to show the retail price or not?

How many times has this happened to you?
You’re in the store and you see an item that is marked down well below the retail price and you buy it. You may not have needed that shirt but the price was just too good to pass up.
If it works in the stores, it should work on auction and seller sites, right? When you post an item to sell should you include the manufacture’s retail price along with your price?
It’s the question of the ages. Ok, well not really. But it is an interesting question none-the-less.
BUYERS
Most buyers are already on the net looking for a deal and assume that they will get an item that is below the retail price for the mere fact that they are on the net. But it’s always good to remind them that you are giving them the best deal out there. Sometimes it pays to be the lowest seller on the net.
However, if you can’t drop your prices too low, you can supplement slightly higher prices with great customer service. Be informative and friendly and always be quick to reply to questions potential buyers may have on an item. In the time it takes you to reply, they could have already found a better price from another seller who offers equal customer service.
CATCH 22
It isn’t any fun if there isn’t a Catch 22 now is it?
Buyers could be turned off if your price is too far below the retail price. They may think that it’s damaged, defective, or just a piece of junk that isn’t even worth your price. So don’t go too low. Keep it reasonable while giving the buyer, and yourself, a fair shake. Remember, you’re not a charity so don’t put out a price that will adversely affect your revenue.
Some sellers like to show the retail price but cross it out then list their price below it. When you put your price up, put your name on it and the percentage buyers have saved. Putting you’re name on the price reminds people who you are and when you ship your item, add the savings formula on the receipt. Putting it one the receipt will remind the buyer where they got that great new item. It should look something like this:

Retail Price: $99.99
Greg’s House of Radios: $74.99
Savings: 25%

The Seal is Broken

I am very excited to be posting my first blog article. I begin this blog with the ambition of serving and learning from the online selling community. I have experience in selling online and hope to continue to be able to live comfortably as an online seller. 

I do have interest in alternative sites. Amazon, eBay, and even craigslist strike me as power-houses in the online sellers industry. But, I do know that more sites spring up, shoot out and are rereated almost daily. Most of my sales have been through eBay, which I still believe is a wonderful site that has done so much for so many. 

It saddens me to think that eBay would be in risk of peril. Moreover, I shutter to think that the United States is in a regrettable financial downturn. I believe that being positive and looking for the good in life are essential keys to living a fulfilled life. I also believe that it is essential for us to be honest and aware of facts as we go through life. 

I am retired from teaching, but not from learning. I hope to help entertain, inform, and inspire as I know so many of you do these things so well for me. Thank you for reading and please feel free to share your comments.