6. Some advice about setting up your auction items would be to consider having your item run seven days with an end of bidding time somewhere between 7 PM and 9 PM on a Sunday night. That seems to be consensus amongst top sellers. There has been much dialog on just how to increase amount and number of bids, but there are too many variables to consider. Suffice to say, it really does depend on product itself (and what condition and competition is our there).

7. Some of most unique aspects of selling have to do with seasonal items that permeate auction block at certain times of year. If a seller wants to work year-round, he or she will have to broaden horizon by finding seasonal items for all seasons. Yes, you can sell Christmas items and move right into Valentines Day and Easter and so on. Why not? These are what people are looking for.

8. One controversial topic is drop shipping. If a seller is getting a product from a third party, drop shipping is a convenient way for seller to deliver product. It keeps them out of it. However, that means that a back ordered item could result in a poor rating for seller because item was delayed. Most buyers picture item in hands of seller and expect to receive it within a few days. The pros and cons of this arrangement need to be carefully considered. 9. Now to fun part. How do you get money? More and more people are using PayPal. It is quick, efficient and simple. A seller can make other arrangements and accept a check or money order, but wave of future is setting up an account with PayPal. In addition, setting up an online account with United States Postal Service will also save countless hours in lines at post office. Work smarter, not harder, etc., etc.

10. A seller can look at other things to sell besides a physical product or item. Many are getting into self publishing or offering a service. Some expanding entrepreneurs are opening up a consignment shop situation, which helps those who want to sell but “don’t do computers.” The possibilities are unlimited.

Selling products and services from a home-based business can be an exciting, and hopefully profitable, situation. Go into it with a solid plan based on accurate information and with knowledge that it is going to be hard work, just like any other job.

For more on eBay selling and using online auctions visit How To Sell On eBay Resource Page located at http://www.sbmag.org.

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>> Make an offer

This is standard in just about every direct mail package. This isn’t same as a promise. An offer is when you give someone something extra, at no cost to buyer. Maybe it’s a free calculator. Or a better price if you subscribe for longer. Or 30 days free. Even a free serving of garlic bread with your pizza.

Try to do same with your web site. With a free report. Free shipping. A free download. A free consultation. A free gift. Or free gift wrapping.

>> Guarantee it

Direct marketers know that buyers are often nervous about buying over phone or by mailing an envelope. So they wrap everything up in a guarantee. Be delighted or get your money back.

Online we also know that many people feel nervous about parting with their money over Internet, particularly if it is first time they have bought something at our site. But where are our guarantees? Too often they are found in small print somewhere, qualified with all sorts of legal nonsense.

If you want to make your prospects and buyers feel secure, make guarantee bold. Say it loud. Have it jump out at people. Let them know that they are protected if they choose to buy.

These are just three of ways direct marketers try to increase conversion rates. They keep people reading with a strong promise, an attractive offer and a cast-iron guarantee.

Do you?