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It appears that somebody said, "We need to increase the retails on what we're getting at the auction site. I think I'll raise the bidding increment to $3.00 on most boxes and start the bidding on the lower end product at $5.00. It won't get us more $$ on the higher end, but on the low to middle, we should see higher margins."
I, personally, will never know whether the site's gross maintain margin increases as a result of the rise in the bid increment, but my gut level feeling is that the decision was made without testing the premise. Obviously, someone looked at the absolute number of bids per product and said, "Hmm, let's see, if there's ten bids and the bid increment is $3.00 instead of $2.00, we'll, at least, pick up an extra $10.00 a box." Boys...boys, a first year business student will point out the error of this reasoning. Now, count the bids per item, see if they increase or decrease; check the final retail and see if you're actually making more $$. Also, I see the Quickies are gone...Temporary? Permanent? Need more time than one day to get the retails up? Steve*R

Keith, I like the tactful response.
Steve*R, I'm not sure where you gained such insightful business knowledge, but you might want to back off on your early speculation for a topic in which you don't seem to know as much as you think you do.

cwhyte: I accept your correction. I did make a quick judgment based on more than that discussed in the printed thread. Please bear in mind, that our comments are not always printed in their entirety. My business experience, however, is extensive. As a young man in the 1960s after college graduation and military duty, I went through the executive management training program of Allied Stores. During the next thirty years I owned or was a partner in many ventures. My group primarily focused its efforts on broadcast properties in small to medium markets. About six years ago as the industry was swept by ownership consolidation, we, frankly, sold out. It was the right time. I am now primarily retired, trying not to lose my a$$ in a horrible market. And thanks for asking. Steve*R

Tailgator: While we may disagree on some issues, I do enjoy your posts. You could be the age of my children, so obviously we'll look at the world from a different perspective. You are at the beginning of your career life and I'm just resting. Regarding the "other" board: "I was beaten and bloodied", but received many e-mails supporting and affirming my position that resulted in the controversy. I still post and read there regularly. Thanks for the comments. Steve*R

And in this corner with the red trunks..........

>>"Weighing"