These days, everbody seems to be making money online. Large companies are pumping money into websites and online applications, small businesses are closing shops in favour of digital distribution, and even everyday people are buying and selling their goods via the internet.
There's a good reason for it too; it's a lot less hassle free than doing it all in the real world. It doesn't take too long to get set up and going, either. Here's how to do it:
5. Get rid of your clutter online
Go turbo - Turbo Lister enables you to save templates so you can quickly create new auctions for similar items
Auction sites such as eBay help you to remove detritus from your home and earn some cash at the same time. Use eBay’s Turbo Lister 2 to carefully compose auction entries offline before committing them to the internet.
6. Start auctions low
Most auction site novices make the error of setting their starting prices too high. They forget that a low price is more inviting and will attract early bids – especially when dealing in popular goods. Don’t bother setting a reserve price unless you’re selling a particularly rare item.
7. End your auctions on Sunday
The best time for your online auction to end is on a Sunday. Weekends are when most bargain hunters are online and ready to part with their dosh. A 10-day auction starting on a Thursday will give you two full weekends worth of bidding time on your item.
8. Centralise your media
If your living room is a full of silver and black boxes, why not declutter? A suitably equipped Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate PC could replace your video or DVD recorder, hi-fi system, MP3 player, freeview box and PVR in one relatively svelte unit. These Premium and Ultimate editions ship with Windows Media Center, an integrated suite that takes care of all your media needs. Your PC will need to be equipped with a TV tuner card – prices start from around £20. You’ll also need a suitably sized monitor and external speakers. Alternatively, an LCD TV with PC connectivity, such as the Sony Bravia range, is ideal.
See tomorrow for how to make your home life better!
Nick Clayton contributes to Windows Vista: The Official Magazine and is a freelance journalist.
