|
Priceline for Yard Sales?? Yes, the site that brought you "Name Your Own Price" airline tickets, groceries and gas now has "Name Your Own Pricing" for yard sale items at Priceline Perfect YardSales http://www.perfectyardsale.priceline.com.
How It Works
Sellers register items for sale, indicating their ideal price range and the minimum acceptable prices (reserve prices) for the items they are selling.
Buyers go "shopping," giving an ideal price range for the item they are interested in. Once Priceline Perfect YardSales has found items in the right price range, a buyer "Names Their Own Price." If the seller accepts this price, the transaction proceeds, otherwise Priceline Perfect YardSales will keep searching for items.
Note that Priceline Perfect YardSales is only available to U.S. residents over the age of 18.
Shipping
Sellers and buyers choose the shipping or delivery method they prefer in the "offer to buy" and "offer to sell." The seller will then be responsible for paying the cost of the particular shipping or delivery means based on the seller's selection. The shipping expense incurred by the seller will be reimbursed to the seller's Priceline Perfect YardSales Cash Card in an amount based on UPS Business Zone 7 rates.
Buyer Protection Policies
The service offers certain protections for buyers. Buyers give Priceline Perfect YardSales their credit card numbers, and Priceline Perfect YardSales does not pay sellers until the buyer has received and approved the item.
Every item comes with a 7-day money-back guarantee and 30-day repair warrantee from Priceline Perfect YardSales up to $250, not covering cosmetic repair. (Note that the money-back guarantee only applies if one of the following conditions apply: Your item is materially different from what was described in the offer. Your item arrived broken. Your item never arrived or was never delivered. You are unable to contact your seller to arrange shipment or delivery.)
If a buyer does return the item in accordance with the 7-day money-back guarantee policy, the buyer must pay the shipping costs by the same means of delivery.
Seller Fees & Commissions
Listing fees are currently waived. The sellers' commission fees for items that have sold are 5% for items between $10 - $14.99, 10% for items between $15 - $300, and a flat rate of $30 for items over $300.
Show Me the Money
Once a transaction is complete (meaning the buyer has received and approved of the item), Priceline Perfect YardSales credits the sellers' "Perfect YardSales Cash Card." The Perfect YardSales Cash Card is a debit card issued by Western Union Industrial Financial Service in cooperation with Western Union Industrial Bank. Cash Cards can be used at any ATM or as a debit card at many point-of-sale locations, such as grocery stores and gas stations.
Will It Work?
Buyers who have a problem with "reserves" on online auction sites might have a problem with Priceline Perfect YardSales. Every item has a minimum acceptable price (i.e., a reserve price), which is unknown to buyers.
Buyers who don't like competition or waiting are in luck - once they have found an item, and their "Name Your Own Price" has been accepted, the transaction can move forward (with no fear of sniping).
And sellers? Well, pricing is more controlled, which can be good if you know the true worth of your item, or bad if you don't (since you might underestimate what someone is willing to pay for your item).
Right now, I don't see categories for "collectibles." Assuming Priceline Perfect YardSales can attract sellers and expand offerings, I think this service has potential. And by the way, since this service is so new, keep checking their fees and policies - they might very well change.
|
