1. Know the value of the product before you bid. If
the product is brand new, check to see what price
retailers are charging for it. If the product is used or
reconditioned, you will want to pay way less than the
retail value.
2. If the product's description or picture isn't detailed
enough for you, contact the merchant to get more
information before you bid. You don't want to take a
chance to waste your hard earned money.
3. Know the highest price you will bid for the product
and stick with it. Don't get caught up in a bidding war;
you may end up paying more than the product's worth.
Don't forget to add in the shipping price with your bid.
4. Visit a few online auctions before bidding because
some merchants auction the same product in many
auctions. You usually can purchase the product for
a lower price in a unpopular auction because there
are less bidders.
5. Know the time the auction begins and ends. You
also want to know how long it will take to ship. If
you need the product by a certain date, you'll want
to estimate the time it will take to receive it.
6. Know the payment options the merchant accepts
before you bid on their product. If they only accept
checks or money orders, it may take even longer to
get the product because the payment has to clear. If
they accept credit cards make sure they have a secure
server.
7. Know if the merchant offers a warranty or money
back guarantee or before bidding on a product. You
don't want to get stuck with a product that does not
work or you're not satisfied with.
8. Online auctions will, sometimes, allow you to check
the merchants history with their auction. Check to see
if people have complained about the their products or
business practices before you decide to bid.
9. It's important to place a bid early in the auction to
show other bidders you are interested in the product.
If someone does out bid you, don't be afraid to out
bid them. Remember not to go over your maximum
bid price.
10. Another reason to know when the auction ends;
you can place a last minute bid. The other bidders
may not be keeping track of when the auction ends
or may not have the time to bid again.
Showing posts with label Auctions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auctions. Show all posts
Monday, 14 September 2009
Affordable Online Car Auctions
Still hunting for the car of your dreams? Public car auctions online are becoming a happy hunting ground for car aficionados for they bring you a huge selection of affordable cars in various models at unbelievable prices.
With online car auctions you can buy a new car at prices, which are quite less than the manufacturer's price in the retail showroom. You can buy a car at price that you can afford. Automobile auctions have car prices which are among the most affordable and there are all kinds of options available to suit every kind of budget.
For instance, you can find all kinds of auto auctions online - from recreational vehicle auctions to buying used cars on line. Buying used cars online is a win-win situation for you for you can find cars that are practically new in their look and feel but have prices far less than the new ones. Some of the vehicles listed in internet vehicle auctions are still under factory warranty.
Internet auto auctions is open to the people residing anywhere. Online auto bidding auctions include quality vehicles, used luxury and economy cars and even online auctions for car parts and accessories .
Buying car of your dreams at affordable prices gives you immense joy. To make your dream a reality, all you have to do is review all the listed cars in the internet vehicle auctions sites. Most online car auctions try their best to ensure that the cars, which are listed for online public auto auctions are high-quality, well-maintained vehicles. You can decide how much you would like to spend after referring to the catalogues, which have a huge selection of cars in different categories.
But always keep in the mind that our public car auctions online do not give you a GUARANTEE or imply a WARRANTY of any type, kind, or nature on any purchase so make sure you know what you are bidding on.
This is a wholesale exchange between, you, the buyer, and the seller, this is not a retail used car showroom. Please make certain that you are comfortable buying in the "AS IS/Where IS" arena - you will be held financially responsible for any bids tendered.
If you are on the hunt to buy your dream car, visit Auctions4Wheels.com for some truly affordable online car auctions. Registration is FREE with this auction site. You can choose to place a bid and if successful you will receive a confirmation message. If your bid fails to outbid the current high bidder you will be offered the option to place a higher bid.
With online car auctions you can buy a new car at prices, which are quite less than the manufacturer's price in the retail showroom. You can buy a car at price that you can afford. Automobile auctions have car prices which are among the most affordable and there are all kinds of options available to suit every kind of budget.
For instance, you can find all kinds of auto auctions online - from recreational vehicle auctions to buying used cars on line. Buying used cars online is a win-win situation for you for you can find cars that are practically new in their look and feel but have prices far less than the new ones. Some of the vehicles listed in internet vehicle auctions are still under factory warranty.
Internet auto auctions is open to the people residing anywhere. Online auto bidding auctions include quality vehicles, used luxury and economy cars and even online auctions for car parts and accessories .
Buying car of your dreams at affordable prices gives you immense joy. To make your dream a reality, all you have to do is review all the listed cars in the internet vehicle auctions sites. Most online car auctions try their best to ensure that the cars, which are listed for online public auto auctions are high-quality, well-maintained vehicles. You can decide how much you would like to spend after referring to the catalogues, which have a huge selection of cars in different categories.
But always keep in the mind that our public car auctions online do not give you a GUARANTEE or imply a WARRANTY of any type, kind, or nature on any purchase so make sure you know what you are bidding on.
This is a wholesale exchange between, you, the buyer, and the seller, this is not a retail used car showroom. Please make certain that you are comfortable buying in the "AS IS/Where IS" arena - you will be held financially responsible for any bids tendered.
If you are on the hunt to buy your dream car, visit Auctions4Wheels.com for some truly affordable online car auctions. Registration is FREE with this auction site. You can choose to place a bid and if successful you will receive a confirmation message. If your bid fails to outbid the current high bidder you will be offered the option to place a higher bid.
An alternative to Ebay
People buy and sell on the net. It is better than advertising in a newspaper or spreading the word that you are selling something. But sometimes you just want to sell your stuff for a price and thats it. And you dont want to fill out endless forms with useless info about everything you do and so on. Than join a community pay fees for listing, seller fees and all other hidden fees you missed. Wouldn't you like to find a simple way of advertising your stuff ? You know, place an article, set a price and confirm your ad and be done with it. Just one simple flat fee for everything. And advertise for a long period for a low price. Is it possible? Or is it a dream? The answer is YES you can! Where? Find a new and different way of selling on a proven concept from Europe on selling the easy way on the net.
Let me tell you something about this concept. First you choose your catagorie where you want to place your ad. Simple ! Select your state and county where you live. And then place your ad. Confirm your ad, and you are done. You don't have to register to sell or to buy. If the item that you are selling is less than $200 you can place it for FREE. Your ad is shown for a minimum of 30 days. When you are selling something for more than $200 you pay $7.50. Thats it! No fee for listing, no fee when it is sold, nothing. How does that relate to other (auction) sites ?
Lets sell your car for $1000 . When selling it you pay $7.50 and it is listed for a min. of 30 days and max.60 days. Other sites are charging you $40 for 1 week.(cardealers can save a fortune this way)
If you are selling your house again you pay $7.50 for a min. of 30 days and max. 60 days . Other sites are charging you more, up to $150 .
Now here is a fun part , you can place your ad on top of the list again for a small price. If someone is looking he will see YOUR house, car or what ever you are selling on top of the list , (where you want to be if you are selling) when he is browsing. You can do that as much as you like with no restrictions. Thats how you sell quickly and easy. So you see there is another way of selling your (used) items on the net. The above facts and figures are examples which will vary depending on the site.
Let me tell you something about this concept. First you choose your catagorie where you want to place your ad. Simple ! Select your state and county where you live. And then place your ad. Confirm your ad, and you are done. You don't have to register to sell or to buy. If the item that you are selling is less than $200 you can place it for FREE. Your ad is shown for a minimum of 30 days. When you are selling something for more than $200 you pay $7.50. Thats it! No fee for listing, no fee when it is sold, nothing. How does that relate to other (auction) sites ?
Lets sell your car for $1000 . When selling it you pay $7.50 and it is listed for a min. of 30 days and max.60 days. Other sites are charging you $40 for 1 week.(cardealers can save a fortune this way)
If you are selling your house again you pay $7.50 for a min. of 30 days and max. 60 days . Other sites are charging you more, up to $150 .
Now here is a fun part , you can place your ad on top of the list again for a small price. If someone is looking he will see YOUR house, car or what ever you are selling on top of the list , (where you want to be if you are selling) when he is browsing. You can do that as much as you like with no restrictions. Thats how you sell quickly and easy. So you see there is another way of selling your (used) items on the net. The above facts and figures are examples which will vary depending on the site.
Auction and its benefits
An auction is basically a public sale wherein any object is sold to the highest bidder. It can be defined as a process of purchasing and selling things by offering them up for bid, taking bids and selling the things out to the highest bidder. This is what is generally the case. However, a sale to the lowest bidder may also take place, in cases where land is sold for non-payment of taxes to anyone willing to take it for the shortest term; or where a contract is offered to an
individual or party willing to take it for the shortest term; or where a contract is offered to an individual or party willing to perform it at the lowest price. Such cases too seem to fairly come under the purview of the term ‘auction'.
In case of auction the seller presents the products on a public platform. The selling price of the products are
determined by the bids or offers of buyers interested in buying them based on their individual estimation of value of and need of the products. The person offering the highest bid at closing of auction receives the right to purchase the products at the bid price. The winner of the bid is normally legally bound to buy the item auctioned. In recent times auctions have been conducted online.
The benefits of auction are many. Some of the significant advantages are:
a)The auctioned item fetches the highest price in the given situation. Thus, in a way there is the maximization or optimization of profit.
b)At an auction the goods are almost certainly disposed off after bidding by their sale to the highest bidder. Hence, this serves as the right podium for disposing or selling out
of accumulated goods. Otherwise, business could have become stagnant due to the stocking of these goods. Certain items could also have perished (in case of perishable goods) or expired if not sold out in time.
c)In case of auctioning a variety of articles may come up for sale, which may not be otherwise available in the market. The buyer can get quite urprised by looking at a treasure trove of antique articles available at an auction.
d)An auction can also be considered as a method for estimating the value of certain commodities which have hitherto undetermined or variable prices.
individual or party willing to take it for the shortest term; or where a contract is offered to an individual or party willing to perform it at the lowest price. Such cases too seem to fairly come under the purview of the term ‘auction'.
In case of auction the seller presents the products on a public platform. The selling price of the products are
determined by the bids or offers of buyers interested in buying them based on their individual estimation of value of and need of the products. The person offering the highest bid at closing of auction receives the right to purchase the products at the bid price. The winner of the bid is normally legally bound to buy the item auctioned. In recent times auctions have been conducted online.
The benefits of auction are many. Some of the significant advantages are:
a)The auctioned item fetches the highest price in the given situation. Thus, in a way there is the maximization or optimization of profit.
b)At an auction the goods are almost certainly disposed off after bidding by their sale to the highest bidder. Hence, this serves as the right podium for disposing or selling out
of accumulated goods. Otherwise, business could have become stagnant due to the stocking of these goods. Certain items could also have perished (in case of perishable goods) or expired if not sold out in time.
c)In case of auctioning a variety of articles may come up for sale, which may not be otherwise available in the market. The buyer can get quite urprised by looking at a treasure trove of antique articles available at an auction.
d)An auction can also be considered as a method for estimating the value of certain commodities which have hitherto undetermined or variable prices.
Auctions and Car Transport : Everything You Need To Know
Everyone has wanted to sell a car at some point and in the
age of Internet auctions, there are more options than ever
when it comes to selling your car whether it's an '05, '78
or a '20. With this ever expanding world of options comes
the need to make delivery after you've sold the vehicle and
that requires a car transport service.
Depending on the auction service, you can list that
shipment of the item is completely up to the buyer's
discretion or offer a method of transportation to fold into
the final price.
The first is often more preferable to buyers because it
allows them to shop various car transporters themselves to
find the one that suits them best. However, if you decide
to fold the cost of the shipment along with a hand picked
transporter into the auction of your car, there are some
things you need to do.
First, you need to narrow down your selection of
transporters in some fashion that incorporates not only
their price ranges but also their reliability and service
records. Remember, that by folding in the selection of the
transporter to the auction, you are in some way taking
responsibility for the shipment both before you deliver it
to the transporter and after.
Second, to simplify the matters with regard to the auction,
make sure you have all the information about your selected
transporter at hand. Include this information in the
auction information. When buyers look through potential
cars to buy on auctions they are as concerned about the
cars they are looking at as to how they might get there.
Some buyers may not want to use the transporter you have
selected; you may or may not wish to include that as an
option to turn down on the buyer's part.
Finally, when you are ready to list the car as well as the
transporter information, be sure to include a series of
price quotes from the transporter from the car's location
to major hubs on both coasts, the mid-west and include both
upper and lower sides of the coasts, mid-Atlantic and so
on.
This will allow the buyer to guess based on their proximity
to one of those locations what the cost will likely be.
Always be sure to list that the quotes are not exact and
are not final until the buyer's shipping information is
received.
It may seem like more work than it's worth to go through
all of this prior to listing the car that you want to sell,
it will pay off at the auction's closing. As the seller,
you simply wait to confirm where the car is being
transported to and confirm a final quote from the
transportation company.
Once the seller receives the payment from the buyer they
can get the car to the transportation company of their
choice and not have to worry if the buyer chooses a
transporter that will be a hassle for you the seller.
While most buyers and sellers work in fairly cooperative
relations in order to receive the item sold and the payment
for the item, sometimes having the game plan set will save
a lot of time.
age of Internet auctions, there are more options than ever
when it comes to selling your car whether it's an '05, '78
or a '20. With this ever expanding world of options comes
the need to make delivery after you've sold the vehicle and
that requires a car transport service.
Depending on the auction service, you can list that
shipment of the item is completely up to the buyer's
discretion or offer a method of transportation to fold into
the final price.
The first is often more preferable to buyers because it
allows them to shop various car transporters themselves to
find the one that suits them best. However, if you decide
to fold the cost of the shipment along with a hand picked
transporter into the auction of your car, there are some
things you need to do.
First, you need to narrow down your selection of
transporters in some fashion that incorporates not only
their price ranges but also their reliability and service
records. Remember, that by folding in the selection of the
transporter to the auction, you are in some way taking
responsibility for the shipment both before you deliver it
to the transporter and after.
Second, to simplify the matters with regard to the auction,
make sure you have all the information about your selected
transporter at hand. Include this information in the
auction information. When buyers look through potential
cars to buy on auctions they are as concerned about the
cars they are looking at as to how they might get there.
Some buyers may not want to use the transporter you have
selected; you may or may not wish to include that as an
option to turn down on the buyer's part.
Finally, when you are ready to list the car as well as the
transporter information, be sure to include a series of
price quotes from the transporter from the car's location
to major hubs on both coasts, the mid-west and include both
upper and lower sides of the coasts, mid-Atlantic and so
on.
This will allow the buyer to guess based on their proximity
to one of those locations what the cost will likely be.
Always be sure to list that the quotes are not exact and
are not final until the buyer's shipping information is
received.
It may seem like more work than it's worth to go through
all of this prior to listing the car that you want to sell,
it will pay off at the auction's closing. As the seller,
you simply wait to confirm where the car is being
transported to and confirm a final quote from the
transportation company.
Once the seller receives the payment from the buyer they
can get the car to the transportation company of their
choice and not have to worry if the buyer chooses a
transporter that will be a hassle for you the seller.
While most buyers and sellers work in fairly cooperative
relations in order to receive the item sold and the payment
for the item, sometimes having the game plan set will save
a lot of time.
Auto Auction Success Tips
Here are some success tips that will help you buy a car at an auto auction.
1) Research your car
2) Don't go to the auction after an argument or when you are in a bad mood. You need to stay focused.
3) Be willing to walk away. There will always be another opportunity. It's very easy to get excited.
4) Avoid bidding on bargains that you see, but haven't checked out.
5) Make sure you include other fees into the price.
These are just a few short tips out of the many in my book. If you are serious about buying and selling cars at auto auctions you should check it out.
1) Research your car
2) Don't go to the auction after an argument or when you are in a bad mood. You need to stay focused.
3) Be willing to walk away. There will always be another opportunity. It's very easy to get excited.
4) Avoid bidding on bargains that you see, but haven't checked out.
5) Make sure you include other fees into the price.
These are just a few short tips out of the many in my book. If you are serious about buying and selling cars at auto auctions you should check it out.
Choicest enclosed utility trailers at online auctions
Take advantage of online trailers sales at dynamic auctions sites which offer you a unique opportunity to choose a trailer suited to your requirements at affordable rates. Search the trailer category you want and you can see a number of listings!
The trailers, which are most frequently put on auction, are in the category of enclosed utility trailers! These enclosed utility trailers are just perfect for your domestic hauling needs (3500lbs to 7000 lbs). Take for example, the tramp single axle trailer. This small enclosed trailer has a small side door and ramp doors at the back door for easy loading.
These enclosed trailers are easy to tow and quality exterior lights. And as an easy bargain at online trailer auction sales you can get them get them less than $1500. These small enclosed trailers are always a hot item for online trailer sales and are featured regularly at automobile auctions in Savannah, Georgia".
The tandem axle models of these enclosed utility trailers are also available at online trailer sales. These tandem axle models are perfect for your medium duty hauling needs (upto 14,000 GVWR). Electric brakes and breakaway switch makes them easy to manage on the highways. You just have to buy a trailer to match the tow rating of your tow vehicle. The axle, jack and tires all meet the standard set by National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM).
Online used trailer sale is a regular feature of online trailer auctions. Just read the descriptions of the trailer available and you are sure to find the trailer you are looking for.
You can get a small ATV used trailer, or heavy duty equipment trailer at auction sale! You also have fair chances of finding a matching hitch, fifth wheel, gooseneck or weight distributing hitch for the trailer. Buying a used trailer at online trailer sales saves you a lot of money. And you can upgrade your trailer any time you like.
Online trailer sales are very poplar these days! A big variety of used flat bed trailers are available on sale, auto haulers, landscape flat bed, gooseneck flat bed to name just a few. You can get a trailer in the range of 7,000 lbs to 14, 000 lbs and various flat bed lengths and widths. Self-cleaning dove tails, folding ramps, dot improved lightings and stake pockets are some of the standard features of these used equipment trailers available at online trailer sales.
Online trailer sales also provides unique opportunity for selling your used trailers. All trailer manufacturers, distributors are also welcome to put their brand new trailers for online sales at Auctions 4 wheels.com.
Registration is FREE with this auction site.
The trailers, which are most frequently put on auction, are in the category of enclosed utility trailers! These enclosed utility trailers are just perfect for your domestic hauling needs (3500lbs to 7000 lbs). Take for example, the tramp single axle trailer. This small enclosed trailer has a small side door and ramp doors at the back door for easy loading.
These enclosed trailers are easy to tow and quality exterior lights. And as an easy bargain at online trailer auction sales you can get them get them less than $1500. These small enclosed trailers are always a hot item for online trailer sales and are featured regularly at automobile auctions in Savannah, Georgia".
The tandem axle models of these enclosed utility trailers are also available at online trailer sales. These tandem axle models are perfect for your medium duty hauling needs (upto 14,000 GVWR). Electric brakes and breakaway switch makes them easy to manage on the highways. You just have to buy a trailer to match the tow rating of your tow vehicle. The axle, jack and tires all meet the standard set by National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM).
Online used trailer sale is a regular feature of online trailer auctions. Just read the descriptions of the trailer available and you are sure to find the trailer you are looking for.
You can get a small ATV used trailer, or heavy duty equipment trailer at auction sale! You also have fair chances of finding a matching hitch, fifth wheel, gooseneck or weight distributing hitch for the trailer. Buying a used trailer at online trailer sales saves you a lot of money. And you can upgrade your trailer any time you like.
Online trailer sales are very poplar these days! A big variety of used flat bed trailers are available on sale, auto haulers, landscape flat bed, gooseneck flat bed to name just a few. You can get a trailer in the range of 7,000 lbs to 14, 000 lbs and various flat bed lengths and widths. Self-cleaning dove tails, folding ramps, dot improved lightings and stake pockets are some of the standard features of these used equipment trailers available at online trailer sales.
Online trailer sales also provides unique opportunity for selling your used trailers. All trailer manufacturers, distributors are also welcome to put their brand new trailers for online sales at Auctions 4 wheels.com.
Registration is FREE with this auction site.
Don't be a Victim of Online Auction Fraud
The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) reported that
last year 7.7 million dollars was lost through online
auction scams. The actual losses are much greater. Most
auction scams are not reported because they involve only
small amounts of money.
Most auction Web sites are aggressive at fighting fraud.
eBay has a fraud investigation unit that has helped them
hold down fraud to only .01% of its transactions. If you
paid for an item and never received it, or if you received
the item but it was less than what was described, eBay's
Fraud Protection Program will reimburse you up to $200,
minus a $25 processing charge. In order to qualify for
Fraud Protection coverage, you must submit an Online Fraud
Complaint with eBay after 30 days and before 60 days from
the time the auction ended.
After making a purchase, buyers can leave feedback about
their experience with the seller. Before you bid on an
item, check the seller's feedback profile by clicking on
the number next to the their User ID. There is also a
feedback forum and discussion board.
Below are a few actions that you should take to protect
yourself from Internet auction fraud.
- For a high cost item use an escrow service.
- Avoid sellers who request payment by electronic transfer.
- Never provide your Social Security Number or Drivers
License Number.
- Verify the delivery data and the sellers return policy.
- Review the online feedback on a seller.
- If the seller is a business, check with the Better
Business Bureau www.bbb.org.
- Prefer sellers who accept credit card payments. When you
use a credit card to pay for a purchase, federal law
limits your liability for an unauthorized charge to $50.
You can also request your credit card issuer to make a
charge-back.
- Be cautious about buying from a seller in another
country. If you buy from a seller in another country,
understand the difference in laws governing auctions
between that country and the US.
If you become a victim of Internet auction fraud, you can
submit a complaint report with an online form at the
IFCC Web site www.ifccfbi.gov. The IFCC will review your
complaint and refer it to the proper law enforcement
agency.
Internet Auction fraud is a large and growing problem.
Take the measures outlined above to prevent yourself from
becoming a victim.
last year 7.7 million dollars was lost through online
auction scams. The actual losses are much greater. Most
auction scams are not reported because they involve only
small amounts of money.
Most auction Web sites are aggressive at fighting fraud.
eBay has a fraud investigation unit that has helped them
hold down fraud to only .01% of its transactions. If you
paid for an item and never received it, or if you received
the item but it was less than what was described, eBay's
Fraud Protection Program will reimburse you up to $200,
minus a $25 processing charge. In order to qualify for
Fraud Protection coverage, you must submit an Online Fraud
Complaint with eBay after 30 days and before 60 days from
the time the auction ended.
After making a purchase, buyers can leave feedback about
their experience with the seller. Before you bid on an
item, check the seller's feedback profile by clicking on
the number next to the their User ID. There is also a
feedback forum and discussion board.
Below are a few actions that you should take to protect
yourself from Internet auction fraud.
- For a high cost item use an escrow service.
- Avoid sellers who request payment by electronic transfer.
- Never provide your Social Security Number or Drivers
License Number.
- Verify the delivery data and the sellers return policy.
- Review the online feedback on a seller.
- If the seller is a business, check with the Better
Business Bureau www.bbb.org.
- Prefer sellers who accept credit card payments. When you
use a credit card to pay for a purchase, federal law
limits your liability for an unauthorized charge to $50.
You can also request your credit card issuer to make a
charge-back.
- Be cautious about buying from a seller in another
country. If you buy from a seller in another country,
understand the difference in laws governing auctions
between that country and the US.
If you become a victim of Internet auction fraud, you can
submit a complaint report with an online form at the
IFCC Web site www.ifccfbi.gov. The IFCC will review your
complaint and refer it to the proper law enforcement
agency.
Internet Auction fraud is a large and growing problem.
Take the measures outlined above to prevent yourself from
becoming a victim.
How I Joined the Outsourcing Revolution
Mention “outsourcing” to a programmer and you may as well be uttering profanity. The word suggests all the evils that have befallen the Information Technology sector since the Internet bubble burst a few years ago. We've been endlessly regaled with tragic tales of American companies who have closed up shop for many of their I.T. positions, only to “offshore” those same jobs to programmers overseas working for less pay than their American counterparts. A brain drain is taking place in the once highly secure computer programming profession.
Rather than cursing the darkness, however, I found myself recently lighting a candle (or making the problem worse, depending on your perspective). You see, just over six months ago, I joined the outsourcing revolution. I am therefore writing this article partly as a confession, my own personal “mea culpa” of complicity.
No, I haven't put myself up on the auction block to work for Indian rupees.
What I did was stumble upon several “reverse auction” web sites for outsourcing talent. If you haven't heard of them, they go by the name of Elance.com (the largest site to date) or Guru.com. Both of these sites give companies an opportunity to outsource their projects to freelance workers like programmers, graphic artists and writers. Freelancers from all over the world compete for open bid requests, offering to do these contract jobs for a fixed price.
I happened upon a site called Rentacoder. Unlike the two sites mentioned above, Rentacoder didn't require a subscription fee. Their take was a straightforward commission out of each project cost. Within minutes I posted my resume and profile. Then I had a choice to make. Which projects to bid on? In addition to programming projects, they also listed writing jobs as well. I decided to bid on some of the writing jobs first, just to see how it went, and because I had always wanted to do some freelance writing on the side.
Within my first week, I won a bid to write a document on Policies and Procedures. I completed that assignment, got paid, and then won another bid—a series of articles on stock market investing. Very soon I was addicted. I kept doing more writing…a technical white paper…web site content…economics articles…sales letters…a chapter in a novel…on and on. My payments were electronically transferred to my bank account, in New Economy style.
This addiction has grown into a decent part-time income for the past six months. I've worked for clients as far away as Australia and Turkey, in addition to clients in the East and West coasts in the United States. I became fixated with how easy it was to do business this way over the Internet, where the whole world became my market. Then I got hold of a book called Free Agent Nation, by a fellow named Daniel Pink. It was about how “teleworkers” such as myself are transforming America by doing business this new-fangled way, working for “gigs” instead of permanent commitments to one employer. I was part of another Big Thing.
Don't misunderstand, I haven't quit my day job just yet.
Am I getting rich?
Hardly. I make a few hundred extra dollars a month, and yes, I do get competition from workers in India. But now I am competing with them. The winning bid, in this case, doesn't always go to the lowest bidder. Writers from America have an edge in this arena. Some buyers of writing services prefer native English speakers.
As I said, however, there are programming jobs posted on most of these sites too. Can programmers from the United States make a living strictly off these sites? Probably not. But programmers who choose to freelance can use these sites to supplement their income while contracting through normal staffing channels. They might make some meaningful connections in the process.
So there it is. I got it off my chest.
I feel much better. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go make some more bids.
Asset Sales - How to Get Money For Assets When You Need Funds
If you need to sell off assets in order to bring in funds, see what you
have of value to someone else. There are options you can use when
you are looking for a buyer. One option, though not recommended,
is to pawn the item. If you can make an arrangement to buy it back,
this might be a good option for you, but beware - it's hard to find a
reputable person in this arena.
Another option is to list your items in an auction - online or offline.
Be careful of offline auctions - and remain present. Keep a hard
line on the minimum amount you will accept for any items. We had
an auctioneer sell off my mother's estate items and he sold them at
much lower pricing that was fair. She had over $15,000 worth of
items, and he gave us $1200 for the entire lot. We learned a lot that
day. If you have auctioneers come to take your items, make sure to
mark which items to take, or better yet, set them outside and in one
spot, away from your other home items. Our auctioneer went into the
crawlspace and took things we meant to save, and sold them. Don't
ever let an auctioneer get control of your goods.
Online auctions are more controllable - you set them up for bid, and
you decide how much you are willing to take. You get a better idea
if your minimum will even work - it might be too high for the
demand. You have total control over the sale. You can also decide
how long you want the bid to go on - depending on how soon you
need the money.
Do you have any payment plans that pay out on a monthly basis,
for which you would like a lump sum amount for? Try selling it for
present day cash. If you are holding a mortgage note, or a
lottery winning, or business notes, you can sell those for cash
now. Some of your life insurance policies can be sold, as well,
if you have no real need for them anymore (your kids are grown
and on their own, your spouse may have died, or you know your
life is on a short timeline and you just want to enjoy the time
you have but need money). If you have won a lawsuit that is paying
out in installments, you can sell that for lump sum cash. You may
have other types of assets that you can get cash for - think about it
and see what you might be able to work out.
If you have no assets to sell, you might need to think "outside the
box" - be innovative and figure out what you have to sell - your
talents or services, perhaps? In any case, figure out all your assets -
physical and inner - and see what you think people will pay you
for them or for using them. Price fairly and beware of scams.
have of value to someone else. There are options you can use when
you are looking for a buyer. One option, though not recommended,
is to pawn the item. If you can make an arrangement to buy it back,
this might be a good option for you, but beware - it's hard to find a
reputable person in this arena.
Another option is to list your items in an auction - online or offline.
Be careful of offline auctions - and remain present. Keep a hard
line on the minimum amount you will accept for any items. We had
an auctioneer sell off my mother's estate items and he sold them at
much lower pricing that was fair. She had over $15,000 worth of
items, and he gave us $1200 for the entire lot. We learned a lot that
day. If you have auctioneers come to take your items, make sure to
mark which items to take, or better yet, set them outside and in one
spot, away from your other home items. Our auctioneer went into the
crawlspace and took things we meant to save, and sold them. Don't
ever let an auctioneer get control of your goods.
Online auctions are more controllable - you set them up for bid, and
you decide how much you are willing to take. You get a better idea
if your minimum will even work - it might be too high for the
demand. You have total control over the sale. You can also decide
how long you want the bid to go on - depending on how soon you
need the money.
Do you have any payment plans that pay out on a monthly basis,
for which you would like a lump sum amount for? Try selling it for
present day cash. If you are holding a mortgage note, or a
lottery winning, or business notes, you can sell those for cash
now. Some of your life insurance policies can be sold, as well,
if you have no real need for them anymore (your kids are grown
and on their own, your spouse may have died, or you know your
life is on a short timeline and you just want to enjoy the time
you have but need money). If you have won a lawsuit that is paying
out in installments, you can sell that for lump sum cash. You may
have other types of assets that you can get cash for - think about it
and see what you might be able to work out.
If you have no assets to sell, you might need to think "outside the
box" - be innovative and figure out what you have to sell - your
talents or services, perhaps? In any case, figure out all your assets -
physical and inner - and see what you think people will pay you
for them or for using them. Price fairly and beware of scams.
How to Market with Niche Auction Sites
Online auctions are big business. But they can be big headaches.
During the past year, trading in online commerce was valued at
$60 billion, according to "Business Standard.” Online trade among
small businesses makes up 1 per cent of USA's GDP (Gross Domestic
Product) and is expected to reach 10 per cent or $400 billion of
USA's GDP by 2010.
“But setting up and maintaining operations on huge auction sites
like Ebay is not always easy,” said Rich Moc, owner of
Performance Cars at Pcars.com, a niche automotive auction site.”
“People can spend a lot of time sifting through cluttered pages
of auctions, bidding, setting up accounts and managing multiple,
confusing and expensive fees that can take an accountant to
figure out. And trying to figure out how to submit a simple email
or place a quick call for help can be a pain in the neck.”
The solution or pain relief for big auction headaches? Smaller,
niche sites with personalized service. For example, Performance
Cars offers easier management, one-on-one help and plenty of
options to help with automotive solutions and aftermarket
selling. Some of their auction tips are:
· Customer Service - When you have an item listed and a potential
buyer contacts you with a question, respond quickly. It is
important and actually critical to your success to check your
email account several times a day. Answering a question could be
the difference between you getting the sale or the buyer going
someplace else.
· Description - When you list your item(s), write an accurate
description. No need to write long paragraphs of rambling
information. But do provide exact measurements, colors,
condition, etc. Be precise.
· Exceed Expectations - You want every customer to be happy. So
do a little more research on shipping, or negotiate on price. But
remember that the customer is the reason you will have success.
Be prepared to go the extra mile and provide superior service
every time.
· Digital Images - While auctions without photographs can and do
sell, auctions with photographs sell much better. People like
visualizations and want to see what they will get with their
money. Make sure your photograph is clear, focused and offers
more than just a straight view.
With Pcars.com, sellers can instantly create their own account
and setup their own homepage. Next they add their product
information and links. Then upload images, up to eight photos
included with the no-cost membership. That's it.
“It is THE BEST site to host photos and one of the best to sell
and buy things for your car!” shared Lefteris from Greece who
sells Jewels for Porsches regularly on Ebay and now on Pcars.com,
too.
“And the site is very easy to use.”
The site is developing to meet needs of the buyers and sellers.
In the works are Photo Gallery for hosting pictures, AV Center
for racing videos, and a Forum for comments and sharing
automotive tips.
“As a seller I find the PCARS site very easy to list and I like
that I can have large photos for my items,” Lefteris explained.
“I use Ebay also, but I find the PCARS site much, much better.
I'm here
to stay.”
Progressing Discount Price Plan
Also under way is a new Progressing Discount Price (PDP) plan.
Sellers will have the option to list their prices so that they
decrease over time, while waiting for someone to buy. This option
benefits the sellers by allowing them to discount their
inventories as time progresses. Additionally, this ensures that
inventories may get sold at the end of the listing period (usually 30-day). The
benefit for the buyers is that they get to buy the items cheaper
the next
day if the items have not been sold.
Automotive sellers and buyers are invited to setup Dealer
Accounts and Private Party Accounts at Pcars.com and see how
simple the site works. They can sell and buy new and used
performance vehicles, parts, accessories and auto care products
of all types, quickly & easily online.
During the past year, trading in online commerce was valued at
$60 billion, according to "Business Standard.” Online trade among
small businesses makes up 1 per cent of USA's GDP (Gross Domestic
Product) and is expected to reach 10 per cent or $400 billion of
USA's GDP by 2010.
“But setting up and maintaining operations on huge auction sites
like Ebay is not always easy,” said Rich Moc, owner of
Performance Cars at Pcars.com, a niche automotive auction site.”
“People can spend a lot of time sifting through cluttered pages
of auctions, bidding, setting up accounts and managing multiple,
confusing and expensive fees that can take an accountant to
figure out. And trying to figure out how to submit a simple email
or place a quick call for help can be a pain in the neck.”
The solution or pain relief for big auction headaches? Smaller,
niche sites with personalized service. For example, Performance
Cars offers easier management, one-on-one help and plenty of
options to help with automotive solutions and aftermarket
selling. Some of their auction tips are:
· Customer Service - When you have an item listed and a potential
buyer contacts you with a question, respond quickly. It is
important and actually critical to your success to check your
email account several times a day. Answering a question could be
the difference between you getting the sale or the buyer going
someplace else.
· Description - When you list your item(s), write an accurate
description. No need to write long paragraphs of rambling
information. But do provide exact measurements, colors,
condition, etc. Be precise.
· Exceed Expectations - You want every customer to be happy. So
do a little more research on shipping, or negotiate on price. But
remember that the customer is the reason you will have success.
Be prepared to go the extra mile and provide superior service
every time.
· Digital Images - While auctions without photographs can and do
sell, auctions with photographs sell much better. People like
visualizations and want to see what they will get with their
money. Make sure your photograph is clear, focused and offers
more than just a straight view.
With Pcars.com, sellers can instantly create their own account
and setup their own homepage. Next they add their product
information and links. Then upload images, up to eight photos
included with the no-cost membership. That's it.
“It is THE BEST site to host photos and one of the best to sell
and buy things for your car!” shared Lefteris from Greece who
sells Jewels for Porsches regularly on Ebay and now on Pcars.com,
too.
“And the site is very easy to use.”
The site is developing to meet needs of the buyers and sellers.
In the works are Photo Gallery for hosting pictures, AV Center
for racing videos, and a Forum for comments and sharing
automotive tips.
“As a seller I find the PCARS site very easy to list and I like
that I can have large photos for my items,” Lefteris explained.
“I use Ebay also, but I find the PCARS site much, much better.
I'm here
to stay.”
Progressing Discount Price Plan
Also under way is a new Progressing Discount Price (PDP) plan.
Sellers will have the option to list their prices so that they
decrease over time, while waiting for someone to buy. This option
benefits the sellers by allowing them to discount their
inventories as time progresses. Additionally, this ensures that
inventories may get sold at the end of the listing period (usually 30-day). The
benefit for the buyers is that they get to buy the items cheaper
the next
day if the items have not been sold.
Automotive sellers and buyers are invited to setup Dealer
Accounts and Private Party Accounts at Pcars.com and see how
simple the site works. They can sell and buy new and used
performance vehicles, parts, accessories and auto care products
of all types, quickly & easily online.
Used Car Auctions: Do's and Don'ts
This is Part 1 of a 4 part series on how to buy a car at an auction
So you are looking for a car or truck, but you're tired of running around town and finding other people selling their "headaches" through the local classifieds, or dealers offering "cream-puffs" for inflated retail prices. All you want is a good vehicle for a good price. Period. Does such a deal exist? Yes, indeed! Repossession auctions are becoming more and more popular across the country. I have been attending them for over 20 years, and have purchased many cars and trucks at bargain prices - everything from a brand new car (still with the window sticker on it and 3 miles on the odometer) for $1,100 below the sticker price, to a conversion van with 99,000 miles on it. Both of these vehicles are still in the family and running strong.
1. What I'd like to do here is share my experiences with you, and give you some tips on how you, too, can find these bargains.
First of all, how do you find the auctions? Your local paper is a good place to start. Many banks and other financial institutions (such as GMAC) list the times and places of their auctions in Sunday papers under "Auctions" or "Cars for Sale". Also, if there is a "legal publication" in your area, that publishes court proceedings, bankruptcy notices, etc., this is another source for repossession auto auction notifications. One other way to find them is to call your local banks and ask for the Installment Loan Department. They should be able to provide you with details on their particular auctions. Many even have regular mailing lists, where they will automatically send you a notification of their auction and even a listing of what vehicles will be included. While some institutions restrict their auctions to dealers only, most will allow the public to attend and bid. Once you have found an auction, be sure to get all the details BEFORE you go. You'll need to know if there are any minimum bid requirements, what type of payment they need, and what type of paperwork they provide to the purchasers. Many auctions will sell everything to the highest bidder, no matter how low the bid is. Still others may have a minimum bid they must get, or they "buy back" the car and save it for the next auction. Most institutions retain the right to bid, so be aware that you may be not only be bidding against other people interested in the vehicle, but also against the auctioneer!
While most auctions will publish their requirements for payment along with the auction notification, DON'T assume that that's all there is to it. Find out if they expect cash only, certified checks or personal checks. Also, many require full payment immediately after the sale, while others may require a non-refundable deposit with the balance due in a few days. All too often I have seen people make costly errors at auctions because they didn't understand these payment rules.
In this day and age of red tape, titles, liens, etc., the paperwork an institution provides is as important as anything else. In New York State, for example, if the institution sells the vehicle with "as-is" marked on the bill of sale, you may encounter a legal nightmare that involves a major full-vehicle inspection and an 8 to 10 week wait for a title search and registration procedure that will prevent you from putting the vehicle on the road for months. It is imperative, therefore, that you find out specifically what paperwork the institution will give you when you purchase a vehicle through their auction. If you plan on registering the car right away, tell them that and make sure you are satisfied that they will give you what you need. If in doubt, contact your local Motor Vehicle office ahead of time to insure that you'll be able to proceed with what the institution will be giving you. Laws vary dramatically from state to state. Above all, make sure that all liens have been satisfied before you purchase a repossessed vehicle. Most banks and financial institutions will give you some type of form to verify this.
OK... now you've found the auction and understand the rules and requirements. The next step is finding the vehicle that fits your needs. In order to know what the vehicle's value is before you bid on it, you'll need a good resource of wholesale and retail pricing. One good source is the NADA "Blue Book". This book lists cars and light trucks by manufacturer and body style, giving you the current average wholesale and retail for each. I have used a book called "Edmund's Used Car Prices" for the past 15 years or so, and found them to be a very reliable source. Like the NADA book, it lists the cars and light trucks by manufacturer and year (usually the past 7 model years), and provides the vehicle's original list price, current average wholesale and retail. It also provides you with a list of popular options, and what they add to the value of the car or truck. There's plenty of details in the book which I won't go into here. Just make sure you read the "How to Use This Book" section thoroughly before you start using it. Options such as air conditioning, power steering and brakes and type of transmission may dramatically affect the value of the vehicle. Also, excessive mileage for that particular year car or truck will affect the value. So, read the book and know how to use it BEFORE you get to the auction.
Your First Car Auction
You are about to go to your first car auction. You can feel the excitement in the air. There are so many cars to choose from. But do you really know what to expect at a car auction? Do you know the legalities that occur at a car auction? Most people get in way over there heads at a car auction. If this is your first car auction, you better come prepared.
There are a lot of things you need to do and a lot of things you need to pay attention to at a car auction. First off, before you go to a car auction make sure you have enough money in your bank account. All cars purchased at a car auction must be paid in full. You also need to bring your drivers license and any other form of ID to the car auction. This is needed to buy the vehicle and to do the title work and registration.
When you first get to the car auction you should make notes of the cars you are interested in. Then, if you can, go to kellybluebook.com and check the retail value of the vehicles you would like to purchase. This way you know what to go with when you make your bid. At a car auction, many vehicles have a reserve price. This means that the vehicle has a minimum price t be sold at. If it is too high, do not bid on it. Be sure when you do bid that you do not get into a bidding war. Never bid more than you can afford. If the bidding war begins, just walk away. At a car auction, it is every man for himself.
Before you begin to bid on cars, you need to see if the vehicle is a good buy or not. Many vehicles at a car auction could have been previously damaged. An example of this is in Texas and Louisiana many cars were severely damaged by flooding during a hurricane. These vehicles were sent to a car auction and the buyers more than likely had no idea the vehicles had flood damage. You may also wish to take a mechanic to the car auction. A mechanic is a good idea at a car auction because they can see where someone may have tried to hide repairs and damage that the vehicle might have incurred. Lastly, you can get a free Carfax vehicle history report on the vehicle if you get the vehicles identification number (VIN).
Remember, at a car auction vehicles are sold "as is" and they do not come with a warranty. Keep all of these tips in mind to protect yourself from a bad purchase. You are supposed to go to a car auction to get a great deal on a car and to save money. With the proper frame of mind, this is easily accomplished.
There are a lot of things you need to do and a lot of things you need to pay attention to at a car auction. First off, before you go to a car auction make sure you have enough money in your bank account. All cars purchased at a car auction must be paid in full. You also need to bring your drivers license and any other form of ID to the car auction. This is needed to buy the vehicle and to do the title work and registration.
When you first get to the car auction you should make notes of the cars you are interested in. Then, if you can, go to kellybluebook.com and check the retail value of the vehicles you would like to purchase. This way you know what to go with when you make your bid. At a car auction, many vehicles have a reserve price. This means that the vehicle has a minimum price t be sold at. If it is too high, do not bid on it. Be sure when you do bid that you do not get into a bidding war. Never bid more than you can afford. If the bidding war begins, just walk away. At a car auction, it is every man for himself.
Before you begin to bid on cars, you need to see if the vehicle is a good buy or not. Many vehicles at a car auction could have been previously damaged. An example of this is in Texas and Louisiana many cars were severely damaged by flooding during a hurricane. These vehicles were sent to a car auction and the buyers more than likely had no idea the vehicles had flood damage. You may also wish to take a mechanic to the car auction. A mechanic is a good idea at a car auction because they can see where someone may have tried to hide repairs and damage that the vehicle might have incurred. Lastly, you can get a free Carfax vehicle history report on the vehicle if you get the vehicles identification number (VIN).
Remember, at a car auction vehicles are sold "as is" and they do not come with a warranty. Keep all of these tips in mind to protect yourself from a bad purchase. You are supposed to go to a car auction to get a great deal on a car and to save money. With the proper frame of mind, this is easily accomplished.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Anyone Can Sell Online; *Anyone*!
The Internet is an amazing medium for communication, and
entertainment. It can help save you time and money, and provide a
lot of fun too! S-l-o-w-l-y, big businesses are starting to fully
realise the potential of the Internet.
But it is small businesses, and individuals who are truly
exploiting the Internet phenomenon. It is this group - people with
small budgets and forced to research and fully utilise the best high-
value low-cost opportunities - that lead the way.
And whilst it isn't easy, it is possible for anyone to sell
online.
When I say anyone, I have to qualify it a little. I mean:
* Anyone who owns... anything!
* Anyone who knows something that others don't
* Anyone who has a passion, and is willing to share that passion
with others
* Anyone who is willing to work hard, and continue to learn
'Anyones' can be educated or uneducated, skilled or unskilled,
employed or self-employed (or unemployed). You can be a house-wife
(house-husband) or any kind of business professional you can think of
(even a salesman!). You can be... anyone, as long as you have access
to the wonderful world of the web.
And you don't need a website OR a product OR knowledge of HTML
(but all can help)!
Imagine!
------------
Three types of 'anyone'
------------
I shall split these 'anyones' into 3 distinct groups. Everyone
belongs to at least one of these groups, but you may well find
ways to sell online in each of them.
1) Anyone with NO WEBSITE and NO PRODUCT
2) Anyone with a WEBSITE but NO PRODUCT
3) Anyone with a WEBSITE and PRODUCT
------------
1) Anyone with NO WEBSITE and NO PRODUCT
------------
It sounds good, doesn't it - selling online, with no website and
no product! And, even better, you get to clear out your loft
(attic), cellar (basement) or cupboard (closet) whilst you're at
it! (And it's NOT network marketing, so don't worry!)
I'm not talking about car-boot (or garage) sales either, but you're
almost there!
"Sell - and buy - via online auctions!"
After all, we all own things that we no longer want; items that
others are willing to buy from us! Online auctions allow you to
sell (and buy) those items online.
"Build your own Net auction business."
Ever heard of Ebay? It's an online auction site - one of *the*
MOST VISITED sites on the Net - brim full with people eager to
sell (and buy) goods online! If you know what you're doing on
Ebay (or any auction site) you can quite easily turn your passion
into a very lucrative, even life-enhancing, business!
As with all things Internet, there are many how-to Auction guides
available. One such guide is Sydney Johnstone's excellent "Make
Your Net Auction Sell!" Based on her own experiences, it shows how
she actually *makes a living* using online auctions and details
dozends and dozens of ways you too can sell (or sell more) online!
There are SO MANY good things about selling via online auctions,
but I particularly like the low-risks involved. I like the fact
that:
- Your customers are *already looking for your items*,
especially on the big auction sites like Ebay or Amazon;
- You can sell (almost) anything and it suits anyone (not
just stamp-collectors!);
- You can do market research, at no expense to yourself!
- You can simply use an auction site to promote your website
or affiliate program
Quite simply, online auctions provide the ultimate low-risk, low-
startup-cost business.
Recommended resources:
* The wonderful world of Ebay
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.ebay.co.uk
------------
2) Anyone with a WEBSITE but NO PRODUCT
------------
(a) Are you sure you have no product?
What about your knowledge? They say that there's a book in
everyone, and that includes you! You probably know something that
other people would pay to know. It can be right under your nose too.
You just need to know how to find it! (And then you need to know how
to create and publish it, and how to market and sell it!...)
The thing is, all this how-to information is available NOW, online!
If you think this opportunity might suit you - and think about it
for a moment, before you dismiss it! - then I really suggest you
seize the moment. Visit the recommended resources below, or any
other sites you're aware of! But do something!
And if you think you're not a writer, YOU CAN LEARN! Creating and
selling your very own, proprietary product is the small business
person's best chance to succeed on the Net.
(b) OK, OK there's no book inside you (yet!)
Well, ever heard of Amazon? They sell books, right (and CDs
and DVDs...)! They were also responsible for the first ever
associate program on the Net. Their associate (affiliate) program
allows sites to sell Amazon books simply by providing a link to
Amazon. Amazon tracks the link, and pays a commission of between 5
and 15% if the click results in a sale. In effect, Amazon invented
affiliate marketing!
"Sell via affiliate marketing!"
Affiliate marketing is very big business. It is thought that by
2002, 25% of online sales will have originated on affiliate sites.
Many online businesses now run affiliate programs. It is
possible to make a lot of money every month simply from a link to
an affiliate program.
It is possible, but not that simple!
You need to have a decent amount of traffic to your site; you need
to choose programs that have a good fit with your website; you
need to promote the affiliate program well (sometimes called pre-
selling!); and you need to join an affiliate program:
i) of a site that makes the sale, and
ii) that pays a good rate of commission.
(Ideally, you would want to make a lifetime commission on the
referred customer on all future sales too!)
Amazon definitely makes the sale (it's well-designed, has
excellent customer service, and hence has very high conversion
rates). But it pays a maximum of 15% commission, and you ONLY make
commission on a previously-referred customer IF they click your
affiliate link in the future - no lifetime commission here!
------------
3) Anyone with a WEBSITE and a PRODUCT
------------
Congratulations! You're already selling online. Not sure why
you're still reading this then!
Maybe you're not making as many sales as you'd imagined!
Selling online for you, is all about selling a great product, at
the right price, and getting enough traffic to your site. Am I
right? So, have you mastered the so-called Big 3 of product, site-
selling and traffic building?
"Learn how to make your site sell!"
If you haven't can I politely suggest you check out the following
best-of-breed products below that WILL make your site sell (at the
right price)! And, you might also like to consider the possibilities
offered by affiliate marketing and online auctions detailed above!
As I have just shown, anyone can sell online. You can either:
o Sell your own product, or
o Sell someone else's product
And you can do this via your own website, or via an online auction
site. Excellent tools exist that show you how to:
o Sell what you know
o Sell what you have, via auction sites or your own website
o Sell what others have, via affiliate programs
You probably won't get rich online - give it a while, eh? ;) - but
you WILL be able to improve your income, and enjoy yourself at the
same time!
And remember, if you too want to sell online, you can! Just choose
the best option for you, and take action!
Happy selling,
PS Do be careful before you speculate to accumulate! All of the
resources mentioned in this article offer outstanding value and
an absolutely no questions asked money-back guarantee!
PPS If this still looks like too much work! There's now a new and
innovative tool that allows you to CONCENTRATE ONLY ON YOUR
BUSINESS! Forget domain registration and hosting, forget HTML,
forget the vagaries of website promotion and search engine
submission... forget everything apart from developing your
business online.
entertainment. It can help save you time and money, and provide a
lot of fun too! S-l-o-w-l-y, big businesses are starting to fully
realise the potential of the Internet.
But it is small businesses, and individuals who are truly
exploiting the Internet phenomenon. It is this group - people with
small budgets and forced to research and fully utilise the best high-
value low-cost opportunities - that lead the way.
And whilst it isn't easy, it is possible for anyone to sell
online.
When I say anyone, I have to qualify it a little. I mean:
* Anyone who owns... anything!
* Anyone who knows something that others don't
* Anyone who has a passion, and is willing to share that passion
with others
* Anyone who is willing to work hard, and continue to learn
'Anyones' can be educated or uneducated, skilled or unskilled,
employed or self-employed (or unemployed). You can be a house-wife
(house-husband) or any kind of business professional you can think of
(even a salesman!). You can be... anyone, as long as you have access
to the wonderful world of the web.
And you don't need a website OR a product OR knowledge of HTML
(but all can help)!
Imagine!
------------
Three types of 'anyone'
------------
I shall split these 'anyones' into 3 distinct groups. Everyone
belongs to at least one of these groups, but you may well find
ways to sell online in each of them.
1) Anyone with NO WEBSITE and NO PRODUCT
2) Anyone with a WEBSITE but NO PRODUCT
3) Anyone with a WEBSITE and PRODUCT
------------
1) Anyone with NO WEBSITE and NO PRODUCT
------------
It sounds good, doesn't it - selling online, with no website and
no product! And, even better, you get to clear out your loft
(attic), cellar (basement) or cupboard (closet) whilst you're at
it! (And it's NOT network marketing, so don't worry!)
I'm not talking about car-boot (or garage) sales either, but you're
almost there!
"Sell - and buy - via online auctions!"
After all, we all own things that we no longer want; items that
others are willing to buy from us! Online auctions allow you to
sell (and buy) those items online.
"Build your own Net auction business."
Ever heard of Ebay? It's an online auction site - one of *the*
MOST VISITED sites on the Net - brim full with people eager to
sell (and buy) goods online! If you know what you're doing on
Ebay (or any auction site) you can quite easily turn your passion
into a very lucrative, even life-enhancing, business!
As with all things Internet, there are many how-to Auction guides
available. One such guide is Sydney Johnstone's excellent "Make
Your Net Auction Sell!" Based on her own experiences, it shows how
she actually *makes a living* using online auctions and details
dozends and dozens of ways you too can sell (or sell more) online!
There are SO MANY good things about selling via online auctions,
but I particularly like the low-risks involved. I like the fact
that:
- Your customers are *already looking for your items*,
especially on the big auction sites like Ebay or Amazon;
- You can sell (almost) anything and it suits anyone (not
just stamp-collectors!);
- You can do market research, at no expense to yourself!
- You can simply use an auction site to promote your website
or affiliate program
Quite simply, online auctions provide the ultimate low-risk, low-
startup-cost business.
Recommended resources:
* The wonderful world of Ebay
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.ebay.co.uk
------------
2) Anyone with a WEBSITE but NO PRODUCT
------------
(a) Are you sure you have no product?
What about your knowledge? They say that there's a book in
everyone, and that includes you! You probably know something that
other people would pay to know. It can be right under your nose too.
You just need to know how to find it! (And then you need to know how
to create and publish it, and how to market and sell it!...)
The thing is, all this how-to information is available NOW, online!
If you think this opportunity might suit you - and think about it
for a moment, before you dismiss it! - then I really suggest you
seize the moment. Visit the recommended resources below, or any
other sites you're aware of! But do something!
And if you think you're not a writer, YOU CAN LEARN! Creating and
selling your very own, proprietary product is the small business
person's best chance to succeed on the Net.
(b) OK, OK there's no book inside you (yet!)
Well, ever heard of Amazon? They sell books, right (and CDs
and DVDs...)! They were also responsible for the first ever
associate program on the Net. Their associate (affiliate) program
allows sites to sell Amazon books simply by providing a link to
Amazon. Amazon tracks the link, and pays a commission of between 5
and 15% if the click results in a sale. In effect, Amazon invented
affiliate marketing!
"Sell via affiliate marketing!"
Affiliate marketing is very big business. It is thought that by
2002, 25% of online sales will have originated on affiliate sites.
Many online businesses now run affiliate programs. It is
possible to make a lot of money every month simply from a link to
an affiliate program.
It is possible, but not that simple!
You need to have a decent amount of traffic to your site; you need
to choose programs that have a good fit with your website; you
need to promote the affiliate program well (sometimes called pre-
selling!); and you need to join an affiliate program:
i) of a site that makes the sale, and
ii) that pays a good rate of commission.
(Ideally, you would want to make a lifetime commission on the
referred customer on all future sales too!)
Amazon definitely makes the sale (it's well-designed, has
excellent customer service, and hence has very high conversion
rates). But it pays a maximum of 15% commission, and you ONLY make
commission on a previously-referred customer IF they click your
affiliate link in the future - no lifetime commission here!
------------
3) Anyone with a WEBSITE and a PRODUCT
------------
Congratulations! You're already selling online. Not sure why
you're still reading this then!
Maybe you're not making as many sales as you'd imagined!
Selling online for you, is all about selling a great product, at
the right price, and getting enough traffic to your site. Am I
right? So, have you mastered the so-called Big 3 of product, site-
selling and traffic building?
"Learn how to make your site sell!"
If you haven't can I politely suggest you check out the following
best-of-breed products below that WILL make your site sell (at the
right price)! And, you might also like to consider the possibilities
offered by affiliate marketing and online auctions detailed above!
As I have just shown, anyone can sell online. You can either:
o Sell your own product, or
o Sell someone else's product
And you can do this via your own website, or via an online auction
site. Excellent tools exist that show you how to:
o Sell what you know
o Sell what you have, via auction sites or your own website
o Sell what others have, via affiliate programs
You probably won't get rich online - give it a while, eh? ;) - but
you WILL be able to improve your income, and enjoy yourself at the
same time!
And remember, if you too want to sell online, you can! Just choose
the best option for you, and take action!
Happy selling,
PS Do be careful before you speculate to accumulate! All of the
resources mentioned in this article offer outstanding value and
an absolutely no questions asked money-back guarantee!
PPS If this still looks like too much work! There's now a new and
innovative tool that allows you to CONCENTRATE ONLY ON YOUR
BUSINESS! Forget domain registration and hosting, forget HTML,
forget the vagaries of website promotion and search engine
submission... forget everything apart from developing your
business online.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
