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More
and more people are turning their online auction hobby into a
focused, self-employment effort. If you're ready to get serious
about making a go at supplementing (or possibly replacing) your
9-to-5 gig, take some time to consider your new
"workplace." That's right--your auction office.
Do you have one? Do you know what one should include? If not, no
problem--let us show you some of the key items and
considerations when establishing your auction office.
Why
Do You Need an Auction Office?
Well, unless you enjoy repeatedly setting up and tearing down
your auction camp, clinging to the edge of the kitchen table as
you list items, you'll want a place that you can count on to be
there any time you need it--just the way you like it, just the
way you left it. A useful auction office should give you enough
room to work comfortably, queue up and photograph your items for
auction, maintain incoming and outgoing correspondence, prep
items for shipping, and allow your PC to actively hum throughout
the day. A dedicated auction office allows you to keep your
business "open" without the fear that someone else in
the house might decide to tidy up your "mess" or turn
off the computer that seemingly nobody is using.
Where,
Oh Where?
If your home or apartment has an extra room that you can convert
into an auction office, that's optimal. However, if there's no
free room to occupy, you can do just as well with a dedicated
corner of the living room or even a converted closet space.
Anywhere you can put a work surface and your PC, ensuring easy
access to an electrical outlet and a phone line, is a place
where you can easily open up shop. So commandeer Junior's old
room, relocate that dusty silk ficus, or clear out the guest
room closet. Just let the other inhabitants of the house know
this is your space and it's not to be disturbed. Sure, it
might get messy, but you'll know exactly where everything
is, right? And, if your auction office has a door (in the case
of an extra room or converted closet), who really cares how
messy it gets?
Gearing
Up
Now that you have your space, you need some tools. The PC and
accompanying printer is a given, as is the modem to connect you
to the online auction highway. But here are some other tools and
amenities you'll want at your disposal:
Digital Camera and/or Scanner:
These days, it's practically a necessity that you provide a good
image to entice bidders. A good midrange scanner costs about
$200 and is great for flat items. The digital camera is the more
versatile choice for three-dimensional items, with a midrange
model costing about $350. If you can afford to purchase both, by
all means do so.
Fax Machine: If you're going to
be accepting credit card payments yourself, a fax machine is
advisable for accepting buyers' CC information. Many will still
resist providing this sensitive data via email, so provide the
option to fax it directly to you. Decent fax machines are
available for less than $200.
Hands-Free Phone System:
Speaker phones and headsets aren't just for the corporate world
anymore. If you'll be on the phone while clacking away online,
avoid juggling a handset or risking taco-neck syndrome. Speaker
phones are available for less than $100 and headsets come in
below $50.
Answering Machine/Voice-Mail
Account: Sometimes bidders will want to make voice contact
with you--help them to do so even when you're away. Buy an
inexpensive answering machine (around $25) or set up a
voice-mail account with your phone company (at a monthly fee).
Your ability to follow up with high bidders will boost their
confidence in you.
A Second Phone Line: If you're
constantly tying up the phone while online, or if the other home
inhabitants consistently beat you to the punch, make everyone
happy by having a second line installed. You'll be surprised how
often you'll want and need the ability to be logged on
while making some phone calls yourself.
Adequate Lighting: Overhead
lighting is OK, but a desk lamp is usually best for long stints
at a PC--just be sure not to introduce glare on your monitor's
screen.
The Comfy Chair: Just a quickie
here: Don't forget to invest in a comfortable chair, because
you'll be spending many hours making your impression upon it.
By the way, remember that some gear
you buy for a home business (such as serious online auctioning)
could be tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor for more
details.
Keeping
It All in Reach
Don't forget the basic tenets of easy access and efficiency.
Whether it's paper for the printer, reference books, sticky
notes, pens and pencils, or whatever, if you will use it often,
keep it close by. The last thing you want to do is waste time
searching for something that always seems to sprout legs and
wander away.
Remember to keep information
well within reach, too. Build and maintain a good reference
library in or very near your auction office to help with fact
checking, item identification, and so forth. Keep high-use
references within arm's reach and be sure to bookmark useful Web
sites to reduce repeated searches. And while you're at it, have
a good dictionary nearby (or bookmark Dictionary.com)
because spelling still counts
Back to Auction tips &
tactics
by Vendio Services
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