Which eBay Format Should You Choose?
eBay started out as an auction website and whilst that is still the case, today it gives you many different options – auctions, buy-it-now items, and classified ads. But which is best? Which eBay format should you choose?
The answer of course depends on what you’re selling, who you are targeting, and how much you hope to get for it.
Auction Format
The original eBay format is still the most popular. You set a starting bid, which can be any amount you choose, and then the auction runs for a set length of time and people bid against each other over the duration of the auction. The bidder who has enetered the highest amount will win the auction, unless the item has a reserve price, in which case the item doesn’t sell until the reserve price has been met. The auction format is great in that it lets people decide how much they want to pay for your item. Often this can exceed what you expect, although of course it might not (hence why you may want to consider setting a reserve price if the item is valuable.)
Buy-it-now
The buy-it-now format allows people to buy an item at a set, fixed price. You’ll see this offered as an option on auction listings, as well as buy-it-now only listings. The advantage for the seller is that you can set your price and if someone sees it who wants it you can sell something extremely quickly.
Classified ads
These work outside of eBay, which merely acts as an advertising space. The buyer contacts you directly and you do a deal with the buyer. The disadvantage is that you can’t take advantage of the protection eBay’s feedback system offers, however it also means that you are not so restricted in what you can and can’t do.
