posted on October 4, 2001 07:52:56 PM new
justjoan >
And I stand by my words, BIDVILLE works.
Since Bidville is providing a sales level that is meeting your every expectation, perhaps you could provide some pointers to quite a few sellers reporting pathetic sales or no sales at all.
posted on October 4, 2001 08:30:49 PM new
It's simple, pictures, description that gives all about the item, Shipping charges quoted, fair prices, and using the gallery feature for pictures. Front page feature does get people to see me.
GOOD customer service, and having a wide range of heinz 57 items.
I don't have a 5 page set of rules either.
Just satisfaction guarenteed.
Now go ahead and tell me all the things I do wrong.Bidville works for me.
Joan
http://www.geocities.com/justjoansetc/
posted on October 4, 2001 10:50:52 PM new
I wonder how many of the free site sellers that claim success would get totally irate if a 5% FVF were to be instituted on the sites? Only 1/3 of Half.com's fee. There wouldn't be many places to flee to.
[ edited by bidsbids on Oct 5, 2001 12:24 AM ]
posted on October 5, 2001 02:12:09 AM new
Great post stavescards, as usual.
I find it interesting that the two continual nay sayers, when referencing and blasting "other auction sites" appear to actually be selling on a few of the sites. Doesn't make much sense to me.
When asked direct questions, they most often do not respond with answers.
Yet the statistics continue. Again, doesn't make much sense to me. Why put so much time and effort into degrading other sites?
What could the motive be?
I recently noticed when I received an email from eBay that they are now identified as "eBay and Auctionwatch". I wonder if this has anything to do with the whole picture.
I sell on eBay and "other sites" and feel that there is good and bad in all, but this continual degrading has reached the point where we should all question the motives of the posters and be very careful as to what we absorb.
posted on October 5, 2001 05:45:41 AM new
justjoan >
It's simple, pictures, description that gives all about the item, Shipping charges quoted, fair prices, and using the gallery feature for pictures. Front page feature does get people to see me. GOOD customer service, and having a wide range of heinz 57 items. I don't have a 5 page set of rules either. Just satisfaction guarenteed. Now go ahead and tell me all the things I do wrong. Bidville works for me.
That certainly sounds like a formula for success. I noticed more than a few other sellers commenting on even the lack of pageviewers, in which case the work put into the listings themselves is useless, so they must be wrong.
Anyway, thanks for the qualitative answer, but for those with more quantitative leanings could you put some numbers to what a seller might expect by doing the extra work you outline?
How many sales in the period 9/28 through today (7+ days)?
How many listings?
Total dollar value of the sales?
[ edited by dimview on Oct 5, 2001 05:49 AM ]
[ edited by dimview on Oct 5, 2001 06:16 AM ]
posted on October 5, 2001 05:57:02 AM new
Dimview,
In the interest of fairness, would you please provide your selling statistics for the same period. Since you know what is wrong with all sites and sellers, I am sure that you are listing somewhere with a very high sell-through rate, so please share those numbers with the forum.
posted on October 5, 2001 06:42:42 AM new
Bidsbids,
I won’t put myself in the category of a successful seller at Bidville (though I would consider myself one at Yahoo), but I do have a significant number of listings and have been a member since January. My conjecture would be that the majority of serious sellers would not mind a 5% FVF on Bidville. However there is one significant fact that might result in much anger if a FVF is instituted at Bidville. That fact is the promise of no listing or FVF fee for members who signed up before a certain date (cannot remember the exact date). If Bidville wanted to charge these early members a FVF, I could foresee significant anger resulting from that action as many would see it a breach of promise.
As for my own views on the subject, I would welcome a 5% FVF at Bidville. I am one of those early members who received the promise of no listing or FVF fees, but would be willing to wave my “right to no listing or FVF fee” for one of two reasons. The first would be if the fees were needed to maintain the financial health of the site. The second would be if the FVF fees were used to start a visible advertising campaign (not just internet banner ads, but ads such as print ads in hobby publications). I would also expect some tangible recognition of my waving my “right” such as reduced fees or other such benefit in exchange. I may very well be in the minority with this view, but I recognize that a solid income stream is needed for an auction site to maintain the existing business and have funds available for growth and improvements. If a FVF were instituted, I would also be in favor of a minimum fee. I am not a fan of “penny” items being sold as individual items. I believe that these items use site resources without much benefit. I personally am working on my own listings to remove any item that starts at under a $1 and combining these items into lots. I am one who continued to list at Yahoo after the start of the listing fees and have seen that change benefit me with significantly increased sales.
My views are definitely my own and I do not know if they are representative of any signficant group of sellers at Bidville. Having seen the “rage” when both Yahoo and Epier started fees, I have no illusions that everyone would be happy if a FVF were started at Bidville, but it is my opinion that a significant number of sellers would accept a reasonable FVF.
posted on October 5, 2001 06:56:42 AM new
Dimview,
Thanks for answering my question. In the interest of fairness, I will also post my own stats for the same time period for my selling at Bidville. I estimate my number of listings at 600 (I am in the process of reorganizing my listings and have been canceling some auctions and listing others so my numbers have fluctuated). I have sold 12 items since 9/28 which would be a sell-through of 2% for the week.
posted on October 5, 2001 08:59:23 PM new
Bidville is not the way to go. I was suspended for speaking an opinion on the site, just because the Prez didnt like it. It was nothing vulgar, or anything, just an obvious statement about the lack of bidding on the site, and I got canned. The Prez is a power tripping unethical business man. I HATE THAT SITE!!!!!
posted on October 5, 2001 11:51:04 PM new
I'll jump up on my soapbox for a few minutes. Now I'm not the best typist or puncuationer in the world. Remember I am a Hillbilly. Howdy T.J. how ya doing? A long time business associate who was suspended at Bidville for I could not tell you the circumstances. But I would not hesitate to send him $500.00 cash tomorrow for a card deal. That don't sound like a typical bad seller. LOL!!! Anyhow, I am not here to bash Bidville. I guess you would say I am one of the successful one's. I do have a lot of friends at Bidville and of course I have a few enemies. As most already know I used to spend a lot of time looking for shill bidders and scam artists at Bidville. When I found them I turned them in. Bidville would suspend them. That is great! I have presently retired from my late night early morning shill patrolling. Why? They made me mad by jerking my posts from the boards. But that is besides the point. The real problem that needs to be fixed. Bidville needs to advertise. Why? Because if they don't they are going to keep on losing good seller's and potential buyer's. I do my selling strictly as a hobby. But I know some need to sale for income. I have enough business experience under my belt (Family Owned Auto Dealerships (3) Sportcard Shops (2) Antique Shop (1) ) to tell you a business has to advertise if it going to make it. I would not care if they implemented a FVF. I had no problem with Yahoo charging for (Something That Sold.) I know for a fact that if I went to E-Bay I could be very successful. But I have never sold anything there. I guess what my question would be. Dimview, you sell on auctions and I know you dedicate a lot of time to Bidville Stats. Could you explain in your opinion what Bidville needs to do, to become successful in your eyes? You don't have to answer but it would be appreciated. I will be the 100th to say that Bidville needs more traffic. But I also know that they are losing good seller's and customers. I know this first hand from going through many of the User ID'S. Many hasn't been used in months. Like I say, I am not bashing Bidville but they seriously need to implement some more changes. You can plant a new tree but if it doesn't rain or you water it. It will eventually die. Yes! many dollars exchange hands between friends at Bidville. But it also happens at any auction site that has a message forum, so Bidville basically should not be singled out for those transactions. I have spent $744.39 since January. Some with friends. I do have to state that I have spent several thousand dollars via internet auction site, through the mail and Bidville is the only place that I have ever gotten beat out of money. Am I bashing Bidville? Certainly not, just stating the facts. So I say Bidville has a lot more work to do before they can overcome their deficiencies (Did I spell that right) I loaf on the message boards, socialize, bicker back and forth, gain mounds of business information, make friends, kill boredom as much as the other guys. I am also a Bidville Cheerleader, the place is easy, and absolutely terrific in every aspect. But they need to advertise and demand better verification. Will I catch flack from the Head Cheerleader? Well sure, anytime a cheerleader gets out of line they get chastize you. See ya'll later. Hillbilly
posted on October 6, 2001 11:55:41 AM new
Janandpals >
When asked direct questions, they most often do not respond with answers.
and questions subsequently asked:
justjoan >
It's simple, pictures, description that gives all about the item, Shipping charges quoted, fair prices, and using the gallery feature for pictures. Front page feature does get people to see me. GOOD customer service, and having a wide range of heinz 57 items. I don't have a 5 page set of rules either. Just satisfaction guarenteed. Now go ahead and tell me all the things I do wrong. Bidville works for me.
That certainly sounds like a formula for success. I noticed more than a few other sellers commenting on even the lack of pageviewers, in which case the work put into the listings themselves is useless, so they must be wrong.
Anyway, thanks for the qualitative answer, but for those with more quantitative leanings could you put some numbers to what a seller might expect by doing the extra work you outline?
How many sales in the period 9/28 through today (7+ days)?
How many listings?
Total dollar value of the sales?
Yup, Janandpals, have to agree with you. They most often do not respond with answers, even on a wonderful Saturday afternoon.
posted on October 6, 2001 11:40:11 PM new
Good try dim, but it failed.
Here's the rest of the post which was clearly directed to you and bidsbids regarding the fact that my questions receive no responses from either of you.
"I find it interesting that the two continual nay sayers, when referencing and blasting "other auction sites" appear to actually be selling on a few of the sites. Doesn't make much sense to me.
When asked direct questions, they most often do not respond with answers.
Yet the statistics continue. Again, doesn't make much sense to me. Why put so much time and effort into degrading other sites?
What could the motive be?
I recently noticed when I received an email from eBay that they are now identified as "eBay and Auctionwatch". I wonder if this has anything to do with the whole picture."
posted on October 7, 2001 06:07:29 AM new
Since I started this thread, I have listed a little over 100 items. Last night had my first 'take it' sale, and a bid on something else. Now, I know that's not Ebay, but things actually do sell! Also have quite a few pageviews, as many as 4 on some items. Again, not ebay or even Yahoo, but apparently there are shoppers on bidville, even if they are other sellers. DH is fond of saying that 'antiques never really sell, they just pass from dealer to dealer in a never ending cycle.' He may be right, but who cares who's buying, as long as they're buying from us?
As far as the bidville bashing, I know it's not a perfect site, but then none of them are. And there will always be those who complain, no matter how good it is. Personally, I don't have time to sit and work on stats-mine or anyone elses. I'm glad there's someone like dimview to keep us updated so we can all watch for trends and signs of improvements.(positive thinking)
posted on October 7, 2001 07:38:52 AM new
Janandpals >
Good try dim, but it failed. Here's the rest of the post which was clearly directed to you and bidsbids regarding the fact that my questions receive no responses from either of you.
Oh, I see how this is supposed to work.
You (generic) are free to ask question, after question, after question, even though many have been addressed over and over again.
Meanwhile, any questions directed to those posting "fluff," about the "fluff" can simply go on to the next thread to post even more "fluff."
posted on October 7, 2001 11:35:44 AM new
I've been fluffed to death. I'm sticking to critiquing Bidville. There will be dancing in the streets in Carnaby tonight I'm sure. One final thing on Carnaby, I admire their chatrooms for the iron rule they have established there. If I owned an auction site I would not let the inmates rule the asylum the way some site owners do and would instead model it after Carnaby's chatroom setup of moderators. ( That's three times now that I've praised their chatrooms ).
posted on October 7, 2001 12:49:42 PM new
bearmom,
I appreciate statistics too, but, not when they are continually flavored with prejudiced derogatory remarks.
dimview,
Let's see now. I asked you a question or two, you asked Justjoan a question, then you state that you do not have to respond to my questions because Justjoan did not respond to yours. Is that correct? Someone is quite a master at twisting words and posters into a tangled mess that no one could follow! Why I ask. What is the motive?
Just for the record, I am not a BV cheerleader, I do not sell on the site and I have posted no fluff regarding the site. My posts have centered around correcting the misinformation that you and bidsbids post regarding Carnaby. A site with super chat boards, programs that you do not like, a few glitches that are being ironed out right now.
A site with a great deal of potential, but, since it is just starting up and in the beta stage, has a lack of bidders and sellers at this time. Will Carnaby succeed? Who knows? Do I want it to? Yes......I guess that makes me a Carnaby cheerleader much to your dislike. What is your site of preference may I ask? Perhaps that would answer the questions that I pose that you will not respond to:
__________________________________________
"Why put so much time and effort into degrading other sites?
What could the motive be?
I recently noticed when I received an email from eBay that they are now identified as "eBay and Auctionwatch". I wonder if this has anything to do with the whole picture."
____________________________________________
I have NO PROBLEM with the posting of problems that exist on any site as long as it is done with the intent of asking that the problems be corrected. I have a very large problem with the posting of personal attacks containing misinformation against sites or their owners with the apparent purpose of slamming a site; attacks which somehow go unmonitored on this site.
I'm curious, are you or bidsbids aware of the personal attacks that are presented by phony id's at another site? Do you or bidsbids post at that site with phony id's?
I fully expect this post will be deleted by AW and quite frankly, at this point, I care not. I am disgusted with the shenigans that are taking place on this board and the allowance of them by AW.
posted on October 7, 2001 01:47:18 PM new
Janandpals >
I'm curious, are you or bidsbids aware of the personal attacks that are presented by phony id's at another site? Do you or bidsbids post at that site with phony id's?
I fully expect this post will be deleted by AW and quite frankly, at this point, I care not. I am disgusted with the shenigans that are taking place on this board and the allowance of them by AW.
posted on October 7, 2001 08:44:33 PM new
Well I will say it again YES I have success on BIDVIlle. I don't keep statistics, don't go for pie charts, I just know that I have sales and am content on the site.
I don't hide who or what I am, you can look at my profile, look at my feedback and see what I sell.
Now I would like to know why certain other people who are always downing sites, don't give their auction sites, so we can see what they actually do do...
I stand by the words I said earlier, I like Bidville and it's a success for me.
So there you go!!!! deal with it.
Joan
http://www.geocities.com/justjoansetc/
posted on October 7, 2001 09:13:50 PM new
wlaschin For those of us that can not access that site, what do you sell?
You know I can't promote myself on the site.
the auction house is Bidville auctions. And I'm justjoansetc, so stop by and take a look, they are a friendly site.
http://www.bidville.com/default.asp
Joan
http://www.geocities.com/justjoansetc/
posted on October 7, 2001 10:23:39 PM new
I see 3 bids on 346 items. That is a qualified success for BV.
[ edited by bidsbids on Oct 7, 2001 11:22 PM ]
posted on October 8, 2001 08:03:53 AM new
I'm not surprised in the least to see the overwhelming majority of sellers experiencing minimal sales based on Bidville's likely 1% sell-through rate.
I've pointed out numerous times that sellers are required to list hundreds of items even for minimal sales and it looks like that's exactly what happened in the numbers you cite.
posted on October 8, 2001 09:59:01 AM new
In order to be successful on BV you need to access the site so ....
wlaschin .. For those of us that can not access that site, what do you sell?
-----------
I will suppose that you have been banned from the BV site and when you try to access the site you get the message that you are suspended and uunable to access the site. I posed this scenario to my computer weenie friend and he says the reason is a nasty cookie that BV uses on suspended users. The normal cookie removal techniques prove difficult to remove this 'thing' but there is a simple way around the problem if you use a Windows OS. On the Start menu there is a 'Log Off' button. If you log off the main user it will semi-reboot/refresh and then ask for a user name and password. To make things simple you can login as something simple like one or 2 letters and press ESC to avoid any password. You are now logged in and all the old cookies are invalid, including BV's pesky suspended user cookie. To get back to your original set of cookies log off your new user account and get back on the other user user name. Or you can try a different computer to access the site but the BV cookie will still be on your computer.
