Whether you want to drum up some extra excitement, get rid of some excess inventory, or just have a little fun with sales, then an online auction might be the answer. Auctions consist of items being sold to whoever bids the highest, and it sounds simple right?
There are several things you have to know before running your first online auction. It's a lot of work, but it can really bring people into your online store. So here are 4 tips that will help your first auction run smoothly.
5 Tips for Running Your First Online Auction
1. Focus on Everyone
One of the main advantages of having an auction online is that you aren't limited. There isn't a maximum capacity for the building or a number of limited seats. Instead, everyone interested in your products or services will be able to attend.
Reach out to past customers, clients, every name on your email list, and post about it on your social media. The more people you have bidding, the better. An auction is a wonderful marketing opportunity and a great way to get people involved in your business.
2. Have Varied Items and Services
This will depend on the company, but if you can, make sure to have a wide variety of items up for auction. Tickets, seats to events, physical products, and auction-only items can be a great way to bring people in. Figure out what you'll be offering for auction early, and then use those items as your selling points during your marketing. Drum up some interest and the buyers will always come.
3. Make Sure the Rules Are Clear
Online auctions can be a bit chaotic since you don't see the bidders' faces in person. Before the auction starts; make sure your participants know how to bid. Explain the rules of bidding, how the items will be paid for, and how much time a lot will be up for sale.
This will prevent confusion and allow everyone to know what they are getting into. No one likes to miss-click or accidentally bid higher than they meant to, after all!
4. Use Good Photos
Since the participants in your online auction won't be seeing the items in person, you'll want to make sure the photos are top-notch. Either hire a professional photographer or make sure that the environment is perfect for your own photography. Showing off what makes the items special will easily draw more bids.
5. Have Fun!
At the end of the day, an online auction is supposed to be a fun experience for buyers and sellers alike. It might also be something you do monthly or yearly to drum up business. Additionally, if the prospect of creating your own auction seems out of reach, then make sure that you work with professionals. Then all your business has to worry about is the promotion and the hosting of the actual event.
If you want to easily create your own auction website and put all the pieces in place, visit us at Auction Anything. You'll be saying 'sold' in no time!
