| The Online Seller | Vol. 3, Issue 1 |
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Business-liquidation auctions can be an excellent source for inventory.
by Cindy Shebley
In the days before the Internet, I had a garden store. I learned pretty quickly that to be price-competitive meant finding products by looking in a few rather untraditional places. Read story.
Adding Up Our Successes
Take stock of your achievements and goals, and give yourself a pat on the back.
by Janelle Elms
Public Relations 101 in a Web 2.0 World
Effective promotions embrace social media and 'old school' channels.
by Brad and Debra Schepp
Packing Like a Pro
A quick refresher to help ensure your items arrive safe and sound.
by Dennis L. Prince
Start 2010 on the Right Foot
Tips for achieving your goals in this new selling year
Window Shopping
Auctiva's Scrolling Gallery provides a glimpse into your store.
View more Articles.
World-class Customer Support. Auctiva's Premium Plan gives you phone access to our Customer Support representatives when you need them most. With this plan you can talk directly with a member of Auctiva's Support team, who will guide you through any concerns or problems you may have. Get one-on-one help for just $10 more. Learn more.
News Stories
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Complaint says credit lender's practices violate consumer rights.
eBay's Bill Me Later is facing a class-action lawsuit, which accuses the credit lender of charging interest and late fees that far surpass those allowed in the state of California. Read story.
IRS to Regulate Tax Prep in 2011
The move dovetails with a new requirement to report online income.
Online Holiday Sales Top 2008 Marks
Large retailers 'significantly outperformed' smaller merchants.
eBay Shoppers Go Mobile
Holiday buyers purchase 1.5 million items on the go.
View all News Stories.
Unique Items Online
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Who needs Simon Cowell to become an American idol when you've got eBay in your corner? This aspiring musician is going viral to show the world that he's not only got a song in his heart but the marketing chops to achieve his dream of platinum-selling stardom—one dollar-download at a time.
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Want to give your business a jump start in this New Year? This prosthetic right leg might be just what you need to get off on the right foot. We can't guarantee your competitors don't also have extra limbs hanging around, but you can bet they don't have any quite like this.
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With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may be busily searching for a unique and heartfelt gift for that special someone. Look no further. What better way to express your affection than with a potato—one of the world's most perfect foods—in the shape of a heart? And if your plans for a romantic dinner for two suddenly fall through, you'll have a backup.
Coverage You Can Count On. Lost or damaged items can hurt your bottom line. Protect yourself with Auctiva Shipping Insurance. Policies cost up to 30% less compared to USPS and there are no long lines or forms to fill out. Set Auto-Purchase Rules to make buying and managing insurance policies easier than ever. Learn more.
Ask Auctiva
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Got a burning question about Auctiva, eBay or e-commerce in general? Through our Ask Auctiva program, you can speak directly to Auctiva's top managers. All you have to do is send an e-mail to "AskAuctiva" at the Auctiva.com domain. Selected questions will be answered by Auctiva managers and published in an article on the Auctiva Education tab. Read some recent Auctiva Q&A articles here.
Please do not submit inquiries requiring an immediate response. If you need a technical issue resolved right away, please file a support request and your case will be addressed by our customer support team.
View all Ask Auctiva Articles.
Auctiva User Profile
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Like many Internet merchants who left behind the corporate world to seek their livelihoods on eBay, Mitzi Swisher has learned that success in the online marketplace doesn't come easily. In fact, it can be quite labor intensive, she says. But for her, it's a labor of love."It's a fun business to be in, but it's not for the faint of heart," says Swisher, a self-proclaimed "vintage geek" and proprietor of Vintage Goodness Flea Market on eBay. "You have to be passionate about it because if you don't love it, you're going to be miserable." Read story.
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.
Auctiva Commerce Store Spotlight
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Keonna Montague describes her store, NewHotSales.com as a one-stop-shop.
"We have a little bit for everyone: men, women and children," she says. "Our prices are very competitive and our customer service is great."
Montague and business partner Terri Smith began their online business in 2007 on eBay. Back then they sold personalized mouse pads and watches.
"We heard the craze about eBay at the time and all the success stories, and we wanted to be a part [of it]," Montague says. "It seemed easy and we love to shop, so why not sell as well?"
Their inventory has since expanded to include sports merchandize, toys, lamps, luggage, electronics and more on Auctiva Commerce.
"Our passion for sports makes selling sports-fan items an easy pick," Montague adds. "Other items are chosen from market trends and what we think are quality products. We try to bring new things that are not as popular, as well; it gives consumers a wider variety."
Easy navigation, live online help and easy-to-understand return policies also work to give buyers a good shopping experience. And the scrolling gallery on the landing page of NewHotSales.com instantly gives shoppers a glimpse inside the store.
Visit NewHotSales.com.
Set up your own comprehensive Auctiva Commerce Store and get complete freedom over your shop.
Feedback Forum
In response to "Resist Buying When You Should Be Selling," one reader writes: "I understand the need to follow budgets and control spending, etc., but some of my favorite acquisitions have been bought on impulse. If someone overspends on impulse, they can always turn around and re-sell the items—so where is the harm in buying? The holiday season is make-it-or-break-it time for my sales… it is the time I look forward to all the rest of the year when sales are slow. I count on the impulse buyers to make my year and help me clear out inventory." Read the entire thread, and post your response.
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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