To sum it up in one sentance :

Pictures attract attention, help explain details and more importantly stimulates desire which leads to Auction Euphoria.

Auction Euphoria is that process whereby desire to own an item is that great that all logic goes out window and buyer rebids to ensure that they win it, thus increasing selling price.

This simple bit of knowledge has allowed me to push my final selling prices up on average between 10-30% and as such it amazes me that so many listings do not include one picture and just type out details in one long line of text (usually all in capitals!). I am not complaining however because this fact alone has allowed my auctions to stand out and make money.

I started off using eBays add additional photo service to include extra images in my listings which people could use as a reference point and I found out following :

1. Always make sure that image is clear and of actual item for sale, otherwise what is point of including it? You will find that poorly presented pictures suggest that seller doesn't care and hence will devalue potential selling price of item which is of no use to anyone.

2. Never use a stock photograph of item for sale, with increase in fraudulant transactions (especially on higher value items) this will serve to put buyer off, again serving to devalue your final selling price. Taking a little extra time to get an actual photograpah shows yours buyers that you care and will endear them to you.

According to a recent Harris poll, 72% of American households are thinking about starting a small business, home based.

This statistic left me wondering if they have what it takes? So I quickly ran through one or two questions in my mind and decided to set them down. Hopefully you will find some positives.

Which business is right for you? Do you have a real idea of what you want your business to be or are you just seeking a business as an escape from employment?

A vital question which needs positive response.

Capitalising on your natural talents! You are going to use your talents and experience so where ever possible stay with what you know. You will know more than you think!

Right off, how about these business ideas?

Work from home on contract with you previous employer(s). Go on to cultivate new clients using your skills. Acquire additional skills. Cultivate more clients usng these new skills. Bingo you’ve got your business!

Use your home PC as a profit generator. You can do this part time, acquire new skills and reach your target market. Hard copy or electronically.

Create a business around a;

Craft, say woodworking, there is great market for traditional rocking horses and they sell at premium prices.

Hobby, flower arranging, I have two friends who are in constant demand for weddings, parties etc.

Vocation, I have friend who is very un-happily employed. He is a superb model maker, e.g. scale models of steam locomotives, and he has all of necessary equipment. He could offer a range of manufacturing services. Despite his employment situation he will not go it alone – nor should he if it’s not right for him. Nevertheless you get my point? Profession. If you have a profession what is it? Can you offer products or services? Yes if you think about it and you want to.

Decide clearly and without emotion what it is you want to do and do it, focus on it and provided there is a market use innovative methods to bring your goods/services to market. If there isn’t a market do not become a missionary. It won’t work – no matter how much you would like it to and no matter how hard you try.

That part is only start!

You will have issues;

Setting Up Your Home Based Small Business, have you got room? I have come across an addition to SOHO (small office, home office). How about SOGO – small office, garden office. Apparently there is strong demand for garden offices.

I love it, another innovative market opening up; it’s all around us. The knack is to see it.

What's in a NAME?

Don’t try to flatter yourself by using your name. Your business name should wherever possible describe what your business does because you need your client targets to know with minimum of effort. You only use your name if you have a particular reputation well known in your market. It’s best to be as descriptive as you can.

Creating a budget you can live with.

You won’t start earning immediately so you will need reserves and a Business Plan to project cash demand on your business. This is a big issue and a vital topic.

Carving your NICHE.

You will also need a sales and marketing plan to ensure a steady stream of customers/clients. When you are busy operationally you will be in danger of not marketing and selling. This is real dilemma for all small business owners, so really work out where your regular stream of business will come from and make it a priority. No clients/customers, no business.

Running Your Business.