Saturday, November 18, 2006

Choosing auction software

There is as much art as there is science in crafting an effective eBay listing. Fortunately, there is a host of software applications that can take care of the technical details and free you up to focus on content. Whether you're looking to create clean, professional listings; list multiple items with ease; or make managing your business on eBay a breeze, there is a program out there for you. "Streamline" and "automate" are the buzzwords here.

Mac users may find it a little more of a challenge rounding up software for listing eBay items. There are some options available, though, including a Web-based application. Check out the following rundown of features for eight popular auction applications, with a focus on listing software. You might just find the one that's right for you, saving yourself time and money.

Andale

Starts at 10 listings for $2 per month
Andale offers a wide suite of auction applications that keep track of everything from image galleries to counters and research. Lister is just one of many of Andale's auction programs. With Lister, users can pick and choose the elements they want. Highlights include access to more than 100 layouts and templates, plus a launch scheduler and automated inventory management.

Marketworks
Starts at $14.95 per month, or 2 percent of transaction closing price ($3 max)
Marketworks Salesware is geared toward small businesses seeking a complete auction management solution. Users can purchase up to 1GB of hosted image storage. Advanced features include an integrated e-commerce storefront, automated customer notifications and a bulk inventory upload utility.

Auctiva
Starts at $9.95 per month
Just one of a suite of software and services available from Auctiva, Poster takes the guesswork out of pricing by allowing unlimited postings for a single monthly fee. It also offers a variety of template options, as well as a batch upload feature. Although free picture hosting and counters come with embedded ads, these features are also available ad-free for an extra charge.

ChannelAdvisor
Starts at $29.95 per month
ChannelAdvisor offers packages for individual sellers all the way up to enterprise businesses. The Pro package targets low- to mid-volume sellers and comes with customizable templates, a launch scheduler, 250MB of hosted image storage and customizable settings.

eBay
One month free trial for new users; $15.99 per month
Auction software straight from the source, eBay's Selling Manager Pro combines the abilities of eBay's free Turbo Lister program with inventory tracking, listing statistics, feedback automation, bulk listing, sales reports and templates. If you don't need so many features, Selling Manager Basic is available free for the first 30 days, then $4.99 per month.

Infopia
Starts at $8,000
Infopia's Marketplace Manager is a complete e-commerce solution for small and midsize businesses that have an auction services component. Besides the usual suspects like auction scheduling and inventory management, the program also assists with bulk e-mail campaigns, coupon creation and automated post-sale management. The cost is for a full installation.

Vendio
Varies; flat rate starts at $12.95 per month
Vendio also offers a suite of extra services that can be added on. Sales Manager perks include bulk feedback submittal and FedEx, UPS and USPS integration. A built-in spellchecker keeps your listings looking professional and easy to read. Pricing varies with the number of auctions you run and whether you choose a flat rate or pay-as-you-go plan.

Zoovy
A one-time setup fee of $400; $49 per month (basic bundle with auction bundle added)
The Zoovy Auction Package has components for setting up, launching and closing ads with a heap of automated features. Bulk listings, hit counters and the usual assortment of customizable templates and themes are all within the scope of the program.

Sell online the easy way. Learn how to start and run your own eBay business. Visit Entrepreneur.com's eBay Center for step-by-step expert tips and resources.



7 comments:

Unknown said...

Infopia Pricing Clarification:

The $8,000 is not accurate.

Infopia charges a monthly fee of $799 and 1.75% of gross merchandise value. There is also a basic implementation fee based of $1,000.

Unknown said...

This blog is related to Secrets Business on Ebay that always we should think in a positive manner in ebay online business. I suggest that one should have good marketing tactics in ebay online business. Further, Ebay is the best online business wherein one can make huge profits.

Unknown said...

An insightfull post "Choosing auction software".And I would like to say that I'm living my dream of owning my own business and working from home earning equally or more than the regular jobs by using http://debtfreeliving.ownanewbusiness.com.

Thanks,
John- Own a new business

Unknown said...

Interesting blog, i usally be aware all about all different kind of sofware. i am online all the time, and this action allow me to see a site costa rica homes for sale and i like it too much. beyond all doubt without my computer i never would have seen this site too.

Unknown said...

eBay Automation Software is essential for the consistent growth of an online business. It really helps businesses grow like never before.

Unknown said...

They are right to fear ebay. Ebay is the shittiest company on earth. You'll see if you work for them for any amount of time. You're better off just going to get a j.o.b. if you're thinking of going into business with ebay.

Rim Sanson,
Lalirra Kyli

Kim Tate said...

The most powerful e-commerce software you could imagine. This is not for the faint of heart. If Zoovy can't do it, you don't need it. It does Amazon, Ebay, webstore, wholesale, supply chain, postage, fed ex, ups, DHL, yahoo shopping, shopping.com, shopzilla, overstock, froogle, googlebase, pricegrabber, and so much more. Everything you want in one package. It's not for amateurs or hobbyists. You have to be a serious e-commerce professional in order to appreciate it.

When it comes to software solutions, I choose S.I. Unik