posted on February 5, 2001 08:24:46 PM new
Hello All: What are the advantages/disadvantages of dutch auctions? I've never used them and I have several larger lots of items and I thought that I might try them. Any help appreciated!
Thanks, Joe
posted on February 5, 2001 09:05:06 PM new
Dutch auctions are the only way to go if you have multiple identical items you want to sell simultaneously, mostly because 1 auction is easier to track than 10.
posted on February 5, 2001 09:18:36 PM new
I too have a question on this topic. How are you charged by ebay. Is there a listing fee for each item you list in the auction. For example:
I list 3 of the same items in a dutch auction - am I charged 3 listing fees or one?
Am I charged 3 FVF or one?
If more than 3 people want my item does the bidding war start - and will that be the price that the TOP 3 pay?
I guess I have more than just one question - but I would really love information on how this works.
posted on February 5, 2001 09:26:09 PM new
You're charged one listing fee, and one FVF.
As for the winning bidders, on your example, if you have 3 items and 6 bidders, the pirce is the lowest of the 3 top ones.
posted on February 5, 2001 09:35:34 PM new
Preacher4U: Thanks for your reply! I realize that there is one listing fee but is that based on a set fee times the number of items you have up for sale? Is it the same for the FVF? Is it the number of sold items times some set fee or is it total (sold and unsold) involved somehow in the fee? I hope you understand it, even I'm having difficulty understanding my question. Thanks for the help! Joe
posted on February 6, 2001 05:20:11 AM new
For Dutch Auction Listings the Insertion Fee is based upon the opening value of the items you list for sale. The opening value is the minimum bid multiplied by the quantity of items you offer. The maximum insertion fee for any Dutch Auction is $3.30. For 10 items priced at $1.00 your listing fee would be $.30 x 10 items = $3.00
Your Final Value Fee is based only on the number of items SOLD. It does not include unsold items.
posted on February 6, 2001 05:24:29 AM new
For Dutch Auction Listings the Insertion Fee is based upon the opening value of the items you list for sale. The opening value is the minimum bid multiplied by the quantity of items you offer. The maximum insertion fee for any Dutch Auction is $3.30. For 10 items priced at $1.00 your listing fee would be $.30 x 10 items = $3.00
Your Final Value Fee is based only on the number of items SOLD. It does not include unsold items.
posted on February 6, 2001 05:34:12 AM new
everydaygifts:
That is not quite accurate. The listing fee is also based upon the value of the items listed. For example, I just listed 5 items at $1.00 each, a value of $5.00. The listing fee was $.30, NOT .30 x 5.
If you list 10 items at $1.00 each, your listing fee would be $.55. (so to save .15, make them .99 each)
posted on February 6, 2001 06:01:23 AM new
In 5 + years I've only used Dutch Auctions a couple of times, and I'll admit, I wasn't sure what I was doing!
For those experienced, can one use Dutch Auctions successfully for items in the $20 to $30 price range, successfully?
Or would it be more prudent to list them individually, or could one move a few of them out at a time in a Dutch Auction, and it be successful?
(I realize it would depend on the item, but I am speaking of the price range).
posted on February 6, 2001 06:13:21 AM new
I often use dutch auctions, and am successful with them. It saves on the listing fees, especially on my auctions where I list 25 items starting at $26.99 each. Now, the price never goes above $26.99, because I sell only 10-15 at a time, BUT, $26.99 is a price I am happy with, and I have saved all that $ in listing fees.
Unless you are willing to sell the item for the price you start, dutch auctions may not work for you with large quantities, because the price does not get bumped up until all items are accounted for.
posted on February 6, 2001 02:27:42 PM new
Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm still not clear on one thing. The insertion fee! Is it # of items times minimum bid equals an amount, on which the fee is based.
Is the fee based on the number of items times the minimun bid, which gives you a total and then the insertion fee is based on that total amount.
OR, is the fee based on the insertion fee of a singular item and then multiplied by the number of items.
There is a vast difference! The first way would have an insertion fee of 55 cents, while the other way of computing would have an insertion fee of $3.00, based, for instance on a minimum bid value of $1.99 for ten items.
I hope I'm not clear as mud! I understand it. I hope you will.
I appreciate any help! Joe
The insertion fee is based upon the DOLLAR VALUE of the items posted, no matter how many you have. (Amount of starting bid X amount of items = Dollar amount).... (.99 X 10 items= $9.90.)
So, if you do not use a dutch auction, and you list those 10 items starting at .99 seperately, you will incur fees of .30 per item for a total of $3.00.
If you list those SAME 10 items in a DUTCH auction starting at .99 each, their total VALUE is $9.90, and your listing fee will be .30, based on the dollar value of $9.90.
posted on February 6, 2001 04:32:10 PM new
Dear Kidsfeet:
Thank you so very much! You made it wonderfully clear. I was just confused because two of the writers had differing opinions on how the fee was determined. eBay's site wasn't crystal clear either. I really do appreciate your time and effort!
