by John Gugie

Created on: March 16, 2008

Here is a brief list of online auction websites that many sellers are turning to sell their wares. I listed them alphabetically.

Amazon

Listing Fees
Free with a only a flat monthly fee of $39.99

Credit Card Fees
Free

Closing Fees
8-15%

Cool Features
Webstore by Amazon ($59.99 per month and 7% referral fee for sales made)
Fulfillment by Amazon (rates vary)

My Opinion
Amazon is only good for sellers with large quantities of retail or like-retail items with lots of inventory. The flat fee is nice but not if you only sell a few hundred dollars worth of items per month. Plus the fees will hit you.

Amazon has a weird policy where some people aren't allowed to sell on their site and won't tell them why or if it can be remedied. I tried to register. Everything was confirmed and suddenly I get an email that says my seller account was denied and that they can't tell me why. I've sold on eBay for 11 years without a problem and my credit's good. Even if it was bad, Amazon still charges their card and, if they don't ship to the customers, Amazon still has the buyers' money. What can Amazon lose, $40?

bidtopia

This is a true auction site with $0.99 starting prices and no reserve.

Listing Fees
unknown

Closing Fees
unknown

Currently only rigorously validated sellers are allowed, so most of us can't join as sellers but we can find deals as buyers.

My Opinion
Seems to be mostly big vendors, like eBay Powersellers _ kind of elitist.

BIDVILLE

Listing Fees
Free

Closing Fees
Sale Price
$0.01-$25.00 5%
$25.01-$1000.00 $1.25 + 2.5% of amount over $25.00
Over $1000.00 $25.63 + 1% of amount over $1000.00

My Opinion
Seems okay but not too much action in the searches I did. Give it a whirl. If your stuff doesn't sell, you don't lose a cent.

eCRATER

This is a 100% Free auction site.
Listing Fees
free

Closing Fees
free

Cool Features
free subdomain

My Opinion
Being a 100% Free auction site, they must expect tons of ad revenue. In my experience, as good as free sites sound, they are free for a reason - not great sales. Give it a chance though.

Etsy
An online marketplace where you can buy and sell anything handmade.

Listing Fees
$0.20

Closing Fees
3.5%

Cool Features
free shop
up to 5 images per item
listings stay up for 4 months

My Opinion
It sounds great for crafty types but not sure how good sales are. I'll try it with some of my family's crafts in the winter. I'll try a few items in August and see how it goes by January. If nothing sells in 4 months, it never will probably. Give it a try.

iOffer

Listing Fees
FREE
Stores, Galleries are free as

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