ebay auction expertise needed

**PhilS** · #1 10-23-2006, 12:30 AM

I plan to list a car on ebay but have never done so before. Does anyone have any tips? I've noticed that some auctions protect the bidders identity. Any thoughts on that?

Phil

Belair62 · #2 10-23-2006, 01:55 AM

The way things are going on E Bay ...private auction is not a bad thing...lot of scams now involving 2nd chance offers to people who bid on your stuff...

**427king** · #3 10-23-2006, 02:09 AM

Actually not a bad idea to make feedback private either. Potential bidders can still see your positive feedback percentage so they know you are not a scammer. Ive always been an advocate of not even showing the bid amounts to anyone not bidding on the item. That way people dont surf ebay just looking for price information,etc. If you want to know what things are selling for youll have to bid...Kind of like a sealed bid auction

nuch_ss396 · #4 10-23-2006, 03:30 AM

Phil,

There will be as many suggestions as posts here. Human nature.

I've bought two performance cars via. eBay in the past two years.
I would never have bought either if the auction was private or
the sellers information hidden. As someone else mentioned -
too many scammers.

Where an automobile is concerned, I'd want to get to know
the seller as best I could before plunking down my hard
earned $$. That's exactly what feedback is for. BTW, I rarely
bid on private auctions unless I know the seller from other
non-private auctions I've won from them.

Pony up to the bar. Go with a non-private auction.

You may want to consider masking the last three ( 3 ) numbers
on the VIN tag to protect yourself from scammers. That is
a touchy subject and one that many members here will undoubtedly
care to expand upon.

JMHO

Steve

**PhilS** · #5 10-23-2006, 03:46 AM

Thanks for the input guys. I may flip a coin.

Phil

**Mr70** · #6 10-23-2006, 04:20 AM

I too am an advocate against auctions w/hidden bidders,as well as those w/their feedback being hidden too.I avoid them like the plague as they do more harm then good IMO.
If the argument for private auctions is because bidders will get a bogus Ebay Second Chance Offer emailed to them afterwards,they can easily verify if that Second Chance Offer is authentic by simply clicking on their "MY EBAY" page,then scroll on the far left column to the "MESSAGES" button showing messages received through Ebay.
If it is indeed a real authentic Ebay approved Second Chance Offer,the bidder will see that EXACT same Ebay email offer listed there too.
I would opt for a non private auction,especially on something as large,expensive and as serious as an automobile.

69LM1 · #7 10-23-2006, 04:44 AM

1. Pics, Pics and More pics. The more the better. Along with a good honest description. Pics should be taken in a nice area, like a park, or a really nice house.

2. Note any issues with the car IN RED, then again at the bottom, mention them again, IN RED.

3. Make sure you never end an auction on a holiday, a friday or a saturday night.

4. Try and end the auction on a monday, at a time that reaches all three time zones (I am in central time, and I use 8pm central (It will be 10 in florida and 6 in Cali)). The monday time is so that there is ample time for the buyer to send you a depoist.

5. Always REQUIRE a small non refundable deposit within 24hrs paypal, or postmakred in 24 if otherwise sent (make sure you state non refundable in the payment terms or you could lose a paypal dispute). Require the full amount in a reasonable amount of time. This commits the buyer, and prevents buyers remorse, or the "I found a better deal", "the wife said no" sort of things. Thus your listing fees and time are protected. I usually like postal money orders, for the extra proection.

That's just a few I can think of right now.

On the other points: 1. Private Auctions keep other sellers from emailing your bidders, IMHO- Yes, 2. Feedback should be left open, there really is no reason to mark it private unless you have something to hide, so IMHO - No.

Good luck

Rich

jfkheat · #8 10-23-2006, 05:26 AM

Ebay has announced that sellers with private feedback will no longer be able to list items for sale. I think that is a great idea. If I can't see your feedback, I'm not bidding. I'm not sure when it goes into effect.
James

agtw31 · #9 10-23-2006, 05:41 PM

i would put a phone number in the listing,and put some real nice pics,with a general description.
if they want more info,call your number.
the serious buyers will call,the flakes won't.

dont your complete VIN # in the listing.