Sell It

Types of Listings and Fees

Gain access to a global marketplace of million shoppers around the world and put A4A to work for you!

-Increase your efficiency: List multiple items faster and track your sales.

-Open a A4A WebStore: Take advantage of lower fees, advanced merchandising tools,email marketing, and free reporting when you open a store with us.

Whether is an farm animal, farm equiment, pets, agriculture goods, farm collectibles, farmland, or veterinary stuff, you can sell it on animals4auction! To get started, follow these steps:

1. 1)Decide what to sell.

2. 
   2)Prepare to sell: Take photos or video clip of your item.

4. 3) List your item: Follow our listing tips, create the perfect listing and get paid immediately with PayPal.
   
   4) Complete the sale: Track your listing in your Control Panel, follow the instructions and you're DONE!

Grow your business on A4A

1. Decide What To Sell : Click the "Sell" tab from nearly any page on A4A and you'll get to the Sell Your Item form. If you haven't already registered you'll go through the quick process and be on your way.

2. Choose a Category and Title: Based on the keywords you provide, A4A helps you place your item in the appropriate category with similar items. Title your listing with specific descriptive details including the type of item, breed, brand, model number, color, size, condition, age, health, and so on. Emphasize words that buyers would actually use to search for your item.

3. Add Pictures and/or Videoclip.

4. Describe Your Item: When you describe your item in detail, be clear and create interest. Tell potential buyers everything that they might want to know about your item. Use bullets to emphasize key points. Anticipate buyer questions.

5. Set Format and Price: Select a selling format, either auction-style or Fixed Price (Buy It Now). If you choose auction-style, consider setting the starting bid low to help generate excitement and encourage bidding. A reserve price is the true minimum you are willing to accept for your item. A reserve protects you, but it may also discourage bidders hoping for a bargain. You may also want to offer a Buy It Now price for a quicker sale.

6. Set Payment and Shipping Options: Accepting PayPal is the fast and safe way to be paid for your item. Most of our buyers prefer to pay with PayPal. As part of your listing, you’ll also inform buyers how much they'll pay for shipping or if you'll cover the shipment costs. You can list a flat rate for everyone or you can provide the weight and size of the package to calculates the shipping cost, it's up to you.Make sure to check that the item location is correct and tell buyers if you are willing to ship to only within US and/or other international destinations.

7. Review and Submit Your Listing: To further increase your chances of selling your item successfully, please explore listing promotional features such as Picture Gallery, Spotlight, HomePage featured, Category featured, Highlighted, and Bold. Click "Preview" to take a final look at your listing before you are done. Please take advantage of the recommendations offered to help make your listing more successful. Click "Edit Listing" to make any revisions, then click "List Item for Sale."Review the fees charged for your listing at the bottom of the page . Remember: These are the fees for the listing alone. If your item sells, you will be charged a final value fee based on a percentage of the final sale price (not applicable for A4A Webstores).

SUMMARY 1

CHOOSE CATEGORY

Search for similar items on A4A to see which categories they are listed in. You can list in two categories for even more buyer exposure

CHOOSE A LISTING OPTION

A List the standard way (Auctions)

B Fixed Price (Buy It Now)

LISTING TITLE (44 CHARACTERS)

• Use descriptive keywords, no punctuation. Include race, color, size etc. Use the entire field provided for more detail!

SUMMARY 2

ITEM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

History of item: (examples of information) origination, age, year or time period the item was manufactured or borned. Characteristics which make this unique – “only a handful manufactured in xxxx year,” “Oustanding Pedigree ” or “hand crafted”Color, size, type or well tamed, name or item label Details: Funny, well behaved, healthy, other.

CONDITION

Is there any condition not shown in photos? For example: “slightly worn” or “color faded in some parts.”Is this item new? Health problems in the past?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Are there specifications that you should include? Return policy, Shipping, Payment information,Other

SUMMARY 3

PRICING

Starting Price – Setting it low will encourage the most bidding activity (auction style listings)

Buy It Now – add the option to your Auction-style listing so that members can buy your item directly at the set price and

close the listing immediately.

Fixed Price Format – Buyers click to buy at the price you have set with no bidding.

PREPARE YOUR PHOTOS

The easiest and fastest way to help you sell your item is to add pictures and/or videoclip in your listings.Make sure your pictures have been saved as either a .gif or .jpg format

PAYMENT METHODS

Consider accepting PayPal. PayPal allows you to accept credit card or bank account payments for purchases. It’s safe and easy for buyers to pay you and for you to get paid!

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

By providing clear payment and shipping information, when your buyers click on the Pay Now button, they will be told how much to pay (including payment and shipping) and where to send payment. You in turn receive an email with the buyer’s address and selected payment method once your fees due to us are paid for.

SHIPPING DETAILS

• Provide shipping costs up-front to reduce email exchanges with potential buyers. Specify international shipping to increase your audience of potential buyers. Speed up the time it takes to finalize the sale. Consider providing a flat rate so buyers can determine shipping costs quickly and easily.

SELLING TIPS

The most effective strategies are often the simplest. You can find great information on pricing, features, and key words that attract buyers by browsing our listings. Once you've done your research and compared your items to others in the marketplace, follow these overlooked tips to attract more buyers and boost your bottom line.

1. Maximize Profits with Low Priced, No Reserve Auctions: Getting that first bid is critical, as buyers are more likely to jump in if there are already bids on an item. Similarly, reserve prices can cause buyers to lose interest if they assume an item is overpriced. Many successful sellers set a low opening bid with no reserve to jumpstart bidding and increase their final selling price.

2. Include Reasonable Shipping Costs: Specifying reasonable shipping and handling costs in your listing is essential for smart selling-and it improves your search ranking when buyers sort by total cost, so you can expand your market and increase your chances of success.

3. Accept Online Payments: Buyers are more likely to bid on your items if your payment methods are clearly stated and easy to use. Get paid immediately and protect your transactions with PayPal. Most of our buyers prefer it over any other method of payment.

4. Maximize Your Item Title: Be sure to include keywords that buyers will search for, unique or descriptive attributes, and always check your spelling. Your item title is critical in helping users find your items, so use each character wisely.

5. Describe Your Item in Detail: A good description as powerful selling point is concise, well organized, and easy to read. Create bold section headlines, bulleted lists, etc, and be sure to include item style/type, breed, condition, estimated value, and other attributes. You can also insert links to videos that highlight the unique features of your item. Think about your listing from the buyer's perspective. The more information you provide, the more likely buyers are to place a bid. Remember not to include your personal information, since it is stored and will be available to your buyer once the item is sold.

6. Include Photos: A picture really is worth a thousand words! Use clear, well-lit photos from a variety of angles to accurately showcase your item. Use Picture Gallery to display a thumbnail photo in search results, it's been shown to increase sales an average 10% and final price by 12%.

7. Establish yourself as an Expert: Share your product knowledge and drive traffic to your listings via A4A and Internet search engines. Create your profile to establish your presence in the A4A community and write Reviews and Guides and Blogs that feature your top-selling products. It's easy, effective, and free.

BEST PRACTICES

Selling is a snap when you're armed with time-tested strategies for success. Follow these simple best practices used by A4A most successful sellers and watch your sales soar!

1.Research: Before you list your item, check to see what comparable items have sold for by searching our listings, it's easy!. Before listing an item on A4A, it's a good idea to research similar items that have already been sold successfully on the site. You can find great information on pricing, features, and keywords that attract buyers and compare your item to others in the marketplace by using our listings that shows you which items are sold and at what price which will help in pricing your items. Also it indicates what each seller charged for shipping. Set the example if you are the fist one to sell that item in A4A.


There are three easy ways to research previously sold items:

1A Listings in advanced search

Click the "Advanced Search" link in the header, t hen fill in all the parameters for the item you are researching and press the "Search" button.

1B. Browse by Category:

Browsing by category. You will need to sign-in in order to see these items.


2.Pricing: A high opening bid can "paralize" bidding on your item. Setting a reserve price can often have the same negative effect. Learn strategies to maximize profit and limit risk.

Maximize Profits with Low Priced, No Reserve Auctions: A fundamental principle of the auction process is to create excitement around your item, which in turn develops into a bidding frenzy among buyers, resulting in excess returns for you!. Getting that first bid is critical, as other buyers are generally more likely to jump in if they see there are already bids on an item. To do this, many sellers prefer to set an opening bid below what the item is actually worth. This can jumpstart bidding activity, and ultimately produce a higher selling price. If not used properly, a reserve price on your item can often result in the same problems as an excessively high opening bid. Buyers will often lose interest in an item if they place a bid and find it doesn't meet the reserve. Because they do not know the reserve price, they may assume the seller is simply asking too much for the item. They may then move on to similar items that they feel they have a more realistic chance of winning. To prevent this from happening, you may want to list your item with "No Reserve." Items sold with "No Reserve" typically attract more buyer interest, as buyers know that they will actually win the item if they are the high bidder. In addition, statistics show that items listed without a reserve usually sell for more than comparable items listed with a reserve. To minimize potential downside risk most savvy sellers will seek completed listings for similar items to measure historical pricing and potential returns before setting their opening bid. You can then set your minimum starting bid slightly below this price, with "No Reserve," and still get the benefit of quickly stimulating interest from buyers and jump-starting bid activity.

3. Selling Formats: Plan ahead for using auction vs. fixed price listings and choose the right selling format for your items.Buyers come to A4A for the fun and excitement of winning. You can harness that energy with auction-style listings that increase visibility for all your items and make more sales.

3a.Set a low starting price: Auction-style listings with low starting prices and no reserve tend to get the most bids,since buyers look for deals. It also can get a first bid fast, making it more likely that other buyers will join in. Avoid setting reserves because many buyers will assume the item is overpriced and go somewhere else.

3b.Lower listing costs: Lower prices can also help you save money. For example, by starting at $19.99 instead of $20, you'll pay a lower listing Fee. When pricing an item, pay attention to A4A fee structure and start low, but cover your costs and make sure you'll still be happy if your item sells at the starting price.

3c. Know how long to list: Some items sell quickly, while others need more time. For example, popular puppies often convert in three days, but heavy machinery usually do better with longer listing durations because they have a smaller niche market. Other buyers like the immediate gratification of "Buy It Now." Consider listing your item at a fixed price after reviewing comparable items to determine current market value. Fixed Price allows you to sell immediately, at the price you want, and in multiple quantities.
 

4. Merchandise: Maximize your sales through effective merchandising. A eye catching title, well-written description, and clear photos can make a world of difference and give your item the edge! When considering any online purchase, there are certain isues that may positively or negatively impact a buyer's decision to buy and how much they are willing to spend. These issues can range from understanding exactly what is being sold, to questions about shipping and payment and to the level of trust in you as a seller. Effective merchandising on A4A can minimize many of these friction points, leading to higher sales and profitability. A few of the areas where such merchandising can ease transactional issues include:

4a. Item Title: Every character in the title is critical to helping users find your items easily, so keep the following in mind:

4b. Item description: A good description is concise, well organized, and easy to read. If you are not familiar with html, you can use A4A text editor to create bold text, bulleted lists, and other formatting options. The more information you provide, the more likely buyers are to place a bid. Look at your item as you write your description and include:

4c. Photos: A picture really is worth a thousand words! Use clear pictures from a variety of angles to accurately show your item, or upload your videoclip. Did you know that items with 2 or more pictures are 9% more likely to sell?

-A4A Picture Services: Storing and managing pictures is now easier than ever. Our Picture Services is fully integrated with the Sell Your Item form. Just drop and load the picture into a listing and you are ready to go!. Our Picture Services is the ideal solution if you are selling selling several items.

-Picture Upgrades: Choose Picture Galley the listing upgrade to display a thumbnail photo right next to your listing to attract buyers. Picture Gallery listings are shown to increase final price by an average of 11% and are 9% more likely to sell. A picture helps show the details so you receive fewer questions from potential buyers, saving you time and money! Optimize Listings for Internet Search Engines. Look at your View Item page through a buyer's eyes. The more attractive, informative, and professional your listing is, the more confidence potential buyers will have in placing a bid. If you list regularly, use a consistent template so buyers will learn to recognize your listings.

5. Promotional Tools: Learn how to maximize exposure with A4A listing upgrades and advertising programs. (see listing fees)

6. Packing and Shipping: The right shipping solutions can help you save time and money.Clearly state your shipping costs and policies. Learn how to select a shipping service, calculate shipping costs, pack your item, and track a package.Check with your carrier for specific requirements and special package limitations. Some assess additional handling charges for any article not fully encased in an outside shipping container, encased in a container of metal or wood, or irregularly shaped/oversized items.

Ship Heavy Items: Consult with your carrier as requirements may vary.

Free Shipping: Grab the attention of buyers by offering Free Shipping. In order to have your listing appear with the Free Shipping filter, follow the instructions in the shipping section of your listing page.

7. Buyer Confidence: Offer customer-friendly policies that make it easy for buyers to purchase your items and encourage repeat business. The more customer-friendly your policies, the more you will be able to convert potential buyers into customers. A few policies of particular importance are:

7.1 Payment Method: Buyers are more likely to bid on your items if your payment methods are clearly stated and easy to use. Research has shown that most buyers prefer PayPal. In fact, items that offer PayPal are 50% less likely to end in an Upaid Item claim. Listing with Buy it Now and/or Fixed Price option also ensures that your item will remain open until you get paid. Be sure to include PayPal Buyer Protection in your listings,which automatically covers buyers up to $1,000. Clearly state alternative payment methods, such as checks or money orders. And if there are specific types of payment you don't accept, say so.

8. Return Policy: Clearly state your return policy on your listing in order to incease buyer confidence. 21% of non-buyers said that “lack of return policy” is the main reason they buy elsewhere.

9. Customer Services: Answer buyer's questions quickly. Post your Frequently Asked Questions so prospective buyers can get answers without sending you an email. You can choose to display custom FAQ and other important information to buyers when they click on "Ask Seller a Question" from any of your item pages.

10. Buyer Management: This enables sellers to have more control over who may bid on their listings. This feature helps to reduce post-transaction issues and potential unpaid items.Buyers are more likely to bid on your items if your payment methods are clearly stated and easy to use. Buyer Management allows sellers to block bidders:

10a. From a country which they have not designated they will ship to in Sell Your Item (or other listing tool).

10b. With a net negative feedback score.

11. Feedback: Seller feedback is the cornerstone of the community. Feedback is a very important aspect of trading on A4A. Consistent positive feedback lets buyers know that you manage transactions well and that you care about your reputation.

11.a Feedback Tips: Build and maintain a high positive feedback rating with these simple tips: