Reserve the "Reserve"

First and foremost, if you don't know what a "Reserve Price" on eBay is, read up on it here.

Here's my input on the whole "reserve" thing:

AVOID PUTTING A RESERVE PRICE ON YOUR AUCTION AT ALL COSTS!

The idea of creating a reserve price in order to prevent your auction for selling less than you want is clearly understood. However, in the world of eBay, it is impractical. The mere sight of the dreaded "reserve not met" un-attracts nearly all potentials bidders, especially experienced ones. This is due to the fear of facing the unknown price, which often makes the buyer feel uncomfortable in any auction-setting.






It is understandable that you may not want to sell an item under a certain price. However, there is an easy alternative! If your item is not going for your desired price at the end of your auction, there is an option in your auction's "Action" drop-down menu named "End Item." This will end your current auction with no repercussions, and the auction then "dies" and thus, there is no winning bidder.


Hope this helps! --The eBay Fanatic a.k.a B.C. Peterson

Absurd Auction #3: The Price Truly is Right

COME ON DOWN!

Bob Barker's retirement has brought upon one of the greatest eBay auctions ever to pop out of the toaster. I know your head is spinning out of control with anticipation to see what the "greatest eBay auction ever" is, so... without further ado, I present to you, the absolute crunchiest auction on eBay! A piece of toast with the "Price Is Right" logo burnt onto it!

The Price is Right was the absolute best show for the 35 years that it was aired. I am happy to see that many eBayers agree with that assertion, considering the bid is at a whopping $326.57, with over 3 DAYS LEFT!

However, that current $326.57 bid represents a small price to pay for such a fine and delectable item. Soapot, you really toasted everyone with this auction XD. --The eBay Fanatic a.k.a B.C. Peterson

June 2nd EDIT: Current bid is at $510.00!!!

From the auction details:
"You are bidding on a mint condition 2007 Price Is Right Toast. With National Toast Awareness Day fast approaching and Christmas right around the corner, this toast will surely make the perfect gift. The bidder with the closest bid to the actual retail price of the toast, without going over, is the winner. This toast can be yours if the price is right! Have your pet spayed or neutured."

Absurd Auction #2: Literally "The Stupidest Auction EVER!"

Usually, upfront honesty is considered a virtue. However, in Densusdus' case: honesty=discovery of one's inbred stupidity.

This auction and this auction are (as stated in their title description) "stupid," "dumb," "stupidest auction ever," and "dumbest auction EVER."

I would be lying if I said I didn't agree with Densusdus' assertion, it brings a whole new level of stupidity to the table.

Apparently (for a low opening bid of $0.99 with a $0.50 shipping charge) you can receive either a blank sheet of paper (YES!) OR a blank envelope (SHAZAAM!).

Watch the bidding wars destroy this auction... yeah... right...

At least it gave me a good laugh... kind of. --The eBay Fanatic a.k.a B.C. Peterson

"Completed Listings" save you time AND money!

One of the most common "errors" new eBay sellers make is selling unwanted items. Although sometimes referred to as "The Biggest Internet Garage Sale," surprisingly eBay shouldn't be a home for all of your unused paraphernalia.

So how do you know what to sell and what not to? Research is key.

Luckily, eBay makes its easy for these guru sellers on "The Bay."

“Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought”
--Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Researching completed auctions on eBay allows the seller to review how much an item sold for in a prior auction, thus allowing the seller to predict the price that their item will sell for. This can tell the seller whether or not listing their item on eBay would be a profitable choice.

In order to view completed auctions, do the following:

1. Type in your desired topic of interest (i.e. Ralph Lauren Wallet, Fender Guitar, etc.)
2. In the "Search Options" Category (located under the search bar, matching categories, and related guides), check the "Completed Listings" box under the "Show only:" list.

3. Click the "Show Items" button at the bottom of the search options.
4. You now can view how much money prior auctions of your item went for.

I hope this helps! --The eBay Fanatic a.k.a B.C. Peterson

Absurd Auction #1: You've got to know when to "Fold' Em..."

Hahaha, eBayers never fail to amuse me. Inane auctions have taken place since eBay's day one, and they truly keep eBay interesting. Welcome to my blog, www.ebayfanatic.blogspot.com, I am the eBay fanatic (B.C.), owner and operator of Sellityourselfonebay.com, a site where I try to help new eBayers fit into the fantastic world of eBay. Having to constantly keep up with eBay auctions and sales, I am making it easy for you to come and look at some of the current ridiculous auctions on eBay.

Todays auction has "sheer hilarity" written all over it. Check out this "incredible" deal that Sauvili is offering...

This "clever" seller obviously overestimated the current poker-hype that exists in America today, he is selling himself and his poker skills (or lack of) for a mere $9,999 USD. He says that when (not if) he wins, he will split the payout 50/50 with the investor. Plus, he agrees to wear any sort of advertisement that the buyer wants him to (I'd almost be willing to pay $10,000 to see this guy get humiliated in front of millions wearing a "Tickle Me Elmo" t-shirt with matching Elmo high socks and shorts...)

Good luck Sauvili! XD

Expect more updates and unbelievable auctions soon from ebayfanatic.blogspot.com! --The eBay Fanatic a.k.a B.C. Peterson