Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Selling Discards Through An Online Auction -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Selling Discards Through An Online Auction

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

DESCRIBING YOUR PRODUCT

start with an attention-grabbing title for your product
include any brand names
describe the condition -- emphasize "new" items
be honest about any flaws, damage, or wear
provide as much description as necessary
usually no space limit -- the more information the better
size, color, and any special features
indicate gender (men's, women's, kid's) when appropriate
include photos and close-up's of features and "minor damage"
place your item in a category with other similar items

HOW THE BIDDING PROCESS WORKS

can participate in a traditional "auction" setting
decide on a starting price
set the bidding increments (i.e. minimum of $1)
determine if you want item not to sell below a "reserve" price
set a time limit for how long you want bid to be open
item goes to highest bidder at end of auction
if no one meets reserve price, item does not sell
can also set "buy now" option that skips auction process
purchaser can buy immediately for a pre-determined price

SHIPPING YOUR ORDER

let bidders know shipping method up front
best to choose a flat rate shipping method
or find shipping cost to farthest point from you in the country
indicate that shipping may be higher for overseas bidders
let bidders know if insurance on package costs more
choose an escrow service to handle payments
they receive cash payment from buyer and hold until delivery
avoid problems with bounced checks and bad credit cards
choose an escrow recommended by your auction service

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS

ask up front what the auction service's fees are
see if fees are flat or a percentage of your sale
also find out what protections you have from the service
see how you are covered in case of a dishonest buyer
know your rights and responsibilities before signing on

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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