If you're running a lot of auctions at one time, you need some way to keep track of which auctions are still open, which have closed, which need emails sent to high bidders, which need to be shipped out, and so on. It also helps if you can somehow automate the listing process itself, and create great-looking HTML-based listings to boot. Making life easier for eBay power sellers has become somewhat of a cottage industry. There are a large number of software programs and web-based services that handle some or all of the eBay selling processfrom ad creation to post-auction management. We'll start by focusing on those standalone software programs that help to automate the selling management process. Read on to learn more. "Mike Sez"
All My AuctionsAll My Auctions (www.rajeware.com/auction/) is a basic auction management software program. It includes template-based listing creation, live auction management (including the capability to track competitors' auctions), end-of-auction email notification, and report generation. The price is $39.95 for a one-year license. Auction LizardAuction Lizard (www.auction-lizard.com) is an easy-to-use listing-creation software program. It creates great-looking HTML-based listings using forms and templates. Auction Lizard is shareware, with a $29 registration fee. Auction Wizard 2000Auction Wizard 2000 (www.auctionwizard2000.com)that's wizard, not lizardis an auction management software program that includes an image editor, a listing creator, a report generator, an FTP manager, and an auction database. Auction Wizard 2000 costs $75 for the first year (and $50 for each subsequent year) with no monthly subscription fees. AuctionSageAuctionSage (www.auctionsagesoftware.com) is a software program that lets you post and manage your eBay auction transactions. It also includes email and bulk feedback functions. Cost is $29.95 for 3 months, $49.95 for 6 months, or $79.95 for a year. AuctionTamerAuctionTamer (www.auctiontamer.com) is an all-in-one auction management software program for both sellers and bidders. For sellers, it lets you create auction listings, schedule delayed auction listings, manage your live auctions, send post-auction emails, and print shipping labels. Cost is $22.95 per month or $149.95 for a year. eBay BlackthorneAlthough Turbo Lister is eBay's recommended listing creation software, the site also offers another program called eBay Blackthorne (formerly known as eBay Seller's Assistant). ebay Blackthorne is available in two different versions: Basic and Pro. Blackthorne Basic (pages.ebay.com/blackthorne/basic.html) is best for casual users, offering HTML-based listing creation (using forms and templates), auction tracking, and basic post-auction management (including automatic email notification and feedback generation). The software is available on a per-month subscription; you'll pay $9.99 each month, no matter how many listings you create. Blackthorne Pro (pages.ebay.com/blackthorne/pro.html) is a more powerful software-based tool for high-volume sellers. This program is essentially SA Basic on steroids, with many more post-auction management features. In particular, you get inventory management, sales management and reporting, bulk feedback posting, and the ability to print invoices and shipping labelsin addition to the standard bulk listing creation and end-of-auction emails. The program costs $24.99 per month, and comes with a free subscription to eBay Selling Manager Pro. Use it with eBay's standard checkout feature, and you're in business. eBay Turbo ListereBay Turbo Lister (pages.ebay.com/turbo_lister/) is eBay's official software program for the bulk uploading of multiple auctions. Although Turbo Lister doesn't offer any auction tracking features, it excels at bulk uploadingand it's free! Many sellers use Turbo Lister to create their listings and Selling Manager to manage their auctions; it's a good combination. Note
HammerTapHammerTap (www.hammertap.com) offers various auction management software and services, all priced separately. Their software tools include the following:
Each of these tools is priced separately, so you can pick and choose among those you actually need. Shooting StarShooting Star (www.foodogsoftware.com) is a software program designed to manage the end-of-auction process. It uses what it calls a "workflow system" to move you through various post-auction operations, including email notification. Price is a one-time $60.00. |