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edie Aug 3, 2009

I have tried all different ways and just really don't know what works. I have a bit of a problem with reserves being the answer in that if it is an expensive artist bear and collectors have an idea of what the reserve will be (or if it is given in the listing or in a blog) how is that more likely to get a higher price than just starting the auction at the price you want in the first place???  I agree a listing with a low starting price is going to attract more bids - but I would think only if there is no reserve??  I have used BIN as a means of encouraging getting bids earlier rather than people waiting until the last seconds to bid - sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. I have two bears up right now - ending tonight - one with a high start that is a bit lower than what I would hope to get and one that I started rock bottom low. Neither one has a single bid - although they both have quite a few  watchers. It is discouraging, and I don't think there is any answer as how best to approach the problem. Some people really seem to have found what works for them and that is great but the same answer doesn't seem to apply to everyone. (There - I've not been much help have I!    )

desertmountainbear Aug 3, 2009

Yes, you have Edie, and I thank you for your opinion.  For now I am sticking with the reserve.  Ebay is advertising for me, so even if it doesn't sell, keeping the starting bid low seems to get people bidding, and that gets others to notice.  What I really want is to be noticed.  I am working on other ways also, but for now ebay seems to get the most bang for the buck.
Joanne

jenny Aug 4, 2009

I think the main reason I USUALLY start with a lower price along with a reserve is about encouraging new business. If I start with a high price it discourages the 'lookers' people who are new to my bears and may bid if it's a lower start ..and if they are interested enough to get in touch may eventually buy a bear from me..even if it is not on eBay. A high priced start to a  bear with no bids till the last couple of minutes has no potential value in terms of growing your business...in fact it's damaging as it puts a question in peoples minds.
There is no easy answer...some successful artists start their auctions with a $10 start and manage to achieve huge prices but for me I need a safety net and along with the publicity of my bears  being visible for a week on eBay I think it's worth the fees.

You are right Edie Ithink you made fair and valuable points. I understand that there seems little sense in a reserve where people know what it will be.However, I am happy that people do know roughly what my reserve is going to be which is why I tell people if they ask. The psychology of the lower start is not a piece of trickery, I just need people to click on the auction...look and the then maybe bid...if not, at least they looked.