The first and foremost factor in getting bids: offer something people will want to buy. Chances are, if you'd buy it yourself, someone else might, too.

• you can list as a feature plus auction which will place your item on the top of the category listings pages, in the order of the auction ending time. If you're lucky it will even be on the front page of ArtByUs.com where you will get the most exposure.
• we try to put new "featured artists" up on our front page every week or every other week. these three pictures have a direct link to that seller's auctions, which in turn gives extra exposure to your work. (to become a featured artist is free - all we need is a nice picture (close up is best) that's of good quality from you)
• you can send your prospective buyers an e-card from your auctions using our e-card system. to access it, go to your "i'm selling" area and click on "promote" beside the auction you would like to promote. you can send to more than one person at a time, so it's convenient and time saving - and free, of course. 
• we offer banner ad space on our site - to access more information about that, go to our advertising section
• we have an ongoing marketing campaign running that is bringing in thousands of people every day - chances are, they will shop if the shop has a good selection to offer. the bigger the selection, the higher the chances that they will be repeat customers.
• we offer our users ArtByUs businesscards for free at the moment - those are great to hand out to your potential customers to let them know where to find your artwork or to other artists to let them know about our safe haven at ArtByUs.com.
• we offer downloadable ad banners to place on your website that will also link directly to your auctions at ArtByUs.com.
  

• price your item according to the market value of it - pricing too high will scare people away, pricing to low will devalue your work and ultimately the site itsself.
• make sure your art is of the highest quality possible - people are looking to spend money on real artwork, because they see it as an investment. 
• make sure you have auctions running (that's pretty obvious, right?) - if people see one of your paintings and like it, they are more likely to have a look at your other auctions as well.
• start your very own marketing campaign for your auction listings.
  
• people love to "meet" the artist - add some information about yourself, your artwork or technique, materials used, size, etc..
  
• people also love to shop in nice surroundings - adding an html template to your auction will look more professional and add a bit of your personality to your auction listing.
  
• the gallery thumbnail picture is the first impression shoppers will see when browsing ArtByUs - make it a good one. it helps to check what your picture will look like by downsizing it in an image editing program and having a look at it. make it a striking picture...
  
• have a professional way of doing business - people want to know what extra costs are coming their way BEFORE they bid: clearly state shipping and payment details and a shipping time frame, and perhaps a short "how i package my paintings" blurb.
  
• good communication goes a long way towards securing good client relationships - answer questions promptly and courteously, and go the extra mile, it's usually worth it.
  
• keep shipping and handling costs to a minimum - it's better to start with a higher price to include your materials, than to add them to the shipping cost.
  
• let your clients know what you are up to - send them an e-card from your newest auctions or the ones ending soon.