Enhancing Online Auction Transaction Likelihood

Abstract

This article compares four data mining models (discriminant analysis, logistic regression, decision tree, and multilayer neural networks) for online auction transaction predictions. It aims to choose the best model in terms of prediction accuracy and to identify determinants significant for auction transactions. By using datasets from eBay, the authors find that the best data mining model for auction transactions is multilayer neural networks. Logistic regression and decision tree models can be used to identify determinants significant for auction transaction such as seller's feedback profile, listing picture, listing files size, return policies, and others. By adjusting these listing options, sellers could increase the auction transaction likelihood. This study will help sellers improve their auction listings by constructing effective selling strategies so that they can enhance the likelihood of online auction transactions. All these efforts will help improve their online auction performances and finally lead to a more efficient electronic marketplace.