If you have not listed an item for auction before, please read this guide to getting started.
How to get an auction started
1. To put an item like an MP3 player online for auction, you first go to the sell page and click on the link for general auctions. If you need further help throughout the process, hover your mouse pointer over the first aid bag to see a pop-up box with tips.
2. Then select the listing category using the drop-down boxes.
3. Next create a title for your listing (the subtitle is optional) and fill in details about the item and its quality.
4. Next, enter a starting price and reserve price, with a buy now price if you wish. Listings starting at $1 have a feature on the homepage. Complete the page by selecting auction length, payment options and shipping details.
5. It is a good idea to upload photos of your item and to use the gallery to improve your chances of a successful sale. Click the add photo link to select multiple images simultaneously. When you are ready, select upload and confirm the main photo to use in gallery views.
6. Select the extra listings features that will enhance the profile of your item. You can create a listing for free without any of these extras, but we recommend them for a quick sale since they don’t cost much to add.
7. Finally, check that everything is in order and you have the options that you want. We recommend that you select auto-relist in case the listing doesn’t sell at first. To change any items, click the edit button at the bottom of the page or one of the numbered boxes at the top. The total fees for the listing are displayed as well as your current balance. You will need to pay a success fee if the listing sells. If you are ready to go, click the start my listing button.
8. Once your listing is added, you can create another based on your previous entries, create an entirely new listing or view the new one online.
9. Below, you can see how your listing will look in the $1 listing view on the homepage and in the buy page gallery view (plus pop-up description), and how a buyer will see your listing’s page.
A few extra things you should know before getting started.
Listing for success
Do these basic things and you will improve your chances of a successful sale.
- Select your category carefully so buyers can find your listing.
- Use a descriptive title. We recommend adding a subtitle to get the message through.
- Write an accurate description about the item and its quality, past usage and any important features it might have. Include dimensions (w x h x d, weight) as this helps buyers estimate the delivery/collection cost.
- Give your listing an attractive starting price -- $1 auctions get a lot of visitor traffic.
- Use auto-extend to avoid cutting off last-minute bidders.
- Use decent photos and include a recognisable object as a size guide. Opt for a gallery listing for maximum visual presentation.
- Use display extras. The homepage feature is great value for maximum exposure.
- Use the auto-relist service. It doesn’t cost extra and automatically puts your listing back online if you weren’t lucky the first time.
The listing is sold!
- We notify the winning bidder by email when the auction closes and ask them to contact the seller within 3 days. The seller will then confirm how they want to receive the payment.
- The seller should have the item ready for delivery or collection once the bank clears the funds.
- The item sold should be delivered within 5 days once the payment has cleared (or according to the timeframe specified in the listing).
Register and you’re ready to trade
It is free to register and participate as a member, so you’ve got nothing to lose. Sign-up here by answering a few simple questions and you’re ready to go.
