posted on September 26, 2001 12:22:33 AM new
I have seen a lot of discussions and dissappointments about alternate auction sites. We have all seen them come and go. We have seen them change their formats and dwindle.
Now it is a fact that an alternative auction site would need to charge something just to keep the website going, not to mention customer service. So how much for insertion fees would YOU be willing to pay for a new auction site?
Would you be willing to pay FVF?
How much for featured items, etc?
I mean we all complain and whine that fees go up, and that people started charging when there was no fees, etc. So, let's tell them right here, how much we, as sellers, want to pay.
Here is my requests:
1) .10 insertion fee for basic auction.
2) NO FVF.
3) I don't do much featured, but I would like to see a considerably LOWER fee for these auctions than other sites. Considering it would probably be a new site, it would remain to be seen on these fees.
4) And I would like to see just a SOLID auction site, nothing fancy.
I think these are reasonable. I know that a site needs money to operate, and we can all agree we would like to find an alternative to the big auction sites.
posted on October 4, 2001 04:29:18 PM new
Hi onecentmusic:
I think I have to take the opposite stance. I like an auction site that has:
1- No basic listing fee
2- A reasonable final value fee
3- A low featured auction fee
4- Yes here we agree, keep it simple. I go to an auction site to buy or sell not to be entertained by bells and whistles.
posted on October 4, 2001 05:15:47 PM new
I would tend to lean toward the no listing fee and a FVF also. If there were to be a listing fee, I'd like to see $0.10 with one free listing.
As for featured items - I'd suggested a format something like Bidville's, where a certain dollar amount per month gives you so many dollars in credits. This keeps the actual cost low but also provides incentive to someone willing to make a commitment to the auction site.
posted on October 10, 2001 03:27:16 AM new
Hi,these are great ideas, yes we could afford.10 to list..or fvf fee only. I think we all don't mind paying a little something toward the good of the site if we sell something. Low featured fees would be super.Sure wish we could all band together & support one site..that has been our mistake i feel. i am trying carnaby right now,also waiting to see what the results of the survey at Yahoo may bring forth.If they are going to do something like fvf only they better hurry up holidays coming soon..good luck
posted on October 10, 2001 05:00:58 AM new
Amazon has a standard, across the board 10 cent listing fee which is fine. (Problem is they don't promote the auction site as they should.) Ten auctions would run you a measly $1. Fifty auctions would run you $5. I think most everyone could afford that. And placing a nominal fee on items would somewhat prevent sellers from placing garbage on the site if they're going to incur a fee, albeit tiny, for each one.
In addition, a FVF has to exist. These sites need a steady source of funds for site maintenance, salaries, and advertising. Without advertising your site will end up like Bidville.
For those who want totally free, you can always try Bidville. Try your luck at that site for 6 months and then decide if you're better off spending your time on a fee-based site.
posted on October 10, 2001 08:20:00 AM new
I like the Half.com format. 15% FVF isn't bad since they collect the money so a 10% FVF from an auction site where the seller has to collect the money would be okay. To rid the site of very low priced items I think a 25 cent closing fee plus the 10% FVF would be okay if the auction used a substantial portion of the fees to advertise the site. A simple format is much better than contests and games in my opinion.
posted on October 10, 2001 10:08:16 AM new
According to auctioncow.com, they are gonna have no listing fees and a low FVF, though their FAQ doesn't say how much of a FVF yet. I hope they post the fees soon. Looks cute.
posted on October 10, 2001 10:35:19 AM new
I love everything about Amazon's auction site - except the fact the do nothing to promote it! With some of the changes eBay is currently talking about and who knows what changes it could bring to the auction format, I think the time is right for Amazon to really push their auction venue.
posted on October 10, 2001 02:51:58 PM new
i ALWAYS liked Amazon,very nice support too.my sales there just dwindled down to nothing too bad.good luck everyone
