eBay Auction Of A Lifetime

When Ian Usher of Perth, Australia separated from his wife, he decided it was time for a fresh start.

But he didn’t just want a vacation, a new job, or even a new house.

Ian decided it was time for a new life. And to do that, he needed to get rid of his old one.

So he put it up for auction on eBay!

At the time of writing, Ian’s life has attracted a top bid of AUS $390,300, with more than three days of the auction remaining.

Ian is offering almost everything from his life in the auction - except his name and identity. The winning bidder will get his three-bedroom house, car, motorbike, jet ski, lifestyle… even his job at a rug store and his friends!

Ian, meanwhile, intends to catch the first plane out of town to begin his new life.

Not surprisingly, the auction has attracted attention from all over the world. But without putting your entire life and possessions up for sale, what can you learn from Ian to generate lots of interest in your own auctions?

Tell a story

People love to read unique and interesting stories online - and telling a story in your salescopy is the best way to make your potential customers curious about you and your product.

Telling a story also gives you a chance to relate to your reader so you can gain credibility, earn their trust, and overcome any objections they may have - all while you make your sales "pitch."

In Ian’s case, he has used his eBay listing, his website (www.alife4sale.com), and YouTube videos to tell readers about his life and background – and give them daily updates on the auction

Read the Bidding Frenzy Issue #29 newsletter for more on how to sell rare or collectible items on eBay.

Use videos and photographs

Ian has included dozens of pictures and videos in his listing to cover every angle of his life. Check out his YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/ALife4SaleVideos.

Photographs are great for adding depth to your salescopy, but videos can help you connect with your potential customers in a completely different way from words and pictures.

Don’t just use video for the sake of it, though - make sure you "add value" to your listing. For instance, you could show your product in action to help potential customers imagine themselves using it.

Develop your own website off eBay

You can use your own website outside eBay to sell your products as well - or to simply direct potential customers to your eBay listings.

In Ian’s case, his site (www.alife4sale.com) serves the purpose of providing more in-depth information and driving traffic to his auction.

You can even earn money from eBay without selling ANYTHING yourself - by signing up to eBay’s Partner Network affiliate program at www.ebaypartnernetwork.com.

As an affiliate, eBay will pay you commission for any sales that result from people clicking through to eBay from your site. You can easily create your own website with BeBiz - our complete Internet business builder. Check it out at www.bebiz.com.