New to Ebay -- Can someone tell me why this isn't getting bids?

[gafee2001]

I'm just getting into Ebay, and now I'm listing my first item. I was wondering if you guys could let me know if my format is good for selling a video game. I won't post the link here so as to violate the rules (maybe) but you can ebay search for it by title and find it.

My concern is that I have not received any bids on it yet, and it is ending 6:00PM on 1/12/10 (tomorrow as I post this).
I just want to make sure it's not a procedural thing with the way I set up the auction.

Ebay closing values predict the value is between $17-$23 on average, but 2 Sealed games just like mine sold for $32-ish dollars earlier this week with quite a few bids.

Why am I not seeing bidders interested?

The auction content:

Title: Sealed Shadow of the Colossus (Playstation 2, PS2) RARE
Starting Price: 12.99
Shipping: 2.75

Description: The standard ebay description for the game along with:

"This Brand New, Factory Sealed copy of Shadow of the Colossus for Playstation 2 is in perfect condition and original plastic wrapping. Finding a factory sealed copy of this game is very rare.

Actual item shown in image.

I have played through another copy of this game and I must say that it is one of the best games ever made for the Playstation 2. Each of the Titans you face in this game presents an interesting and unique challenge that is guaranteed for hours of enjoyment. Even if you play through the game once, it's likely that you'll play through the game again just to enjoy the aesthetic and to show your friends.  If you own a PS2 or compatible PS3, this is one game not to miss.

"Adventure Game of the Year!" - IGN.COM and IUP.COM

For a video review of this awesome game, check out:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wand   aandthecolossus/video/6135858/shadow-of-the-colossus-video-review?tag=summary;watch-review

Item will be shipped within one day of payment."

What am I doing wrong?

[samrhett2]

OK, just my opinion, I don't think you did anything wrong.  I think you will see bids closer to the auction end.  If I was interested in your item, I would wait and watch it and only bid when the closing time is near.  Otherwise, I will bid, then anyone else interested will get in a bidding war with me and then it will drive the price up.  If I wait until just before it ends and there are no other bids, I have no competition and then the auction ends and I win.

I always try to either start the bidding at 1.00 or just do Buy it Now.  If your item in popular, you don't have to worry about the price climbing from 1.00.  I am no expert and only use auctions occasionally.  Good luck.

[lancenweman1978]

There are a lot of times i dont' get any bids until the last 12 hours, and then there are multiple ones

it is best to open at .99 to spark interest.

did you choose the right category

are there too many of your item available and not enough demand

how long have you listed the auction for

there are hundreds of questions to be asked

it is best to just list some things and get some experience

[gafee2001]

Thanks. I'm getting some watchers now, so I guess it was just a case of getting worried too soon. :-)

[Fotoguy]

Thanks. I'm getting some watchers now, so I guess it was just a case of getting worried too soon. :-)

Not meaning to burst your bubble but "watchers" may not mean "bidders" or "buyers". I have sold on eBay for over 7 years. I have had as many a 26 watchers on an item and the auction closed with not a single bid. I take watchers with a grain of salt. It could mean people are interested in your item, but it could also mean that they are just watching to see how the auction goes or to see if you will drop the price towards the end if there is not much activity. eBayer's watch things for all kind of reasons. I really do hope though a few people get into a "bidding war" over your item and you make a lot of money.

[Fotoguy]

Thanks. I'm getting some watchers now, so I guess it was just a case of getting worried too soon. :-)

Not meaning to burst your bubble but "watchers" may not mean "bidders" or "buyers". I have sold on eBay for over 7 years. I have had as many a 26 watchers on an item and the auction closed with not a single bid. I take watchers with a grain of salt. It could mean people are interested in your item, but it could also mean that they are just watching to see how the auction goes or to see if you will drop the price towards the end if there is not much activity. eBayer's watch things for all kind of reasons. I really do hope though a few people get into a "bidding war" over your item and you make a lot of money.

UPDATE: I just sold two of my items today. Made a quick $17.00. Sweet!

[Fotoguy]

It may be hard to sell on Ebay with no feedback. That could be your biggest problem. I couldn't sell, so I started buying. Once I had 10 positive feedback, I was able to sell.

People tend to wait until the last 10 minutes to bid and then you will see them fighting over the item.

Starting price is a big thing as well as shipping.

I agree. Experienced eBayer's tend to shy away from people that are new or have feedback ratings under 10. I still do believe  that eBay requires a new person to have at least 10 positive feedbacks before they are allowed to sell anything. As far as people getting into a bidding war over your item, it's more like 2 minutes (and under). I usually place bids at .08 seconds...or .06 seconds...or .09 seconds....you just never know when I am going to place my bid?   

[lancenweman1978]

all very good advice.

i sell quite a few coins on ebay and everything described here is a direct correlation to what i see happen there

[deathx88]

some people like myself don't even like to bid.
do you have your item also set up as a buy it now?
that's the only thing i go for when i'm shopping on ebay, i hate to bid because you're never really guaranteed the item. someone can bid out from underneath you the very last second.

[Ant29]

It will get bids. Most of the time people bid when the auction only has 1 minute left. I've seen a lot of tricksters using that method, but I use the Buy It Now option because I hate losing!

[dmalsbury]

I would suggest a starting bid of $0.99 or less to get things started. If people want it, it should go up fast. If they don't, well, you will sell it cheaper than you want. Good luck!