| The Online Seller | Vol. 3, Issue 2 |
|
|
 |
 |
From purchase to profit, it pays to have an investment strategy.
by Dennis L. Prince
Many sellers rightly seek out less-traveled sources of supply, online and elsewhere, often in hopes of nabbing overlooked treasures or otherwise undervalued goods that are certain to bring in a handsome return upon resell. Whether it's destined to be this year's gotta-have item, or a timeless favorite that's always in short supply, sellers are constantly on the lookout for an oasis of undiscovered goods, anxious to quietly snatch them from the secret source without much fanfare—that is, without drawing attention from competing sellers. Read story.
A Look Back at 2009
Did eBay sellers enjoy a Merry Christmas—and will 2010 be a happy New Year?
by Brad and Debra Schepp
Top Marketing Trends for 2010
Make sure your business roadmap includes these strategies.
by Janelle Elms
What's Your eBay Location?
Hiding your true locality is a turn-off for buyers.
by Danna Crawford
Don't Get 'Phished' In
Look closer: Is that e-mail for real, or a clever scam?
Legal Issues of Selling for Others
Considering a consignment business? Know your local laws.
View more Articles.
Win Every Auction. Auction Sniper automatically bids on the items you want during the listing's closing seconds to ensure you're the winning bidder. Don't get caught up in bidding wars; just tell Sniper what you want and let it do the work for you. Sign up for an account today and get your first three snipes free. Learn more.
News Stories
 |
 |
Big changes are coming to eBay Stores, auctions and Motors.
eBay announced its first round of changes for 2010 that will mean a new fee structure and adjustments for sellers who use the store inventory format, as well as for those who list on eBay Motors. Read story.
Auctiva Commerce Turns 1
Many exciting new developments are in store as we begin our second year.
eBay Ends 2009 on a High Note
Revenue increase of 16% sets the tone for an overall positive 4Q.
Retail Sales to Rebound in 2010
Biggest returns will come in the online channel, experts say.
View all News Stories.
Unique Items Online
 |
Having a hard time relating to your teenager, or even figuring out what they're saying? Don't be acluistic. A cram session with these slang flashcards should help you bridge the age gap. According to the seller, you'll "get hip in mere days." Let the studying begin!
 |
If you need a little luck in your life, give this carved "Aladdin" lamp a try. We're not sure if a blue genie will appear to grant you three wishes, but the possibility is enough to make anyone happy. Want a million dollars? Rub this Tibetan lamp and see what happens. We're crossing our fingers for you.
 |
Looking to get away for the weekend? Why not venture to mysterious Area 51 in Roswell, N.M.? This topographic map will give you the lay of the land and provide you with helpful background information (like where they hide the aliens) so you get to know this secret military base inside and out. Then when you're ready, you can venture to the site for a firsthand, out-of-this world experience.
One-on-One Help. Get your Auctiva Commerce Store up and running in 24 hours with the help of one of our knowledgeable implementation specialists. These specialists will ensure your store is set up properly and will follow up with you to make sure your store is running smoothly. Learn more.
Ask Auctiva
 |
Most of my online activity anymore is on my mobile phone. What sort of mobile applications is Auctiva developing? Director of Engineering Tom Urbanowicz answers this and other questions from Auctiva users. Read more here.
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
 |
With three children under the age of 5, Meredith Bolek knows a thing or two about baby diapers. So when she was exploring work-from-home opportunities, she naturally gravitated toward going online to sell the very products she uses every day.Bolek, owner of The Baby Bum Store, is practically a living billboard for Happy Heinys, FuzziBunz and the other natural baby products she offers on her site.
"I am knee high in diapers right now," she laughs. 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
 |
Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my! Dezign Zoo Animal Emporium is filled with these critters and many others, including some exotic collectibles and cuddly figurines.
"Dezign Zoo Animal Emporium mirrors my passion for animals and art," says store owner Dannette Peterson. "Though I offer proven sellers from popular lines that many people are familiar with, I strive to include unique creations that customers are less likely to find somewhere else. Much of my inventory consists of items that appeal to me, personally, and hopefully will appeal to my customers as well."
The graphic designer began selling online in 2004 as a way to make some extra money after beginning her own graphic design and printing service company, Dezign Zoo. "Since I have an inherent urge for collecting, extensive customer service and sales experience, and not enough money or willingness to go into debt to open a brick-and-mortar store, it seemed only logical to start selling collectibles online," she adds.
Peterson describes her store as "intriguing" and uses the catchphrase "gifts and collectibles for discerning animal lovers."
"I offer a unique and tasteful variety of styles and types of products," she says. "I also prefer quality over quantity, so I keep my inventory relatively small to create a more intimate shopping experience."
Peterson's shop is a one-woman operation that offers competitive prices and one-on-one customer service." If a customer has a question or problem of any kind in any department, be it administrative, product details and/or availability, or packing and shipping, they will always get a prompt answer from the person in charge," she says.
Visit Dezign Zoo Animal Emporium.
Set up your own comprehensive Auctiva Commerce Store and get complete freedom over your shop.
Feedback Forum
In response to "Their Loss Is Your Gain," one reader writes: "I would recommend that buyers going to these auctions look at an entire lot. Often times an auction house will sell 'table' lots, items they do not consider worthy of individual bids. But no one can know everything. A month ago we picked up two valuable original Goya prints and an original oil on a table of 'junk' for pennies, while the individual art pieces being auctioned were just decorative art. The auction staff just did not know what they were looking at." 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.
Sent by Auctiva Corp.
360 6th St., Chico, CA 95928