Like most plants around our property we need to schedule some regular maintenance. Trees are naturally included. Now while a tree is pretty self sufficient, it can use our help to maintain a certain healthy existence on a property.

Yes as trees grow and the branches become many it is often helpful to prune a tree. Basically pruning means you are cutting off or lopping off unhealthy or unsafe branches. Why am I bringing this up?

That’s quite interesting. In our discussions recently we are comparing Internet businesses to a healthy vibrant tree. Then we began discussing how each tree has its own branches. In this case we are going to discuss how part of maintaining Internet commerce involves caring for the tree and branches. For example, pruning is a way of keeping the tree healthy and productive.

So let’s see what kind of pruning needs to be done in an on line auction business. The fact is when it comes to on line auctions some people just don’t have the patience and determination to manage an auction site. Just as there are people who are relentless and savvy at maintaining an online presence. Similarly many people enjoy planting and designing landscapes with plant life but they do not like the nuts and bolts of doing things like pruning.

The fact is that you need a few things to work in conjunction with one another. The main chores you need to operate a successful auction site are very basic.

1. You need to be an account member of an auction site or sites
2. You need items for sale
3. You need to get the sold items to customers

Here is where it gets interesting. As we discussed above however there are the logistics and then there are what people are willing and able to do. So like we illustrated you have people who plant trees and you have people who care for trees. Yes some do both but that does not change the opportunities there are for people to earn an income working in different phases of the business.

So back to our auction site: Say you are not an Internet person or even a computer person. That’s okay because the auction tree and its branches are still in need of care. That’s because there are those who have the management of an auction site down pat but they struggle with the other tasks like getting products and delivering them. Maybe that’s where you come in?

Perhaps you have access to products and/or are very good at connecting wholesalers with merchants. This is a valuable service to auction operators. In a similar concept maybe you are a delivery specialist and offer top notch shipping services. Either of these services is vital to feeding the auction monster. And there are many auction operators that need you and these services. Make no bones about that. With the growing and expansion of the on line auction industry the opportunities will continue to be available.

In fact this works 2 ways if you think about it. They indeed need you but you could see it as you need them. Yes maybe you have some kind of commerce business already in motion. The fact that you are apprehensive about the Internet or intimidated by it is only holding your potential for more sales back. Maybe you are just unaware of the impact that on line auction sales can have.

It’s funny anyone in the modern world has heard names like eBay or Amazon but many people do not realize the amount of activity that is occurring on those sites. Nor do many people understand that the idea of purchasing products on line is consistently on the rise.

What does all this add up to? The on line auction tree is growing and therefore so is its branches. This tree needs care for its continued health. Where do you fit in?

Are you an eBay or Amazon guru? Or are you a product supplier? Maybe you are a retailer but do not have the ability or know how to use the Internet for your commerce?

The answers to these questions can help you make the most of your on line auction business or open doors you haven’t gone through yet. Maybe it’s time you answer them.

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It’s late at night and you’re heading home and you want to pull into a drive-thru and pound a burger and fries but you think “wow, that’s a bit harsh on my intestines. Especially at 2am”. And then “Ding” a light bulb and bell goes off in your head. I made that garden salad from my garden veggies and I still have plenty left in the bowl.

Suddenly your mouth is watering and your car is moving a little faster. As you pull into your driveway you can’t wait to bust through the door and attack your garden salad bubbling over with freshness and zesty taste. Then why you are enjoying the fruits or should we say the vegetables of your labor you think about how happy that you put the time, thought, and effort into planting and cultivating your garden.

You can feel that way about your Internet business also. Yes, you can. Just like your garden, you can plant the seeds and then cultivate them. This is your Internet garden. In this row you have planted an auction site business.

Now that you have your auction site planted, what should you be doing? Work it baby, work it! You have to weed it, care for it, protect it, and all the things that go into caring for your plants. You want to “encourage” them if you will to prosper and grow to be big and healthy, tasty and enjoyable.

Most likely you have set up an on-line auction account with auction host sites like ebay, Amazon, ebid, or CQ Out, and the like. What are you doing with it? Are you just sitting back and checking in to see if anything is happening or are you helping things to happen?

For one thing are you marketing your auction store? Do you know how to do that successfully?

Like with all web sites there are a number of ways to promote your site. From email announcements, your own web store page, social networking, forums, and so on you need to politely remind the public of who and where you are.

Another interesting aspect of the auction world is consideration of what to offer. Think about it, even when you are planting a back yard garden you need to factor in more than just what you like. There are certain plants that are more difficult to grow than others. Or some plants do not do as well in a certain geographical area than others. And there are certain growing seasons where certain plants will prosper but you won’t get anything from planting that plant during its non-growing season.

So you need to know your market. Maybe your lack of sales is more what you are trying to sell or what and to whom. The ‘you can’t sell an Eskimo a refrigerator’ theory. You can imagine the challenge in that scenario. SO while you may lean to certain types of items or a general theme, you need to be practical and realistic. Now that does not mean you can’t try and sell hard to sell items. Just don’t have high expectations. I mean I know people who every year plants something that is hard to grow in their back yard garden simply for the challenge of it. However they still maintain the nucleus of proven items.

Make sure you have accurate and compelling descriptions of your items. Pictures always enhance the probability of a sale. Your price may be the lowest by far, but most people need a little more incentive than just saving money. That is actually true. Saving money is more often a big factor but it is rarely the only factor. So present a professional package.

Try and tell us a little something about yourself. Put some personality into your auction store. Do we believe that you know anything what you are selling? For some reason, even though at times it doesn’t matter, people prefer that the person selling the item should have a solid understanding of what the product is.

Make certain that the people “shopping’ and bidding on your products can reach you via some form of correspondence for questions and comments. Many shoppers also like to have some sort of “bond” with the seller, even if it is on-line.

Give careful thought to how many items you offer. Some people will be turned off by too much. However some do not care nor are they influenced by that. You may want to fool around with the amount of variety. Or you may present a volume of products in such a simplistic way that it will not overwhelm those who are easily overwhelmed.

Delivery is always important in the auction site business. Be very clear and brutally honest about your delivery methods and policies. How much, how long, and thoroughness are things people need and want to know. Don’t back door people with hidden costs or misleading information For example if they want it tomorrow and that is not possible for some reason, do not imply or promise things that won’t happen. After a while the word of your incompetence or lack of trustworthiness will get out.

Most important is having fun! Yes, most people who have great back yard gardens love the routine and the steps involved. They do not procrastinate or try and avoid the work connected to gardening. They also keep the future rewards in front of them.

And don’t let setbacks get you down to the point of bailing on your site. Maybe you will eventually decide that it is not for you but give it some time. Most businesses take a fair amount of time to build up. Hey you don’t plant peppers on Tuesday and expect to eat them by Saturday, do you?

Alright-y then you auctioneers. You got your auction store or stores and you have some products up there. Keep the ads inviting, maintain a positive attitude, and do all the little things. Manage, promote, update, keep fresh, and monitor what’s going and what’s not.

Hey, you’ll thank us later!

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