eBayer buyers / sellers - do you have an opinion on

[Flaxbee]

pricing?

I think it's a good idea, if you have something of value that you don't want to let go for less than a certain amount...

My husband thinks reserve pricing is deceptive and irritating. I'm about to list several things and I'd like to use reserve pricing, so thought I'd ask for general thoughts / opinions.

So, reserve pricing. Yes or No or Other?

Thanks.

[SmokingJacket]

1. When I've put a reserve on things, I only sell the item about half the time.

I think it really limits bids.

A better idea is just to put your minimum bid as the auction's minimum bid.

[Flaxbee]

6. OK, good to know. Thanks.

I've never used reserves before, and was thinking of it b/c my items are kinda pricey, but I won't.

[seemunkee]

2. I'm a buying and hate reserve pricing

If you want a minimum amount then set that as your start, don't make me try to figure out what the Hell it is.

[Flaxbee]

4. OK, thanks...

it never bothered me, but I don't buy much, I usually just sell. The prices are high - several thousand dollars, and I think that scares people as well. But we'll see. My price is still $500-1000 lower than the next one for sale.

Appreciate the input.

[NewJeffCT]

3. I hate reserve auctions

If you want $100 minimum for something, put that as the minimum price, and not $0.01 as the low price with a reserve of $100.

[Flaxbee]

5. thanks for your input...

it never really bothered me but I don't buy much. I won't use a reserve, then.

Thanks again.

[Left Is Write]

7. Reserve pricing can serve a good purpose - but I have a caveat -

If you use a reserve and are able to start your auction with a lower opening, you can get more traffic. People see a high opening bid on the listings page and won't even click through to your auction.

However, DO NOT make your reserve price some big huge secret. Don't refuse to tell people if they ask. Better yet - put it right in your auction. "Reserve price is $250" (or whatever).

And DO NOT make your opening bid so ridiculously much lower than your reserve that people will just feel insulted.

Really, there are only two reasons for a reserve - to draw potential bidders in from the listings page, and to recoup any kind of investment you made on the item. If it's worth so very much that you wouldn't dare sell it without a reserve, then perhaps another sales avenue would be safer.

[montanto]

8. I don't place reserves and I rarely bid on anthing that has a reserve.

I also rarely get what I want for anything I sell and wouldn't try to sell something that I would kick myself for selling for less.

[michreject]

9. Do a minimum bid

as opposed to a reserve price. The listing fee's a more to set a reserve. You're paying on a higher selling price, Werther it sells or not.

[OllieLotte]

10. Yes. Thank-you.

If someone doesn't want to sell something below a certain price, fine make that the minimum. It's too bad buyer's can't put in a reserve bid.

[Shakespeare]

11. I've never had a problem selling items with a reserve, BUT, this is how I do it:

I set a LOW starting bid, and also do the "buy it now" option set just slightly higher than my reserve. Also, if anyone takes the trouble of emailing me to ask what my reserve is, I always ALWAYS tell them.

If you're selling something with real value, a reserve price is good protection for you.

[Flaxbee]

12. thanks --- will probably do it that way next time.

this time I just placed the items on for prices i could live with...

I appreciate the input.

[madrchsod]

13. i put reserves on items i feel are worth the money

everything else i start with minimum bid which is usually in line with other items in that category. i rarely bid on reserve items because i know what the reserve should be but i`ll take a shot to see if they will lower the bid. there is one site that i bid and sell on that does not allow sniping. if they notice this practice they will extend the bid time until the real highest bidder wins not the one who sniped. it`s a lot like bidding in real life..