posted on April 19, 2002 08:35:23 AM new
I am going to start listing a bunch of new items using Auctionwatch. I was thinking of selecting a new price plan to save some money. I am currently using the standard plan becasue I do not consistently list items monthly. Some here and some there, so the pay as you go plan worked well. Now following auctionwatch's recommendation, I should use the Variable Rate Premium Plan.
At 5.00 per item sale price I would have to list an average of 130 Items a month to break even. Should not be a problem.
I was wondering what plans other people use and the kind of volume (listing, listing to sales ratios) you do. Just some input on what people think the best auctionwatch plan is would be helpful
posted on April 19, 2002 12:58:48 PM new
I was using the standard plan and launching anywhere between 20 and 60 auctions each weekend. It was costing just under $25 a month - and don't get me started on eBay fees.
I have stopped using AW for both pre- and post-sales processing. I finally got tired of the "we really can't be bothered with that" attitude after the recent changes and the lack of response to last year's requests for enhancements.
I went an created my own web site - it's costing just under $25 a month.
I figured out how to create the small/large image processing (using my scanner and an ASP) and I'm launching my own auctions through the Mr. Lister bulk XML processor. The only regret is I have very limited advanced scheduling capabilities.
My post sales processing is being done using Microsoft Outlook and Access. I've built the "canned" e-mails for each of the PSM steps and the packing slip/invoice is the way I need it. Combined orders and everything - no sweat.
Things are going so well, that I just purchased some software that will allow me to build my own storefront on my site. Because, after one shot and a relist, putting it back on eBay is cost prohibitive.
So now, I have complete control over my business. If there's any screw-up in the technology - I have to fix it. No excuses, no waiting, no "we'll log it..." - and I can always do every single function manually, until I code a solution.
I'm still on these boards because of the community. But even that will slow down once I have to start loading the storefront data base.
In the long run, I think it will start to save me money. Especially the sales from the storefront - since eBay won't be taking a cut.
posted on April 19, 2002 02:41:26 PM new
My yearly plan ended today, so I had to pick a plan. I looked at both the Flat Rate Power Plan and the Variable Rate Power Plan. I launched 800 auctions last month, 500 (about) sold for a total sale of $6753.00. With the variable rate I would spend $12.95 a month, $40.00 in listing fees and $67.00 in FVF. With the Flat rate it was $116.00 in listing fees and $12.95 a month. More money than I want to spend, but I've shopped around a lot and find AW the easiest to use. Since I don't have any employees I just take the tax write off and consider AW an employee. I didn't want any other plans because I rely on the Post Management software VERY much. I'm usually in bed when my auctions end, and didn't want to sit by my computer babysitting my auctions all the time - I work full-time at a "regular job" too. Hopefully that helps you make a decision. Good Luck!
posted on April 19, 2002 09:00:03 PM new
ihula, thanks for a real answer.
From your description, 10 bucks difference depending on the plan really doesn't make that much of a difference. As you said, write off the AW fees and use the features of the site and program they give you.
It seemed to me that just about every plan comes in at about 10 bucks difference either way. You have just confirmed it.
I WANTED TO BE QUIET AND JUST LISTEN. SORRY.