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Features

Is eBay Still the World's Best Business Incubator?
Despite changes aplenty, opportunities still abound on eBay for entrepreneurs.
by Brad and Debra Schepp
eBay has enjoyed a reputation as a 21st century path to the American Dream since before the 21st century actually began. By the end of the last century, eBay presented a unique opportunity to start and build an independent business, capable of providing a sustainable income for budding entrepreneurs and their employees. Media buzzed with the idea that eBay was "the greatest business incubator the world has ever seen." Indeed, we've said so ourselves. And over the many years that we've followed eBay's growth, we have truly and sincerely believed it. Read story

Niche Marketing on eBay
Many eBay sellers succeed by specializing in a narrow market segment.
by Skip McGrath

Propel Your Profits With Better Images
Tips for taking professional-looking auction photography
by Dennis Prince

Shipping Insurance: Is It Worth the Cost?
What you need to know to help you decide

Fielding Bidders' Questions
Effective communication with potential buyers inspires trust—and bids.

Resolving eBay Status Problems
What to do if your account is suspended

View more Articles

Free Stores. Auctiva offers free, customizable storefronts that display all of your active eBay listings. If used in conjunction with the free scrolling gallery, buyers will be able to reach your Auctiva Store from every listing you have on eBay. Want to know what the hot items are on eBay right now? Click here.

Unique eBay Auctions

"Turtle Embrace" Popcorn
If you're a turtle lover, or collector of fun-shaped food products, this popped kernel of corn that looks like two turtles in a warm embrace might just be a must-have. It's at least a must-see!

Lucky Cat Paper Clips
An auction for two paper clips? Not so quick. These paper clips have been touched by the paw of a lucky cat, according to the seller. The listing also reveals that this lucky cat is very picky about what she touches, so you know these paper clips are the real deal.

10% of Lifetime Income
This seller promises a legally binding contract that would entitle the winning bidder to 10% of his income for the rest of his lifetime. The self-described "entrepreneur" gives a fair amount of detail on his life and past business successes. He also says he needs this money to fund a few ventures. Take a look!

Browse eBay's Weird Stuff category

News Stories

New eBay Listing Policies Announced
Flood of changes aimed at increasing buyers’ options, sellers’ flexibility
eBay merchants who also sell products in other venues will no longer be able to provide hyperlinks from eBay to their off-eBay Web sites, under one of several new policies announced Monday.  Read story

Fallen PowerSellers Get Temporary Amnesty
eBay announces 60-day grace period in wake of feedback changes.

eBay to Open Fair-Trade Marketplace
Retail site will cater to socially conscious consumers.

Online Shoppers Seek Out Peer Interaction
Survey shows consumers gravitate to sites that integrate Web 2.0 features.

View all News Stories

Free Consignment Management. Using Auctiva's consignment tools, sellers can manage all aspects of their consignment business, including creating commission plans, payout reports, and tracking of individual consignors. For help growing your consignment business on eBay, click here

Auctiva User Highlight

From Beanies to the Big Time
When Scarlett Mowrey joined eBay a little more than 10 years ago, her pursuit was much the same as many folks who were just discovering the fledgling online auction site in those days: to buy Beanie Babies. Read more about how this Auctiva user went from an eBay hobbyist to Silver PowerSeller.

Browse Mowrey's listings

Get Featured Here
Got a success story you want to share? What amazing garage sale finds have you turned into monster profits online? How has using Auctiva's free templates and auction management tools improved your eBay business? Drop a line and tell us in 50 words or less about an outstanding e-sale experience, and perhaps we'll feature your story in an upcoming issue of The Online Seller newsletter. Submit your story here.

Recent Feedback

In response to "Handling Negative Feedback," user "jrj90620" writes: "As a seller I've always left positive feedback right after shipping. I never felt is was right to do 'feedback blackmail' like other sellers. With eBay's new policy, I think it makes sense for all sellers to leave positive feedback ASAP to encourage positive feedback from the buyers." Read entire thread.

If you'd like to comment on this newsletter, any article contained within, or on topics you'd like to see us cover in the future, Auctiva editors would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback here.

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