option imaginable. It's convenient for our customer and we'll also make much more money. Let's cater to their preferences. Here are 2 reasons we want to do this:

Firstly, it lowers the chance that our buyer will become a deadbeat. If I offer payment options that they aren't comfortable with, I may turn a would-be buyer into a non-payer.

Secondly, you'll be able to snag those easy sales that come outside of the auction arena. This is so important- not every buyer will have Paypal. What do I do when they want to pay by credit card at the drop of a dime? What do I do if I don't have merchant accounts?

If you're flexible and cover all possible pay types you'll be able to make profits that pass others by...

Here are the payment options sellers on eBay offer:

• · Paypal
• · Personal Check or Money Order
• · Credit Cards by email, secure server, phone and fax
• · Billpoint
• · Electronic Checks (a new service that eBay offers)

Needless to say, four of those you'll have no problem with- it's merchant accounts that may be some trouble; don't let it- it's easier to get them than you think. I'll show you how in the next topic.

Auction Tip #2: Over 75% of eBayer's Use Paypal

Hands down, Paypal is the most popular method of payment on auction sites. It's also a free service and easy to use. You'll have no transaction fees taking away from your hard earned money- You can get by with Paypal and Billpoint handling your credit card needs. Sign up for Paypal today and start taking credit card orders instantly- plus you'll get $5 for opening and account and $5 for anyone you refer.

Auction Tip #3: Getting Set Up With Merchant Accounts

It's not difficult or as expensive as you may think. It's a good idea to have them- with merchant accounts you'll be able to process a customers credit card either manually yourself or automatically by secure server on your website.

You'll be able to take advantage of sales that other sellers miss out on. It also will give your business a much-needed boost in credibility. People will trust you more when they know you have your own merchant account. That will pay off.

Time will come quickly when you'll want to have them. They are crucial to growing your business online... with merchant accounts you'll be able to process order automatically at your website- this will take a huge load off and free you for other things...

I got my merchant accounts in less than a week from Total Merchant Services. I didn't have great credit at the time and I was approved instantly- they have a 98% approval rate and are recognized as a leader in Internet merchant services; they are well worth looking into:

http://www.marketingtips.com/creditcards/index.html

Auction Tip #4: Use An Email Signature

One great free way to promote your auction business is by using a signature. Signatures are six to eight line "footers" at the end of your email messages and newsgroup or discussion board post. All email programs support them. Take advantage of this cheap and effective means of advertising your listings...

You can also use a signature to promote your auctions, website or whatever you feel is necessary. Considering the number of messages you'll be sending and receiving, you won't want to pass this up!

Auction Tip #5: ‘Can’ Your Email

You'll receive many of the same questions by email over and over again. Make a good canned message (or template as some call them) to use for responses to typical questions and for questioning others.

This will save you loads of time. Have your responses prepared ahead of time and you'll free up large chunks of every day. Spend your time taking care of business and not drowning in email.