- Joined
- Sep 4, 2002
- Messages
- 776
- Reaction score
- 0
from other threads there have been complaints about recent live auctions from the number of bidders, the ever changing rules, functionality of the system, etc. To put a positive spin on this, Here are my suggestions to improve the auctions. Please add your comments as well.
Problem: Lack of retail or large numbers of buyers
Solution: The auction needs to have a home page or domain of it's own so potential buyers don't have to dig deeply into a specialty forum to find it. Some long time forum members even have difficulty in finding it.
Problem: Time of auction
Solution: Proxy bidding seems to be working, but the only ones using it are other sellers. From the above solution of a separate home page, names and proxy bid links should be front and center. Maybe even a small box with random names on the front page of the forum.
Problem: After the $1 names, everyone leaves the auction
Solution: Randomize all names so there are potential bargains at the end. Maybe make a maximim start bid so that rediculous starting prices like $10,000 don't scare people away. Alternately, have all names start at $1 with hidden reserves. This may even set some standard of value even if names don't end up selling.
Selling in the auctions should still be part of this forum. However, I don't feel buying/bidding/promoting should be.
Problem: Technology used for auction
Solution: the auction is a java popup window. Since many people now have popups disabled due to spam, I think a constant java frame in a regular auction site window would be more welcomed. The hidden moveable frame that hides some characters in the auciton window should be moved or made visible so people can adjust it. Refreshes of the list should be separate from the bid window. I have several times not made a bid causing a seller to lose a higher prices because my bid was not taken due to a window refresh.
Maybe by offering solutions rather than complaints, the new forum owner will make some improvements.
Problem: Lack of retail or large numbers of buyers
Solution: The auction needs to have a home page or domain of it's own so potential buyers don't have to dig deeply into a specialty forum to find it. Some long time forum members even have difficulty in finding it.
Problem: Time of auction
Solution: Proxy bidding seems to be working, but the only ones using it are other sellers. From the above solution of a separate home page, names and proxy bid links should be front and center. Maybe even a small box with random names on the front page of the forum.
Problem: After the $1 names, everyone leaves the auction
Solution: Randomize all names so there are potential bargains at the end. Maybe make a maximim start bid so that rediculous starting prices like $10,000 don't scare people away. Alternately, have all names start at $1 with hidden reserves. This may even set some standard of value even if names don't end up selling.
Selling in the auctions should still be part of this forum. However, I don't feel buying/bidding/promoting should be.
Problem: Technology used for auction
Solution: the auction is a java popup window. Since many people now have popups disabled due to spam, I think a constant java frame in a regular auction site window would be more welcomed. The hidden moveable frame that hides some characters in the auciton window should be moved or made visible so people can adjust it. Refreshes of the list should be separate from the bid window. I have several times not made a bid causing a seller to lose a higher prices because my bid was not taken due to a window refresh.
Maybe by offering solutions rather than complaints, the new forum owner will make some improvements.
Upvote
0