Yahoo! Auctions Seller Tips
Overview
Introduction
Submit Your Auction
Market Your Auction
During Your Auction
After Your Auction Closes
 
Getting Started
Learn the basics in order to start selling. Sell now
 
Related Links
Yahoo! Auctions Safety Tips
Yahoo! Auctions Help


After Your Auction Closes

  1. Track your closed auctions.
    To track and manage your closed auctions, click on "My Auctions" > "Closed/Sold." You can keep track of the status of your item by entering in notes under "Transaction Log" on your closed item page. The notes will be time-stamped so you can easily record when you received the payment, sent the item, etc. When you rate the buyer, it will automatically appear in the transaction log. The transaction log is only visible for the seller and winning bidder.

  2. Contact the winning bidder.
    You will receive an email automatically when your auction closes with information on the winning bidder. The winning bidder also receives an email automatically which you can customize under "Options" > "Customize Winning Emails." This is a great way to give your auction communications a personal touch. A quick response at the end of the auction is also important. Let the winning bidder know right away how to send payment. The sooner you contact your buyer, the sooner you will get paid. This also inspires confidence and may help you earn a good rating.

  3. Follow through with great customer service.
    There are many ways to build your reputation as a trustworthy seller. When your customer has a great experience, they'll be much more likely to return and buy from you again.
    • Include a personalized Thank You note with your logo when you ship the item.
    • Stay in touch with your winning bidder - let them know about your future auctions.
    • Be sure to rate your winning bidder and remind them to rate you. Potential bidders notice high ratings and will be more inclined to bid on your future auctions.

  4. Resubmit your auction if the item doesn't sell.
    If your auction item doesn't sell, you have the option to resubmit. Simply click on "My Auctions" > "Closed/Sold" and then click on "Resubmit" next to the item. But before you resubmit, evaluate why the auction didn't sell the first time and use these tips to make improvements.
    • Lower your starting price. When the bidding starts lower, more people may be drawn to bid, and you could easily end up with a higher closing price.
    • Demonstrate the value of your item by using one of our authentication services. Bidders will feel more comfortable when the item's quality is validated.
    • Edit the title and item description - be detailed and specific.
    • Add photos - people like to see the item they're buying.
    • Make sure you've submitted your auction in the most appropriate category. Search for other similar items to see which category they're listed in.

  5. Consider other Yahoo! commerce services.
    Yahoo! has many options and services for sellers and small businesses. Find out which work best for you. It may be most effective to use a combination of services depending on your items or inventory.
    • Yahoo! Auctions -
      Internet auctions have rapidly become one of the most popular methods for buying and selling unique goods online. Auctions are effective for selling one-of-a-kind items, items with variable pricing, used items, or items that need to be sold in a limited amount of time.
    • Yahoo! Classifieds -
      Classifieds let you sell goods and services to a broad audience. Classified listings on Yahoo!, like those in your local newspaper, tend to be most effective for items that are difficult or impossible to ship, used items, localized services, real estate, cars and other vehicles, or employment opportunities. And best of all, Classifieds has free listings areas.
    • Yahoo! Store -
      Store provides you with an all-inclusive, fee-based e-commerce solution. Simple, powerful tools let you design and build an online store quickly, manage your store, complete secure transactions, track sales, and much more. It's a great service for online retailers selling fixed price items, new items, or a regular inventory of the same items.
    Learn more about selling online on Yahoo! Small Business.

[Back to Yahoo! Auctions]


Copyright © 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright Policy - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines - Help