How To Effectively Manage Your eBay Activity
You've finally finished all of your research and analysis about buying products on eBay. You have participated in a few auctions. You've won some and lost some. You are getting more and more confident and active in your bidding. eBay auctions can be a lot of fun and even a little addicting. It's critical to remember one very basic but important rule when participating in auctions:
Only bid on what you can afford at the time you are bidding. Sounds pretty simple, but sometimes it's hard to follow. Let's say you've lost a few auctions because of a low bid or a Sniper has gotten you. You're disappointed. You decide that you are going to bid on a few different items at the same time, hoping that at least one will convert to a winning bid.
NOT SO FAST! Can you afford to pay for it all? Remember a winning bid is a binding agreement with the merchant to buy their product. You have to pay promptly or risk being banned from all eBay act ivies and possible legal action on behalf of the merchant. So be patient, be smart, and don't "bid over your head".
Now that you are an established eBay participant, you should take advantage of some great management tools available to you. They offered free of charge by eBay and all participants (buyers and sellers) are eligible.
When you log onto eBay as a member, you will see on the right side of the landing page a tab that is entitled, "My eBay". When you click on it, you will see five different subsections: Summary, Watching, Bidding, Selling and Favorites.
The Summary Section will show you a complete listing of every auction you have participated in, win or lose. It will also give you a reminder to give feedback on the experience you had with the merchant. Giving feedback is a good practice to get into. Additionally, you will find that merchants give feedback on doing business with you as well. Giving and receiving feedback is mutually beneficial. You will be helping out a reputable merchant and developing your own positive reputation at the same time. Also you will find an "eBay Announcements" area that will notify you of any policy changes or items of interest regarding eBay. There is also an area that allows you to save any prior searches you have done and the names of merchants you have dealt with. You can also review any recent searches or items you have viewed.
The Watching Section allows you to keep an eye on an auction without having to bid on it. You can also compare auctions for the same products that may be happening at the same time. An email function allows you to email the information to a friend who might be interested.
The Bidding Section allows you monitor all of your active bids. If you decide to become a merchant, The Seller Section keeps track of any live auctions you are running. Finally, the Favorites Section reminds you of any lost bids you may have or feedback that you haven't given. It is your eBay "to do list" that will keep you organized throughout the buying process.
As you can see, there is a lot of help for you under that little tab on the right side of the page. Spend some time learning it and use it to your advantage!
Find anything you want on eBay. Register for eBay today to get started!